As a boy, Bill Gaither dreamed of a career as a gospel singer, running home after school to listen to gospel radio programs. So it was only natural for him to form, along with siblings Danny and Mary Ann, the Bill Gaither Trio in 1956, singing gospel standards memorized from those radio broadcasts and performed around the family piano. The Trio recorded its first custom album in 1958. After graduating from college, Bill met and married a teaching colleague, Gloria Sickal, who eventually became his songwriting partner and joined Bill and Danny in the Trio. Their new upbeat gospel style found many willing listeners. After signing with a major label in 1964, the group went on to build a discography of 33 albums. Over the years the Trio’s line-up has changed to include Gary McSpadden and Michael English, but one thing always remained the same “ the Gaithers’ talent for crafting heartfelt songs of praise. It was through the Trio that the world first heard songs such as “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” “Something Beautiful” and “Let’s Just Praise The Lord.” Today audiences can still experience the magic of the Trio when it is occasionally revived on stage with one of the members of the Gaither Vocal Band joining Bill and Gloria in a classic song. Bill, Gloria and the Trio have won two Grammys and 17 Dove Awards, but the thrill of hearing a congregation of believers sing one of the Trio’s many gospel songs is perhaps even more valuable than their accolades.
(condensed from gaither.com)
