Homecoming [Hardcover]

Bill Gaither (Author), Jerry B. Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1997

At last, here is a book to capture the legend and the lore of Southern Gospel music, with story and photos, based on the best-selling "Homecoming" videos.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the companion volume to the video series of the same name, a celebration of Southern gospel music. Gaither, leader of the Gaither Vocal Band, is the author as well as the producer of the videos. About one-third of the volume is a rambling memoir of the taping of the videos; the remainder is devoted to tales and anecdotes of some of the big names of this genre, such as V.O. Stamps, James Vaughan, James Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers, and Hovie Lister and the Statesmen. The vast majority of artists covered are white. The book features the lyrics to many gospel songs and over 200 photographs. Casual and popular in treatment, it is recommended mostly for public libraries located where there is a strong interest in this subject.?Michael Colby, Univ. of California Lib., Davis
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Like every other variety of American popular music, southern white gospel has thrived since World War II--long enough for it to have a history but not so long that its pioneers have all died. Gaither, one of southern gospel's biggest stars, decided some years back to bring its grand old men and women together for videotaped singing sessions that hit big on Christian and country-music cable TV and with video-buying fans. With Christian writer Jenkins' help, he warmly surveys southern gospel in a series of nostalgic profiles of major figures who, because so many have been members of versions of several of the music's great singing groups, constitute a genuine performing family. Their day is passing as rock influences their successors and, as several of the book's many photos attest, black gospel singers cross-pollinate their music. All the more reason why, on video and the printed page, Homecoming is so endearing. Ray Olson

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310213258
• ISBN-13: 978-0310213253
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,230,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill and Gloria Gaither, winners of 8 Grammys and 24 Dove Awards, wrote such songs as He Touched Me and There's Just Something About That Name. Their Homecoming Video series has sold millions of copies. And each year, their Homecoming Tour continues to play more than thirty major arenas across America, selling millions of tickets and introducing Bill and Gloria to more friends. Homecoming Magazine has a circulation of 100,000. Gloria's book, Let's Make A Memory, sold over 400,000 copies.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bill Gaither is a wealth of knowledge., November 21, 1999

By 

Paul Doster - See all my reviews

This review is from: Homecoming (Hardcover)

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in the history of Southern Gospel Music. I go to this book often for information about the different singers and writers. The photography is wonderful as well. This book is my favorite reference book for Southern Gospel Music. I highly recommend it to you as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Joy of good Gospel music., January 2, 2004

By 

John Bradley (Santa Fe Springs, Calif. 90670) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Homecoming (Hardcover)

I have just completed the reading of "Homecoming" by Bill Gaither. My heart was truly blessed as I read about the history of some of my favorite Southern Gospel singers. I have been a Southern Gospel lover for many years and sometimes I take for granted all the work that goes into this type of entertainment.

Reading about the early history and background of many of these singers gave me a deep respect and admiration for the sacrifice that many made in years past.

We live in a day when there is all types of music for every type of person. So much of todays music is "shallow" with no depth. But, when one listens or reads the words to some of the songs in the book "Homecoming", you can see the depth and reality of life. As a Christian, these songs give me hope and security. Many of these singers have gone through the laboratory of life, which sometimes deals hard times. But, through it all, God's peace and comfort has substained and given grace to these Southern Gospel Artist.

It is a real joy to read books of this quality. May they continue to be read by many, many people.

To God be the Glory, for great things He has done!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Homecoming, October 20, 2010

By 

happy singer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Homecoming (Hardcover)

I loved this book by Bill Gaither. It tells the history of some of Gospel Music greatest groups. It is very informative. Anyone who loves good Gospel Music would enjoy reading this book.