Podcast: Play in new window
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Ryan P. Harper discusses his new book, The Gaithers and Southern Gospel: Homecoming in the Twenty-First Century. Bill and Gloria Gaither are known for their many hymns like “Because He Lives” “He Touched Me” and “The Family of God.” Between them, they’ve won 6 Grammys. Harper’s book focuses on their Homecomings: in 1991, it seemed like Bill’s work as a singer was winding down and they recorded a “Homecoming” video as a kind of goodbye. But that Homecoming recording ended up launching a whole second career for them.
We discuss the “quiet power” of lyricist Gloria Gaither, the belief behind the Gaithers’ inclusive approach to musical style, and authenticity as it relates to church musicians.
Enjoying this podcast episode? Click here to find other Music and the Church episodes, or subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts.
In The Field: Crawford and I discuss whether to change hymn lyrics. What are your beliefs about the purpose of congregational singing? Should a hymn writer’s intent prevail over a specific church’s beliefs?
Resource: We mention When God Speaks Through Worship: Stories Congregations Live By by Craig A. Satterlee
