Gary Dunham

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Gary Dunham (born March 25, 1951) is an American Contemporary Christian recording artist. He has played professionally since the late 1960s. In addition to his two solo albums, he has written songs for many other artists including Kathy Troccoli, Sandi Patty, and the Gaither Vocal Band. His musical versatility has enabled him to traverse several musical genres including gospel, country, and rock.

Gary is originally from St. Joseph, Missouri. Although he is a talented guitarist and a practitioner of several different instruments, he is most known as a piano and keyboard virtuoso. A formally trained musician, Gary began his musical endeavors early, writing music and performing live as a young teen. Gary moved to California in 1973 and toured with the final incarnation of the L.A. rock band Blues Image (of "Ride, Captain, Ride" fame). After several years, the rigors of life on the road and the constant stress of touring resulted in problems in his personal life. However, it was this very life crises that brought Gary to a spiritual awakening and with it the realization of his great need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This awakening was so powerful that it not only came to encompass his private life but his musical career as well. He dedicated himself completely to God's call and became a "music evangelist." For a couple of years, he performed as an indie artist.

Gary moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1979 to begin in earnest his Christian music ministry. He soon signed with NewPax Records and eventually recorded two top albums: "Gary Dunham" in 1980 and "The Pearl" in 1982. From these albums came his two most popular songs, the CCM hit singles, "Happy Family" and "The Pearl," both of whom he co-wrote with his wife, Rosemary Dunham (who, by the way, was also a very talented musician, singer, and songwriter). The song "Happy Family" became Gary's anthem. It was a personal testimony that Christ could breath new life into any marriage, just as Christ had saved his. Gary became a great advocate of the Christ-centered marriage and it became a strong theme in many of his songs and in his stage talks.

From 1978 until 1982, Gary traveled and primarily performed as a solo artist, even playing on the college and small club circuits. In 1983, renown Christian artist Don Francisco invited Gary to join him on tour. For several years, the duo performed and recorded together with great success. However, during the 1990's, Gary greatly cut back on his touring due to the declining health of his wife. Unfortunately, Rosemary passed away in November, 2004 after a long battle with cancer. Gary now resides again in his hometown of St. Joseph (MO) and continues to write and perform music.