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William J. Gaither (born March 28, 1936) is an American singer and songwriter of southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife, Gloria. Besides performing solo and with his wife, Gaither has appeared as part of the Bill Gaither Trio, the Gaither Vocal Band, and as a part of his "Homecoming" groups. Bill and Gloria still live in Indiana and have three grown children.

Early life
Bill Gaither was born in Alexandria, Indiana around

Gaither was influenced by southern gospel groups and singers such as Michael Woodman Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, and groups like the Speers, the Statesmen and the Happy Goodmans.

Songwriter
Gaither and his wife have written many songs, Sandi Patty and The Heritage Singers), country singers (The Statler Brothers) and pop artists (Elvis Presley).

Gloria Gaither often writes the lyrics while Bill writes the music, although composing is usually a collaborative project between the two. Together, they already composed about 600 songs.

Record Labels
Spring House Music was created as part of the Gaither Music Company to handle in-house productions, including the Gaither Homecoming series.

Awards

 * Christian "Songwriter of the Century" (with Gloria Gaither): American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP), 2000.
 * Among the top 75 American entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur Magazine, 1997
 * Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, 1982.
 * Grammy Awards in 1973, 1975, 1991, 1999, 2009; additional nominations in 1969, 1974, 1984 (x2), 1987, 1993, 1997, 1998)
 * Dove Awards in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 (x2), 1975, 1976 (x2), 1977 (x2), 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 (x3), 1995, 1999 (x2), 2000. Numerous other nominations.
 * Multi-platinum albums: 2. Platinum albums: 22. Gold albums: 21. (RIAA)
 * ASCAP Best Gospel Song of the Year: 1974, 1980
 * SPEBSQSA Honorary Life Member: 2006
 * Indiana Wesleyan University Society of World Changers inductee/Honorary doctorate recipient: 2010

Books
(This list excludes books of music and books that are a companion to his "Homecoming" series.)


 * Gaither, Bill and Gloria Gaither. God Gave Song. Zondervan. 2000. (ISBN 0-310-23123-X)

Bill Gaither, The Gaithers, Gaither Trio, etc.

 * 1960s Happiness, The Bill Gaither Trio: Bill & Danny Gaither and Sherry Slattery