Gaither Homecoming Last updated July 19, 2025 Beginnings On February 19, 1991, the Gaither Vocal Band had just wrapped up a recording session in a Nashville, Tennessee , working on an album called Homecoming , which featured many of the great voices of southern gospel music: The Speers , The Gatlins , Jake Hess , The Cathedrals , Howard & Vestal Goodman , Buck Rambo , Eva Mae Lefevre , James Blackwood , Hovie Lister , Jim Hill, and J.D. Sumner & The Stamps . After the session, the artists stayed around to chat, swap stories and sing old standards around the piano. [ 1] The impromptu session was recorded on video and later published. The recording was so well received that Gaither began a series of professionally produced videos with larger gatherings of gospel musicians.
The format for almost all of the videos in the series is very similar. A studio set or concert stage is home to a group of several dozen singers, with the front row featuring artists with longstanding and legendary careers in Southern Gospel music. They would be joined by younger artists, some of them up-and-coming acts in the Gaither Music Group publishing stable. Gaither would lead the group in several songs, with soloists and groups featured in additional songs. Comments by veteran singers, who would reminisce about their careers, are a staple of the series. In later videos, the inevitability of death found its way into the videos, as segments remembering artists who had died since the previous taping were featured.
Most videos also have accompanying CDs which can be purchased in a set or separately.
The videos and CDs regularly top sales charts, even many years after the series' inception and after the death of many favorite artists. The most recent videos, Gaither Homecoming Tour: Live From Toronto and Canadian Homecoming, were first and third, respectively, on Billboard's music video chart, and the companion CDs also hit the CCM charts. More recently, the 2007 recording of "How Great Thou Art" was nominated for a Dove Award.
Concert series In 1996, the video series gave birth to a concert tour, with a format similar to the videos but usually performed "in the round" in arenas . The concert dates are normally on Fridays and Saturdays, usually in separate cities.
In 2004, the Gaither Homecoming concert tour ranked 16th in Pollstar rankings of all tours, beating out pop music heavyweights such as Elton John , Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart . [ 2]
Television series Many of the video series have been repackaged into a series of hour-long or half-hour-long television shows (similar to an infomercial ). They can be found on the following Christian or family-oriented cable /satellite channels. (There is also an Internet TV channel – gaither.tv)
In the U.S.
In Canada
Cruises The Gaither Homecoming series has branched out into twice-yearly cruises . One cruise normally sails to Alaska in September, and the other to tropical ports in February.
It was on one of these cruises, in 2006, where regular pianist Anthony Burger , a longtime favorite of the Homecoming series, collapsed on-stage as a result of a heart attack while accompanying Gaither, his wife Gloria and the rest of the Homecoming Friends.
In 2009, for the first time, a Homecoming cruise was recorded for DVD/CD releases. Alaskan Cruise Homecoming and Majesty were released in January 2011.
