The Gaither Vocal Band's David Phelps - Gospel Tenor Extraordinaire

Ryan Sheeler
Ryan Sheeler, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Dec 26, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Anyone who has followed the Gaither Vocal Band and Homecoming concerts over the past 10 years knows the name of David Phelps. Phelps is known by many in music circles to possess the finest tenor voice of any singer going today. David Phelps, a Texas native, was a vocal performance major at Baylor University. He then embarked on a solo career and worked as Artist in Residence First Baptist Church, Hurst TX in the early to mid 1990s. After failed attempts at a solo career, God granted David a miracle when the tenor slot of the famed Gaither Vocal Band opened up. Alongside lead tenor Guy Penrod, baritone/comedian Mark Lowry, and bass Bill Gaither, Phelps' tenor soared and his name became very well-known in a short amount of time. Bill even called him "the best first tenor I have ever heard in my life" (on the live DVD I Do Believe). Indeed, Phelps power and range in the high tenor register was heretofore unheard of, especially Gospel or contemporary settings. Here was an operatic-style tenor singing Gospel music. The Gaither Vocal Band has always had great tenor singers from Steve Green to Larnelle Harris, Terry Franklin, and Jonathan Pierce, so Phelps carried on that tradition.

Phelps also is a wonderful quartet singer. In particular, on the GVB projects, he and Penrod blend very well together. (Try to catch Mark Lowry singing "Mary Did You Know?" on one of the Gaither Christmas specials with Phelps and Penrod backing him up) Phelps's control of the upper register is a beautiful and highly cherished asset in the Gather Vocal Band sound (the GVB is basically a modern Gospel quartet with a twist).

David Phelps was in the Gaither Vocal Band from 1997 to 2005. During that time, he won numerous Dove Awards, and garnered much critical acclaim. He also pursued an intermittent solo career. His first solo, David Phelps (2001) featured two songs that would be career benchmarks for Phelps. "End of the Beginning" (written by Phelps) tells the story of a man who witnesses the Gospel to a fellow traveler during a plane flight. The Gospel is brought home powerfully in this story, and it is Phelps signature song. The other on this album is "No More Night" (by Walt Harrah, which references Isaiah 60) and talks about how in heaven, those who believe will have no more fear of night, pain or darkness. This song is a vocal tour-de-force, with Phelps hitting notes of unparalleled power, clarity and expression.

Phelps left the Gaither Vocal Band in 2005 to pursue a solo career full-time (he is succeeded by Wes Hampton in the GVB). He tours the country, and releases recordings to this day. Phelps' latest is Legacy of Love (2006).

DISCOGRAPHY

Solo Projects:

2006 Legacy of Love

2005 Life is a Church

2004 Revelation

2001 David Phelps

2000 Joy, Joy

1994 Journey to Grace

Gaither Vocal Band projects:

2003 A Cappella

2002 Everything Good

2000 I Do Believe

1999 God Is Good

1998 Still the Greatest Story Ever Told

1998 Hawaiian Homecoming

Published by Ryan Sheeler

Ryan is a musician, composer, writer. He has won awards from ASCAP, The Paramount Group and the Iowa Motion Picture Association. He has written film, musical, and orchestral works. He also works as a sin...  View profile

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  • Kinisimere Bogidrau3/18/2012

    David,you have been extraordinary in your singing,you have a wonderful and blessed voice.People say that you have died of cancer but i don't believe that.I know that God still wants you to use your God given talent.Much love to your family and your career.GOD BLESS.

  • john ah tong7/31/2010

    I really enjoy your singing and back here in the Fiji Island you have a very huge following. I was saddened at first to hear that you have passed on, but, thankfully the rumour is not true. Praise be to God. Keep up with the great singing and continue to spread the gospel through your singing. All the best.

  • Norma,Tenn11/14/2009

    David Phelps%2C I first saw and heard you about 3 yrs ago with the Gaithers and have loved your singing since. I watch every Gaither video possible if you are in them. In my opinion%2C they lost the best singer ever when you left. Anyone can see how great you are by the audiences. You always get a standing ovation wvery time you sing. No one else does%2C that I have seen. I like your long curly hair and I think you are cute.%0D%0AGod Bless you and your career From a 76 yr old great grand ma

  • sandy1/30/2009

    i am a big big fan of southern gospel music and i love the gaither vocal band but loved it even more when david phelps was a member. what a singer. i attended his concert in springfield, missouri and was totally captivated by this man and his voice. he brought the house down.so hoping he will do another concert here.

  • Mark9/26/2008

    David Phelps: I thank God for allowing a glimpse of heavens sound to be poured out through you. I can't wait to hear what the angels voices in heaven will sound like. To God be the Glory for all your success and for the beautiful music you create. I'm 33 years old and this year my 89 year old Grandma went to be with her savior. She was a fireball for Christ. As I began to reflect on her life, I remembered the old songs and hymns she charished and played. When I watch you and the GVB on the net, I can't help but be moved by the Spirit. Please don't ever stop singing those songs David. Although, Contemporary Worship and Praise is beautiful, there is a sweet annoiting on songs like "It is Well". Generations after us must remember the songs of The Blood and The Cross. We can't ever stop singing those songs. I pray that God will continue to use your voice to reach countless souls for his kingdom.

  • sandy miller7/26/2008

    dear david. i haven't heard of any concerts near my area of springfield, missouri. i sure hope you will be doing another one here soon. what a blessing it was to see and hear you live. hope your family is well and if you would happen to do a concert i wish you could bring your wife and children along. god bless you and your family and maybe we will get to have you visit us again. miss you on the gaither videos also. may god keep his hands on you as a witness for him. you sure were to me. blessings sandy m.

  • Kellie7/11/2008

    David Phelps is alive and well. He left the Gaither Vocal Band in 2005 and has delivered many solo projects since then, with a new one ready for release in August. He also has video taped a concert. The project went gold. So, he's doing very well and at 38 years old, can still flat out sing!!! He also has a Christmas video coming out this fall.

    Sadly, Anthony Burger, the pianist on the Jerusalem Homecoming video did pass away. Only in his early forties, he died at the piano, in concert, on a Gaither cruise from sudden heart failure. I believe that was late 2005, early 2006. So, the rumor you heard may have confused David for Anthony.

  • Kaki4/17/2008

    David i really enjoyed your singing and you really have a beautiful voice........some friends of mine came home and I played Israel Home Coming for them to watch and the said rumours that you have passed away................i just cant believe it............can anyone help tell me if its true??????.......God Bless

  • aggie4/3/2008

    is it for real he is dead ...Mr David Phelps ... that's wat everyone is saying

  • isaac10/31/2007

    mr phelps,we in s.a in oudtshoorn believe that u r the best tenor live to day,i have seen u on many Gaither shows,but that song u and Wesley Pritchard featuring "It is well",i honestly think that no other men or women can sing that song like u 2 do,and that song realy touch us.God has giving u a voice that can bring people closer to Him,so use that brilliant voice of your,God bless u and your family

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