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Gaither Homecoming Series comes to St. Louis
in a particularly poignant,
memorable show
by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America's Seniors/
TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
When the Gaither Homecoming Series ended its
annual Christmas show as massive Savis Center before nearly 15,000 fans, one
had to feel they had seen something very special and intimate.
Of course, there was the usual wonderful,
spirited singing, tremendous talent and legendary artists and songs.
But, as Bill Gaither started talking about the loneliness that many feel at the
Christmas season and urged the audience to reach out and show Christ' love
by helping someone ease their hurt, it was obvious that this show was going
to reveal much about Bill himself.
This was reinforced later in the show when
Bill described how this would be the first Christmas in 51 years that the
family wouldn't be sharing with his Mother, who died just last year.
As he reflected on stories about her and his Father, he sobbed softly, the
tears of a man whose strong belief told him that his Mother was in a better
place, but that it was alright to still miss her.
It is seldom that the public gets such
exposure to the human side that even a person of Bill's genius and celebrity
shares with all of us. It made me want to be able to reach out to
Bill, share with him the loss that I first had nearly 12 years ago with the
death of a wife only 46 years old, and that as one of the songs noted, this
too shall go away, the tears will be dried.
And then, I would tell him how, blessed
with a lovely and most-loving new wife nearly 11years later years later, my
new wife, Brooks, suffered a loss like his when her 78-year-old Mother died.
Finally, I would tell him how grateful we all
are for his strong faith and his wonderful music, including the Homecoming
Series.
And, while it was a poignant moment that Bill shared with us, it was the
music that again illustrated his faith and the goodness that God provides us
through the talented artists of the Homecoming Series.
As always, there so many to mention, and we
are afraid that we will overlook some. The Hoppers continue to be one of our favorites, especially
with 'Unspeakable Joy.' You can't ever see or hear enough of Jessy
Dixon who can electrify an audience. The Talleys are a hit (see  our
story about Jake Hess and the new project they have underway). Brooks
especially thinks the voice of the younger Talley. And Lynda Randall's voice
could fill the huge Savis Center without amplification. She has one of the
strongest, best voices I have heard, putting me in mind of Mahalia Jackson,
whom I played when we returned home after the concert to compare the voices.
For all of us, but particularly for Brooks
and the thousands of other ladies in the vast audience, Ivan Parker is a
hit. He is what Wayne Newton would be if Newton had Ivan's manly good
looks and great voice. It is easy to see why he is a regular.
Jake Hess added to the poignancy of the
evening,
and even joined with Jessy Dixon on a fast-moving, hand-clapping old Gospel
song about overcoming death that he use to sing when with the
Statesmen. And, the appearance of Vestal Goodman, whose beloved Gospel
music legend and husband of more than 50 years, Howard 'Happy' Goodman died
only two weeks earlier.
Bill noted that Vestal had considered staying
home, but that the tour just wouldn't allow it. I wondered if
Bill wasn't thinking of his own Mother when he described how much Vestal
would have been missed and how much he wanted her with them.
We were the richer by her presence and the near-capacity crowd gave her a
standing ovation, after which she showed with that still strong,
crystal-clear voice which she and Howard became legendary.
But don't worry that Bill had lost his dry
sense of humor--with him and his hair being the butt of the jokes such as
those of really funny Taylor Mason. He and Mason had a humorous
rapport. And, guess who is back--Mark Lowrey. I find Mark a
tremendous talent, although I prefer his wit to the slapstick, but no one
can doubt that he is a crowd favorite. And, of course, his 'Mary, Did
You Know' is nothing short of creative genius that has resulted in what is
becoming one of the most popular Christmas songs.
As always, the show featured its usual
outstanding segment of the Gaither Vocal Band. Each of the members had
a solo appearance, except Bill. As usual, it was another example of
just how much the Vocal Band has set the standard for all future Gospel
groups. Russ Taft, Guy Penrod and Dave Phelps, under Bill's
leadership, have helped comprise what is the outstanding vocal group in
Gospel, and maybe one of the tops ever assembled for any type of music.
And, as always, the show ends too soon--even
with a three-hour performance, one just doesn't want to leave. The
sing-around with artists performing solos and joining together showcase the
talent. And, Dave Phelps 'O Holy Night' is an awe-inspiring climax
that proves that once again, when musicians perform for the Glory of God, it
makes for unforgettable moments.
And, if was nice to see Gloria on stage. She is a beautiful woman who
winks at the younger women performers as they take stage. And, of course,
her monologue for 'Jesus...there's just something about that name...' never
grows old.
Bill and Gloria Gaither--Christian music fans
owe them so much. And, thank you Bill for sharing your Christian and
Christmas testimony with us. I am sure that the prayers of your
millions of fans will help comfort you as you recall those 51 years of
Christmas memories with your Mother. |
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