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It's More Than the Music: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, and What Matters Most
A gospel music composer discusses his childhood, ambition to become a gospel singer, frustrating years as a school teacher, and pursuit of his dream, which led to a Grammy-winning career and a fuller realization of his faith.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2018
Another book from mum's collection I kept after she passed away. She loved the old gospel style of songs and singing. Then into her last years got to watching the Home Coming series on Christian channel. I had watched a few with her and actually loved them. I wasn't aware how many had been made in the series and that they sold into the millions around the world. But being a musician I love to read books like these (I have read books on George Beverly Shea and Andrea Crouch, and recently Larry Norman).
The subtitle to the book is different to what is showing here in Good Reads. It reads: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, And What Matters. I think this description is very accurate of the book. As Bill Gather tells his life journey he expresses very clearly it's more than the music and shares frankly about friendships, his spiritual journey and struggles, and pointing out what made life in his marriage, family and ministry/work etc meaningful. He has a lot of good insights and great little ditties or aphorisms along the way worth jotting down and keeping as quotes. There is so much wisdom in his years I was surprised. what I found interesting is that he started out as a teacher although he always wanted to be full time in gospel music as composer and artist. But then he said that after teaching he has always seen himself as a teacher first even after all these years of being a successful gospel artist and no longer teaching in high school. So there you go.
There were surprises along the way for me reading the book because I didn't know how many artists got their break with Bill Gaither. Big names that I had remembered from my growing up years and later. And I didn't know about his accolades with several Dove Awards and ASCAP award. I knew of classic songs he wrote that Elvis and countless others had sung. It only makes sense. I also didn't know how many things he had been involved in and what tremendous influence he actually had. He is definitely a statesman for the early developing Gospel Music era. But most of all I have been very impressed and blessed by his character and openness. As great as the man is, along with his wife Gloria, he made me believe how ordinary he really he is, but used greatly of God.
I just loved the book so much I will surely read it again! I didn't expect to enjoy it that much (not particularly being a fan, but do love some of the songs from childhood-always stuck in my head). He has this fantastic sense of humour that a few times I had to put the book down to have a good belly laugh!
If you get to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
The subtitle to the book is different to what is showing here in Good Reads. It reads: Life Lessons on Friends, Faith, And What Matters. I think this description is very accurate of the book. As Bill Gather tells his life journey he expresses very clearly it's more than the music and shares frankly about friendships, his spiritual journey and struggles, and pointing out what made life in his marriage, family and ministry/work etc meaningful. He has a lot of good insights and great little ditties or aphorisms along the way worth jotting down and keeping as quotes. There is so much wisdom in his years I was surprised. what I found interesting is that he started out as a teacher although he always wanted to be full time in gospel music as composer and artist. But then he said that after teaching he has always seen himself as a teacher first even after all these years of being a successful gospel artist and no longer teaching in high school. So there you go.
There were surprises along the way for me reading the book because I didn't know how many artists got their break with Bill Gaither. Big names that I had remembered from my growing up years and later. And I didn't know about his accolades with several Dove Awards and ASCAP award. I knew of classic songs he wrote that Elvis and countless others had sung. It only makes sense. I also didn't know how many things he had been involved in and what tremendous influence he actually had. He is definitely a statesman for the early developing Gospel Music era. But most of all I have been very impressed and blessed by his character and openness. As great as the man is, along with his wife Gloria, he made me believe how ordinary he really he is, but used greatly of God.
I just loved the book so much I will surely read it again! I didn't expect to enjoy it that much (not particularly being a fan, but do love some of the songs from childhood-always stuck in my head). He has this fantastic sense of humour that a few times I had to put the book down to have a good belly laugh!
If you get to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
June 20, 2019
The name Bill Gaither is synonymous with excellent music, songwriting, and performance in many circles, especially those devoted to gospel music. For over thirty years, Bill Gaither, along with his wife Gloria, has been writing songs that appear in hymnals worldwide, such as 'He Touched Me,' and 'Because He Lives.' The Gaither Vocal Band continues to travel the globe entertaining millions of fans. But if you ask Bill what has made his life worthwhile, he will say, 'It's more than the music.'
