Phil Driscoll
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Phil Driscoll is a Contemporary Christian Music jazz artist who plays trumpet.
Phil Driscoll hails from Cleveland, TN and was found to be a child prodigy at the trumpet. After winning several awards at a young age for his trumpet playing, Driscoll began recording with several pop acts in the 1970s, including Joe Cocker, Stephen Stills, Leon Russell and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He was caught in severe drug addiction before turning his life to Jesus Christ, something which he frequently testifies about. He has since received a Grammy in 1984 for his gospel album, "Warriors" and performed "America" at the dedication ceremony for Bill Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
His ministry emphasis is on praise. Besides the trumpet, he can be seen leading worship with singing, playing the keyboard as well as playing his signature trumpet solos. He has recorded with world class christian musicians like bassist Abraham Laboriel and saxophonist Justo Almario amongst others. He currently runs Mighty Horn Ministries, and has a television ministry called "The Phil Driscoll Connection." Mr. Driscoll also appears on occasion at MorningStar services and conferences where he has led in music and praise and also taught. His program can be caught at http://www.mightyhorn.com, which also has other information about his albums.
Trial & Sentencing Timeline
06/08/06: Phil Driscoll was convicted on federal charges that he used his Tennessee-based Christian music ministry in an income-tax cheating scheme, where it was found that millions were donated to his ministry, which was found to be illegal in source. A jury found Driscoll, 58, guilty of charges of conspiracy and evading some federal income taxes owed for 1996 through 1999. [1]
10/27/06: Federal Judge Curtis Collier has denied a motion for a new trial for Grammy-Award winning gospel musician Phil Driscoll, who was found guilty in June on conspiracy to avoid paying income taxes and two counts of income tax evasion. He was found not guilty of one count of income tax evasion. Driscoll, 58, had been due to be sentenced on Thursday, but it has been delayed until Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. The maximum he faces is five years on each of three counts - for a maximum of 15 years. The jury ruled his wife, Lynne Driscoll, not guilty of conspiracy and not guilty of one count of tax evasion. But the jury deadlocked on another tax evasion charge she faced. However, it was later decided that Lynne Driscoll will not be retried. [2]
11/28/06: Sentencing has been delayed until Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. The new delay came after prosecutors said they want Driscoll to receive the maximum in his sentencing range. The range listed is 18-24 months, and the government is asking that Judge Curtis Collier sentence him to serve the maximum two years in federal prison. Prosecutors asked the maximum, citing the amount of money he evaded taxes on (as established in evidence - $128,627) and that testimony demonstrated a pattern of tax-evasion behavior. Prosecutors said there are no factors for "downward departures" (recommendation for a lesser sentence) in the case. The government has until Dec. 31 to put forth evidence in support of the sentencing memorandum. [3]
