Bill Gaither, a cornerstone of gospel music for decades, is bringing his musical legacy to a new prime-time slot on TBN, showcasing the enduring power of gospel music to a wide audience.
The prime time Saturday night slot represents a significant upgrade from the program’s previous placement at 6 pm, where it had been a staple for nearly 25 years. Gaither, known for his influential Homecoming series and countless gospel music contributions, sees the new time slot as an exciting opportunity to reach more viewers.
“There’s nothing like gospel music on Saturday evening on TV,” Gaither said, highlighting the show’s blend of classic and contemporary gospel artists.
The program features a mix of pre-recorded performances, curated to capture the live energy of gospel music while managing the logistical challenges of assembling a large group of artists. It continues Gaither’s long-standing tradition of bridging musical generations, a approach he believes is crucial to preserving meaningful music.
“Good is good,” Gaither emphasized, whether the music is new or decades old. He rejects the the notion that only older hymns have value, pointing out that even legendary hymn writer Fanny Crosby wrote 6,000 hymns, with only a handful regularly performed.
Recently, Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band have been exploring new musical territories, including a love songs project that celebrates enduring relationships. The album, which Gaither describes as “innocent love songs for cynical times,” reflects his belief that music can communicate deep emotional truths.
The current tour and television program represent a scaled-back but still robust schedule for Gaither. The group now performs approximately 45-55 days annually, a reduction from a touring pace from previous decades. This allows more time for studio work and television production while protecting his members’ families.
Gaither’s recent songwriting continues to address contemporary social issues. A new song, “There’s a Hole in the Heart of This Country,” speaks to current societal challenges, reflecting his ongoing commitment to music that resonates beyond mere entertainment.
The TBN show showcases Gaither’s philosophy that great music transcends generational boundaries. He remains passionate about discovering and preserving songs that speak to the human experience, whether they were written yesterday or a century ago.
“Not everything that is written today is going to live,” Gaither noted, “but it never has from the beginning. Somehow, only the good stuff remains.”
The program features a mix of established gospel artists and emerging talents, continuing Gaither’s long-standing tradition of musical mentorship and genre preservation. His approach has consistently celebrated gospel music’s ability to connect with audiences across different ages and backgrounds.
As gospel music continues to evolve, Gaither remains a pivotal figure, bridging traditional sounds with contemporary expressions of faith and emotion. The new project represents another chapter in his decades-long mission to share meaningful music with the world. Viewers can catch the “Gaither Gospel Hour” on TBN every Saturday night at 8 p.m.
Watch the interview with Bill Gaither and DeWayne Hamby below.
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