I am so happy to be able to have 10 DVDs with continuous music to pacify my spirit and renew my dedication to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I can literally sit for hours just basking in the midst of these sweet, gentle melodies to settle my heart and mind. I feel extremely blessed to have found such a monumental addition to my DVD and CD library and it is a delight to revisit performances by some of the best legendary gospel artists to have blessed this Earth. This is a wonderful gift for anyone who just wants to feel the love of God.
Bill Gaither's Homecoming Hymns must be experienced to appreciate its total value. Artists bring interviews, stories, memories, humor and song to this elaborate collection, and you get to feel the family love and respect they have for one another and the gifts that God has bestowed on them. Joni Eareckson Tada and Vestal Goodman bring hope and encouragement with "Farther Along," while Evie Karlsson uplifts with "Standing in the Need of Prayer." Also, returning back to the stage after his accident, George Jones joins Vestal with the victorious "Angel Band." You'll watch Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham sing "This Little Light of Mine," and Romance Watson warms your heart with "Pass Me Not." There are so many other blessings you'll receive from sharing this collection of music with others.
Throughout their Homecoming Hymns, the Gaithers share their love of God and music and their appreciation for the strength that the old-time hymns have given to all with their sheer endurance. Gloria Gaither reads some of the lyrics that touched her heart and marvels at the glorious poetry they bring to their ministry of souls. Cynthia Clawson lifts your spirits with "Softly and Tenderly" in the Church in the Wildwoods. You'll see Andraé Crouch and Cece Winans with "Through It All," and Larnelle Harris fills your soul with "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." Jessy Dixon reminisces about gospel legend Mahalia Jackson as seen in a clip sung with Lynda Randle where they share "Down By the Riverside." Wintley Phipps gives some history of the slave spirituals and retraces the origination of "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, the captain of a slave ship, and then he delivers his haunting rendition that will send shivers down to your feet.
Bill Gaither's Homecoming Hymns bonus features include a 48-page booklet of the Hymns and a free Christmas CD to use anywhere to enrich the moment. There are 15 memorable Christmas songs in this collection; some old traditional songs like "Away In a Manger" and "Silent Night," but I was inspired by "Mary, Did You Know" sung by Mark Lowry, Guy Penrod, and David Phelps. Each hymn disc concludes with a Bonus "Behind-the-Scenes" with conversations about songs, performances, histories or artists. This abundant collection has been a joyous gift, and whether I want to view the DVDs or just listen to the CD in my car, I will cherish the blessings they will bring for years to come.
There are so many singers and musicians to applaud for their contribution to this colossal task that it would take days to name them all. But first of all a big "thank you" goes out to Bill and Gloria Gaither for bringing us this celebrated work, and this collection is not without tributes. Bill pays tribute to Eva Mae LeFevre (now deceased) of The LeFevres, and you can always count on this collection's praise of patriotism to America and it's freedom with the Gaither Vocal Band's "Star Spangled Banner." But, just to mention a few of the artists gracing this production, included are Wesley Pritchard, Stephen Hill, Russ Taff, Johnny Minick, Doug Oldham, Michael English, Woody Wright, The Florida Boys, Elvis' Imperials, Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, Geron Davis, Anthony Burger, Reggie Smith, Ivan Parker, Ernie Haase, Jack Toney, Larry Ford, and Jim Hamill. Janet Paschal gives an outstanding performance in "How Great Thou Art," and David Phelps sings a Dvořák classic, "Goin' Home," that will leave you breathless!
After listening to the first few songs on the Bill Gaither's Homecoming Hymns I felt like dancing as if I were in an old-time tent revival and that's just what this collection did -- it refreshed and renewed my spirit, and took me way back to the memory of those revivals that brought me closer to God. One song in particular that blessed my soul was "The Lifeboat" with Howard and Vestal Goodman. I had never heard it before and it simply embraced me. If you're searching for the peace and joy of the Lord, you'll find it in Bill Gaither's Homecoming Hymns!
