David Phelps, Feature Article

Sep

2004

David Phelps

Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites

[48] Comments

Very few times does an artist come along that can send chills down your spine one moment and have you weeping the next. We are fortunate enough to have an artist that does just that. David Phelps is one of the most powerful vocalists of all times with a heart bigger than his voice, David deeply believes everything he sings. Whether performing as the tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band or holding his own on stage during his solo dates, David continues to wow audiences of all ages with his unique and awe inspiring voice as well as his ability to truly deliver each and every song he performs. David's ability to make the listener feel the song more than just hear it comes from years of practice and true dedication to his craft. God has truly granted Phelps with what is not only a unique and wonderous voice but a passion for what he does.

Sitting down to talk to David in a one on one session was a great blessing and very eye opening. David allowed me to see his heart, his passion and his unbridled ability to capture an audience. I want to take this time to share with you, the readers, just what David shared with me. So, sit back and enjoy getting to know David Phelps the man of God with a heart that far exceeds his voice.

Scott: “Tell me about David the man. How do you see God molding you as an artist on a daily basis?”

David: “God has really been dealing with me lately on making the gospel tangible. How do we make it practical to people today. I see so many hurting people mislead. We don't need any more phonies. People are searching for love and acceptance today. Christianity has been given such a bad rap and we've brought a lot of it on ourselves. It's time that we stop fighting each other as Christians and put aside our differences in theologies and things that are so trivial to someone who is hurting. We need to remember that we're all in this together. It's all about God's love! There's a line in the song “Break Free” on my new album that sums it up so clearly. “Forget everything you've heard about Jesus if it doesn't end and begin with love.” That's the bottom line. That's where I see God directing me more and more. I want to be real and make Christ tangible.”

Scott: “Ok, this has been the discussion of many people. What brought on the sudden image change?”

David: “Man, I'm just myself. This is how I actually came into the Vocal Band dressing. Bill and Gloria came to me one day and said I might want to consider wearing some suits because basically I was too big to look good dressing this way back then. We would be setting up or on the bus watching some of the older videos and I would cringe. I'll joke around with the guys and say, “Here we go, count down to fat David.” I really just got tired of seeing myself like that. I didn't want to look that way anymore.”

Scott: How important was your training and your practice schedules to your success today?”

David: “I was very hesitant about telling people about my degree in vocal performance from Baylor because I didn't want to come across as a know it all or sound arrogant in any way. I remember when I would try to sing as a kid and my mom would tell me I was trying to sing way to high. She told me that if I really wanted to sing I needed to get lessons. The next week I was taking vocal lessons. I would ride my bike over after school. It is definitely what has brought me here today. That and experience. I would sing anywhere and everywhere I was given a chance. People ask me how to get started all the time and I tell them first thing you better do is make sure you are in love with it. You have to be sold out and 110% dedicated. I like to use the example from the Bible about the rich man that was told to sell everything. You have to be that dedicated.

Scott: “You have had so many accomplishments already. You have a Dove nomination for male vocalist of the year, you won the SoGospelNews male vocalist of the year, you sing with the biggest group and name in SG, you've sang on Broadway, very successful solo career, you've gotten to sing with some of the best voices in music. I mean the list goes on and on. What's next?”

David: “I'm such a dreamer. I'm always day dreaming. I want to be a better songwriter. I want to learn to communicate better. Most of all, I want more revelation. The emails I get really keep me going. I just want to encourage and help at least for a moment during someone's struggles. I never want to be satisfied. I'm willing to go as far as God wants, not a step too far nor a step too short.

Scott: “There have been a lot of comparisons made between you and other great vocalists, Pavarotti, Josh Groban. Who does David consider the best vocalist ever?”

David: “Wow, that's a hard one. I love a voice that is both powerful and vulnerable at the same time. I'm a big fan of Celine Dion. I just love that voice. There is so much power there yet it is so fragile at the same time. I love Whitney Houston's older stuff. I really love how Pavarotti lets his soul come out when he sings. There may be others more technically sound, but for me, he is it.

Scott: “Ok, I'm going to ask it. The seeming trend for the Vocal Band is to record a solo project and then leave the group. Let's set the record straight. Are you going anywhere?

David: “I'm not going anywhere. Bill has been very open handed with me. Singing with the Vocal Band is a dream come true. The first three years were very hard. I didn't feel the people got to see “all” of me. I didn't feel like I was getting to express myself. After my first solo project, Bill came to me and said, “Let's do both”. So, Bill has been very fair and open handed in letting me express my heart. I love what I do.

So as you can see, David is much more than just a superb vocalist. He is a man with a true desire to see God use him. He deeply desires to grow more in God and help, even if just for a moment, a hurting soul. For more information on David and his full concert schedule, please visit http://www.davidphelps.com

Reader Comments

I'm about as square as I can be but I approve of David's new look. Those that don't are simply jealous. We need to look at people like God does and quit focusing on the outside. It's amazing we don't run off more talented artists with all the nitpicking and pettiness. It's not a new thing. They did it to Pat Boone and they still give that man no rest. Oh, and did I mention, I think David Phelps is one fabulous tenor who knows how to deliver a song where one simply cannot miss the message. And, that my friends, is what it's all about. Go David and may God continue to bless you richly.

