Ep. 9 - BILL GAITHER ("Because He Lives")

Gospel music legend Bill Gaither is best known to general audiences for penning “He Touched Me,” which earned Elvis Presley a Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance in 1972. Gaither and his wife Gloria virtually pioneered the “Inspirational” genre by applying traditional theological themes to the struggles and realities of everyday life. The pair was jointly honored with the Christian “Songwriter of the Century” award by the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) in 2000. Additionally, Gaither has received a half dozen Grammy awards, and more than thirty Gospel Music Association “Dove” Awards, including the “Songwriter of the Year” honor for 1969, 1970, and every year from 1972 through 1977. Many Gaither songs are staples of church hymnals, including “Because He Lives,” “There’s Something About That Name,” “Gentle Shepherd,” “Get All Excited,” “Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You,” and “The Family of God.” Gaither’s songs have been recorded by the Statler Brothers, Glen Campbell, Kristin Chenoweth, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Johnny Cash, and many others. He has sold countless millions of albums as a solo artist, in partnership with Gloria, or as part of the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band. Gaither was responsible for earning the first Gold Record for a Gospel label, and he was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1983.