Gospel singer refuses to tinker with successful sound

For more than 50 years, Bill Gaither has sustained a career in the often tempestuous world of music.

The secret, he said, is balance.

Mr. Gaither, who will perform Saturday with the Gaither Vocal Band at James Brown Arena, got his start with the Bill Gaither Trio while a college student in the mid-1950s. He also has performed as a solo artist and as a member of the larger Gaither Vocal Band. He said his professional longevity can be attributed to faith, family and his ability to manage very different aspects of his career.

Mr. Gaither and his wife, Gloria, have written more than 700 gospel songs, and he has released more than 40 albums and won four Grammy awards.

"I've had a life that I think most people who want to be in music would be envious of," he said in a recent telephone interview. "And part of that was understanding that we didn't want the personal appearance thing to dictate our lives. So, from the very beginning, we've limited dates to 70 or 80 a year. I love those, just as I love the studio and writing. I've been blessed."

Mr. Gaither said working with the Gaither Vocal Band, a project he put together in the 1980s, has been particularly rewarding. He said as performers join and leave, he finds new voices and styles to write for.

"That's really the nature of groups," he said. "People leave. People come back. It's part of the game. My job is, when there is a change, to make sure the quality is not compromised. I ensure the music is strong, likable and spiritual."

Mr. Gaither refuses to pander. He said playing to trends and shifting tastes diminishes music and message. He said the Gaither sound has gotten him this far, and he can't imagine having found that success without that continuity.

"It's all about personal integrity," he said. "A musician can feel like they are doing what they think people want them to do. But it's nicer to find an audience that appreciates what you want to do. In that, we have been very lucky."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.