Growing up in a Christian household has certain characteristics that are common to all whether you were raised in deep in Africa, America, or even anywhere on the north pole. If it was a Christian home then attending church services and fellowships which goes without saying that there are certain songs we sang growing up in Christian homes.
It is also interesting to know that one particular couple has been responsible for a lot of these songs downloading directly from heaven and imparting positively on our Christian lives one gospel hit at a time.
For the past few decades, Bill and Gloria Gaither have been instruments in the hands of God and we have been blessed by their life and ministry. In this piece, we will be taking a brief look and their life and legacy so far while reminiscing on those songs of theirs we can’t forget.
William James Gaither was born on the 28th of March 1936 while his wife Gloria was born on the 4th of March 1942. They both have been active in the gospel scene to date. They got married in 1962 and 1964, William recorded the breakthrough song – “He Touched Me”
The Gaithers have even delved into writing Christian music for children over the years, with their most notable song being “I Am a Promise”, They have performed that song on the Billy Graham crusade and around the world
Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. As of 2005, they had composed 600 songs and by 2012 that number had increased to over 700
Bill Gaither, Danny Gaither his brother, and Gloria (who replaced Bill’s sister; Mary-Ann) were in a band called The Bill Gaither Trio.
With 6 Grammy Awards for hits like Come lets praise the Lord, Jesus, we just want to thank you and so on, 28 GMA DOVE award for songs and albums like1969, 1970, 1972–’77: Songwriter of the Year, 1974: Song of the Year for “Because He Lives“, 1976: Inspirational Album of the Year for Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You by Bill Gaither Trio and many more.
Other accolades include 1974, 1980: ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year, 1983: Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, 1997: Named among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur Magazine, 2000: Christian “Songwriter of the Century” (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP), 2006: SPEBSQSA Honorary Life Member, 2010: Indiana Wesleyan University Society of World Changers inductee and honorary doctorate recipient
Still waxing strong, this couple released a studio album in 2019 titled Good Things Take Time.
We celebrate God in their lives.
Written by:
Anthony Olushola Undiandeye
Anthony Olushola Undiandeye is a passionate and dedicated creative who finds joy in providing solutions to problems. An astute lover of God, and a critic of all things creative content creator, radio host, and social media manager. Shola tells it as he sees it.
Credit: PolongoTv