He tells us that what has given his life meaning is his relationship with God, which has translated into many life-changing relationships with other people. It's More than the Music is a detailed memoir, starting with Gaither's childhood love of gospel music, the different groups he followed, and his early life experiences. In a moving and straightforward way, Gaither relates the story of his God-given desire to perform and write music, and the ups and downs as he has moved forward to achieve his dreams.
He includes many anecdotes about other gospel singers and groups. Lovers of gospel music will laugh and reminisce right along with the author. People (like me) not as familiar with the old-time gospel performers will still enjoy the funny stories and appreciate the legacy these musicians have given to music as a whole. Gaither gives advice throughout as well as history, and hints and tricks of the music trade. His transparency about his shortcomings makes it easy for readers to identify with his struggles and triumphs. For as famous a man as Gaither is, he is surprisingly humble, and desires first and foremost to honor God with his music.
The book is divided into easy-to-read chapters covering topics about Bill Gaither's career and his family. Curl up on the couch and spend an afternoon learning about an inspiring man who has changed the world of music by following God.
He tells us that what has given his life meaning is his relationship with God, which has translated into many life-changing relationships with other people. It's More than the Music is a detailed memoir, starting with Gaither's childhood love of gospel music, the different groups he followed, and his early life experiences. In a moving and straightforward way, Gaither relates the story of his God-given desire to perform and write music, and the ups and downs as he has moved forward to achieve his dreams.
He includes many anecdotes about other gospel singers and groups. Lovers of gospel music will laugh and reminisce right along with the author. People (like me) not as familiar with the old-time gospel performers will still enjoy the funny stories and appreciate the legacy these musicians have given to music as a whole. Gaither gives advice throughout as well as history, and hints and tricks of the music trade. His transparency about his shortcomings makes it easy for readers to identify with his struggles and triumphs. For as famous a man as Gaither is, he is surprisingly humble, and desires first and foremost to honor God with his music.
The book is divided into easy-to-read chapters covering topics about Bill Gaither's career and his family. Curl up on the couch and spend an afternoon learning about an inspiring man who has changed the world of music by following God.
February 23, 2009
I really enjoyed this book by Bill Gaither. Having been to one of the Gaither Homecoming Concerts, and being a musician that works with some Southern Gospel singers, I can feel the love in the room as BG describes those wonderful moments. The Gaither's contribution to the advance of gospel music is almost immeasurable. This book carries on the story and reveals what many of us know, that the makers of Gospel music are real people, serving a living Lord, and as Gaither makes the point it really is about More Than the Music.
November 15, 2008
This is an amazing book by Bill Gaither! If you're a fan of his Homecoming series then this book is a absolute must read. He includes numerous behind-the-scenes stories, which I've always wanted to know about. We learn about Bill from his childhood to his current endeavors with the Homecoming video series. Great personal stories of his family and friends make this a great coffeetable book for anybodies house.
September 7, 2018
I’m guessing if you asked any millennial or younger, “Who’s Bill Gaither?” you’d probably get a blank stare. Sadly, Bill and his life partner, Gloria, haven’t been producing any new classic praise songs lately. We’re not hearing very many new Gaither-penned tunes like “Because He Lives” and “The King Is Coming.” Perhaps it’s just as well. How can you top perfection?
In these 294 pages, Bill Gaither has teamed up with biographer Ken Abraham to give the reader a backstage pass to all things Gaither. Here you’ll find out what makes “the most successful and most honored artist in the history of Christian music” tick. For more than half a century, Gaither has been collecting Grammy awards and dozens of Dove awards for his work as a composer, song-writer and producer. But, Abraham and Gaither take us well beyond the concert stage. Here the two team up to document what Gaither has learned in terms of “life lessons on friends, faith and what matters.”