Cheers,
Tony

Commented by Tony Partigianoni On 10/05/2004

PLEASE let's not get another discussion started about what is southern gospel music and what is not!! talk about a dead horse!! I myself agree with Matt. As much as I love Pavarotti and Groban, I don't know of anyone else that can be at the top of the game in any genre they attempt. As far as awards and things of that nature, look at product and record sales and it will tell you who the SGM fans are listening to. LOL

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/05/2004

Right on Tony!! This makes me think of a story I once heard from a preacher. It tells of a church service at a good sized church. In the middle of the service, a homeless man walked in and walked down the center aisle. his clothes were old and torn and his hair all in a mess and probably could have used a bath. He walked to the very front of the church right in front of the preacher and sat on the floor Indian style. In the back of the church a woman of the church looked at the head usher and said "look at that man coming in here looking like that and sitting there on the floor. Aren't you going to do something about that?" The head usher said "Yes" and walked to the front of the church and sat down on the floor beside the man and put his arm around him. Now I don't think David Phelps looks like a homeless person, but he does look different than the norm in SGM. No matter what he looks like I think that one day God will welcome him home and say "David, job well done" because he is following God's will and winning souls despite what people say. David know that there are alot more people cheering you than not. Keep on keepin' on. I just challenge those people who are so quick to judge to ask themselves whether they are like the old lady of the church or the head usher. LOL

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/05/2004

I read all the above comments with interest. Much like the talk radio,etc. God keeps perfect books. He knows exactly what is the image and what is the real person. Straight to the "heart" of things, I'll just give David Phelps to God and leave it there since my opinio does not count
Mag

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/06/2004

It is true that David Phelps has an outstanding voice, but why does he and Guy think they have to look like every other rock 'n roll star with their long hair and Guy with his trench coat?
This is not edifying whom they are singing about.
Their dress and the loud banging 'stacked' instruments is just simply too much.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/08/2004

David Phelps is arguably the best singer of any genre.

Romans 10:13-19

Dr. Tony L. Black

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/08/2004

My name is Rod Hutchinson. I am the tenor in an up and coming group called Growing In Grace. I would just like to add to the discussion that David Phelps is absolutely the best singer in SGM. I have studied and patterned my voice after his for many years. He is an inspiration every time he opens his mouth. As far as his new look, those who are being critical, I encourage you to try and remember how Jesus saw people. I challenge you to study Jesus' ministry and the kind of people He surrounded Himself with. I wonder what the Pharisees were saying when He was witnessing to the woman at the well. They were probably saying, how dare Him to speak of God with hair like that. Beloved let us love one another... IJohn 4:7-8

Commented by RodH On 10/08/2004

Hey everybody! I just thought I'd put in my 2 cents. I'm 15 yrs old and a big SGM fan. David is definitely one of my favorite singers ever, in fact he's probably 2nd on my list after Guy Penrod. I think David's new look (or not so new as I just read) will be a plus for the GVB. I think that it will reach out to some young ppl who wouldn't normally listen to anything gaither.
Long hair, trenchcoats, and that kind of stuff doesn't really matter anyway, as long as the look of group isn't coming beforew the way the music is ministering to ppl

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/10/2004

Okay folks, I have no intention of stirring up a hornets nest but I have to put my 2 cents in as well... David Phelps and Guy Penrod are FANTASTIC vocalists and I enjoy GVB more than any other SG group in existance, however, this stuff about their look needs to quit. It's not how they look but what they say that counts! In fact, I think the whole SG industry could take a lesson from them! The lost people of this world veiw the Body of Christ as a bunch of stiff shirted dingbats who would crack their face open if they smile! I mean really examine the scene here! Again I'm not trying to stir a nest but we really need to look at this from a ministry standpoint! Why do we sing GOSPEL music? To spread the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ! Do you think the world should transform to suits and ties in order to please God? No! That's why He said "Whosoever will, may come..." I don't know about you but I'm a whosoever! In fact let me just propose this question. If Jesus were on earth today spreading the message of salvation, would you make Him get a haircut before supporting His ministry? In fact by today's standards He would've been classified as a hippie if judging by appearance. The point is folks, society changes but God doesn't. If you'll concentrate on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world and stop worrying about other Christian's apperances so much, we might just get this world saved after all!!

And that folks is my humble opinion.

Love y'all in Christ and pray God's best for you all!! Amen! :-D

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/11/2004

AMEN! Couldn't have said it better, Corey.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/11/2004

Page 2 of 5 Comment Pages < 1 2 3 4 > Last »

Add Comments

If you are seeing this form you are not a Member or have not logged in. Why not consider becoming a Member? All comments must be made with a valid email address. Comments with invalid email addresses are subject to removal.

Membership allows you to have a prepared signature of your choice applied to every comment you make, as well as the ability to choose an avatar to display next to your name to help identify your posts. Members are also given opportunity to vote weekly in our Weekly Chart as well as special Members Only contests, polls and giveaways during the year. If you are already a member, login here, otherwise please register here.

**Note: Forums membership is a seperate membership.

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: