Guy Penrod
| Guy Penrod | |
|---|---|
 Guy Penrod | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
July 2, 1963 Abilene, Texas |
| Genres | Christian, southern gospel |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Associated acts | Gaither Vocal Band, George Beverly Shea |
Guy Penrod is a gospel music singer, who is mostly known for his work as the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, a position he held from 1994–2008.
Biography
Penrod was born in Abilene, Texas and grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico, where his father, Rev. Joe Penrod, was the pastor of Temple Baptist Church. He also is a 1981 graduate of Hobbs High School. During his high school years Guy recorded his first album, singing all four parts.
Career
Penrod is a graduate of Liberty University. Starting in the 1980s, he worked as a studio singer, backing up voices such as Carman, Steve Green, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Garth Brooks, James Ingram, and Phillips, Craig & Dean.[1] He was also a member of the Christ Church Choir (as was another future Gaither Vocal Band member, Jonathan Pierce). During his years in the studio, he met Bill Gaither for the first time. He also made regular appearances on Music City Tonight as a background singer.
After accepting the position with the Gaither Vocal Band in 1994, Penrod became internationally known for his powerful vocals and broad singing range. He has performed in Gaither Homecoming concerts all over the U.S. and Canada, as well as in Europe, Australia, and Africa. In 1998, he performed a duet with the Cathedral Quartet's lead singer Glen Payne on their Farewell Celebration video.
Recently, Penrod performed for the grand opening of Jerry Falwell's new Thomas Road Baptist Church new 6,000 seat sanctuary.
His album, The Best of Guy Penrod, reached No. 92 on the Billboard 200 on August 6, 2005. The Gaither Vocal Band's 2006 release was entitled Give It Away, followed by Lovin' Life in 2008.
In a press release on January 13, 2009, Bill Gaither announced that Penrod would be leaving the Gaither Vocal Band and starting a solo career.[2] In August 2009, he released his debut solo album, Breathe Deep, on the Servant Records label. Produced by veteran country music producer and studio musician, Brent Rowan, the album consists of positive country music with Christian undertones.
In 2012, Penrod became the new host of Gospel Music Showcase, a popular Daystar Television Network program that focuses on southern gospel music. It can be seen every Saturday at 5:30 pm ET.[3]
Personal life
He and his wife, Angie (Clark), have eight children—seven boys and a girl (the youngest). They live on his family farm in Tennessee. All their children are home schooled.
Discography
Solo Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christian | US | US Country | ||
| The Best of Guy Penrod |
|
4 | 92 | — |
| Breathe Deep |
|
7 | 108 | 41 |
| Hymns |
|
5 | 85 | — |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | ||||
Albums With The Gaither Vocal Band
- 1995: Southern Classics Vol. 2
- 1997: Loving God & Loving Each Other
- 1998: Still The Greatest Story Ever Told
- 1999: God Is Good
- 2000: I Do Believe
- 2002: Everything Good
- 2003: A Cappella
- 2004: The Best Of The GVB
- 2006: Give It Away
- 2007: Together feat. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- 2008: Lovin' Life
- 2008: Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style
- 2009: Reunion Vol. 1 & 2