In the preface, Abraham points out, “Bill Gaither is no ordinary guy. Bill Gaither genuinely knows who he is. Bill Gaither knows exactly what matters over the long haul.” To sum it up, “Within these pages, (Gaither) candidly reveals the priorities he has maintained, the reasons behind the pivotal decisions he’s made and the keys to his success with his family, his business and his music.”
The takeaway highlight for this reviewer was “the incredible story behind” Gaither’s wildly-successful Homecoming video series. Another highlight: the story of the birth of the Gaither Vocal Band. That alone was worth the price of a backstage pass. You should come away from this fun read with one overall impression. Bill Gaither and his whole family “are just such real people!”
In these 294 pages, Bill Gaither has teamed up with biographer Ken Abraham to give the reader a backstage pass to all things Gaither. Here you’ll find out what makes “the most successful and most honored artist in the history of Christian music” tick. For more than half a century, Gaither has been collecting Grammy awards and dozens of Dove awards for his work as a composer, song-writer and producer. But, Abraham and Gaither take us well beyond the concert stage. Here the two team up to document what Gaither has learned in terms of “life lessons on friends, faith and what matters.”
In the preface, Abraham points out, “Bill Gaither is no ordinary guy. Bill Gaither genuinely knows who he is. Bill Gaither knows exactly what matters over the long haul.” To sum it up, “Within these pages, (Gaither) candidly reveals the priorities he has maintained, the reasons behind the pivotal decisions he’s made and the keys to his success with his family, his business and his music.”
The takeaway highlight for this reviewer was “the incredible story behind” Gaither’s wildly-successful Homecoming video series. Another highlight: the story of the birth of the Gaither Vocal Band. That alone was worth the price of a backstage pass. You should come away from this fun read with one overall impression. Bill Gaither and his whole family “are just such real people!”
April 11, 2021
This book was not much more than the attention seeking Bill Gaither trying to convince people how humble he is.
I simply was not impressed and came away thinking he took a whole book to "humbly" sing his own praises, whether it be how only HE could get the homecoming singers together, or only he could calm his mom while she was in her final days. Even while admitting that his need to keep working and garnering attention was ripping s family apart. ( Or as he put it, the family was about to implode.)
My final thought after I read the book is, he's into his 80's... as far as I know he has not made arrangements to let the young people he has incorporated into the vocal band keep it going when he is gone... is that because he doesn't care since he won't be here to hear his praises sung? I would be nervous being one of the singers on the GVB since you never know day from day whether or not you would have a job... people can die any time and Bill is no spring chicken. And his family is set for generations to come!
I simply was not impressed and came away thinking he took a whole book to "humbly" sing his own praises, whether it be how only HE could get the homecoming singers together, or only he could calm his mom while she was in her final days. Even while admitting that his need to keep working and garnering attention was ripping s family apart. ( Or as he put it, the family was about to implode.)
My final thought after I read the book is, he's into his 80's... as far as I know he has not made arrangements to let the young people he has incorporated into the vocal band keep it going when he is gone... is that because he doesn't care since he won't be here to hear his praises sung? I would be nervous being one of the singers on the GVB since you never know day from day whether or not you would have a job... people can die any time and Bill is no spring chicken. And his family is set for generations to come!
November 3, 2019
I greatly enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed the Gaither Vocal Band for many years. I even got to go to a concert a few years ago in Hershey, PA because I won free tickets. I needed a book written by a musician for my reading challenge and I chose this one.
