Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - Bill Gaither Remembers Homecoming Heroes

Reviewed by Dave Brassington

On this DVD Bill Gaither remembers eight outstanding artists who helped shape the world of gospel music, although it has to be said that this only applies to the Southern States of America! George Younce with his deep bass voice kicks off the DVD in lively fashion with "This Ole House" and I enjoyed his recitation of "Supper Time". We then have three or four songs each from Jake Hess who was one of the kingpins of Southern gospel quartets (and Elvis Presley's favourite singer!), Bob Cain, Rusty Goodman, Rex Nelon (who died on the night that the Gaithers came to London) and Brock Speer. The DVD is rounded off with memories of both Howard and Vestal Goodman. It is apparent that on both a personal and musical level all these artists meant a great deal to Bill Gaither, but I doubt that British fans will hold them in the same reverence. The plusses of this DVD are that the music is pretty good to listen to and the stories behind the artists, particularly how some dealt with terminal illnesses, are very inspiring. The downside is that to fit in all the artists, songs are faded out before they end. All in all then I think this DVD is rather limited in its appeal.