Gloria Gaither facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gloria Gaither
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Gloria in Sept. 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gloria Lee Sickal |
| Born | March 4, 1942 Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Christian music, Southern gospel, contemporary Christian |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter (lyricist), author, screenwriter, speaker |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1962–present |
| Associated acts | Bill Gaither Bill Gaither Trio |
Gloria Gaither (born March 4, 1942) is a talented Christian singer and songwriter. She is also a well-known author, speaker, and editor.
Gloria is married to Bill Gaither. Together, they have written over 700 songs! In 2000, they were named Christian Songwriters of the Century by ASCAP. Gloria performed and recorded with the Bill Gaither Trio from 1965 to 1991. Since 1991, she has been a big part of the Gaither Homecoming series. She helps with TV shows, videos, and music recordings.
Contents
Gloria's Early Life
Gloria Lee Sickal was born in 1942 in Michigan. Her father, Lee Sickal, was a pastor. She spent her childhood and high school years in Battle Creek, Michigan. For a short time, she even worked for the Kellogg Company.
Her Education and Meeting Bill
After graduating from Clare High School, Gloria went to Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. She studied English, French, and Sociology. She was also active in the Drama Club and honor societies.
After college, Gloria became a French teacher at Alexandria Monroe High School. There, she met Bill Gaither, who taught English. They got married in 1962. Soon after, they started writing songs together for fun.
In 1991, Gloria went back to school. She earned a Master of Arts degree in British and American Literature from Ball State University.
Her Amazing Career
Bill and Gloria Gaither started writing songs in the 1960s. Many of their songs became very popular in churches. Songs like "Because He Lives," "I Am Loved," and "Something Beautiful" are still sung today.
By the late 1960s, Gloria, Bill, and Bill's brother Danny Gaither formed the Bill Gaither Trio. They traveled, sang, and recorded the songs Bill and Gloria wrote. After almost 30 years with the trio, Gloria focused on the Gaither Homecoming series. She has been a key part of every video production.
In 1996, Gloria helped create Gaither Family Resources in Alexandria, Indiana. She is now a co-owner and manager there. In 2002, she started Homecoming: The Magazine. She writes, interviews, and helps edit the magazine.
In 2000, Bill and Gloria were honored as Christian Songwriters of the Century by ASCAP. This award recognized them for having the most songs recorded over 100 years. Gloria has also received seven honorary doctorate degrees. She has written over 40 books, including 20 books for children!
Awards and Special Honors
Gloria Gaither has received many awards for her work.
- Grammy Awards (from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences)
- 1973: Best Inspirational Performance for "Let's Just Praise The Lord" with the Bill Gaither Trio.
- 1975: Best Inspirational Performance for "Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You" with the Bill Gaither Trio.
- 1999: Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Kennedy Center Homecoming.
- 2001: Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Bill & Gloria Gaither Present a Billy Graham Music Homecoming.
- GMA Dove Awards (from the Gospel Music Association)
- 1976: Inspirational Album of the Year for Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You.
- 1985: Song of the Year for "Upon This Rock".
- 1986: Songwriter of the Year.
- 1999: Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with the Bill Gaither Trio.
- 2002: Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame again for her ongoing work in gospel music.
- 2007: Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for "Give It Away".
- Other Important Awards
- 1997: Inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame.
- 2005: Inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
- 2008: Received the Sachem Award, Indiana's highest honor. This award is given for a lifetime of excellence and for bringing honor to Indiana.
See also
In Spanish: Gloria Gaither para niños