A book of faith, family and music. Of a life lived for the Lord. Of blessings and "curses", hard times and good times and great times. Old friends and old favorite hymns as well as new friends, new opportunities and new songs. I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it if you are a Gaither fan or even if you just like Christian music and godly books.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) – #3 a book written by a musician (fiction or non-fiction)
A book of faith, family and music. Of a life lived for the Lord. Of blessings and "curses", hard times and good times and great times. Old friends and old favorite hymns as well as new friends, new opportunities and new songs. I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it if you are a Gaither fan or even if you just like Christian music and godly books.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) – #3 a book written by a musician (fiction or non-fiction)
December 28, 2020
This book was a phenomenal read for a person who has grown up a huge follower of the author’s music. Mr. Gaither is very candid and relatable in his writing and story telling. He weaves many important truths into the book—lessons he’s learned—as he tells his own story. The book is filled with wisdom, behind the scenes stories, and down-to-earth perspective. It was hard to put down and well worth the time to read.
July 24, 2021
I had read this book out of curiosity. I enjoyed reading this book because I learned more about Bill Gaither's childhood and family, his marriage to Gloria, his career in Christian music, and the stories behind the songs. I loved Bill's honesty and candor. I thought the book is well written. It is a must read.
August 17, 2018
A great book for those interested in the history of gospel or Christian music.
July 14, 2019
Great book along with there music!
December 28, 2020
I've been a Gaither fan for a long, long time. My young adult life, I sang many of their songs in church. After being overseas for many years, I came back to the states and got acquainted with the Homecoming videos.
Bill and I have a few things in common. We were both born in Indiana, a few miles apart, we share a birthday (he's a few years older) and our dads both worked at Delco-Remy.
Oh and his brother Danny was a great singer. I wanted to sing like Danny.
But to the book. Bill lays out his life from his grandparents to his parents' deaths. Each step of the way he shares his outlook on living the Christian life and Christian music. He freely shares his foibles and why he did the things he did.
Bill has written a bunch of songs (with his wife Gloria) and won a bunch of awards but says it's secondary to the relationships he has, with his Lord and his family.
Even though I may disagree with some of his theology, especially when it's laid out in a few of his songs, I appreciate his integrity, his long marriage to his wife and his relationship with his kids.
Bill is getting on in years and one wonders what will become of his projects.
Bill and I have a few things in common. We were both born in Indiana, a few miles apart, we share a birthday (he's a few years older) and our dads both worked at Delco-Remy.
Oh and his brother Danny was a great singer. I wanted to sing like Danny.
But to the book. Bill lays out his life from his grandparents to his parents' deaths. Each step of the way he shares his outlook on living the Christian life and Christian music. He freely shares his foibles and why he did the things he did.
Bill has written a bunch of songs (with his wife Gloria) and won a bunch of awards but says it's secondary to the relationships he has, with his Lord and his family.
Even though I may disagree with some of his theology, especially when it's laid out in a few of his songs, I appreciate his integrity, his long marriage to his wife and his relationship with his kids.
Bill is getting on in years and one wonders what will become of his projects.
November 11, 2014
I have loved the songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither over the years. Their music was very influential and inspirational to me when I first became a follower of Christ many years ago and has continued to be so ever since. Being from Indiana, I have been in their shop in Alexandria. I have also appreciated how the Gaither Vocal Band has continued to showcase new talent, propelling many of them on to their own carers in music. Bill has a real gift for this and his own humility allows him to make it happen. I have enjoyed watching Homecoming videos on television. However, there is much more that I did not know and insights I gained reading this book. It is well-written and easy to read. I strongly recommend it.
July 15, 2009
A surprisingly good read... Bill's story is very transparent, and seeing God's bringing Bill full circle back to his roots when Bill was giving up and "retiring" is very inspirational. Fan of the Homecoming stuff or not, this is a great biography. Very interesting.
July 10, 2016
I'm not usually a fan of biographies but Bill Gaither is one of my favorite peoople. It was interesting to read about how he got started in the business and grew into the institution he and his Homecoming group are today.
November 4, 2010
Good story but not for those who are looking for a fascinating page turner.
April 11, 2024
I love a good memoir. Bill Gaither is my hero and this have an intimate look into his life as a musician, husband, dad, father and mentor. Very easy read. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews