Lee Young was dismissed in 1982, and Jon Mohr was hired as the new bass singer. They then recorded the album, Passin' The Faith Along. Later, tenor Steve Green left and Larnelle Harris was hired. This group cut the New Point Of View album before Mohr left.
At this point the "New Gaither Vocal Band' dropped the "new" part of their name. Bill Gaither dropped to the lowest part (although they didn't call it Bass at the time), Gary McSpadden was moved down to baritone and Michael English was hired as lead singer. Although the previous album (New Point Of View) had been more contemporary than its predecessors, the album with this version of the group (One X 1) took it even further. After this album, Larnelle left and was replaced by Lemuel Miller. The group did not record an album with Lemuel before he left. He was replaced by Imperials alumnus, Jim Murray. They cut one album (Wings) before Gary McSpadden left to devote more time to his solo career. Mark Lowry was tapped to replace him. Although Lowry admittedly didn't have the natural ear for the baritone part, or the experience, he added a great voice along with his comedy and soon made their sound more smooth. First planned to perhaps be their final album, their gospel roots project Homecoming, in 1991, caused most Southern Gospel fans to welcome the Vocal Band with open arms. A follow-up recording called Southern Classics cemented their relationship with fans.
Jim Murray left and was replaced by Terry Franklin whose tenor voice was heard on the aforementioned, Southern Classics. Michael English left to pursue a popular solo career. He was replaced by Buddy Mullins. Terry Franklin soon left and was replaced by another Imperials alumnus, Jonathan Pierce. Strengthened by the popularity of the Homecoming video series, the Vocal Band added Guy Penrod at lead and after Pierce's departure, David Phelps was added at tenor. After Lowry’s departure, The Imperials alumnus Russ Taff sang baritone for a couple of years. When Taff returned to solo work, Marshall Hall was his replacement. Wes Hampton succeeded Phelps in 2005.
During the 1990s and into the first few years of the 21st century, the Gaither Vocal Band mastered the art of mixing classic Southern Gospel with Country and Inspirational styles. This gave the group a broad fan base that reached beyond the typical do.
In 2009 Marshall Hall and Guy Penrod left the group. Instead of just replacing them, Bill decided to make the group a five-man band -- bringing back some crowd favorites: Michael English, Mark Lowry, and David Phelps.
Complete List of Group Past Members:
* Bill Gaither, Baritone (1980-84); Bass (1984-present)
* Lee Young, Bass (1980-1982)
* Steve Green, Tenor (1980-1983)
* Gary McSpadden, Lead (1980-1984); Baritone (1984-88)
* Jon Mohr, Bass (1982-1984)
* Larnelle Harris, Tenor (1983-1987)
* Michael English, Lead (1985-1994, 2009-present)
* Lemuel Miller, Tenor (1987)
* Jim Murray, Tenor (1987-1992)
* Mark Lowry, Baritone (1988-2001, 2009-present)
* Terry Franklin, Tenor (1992-1994)
* Buddy Mullins, Lead (1994-1995)
* Jonathan Pierce, Tenor (1994-1997)
* Guy Penrod, Lead (1995-2009)
* David Phelps, Tenor (1997-2005, 2009-present)
* Russ Taff, Baritone (2001-2004)
* Marshall Hall, Baritone (2004-2009)
* Wes Hampton, Tenor (2005-present)
Discography
* The New Gaither Vocal Band (1981) - Benson
* ''Passin' The Faith Along (1983) - Benson
* New Point of View (1984) - Benson
* One X 1 (1986) - Word Nashville
* Wings (1988) - Star Song
* The Best from the Beginning (1989) - Benson
* A Few Good Men (1990) - Star Song
* Homecoming (1991) - Star Song
* Peace of the Rock (1993) - Star Song
* Southern Classics (1993) - Benson
* Testify (1994) King is Coming (1994) - Chapel
* ''Can't Stop Talkin' About Him (1995)
* Southern Classics: Volume II (1996) - Chapel
* Back Home in Indiana (1997) - Spring Hill
* ''Lovin' God & Lovin' Each Other (1997) - Spring Hill
* Still the Greatest Story Ever Told (1998) - Spring Hill
* God is Good (1999) - Spring Hill
* Classic Moments from the Gaither Vocal Band - Volume 1 (1999) - Benson
* Classic Moments from the Gaither Vocal Band - Volume 2 (1999) - Benson
* I Do Believe (2000) - Spring Hill
* Everything Good (2002) - Spring House
* A Cappella (2003) - Gaither Music Group
* Best of the Gaither Vocal Band (2004) - Gaither Music Group
* Give it Away (2006) - Gaither Music Group
*Together Signature Sound and Gaither Vocal Band (2007) - Gaither Music Group
*Lovin' Life (2008) - Gaither Music Group
*Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style (2008)
*Gaither Vocal Band Reunion - Volumes One & Two (January 2009)
Stand Tall
Gaither Vocal Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You f eel you're walking all alone. But He is there no doubt
When the storm around you rages, And you're tossed to and fro
When you're f aced with life's decisions, Not sure which way to go
Stand still and let God move,
Standing still is hard to do
When you f eel you have reached the end,
Stand still and let God move
When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in
When the tide is swiftly rising, And you wonder where He's been
Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out
You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now
When you f eel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
The answer will come, But only in His time
Stand still and let God move, Stand still and let God move
The song "Stand Tall" by Gaither Vocal Band is a testimony to the fact that the love of God is always present, even during the most difficult times in our lives. The lyrics are an encouragement to hold on to our faith and trust in God, no matter the hardships we might face. The song starts with the recognition that the Father has a plan, but sometimes it may be difficult to understand or see it clearly. This is a feeling that most of us can relate to in our lives, especially when we are going through challenging times.
The chorus of the song encourages us to "Stand still and let God move," even when it's hard to do. We are reminded that God is always present, even when it seems like we're alone, and that He will make a way for us when we feel like we have reached the end. The second verse talks about the moments when the enemy surrounds us, and the walls are closing in, and how we may wonder where God is in those moments. However, the lyrics remind us that there never was a moment when God's arms weren't reaching out, and that we can always rest assured that He is moving on our behalf.
The bridge of the song serves as a reminder that even though we may not receive the answers to our prayers right away, we can be confident that they will come in His time. This is a powerful reminder that our faith is not in vain, and that God's timing is always perfect.
Overall, "Stand Tall" is a powerful anthem that encourages us to hold on to our faith, even when things get tough. It's a reminder that God is always present and that He will see us through to the end.
Line by Line Meaning
The Father has a plan. Though it's hard to see it now
Although it may be difficult to perceive, God has a divine plan.
You feel you're walking all alone. But He is there no doubt
You may feel isolated, but God is present without a doubt.
When the storm around you rages, And you're tossed to and fro
Amid turbulence, you may seem unstable or indecisive.
When you're faced with life's decisions, Not sure which way to go
In moments of uncertainty, you may struggle with life choices.
Stand still and let God move,
Be steadfast and allow God to take action.
Standing still is hard to do
Remaining firm in faith during trials may be challenging.
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
When all seems lost, God will provide a way out.
When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in
If you feel trapped or threatened by adversaries, God is nearby.
When the tide is swiftly rising, And you wonder where He's been
In the face of difficult circumstances, you may question God's presence.
Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out
God's loving embrace is always present and available.
You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now
Be confident and unafraid, God is actively working in your life.
The answer will come, But only in His time
Patience is key as God's solutions take time to manifest.
Stand still and let God move, Stand still and let God move
Repeat the message that in trying moments, one should remain firm in faith and allow God to take action.
Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.