Videography 1991: Homecoming 1992: A Praise Gathering 1992: Reunion 1993: Turn Your Radio On 1993: Old Friends 1994: A Christmas Homecoming 1994: Landmark 1994: Precious Memories 1995: All Day Singin' with Dinner on the Ground 1995: The Sweetest Song I Know 1995: Revival 1995: Holy Ground 1995: Ryman Gospel Reunion 1996: When All God's Singers Get Home 1996: Sunday Meetin' Time 1996: Sing Your Blues Away 1996: Moments To Remember 1996: Something Beautiful 1996: Homecoming Texas Style 1996: Joy To The World 1996: Joy in the Camp 1997: This Is My Story 1997: Feelin' At Home 1998: Singin' With The Saints 1998: Down By The Tabernacle 1998: Rivers Of Joy 1998: Hawaiian Homecoming 1998: Marching To Zion 1998: Atlanta Homecoming (at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta ) 1998: All Day Singin' At The Dome 1999: Singin' In My Soul 1999: So Glad! 1999: Sweet, Sweet Spirit 1999: Kennedy Center Homecoming 1999: Mountain Homecoming (Blue Ridge Mountains ) 1999: I'll Meet You on the Mountain 2000: Good News 2000: Memphis Homecoming 2000: Oh, My Glory! 2000: Harmony in the Heartland 2000: Irish Homecoming (in Belfast ) 2000: Whispering Hope 2000: Christmas in the Country 2001: Christmas... A Time for Joy 2001: What a Time! 2001: London Homecoming 2001: A Billy Graham Music Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2001: Journey to the Sky [certified gold] 2001: Passin' the Faith Along [certified gold] 2002: Freedom Band 2002: I'll Fly Away 2002: New Orleans Homecoming 2002: God Bless America (at Carnegie Hall ) 2002: Let Freedom Ring (at Carnegie Hall) 2003: Going Home [certified platinum] 2003: Heaven [ 3] 2003: Australian Homecoming 2003: Red Rocks Homecoming 2003: Rocky Mountain Homecoming 2003: A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2004: Build a Bridge (at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas ) 2004: We Will Stand (at The Potter's House) 2005: Church In The Wildwood [certified platinum] (filmed in 2001) 2005: Hymns [certified platinum] (filmed in 2001) 2005: The Best of Guy Penrod 2005: A Tribute to George Younce 2005: Israel Homecoming [certified platinum] 2005: Jerusalem Homecoming [certified platinum] 2006: Canadian Homecoming [certified gold] 2006: Live from Toronto [certified gold] 2006: Christmas in South Africa 2006: Homecoming Christmas – Live From South Africa 2007: South African Homecoming 2007: Love Can Turn The World – Live From South Africa 2007: Amazing Grace [certified gold] 2007: How Great Thou Art [certified gold] 2008: A Campfire Homecoming 2008: Homecoming Picnic 2008: Rock of Ages 2008: Country Bluegrass Homecoming , Vol. 1 & 2 2009: Nashville Homecoming (at the Grand Ole Opry stage) 2009: Joy in My Heart 2010: Giving Thanks 2010: Count Your Blessings 2011: Alaskan Homecoming (cruise) 2011: Majesty (Alaskan cruise) 2011: Tent Revival Homecoming (at the Billy Graham Library) 2011: The Old Rugged Cross (at the Billy Graham Library) 2012: Gaither Homecoming Celebration (filmed in new year of 1998, never-before-seen material) 2013: Women of Homecoming , Vol: 1 & 2 2016: Circuit Rider 2017: Give the World a Smile 2017: Sweeter as the Days Go By 2020: The Longer I Serve Him 2021: Glorious Church (filmed in 2001, never-before-seen material) 2023: Power In The Blood 2023: Hallelujah Homecoming 2025: Sweet Hymns Of Fellowship 2025: Heavenly Love: A Southern Convention Sing-Along Featured artists An asterisk (*) indicates that the artist is deceased. Numbers indicate the number of videos in which the artist has appeared as a featured performer.
Aaron Wilburn (2001–2020*) (died Nov. 27, 2020) Acoustix (2007–) Adam Crabb (2017-) 3 Alicia Williamson (2000–) Allison Durham Speer (1999–) Alvin Slaughter (2004) Amber Nelon Kistler (2003–2024*) 6 (d. July 26, 2024) Amy Grant (2013) 2 Andraé Crouch (1999–2015) (d. Jan. 8, 2015) Angela Primm (2002–) Ann Downing (1992–) Anthony Burger (1994–2006*) (d. Feb. 22, 2006) Armond Morales (2002– 2022*) (d. Dec. 5, 2022) The Arnolds Group (2002) Autumn Nelon Streetman (2025) Avalon (2001–) Babbie Mason (1995–) Becky Isaacs Bowman (1999–) Ben Isaacs (1998–) Ben Speer (1992–2017*) (d. April 7, 2017) Benjy Gaither (2002–) 4 Billy Blackwood (1996) The Bishops (1995–) The Blackwood Brothers (2000–) Bob Cain+ (1996–2000*) (d. August 30, 2000) Bonnie Keen (1999–) The Booth Brothers (2002–) 14 Boots Randolph + (2004-2007*) (d. July 3, 2007) Brenda Lee (2007) Brock Speer + (1991-1999*) (d. March 19, 1999) Buck Rambo+ (1991-2016*) (d. February 21, 2016) Buddy Greene (1994–) 31 Buddy Mullins (1995–) 15 Calvin Newton (1994–2023*) 5 (d. March 3, 2023) Carman (1998*) (d. Feb. 21, 2021) Candy Hemphill Christmas (1995–) 17 The Cathedrals (1991–1999) 9 CeCe Winans (2001–) 2 Charlotte Ritchie (1995–) 35 Cherryholmes (2008–) 3 Chonda Pierce (1998–) 2 Chris Blue (2023-) 2 Chuck Wagon Gang (2011–) 2 Cliff Barrows (2001*) 3 (d. Nov. 15, 2016) Collingsworth Family (2008) 5 The Crabb Family (2001–) 7 Cynthia Clawson (1995–) 20 Dallas Holm (1995–) 3 Danny Gaither (1993–2000*) 4 (d. April 6, 2001) David Phelps (1998–) 30 Don Francisco (2001) Donnie Sumner (1996–) 7 Dottie Rambo (1992–2008*) 5 (d. May 11, 2008) Doug Anderson (2006-) Dove Brothers (2000–) 2 Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (1999–) 3 Earl Weatherford (1992*) (d. June 17, 1992) Ed Enoch (1994–) 2 Ernie Haase (1996–) 9 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (2005–) 16 Eva Mae LeFevre (1991–2009*) 11 (d. May 18, 2009) Evie (2000–) 4 Fairfield Four (1993) Florida Boys (1994–) 8 Gaither Vocal Band (1991–) 58 Gatlin Brothers (1991–) 7 Gene McDonald (1998–) 24 George Beverly Shea (2001–2011*) 4 (d. April 16, 2013) George Jones (2008*) 2 (d. April 26, 2013) George Younce (1991–2005*) 25 (d. April 11, 2005) Glen Payne (1991–1999*) 10 (d. October 15, 1999) Gloria Gaither (1991–) 29 Gold City (1998–) 3 Gordon Mote (2007–) 12 Greater Vision (2000–) 5 Greenes and Sons (2001–) 3 Guy Penrod (1995–) 38 Hayes Family (1996–) 9 Henry Slaughter (1996*) (d. Nov. 13, 2020) Hoppers, The (1993–) 21 Hovie Lister (1991–2002*) 8 (d. Dec. 28, 2001) Howard Goodman (1991–2002*) 17 (d. Nov. 30, 2002) The Isaacs (1996–) 41 Ivan Parker (1995–) 31 J. D. Sumner (1991–1999*) 18 (d. Nov. 16, 1998) Jack Toney (1996–2004*) 11 (d. April 15, 2004) Jake Cowley (2023-) 2 Jake Hess (1991–2004*) 39 (d. Jan. 4, 2004) James Blackwood (1991–2002*) 10 (d. Feb. 3, 2002) Jamie Grace (2013) 2 Janet Paschal (1993–) 26 Jason Crabb (2001–) 14 Jeff Allen (2000–) 4 Jeff & Sheri Easter (1994–) 33 Jessy Dixon (1996–2008*) 46 (d. Sept. 26, 2011) Jim and Melissa Brady (2025) Jimmy Blackwood (1995–) 5 Jimmy Fortune (2008–) 2 Joel Hemphill (1995–) 4 John Starnes (1995–) 7 Johnny Cook (1993*) 2 (d. May 14, 2000) Johnny Minick (1996–) 11 Jonathan Pierce (1996–2020*) 3 (d. May 10, 2020) Jonathan Wilburn (2025) Joseph Habedank (2025) 2 Joy Gardner (1993–) 44 Karen Peck and New River (1998–) 11 Karen Wheaton (1996–) 4 Katinas, The (1999–) 2 Kelly Nelon (1993–2024*) 