The Gaither Factor

The American Southern Gospel phenomenon have recorded 60 Gaither Homecoming DVDs, selling a whopping 7.5 million copies, and involving an astonishing 250 singers over the past 20 years. So what does Gaither have that Matt Redman doesn’t? What makes Gaither more popular then Delirious? ... What is the ‘Gaither’ Factor?

Bill & Gloria Gaither, singers and founders

by ruthdaniel3444

100% Authentic

Everything the Gaither’s sing, they believe.

You don’t have to buy a plane ticket to Texas to see that the Gaither community are authentic. All you have to do is watch one of their DVD’s and you’ll see their smiles, hear their joyous voices and feel the hairs on your forearm tingle.

Every Gaither artist standing on that stage is of one heart, mind, and soul. They sing to praise Jesus. That’s gospel music!

100% American

There’s something about our Atlantic neighbours that clearly sets them apart – Patriotism.

The Gaither community embrace patriotism; it holds them together like super-glue. Red, white, and blue runs through their veins and feeds their passion for worship. They are proud to be Americans. They carry forward the heritage, the traditions, and the musical origins of their beloved country. Meaning that what they do is gospel worship in the full American tradition.

Imagine if us Brits were the same... we’d have morris dancers jingling around the pulpit, brass bands instead of acoustic guitars, and male choirs instead of girly worship leaders.

100% Infectious

Gaither Artists

photos by ruthdaniel3444

It’s impossible to not smile whilst watching a Gaither DVD. The happiness is infectious.

As the cameras pan around the audience, not a single person is sitting playing on their phone, reading a programme, or chatting to their friend. They’re clapping, they’re smiling, and they’re singing at the top of their lungs.

I challenge you: watch the trailer for the Tent Revival Homecoming DVD and see if you can keep your body from smiling, humming, and rhythmically tapping the desk.

100% Musicality

The stage is crammed full with gospel singers, every seat is taken, and every southern American is singing along. Why – because music is a great American tradition.

Music is paramount. The Gaithers have let all the American genres influence their sound: country, blues, rock, and gospel. They've re-vamped classic hymns, they've enriched gospel harmonies, and they've used every hill-billy instrument in the caravan park.

The Gaither sound has an unfathomable depth of soul, joy, and genuine praise!

What is the ‘Gaither’ Factor?

The ‘Gaither’ factor certainly isn’t their fashion sense, their ability to sing softly, or their collection of whiter than white teeth. The ‘Gaither’ factor is this: the artists are 100% authentic, their influences are 100% American, their music is 100% infectious, and their passion is 100% for music.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, I'd recommend listening to Pure And Simple, the Gaither Vocal Band's latest release. Or you can always browse Eden.co.uk's Gaither Department where you’ll find the entire back catalogue - including DVDs, CDs and the new Homecoming Bible.