3 (d. July 26, 2024) Ken Davis (1998–) 4 Kevin Spencer Family (1999) Kevin Williams (1999–) 7 Kim Collingsworth (2009) Kim Hopper (1998–) 27 Kingsmen Quartet (1998–) 2 Larnelle Harris (1994–) 20 Larry Ford (1992–) 26 Larry Gatlin (1991–) 7 Lauren Talley (2000–) 6 Legacy Five (2001–) 6 Lillie Knauls (1993–) 26 Lily Fern Weatherford (1992–) 5 Lynda Randle (1996–) 31 Matthew Holt (2017-) Mark Lowry (1991–) 39 Marshall Hall (2000–) 15 The Martins (1995–) 26 Mary Tom Speer Reid (1995–2014*) 11 (d. Sept. 16, 2014) Meadowlark Lemon (1999–*) 2 (d. Dec. 27, 2015) Mel Tunney (2002) Michael English (1991–) 19 Michael Sykes (2000–) 5 Mike Allen (1998–) 22 Mylon LeFevre (1992–2023*) 3 (d. Sept. 8, 2023) Nancy Harmon (1996) Naomi Sego (1993-2009*) (d. Nov. 3, 2017) Natalie Grant (2002–) 3 The Nelons (1995–2024) 12 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2008) Oak Ridge Boys (2002–) 6 Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet (2004) The Peasall Sisters (2005) Perrys, The (2009) Ralph Stanley (2003–2008*) 4 (d. June 23, 2016) Randy Owen (2007–) 2 Randy Travis (2001–) 3 Reba Rambo-McGuire (1994–) 3 Reggie Smith (1998–) 33 Rex Nelon (1994–2000*) 16 (d. Jan. 24, 2000) Ricky Skaggs (2001) Robbie Hiner (1996–) 4 Roger Bennett (1999*) (d. March 17, 2007) Roger McDuff (1995–) 2 Roger Talley (1993-) Russ Taff (1992–) 33 Sandi Patty (1999–) 7 Sherman Andrus (2002–) 2 Sonya Isaacs (1996–) 17 Speer Family (1991–) 6 Squire Parsons (1993–) 18 Stamps Quartet (1991–) 6 Stan Whitmire (2004–) 3 Statesmen Quartet (1996–2001) 2 Statler Brothers (1990) Stephen Hill (1998–2012*) 30 (d. August 5, 2012) Steve Green (2010) Suzanne Gaither–Jennings (1999) Tendero Kochibar (2003) The Old Friends Quartet (2000-2002) 3 Talley Trio (2000–) 14 Tanya Goodman Sykes (1992–) 26 TaRanda Greene (2001–) 10 Taylor Mason (2002–) 3 Terry Blackwood (1995–) 33 Terry McMillan (1998–*) 2 (d. Feb. 2, 2007) Testify (2000 -2004) Three Bridges (2008–) 2 Tim Duncan (2005-) Tim Lovelace (1997) Tim Parton (1996–) 3 Tim Pettigo (1995) Tim Riley (2000) Todd Suttles (2017-) Tramaine Hawkins (2004–) 2 Triumphant Quartet (2011) Vestal Goodman (1991–2003*) 38 (d. Dec. 27, 2003) Voices of Lee (2006) Wes Hampton (2007–) 8 Wesley Pritchard (1996–) 43 The Wilbanks (2025) Wintley Phipps (2001–) 6 Woody Wright (1998–) 20 Zig Ziglar (2001*) (d. Nov. 28, 2012) References 1 2 winkler, stephanie (28 August 2009). "August 28, 2009 ~ Gaither Gospel Singers | August 28, 2009 | Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" . Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly . Archived from the original on 9 Sep 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2023 . JONES: There was a time back in the mid-'80s that Bill Gaither felt his trio had peaked, but he wasn't ready to hang it up. He wanted one more shot to make a gospel hit. So he reached out. BILL GAITHER: You know, and I called a bunch of the old timers and I said, ah, we're gonna come in and have fun. We're gonna have the radio days. JONES: And they came to join Bill and his Gaither Vocal Band—big stars from all over the country. Little did they know that this reunion with the Gaithers would turn into a concert series around the world called Homecoming. The themes—patriotism and religion. ↑ "Top40-charts.com" . Top40-charts.com. Retrieved 2013-04-20 . ↑ Bill Gaither: Heaven at AllMusic . Retrieved August 24, 2015. External links
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