Something Beautiful: The Stories Behind a Half-Century of the Songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither

by Gloria Gaither

What began 50 years ago, when two high-school English teachers in an Indiana farm community began writing songs to express spiritual insights, has become a volume of church standards sung the world over. Bill and GloriaGaither's songs have found permanenthomes in people's heartsand hymnals, making this coupleamong the most prolific and popularin Christian music history. Nowfans and music lovers can see insidethe inspiration and life eventsthat created the songs they singmost, including Because He Lives,There's Something About That Name, and The Family ofGod. In her trademark elegant prose, Gloria has created abeautiful keepsake for all those who love Christian musicand its history.

Genres: Spirituality, Music, Christian, Nonfiction

Audio CD

First published May 2, 2007

Reviews

[Madelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year was 1979 and we walked into the auditorium at the Natural Resources Building on the campus of Utah State University in Logan for church. The gathering of people there were singing songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither which I had never heard before. The praise movement had just started and they were leaders of this beautiful music. Their songs touched my heart and my fingers as I sang and played them on the piano. This beautifully written book by Gloria tells the story of 74 of the more than 700 songs she and her husband wrote separately and together. The stories behind these songs are also stories of their lives and their family over the years they have been writing lyrics and composing the familiar melodies we love that accompany them. Gloria is a beautiful writer, sharing highs and lows of their music ministry since the 1960's. It was a delight to read. Get out your hankie!

[Rebecca W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read through every song in this book, but it was so great to read so many stories behind their songs firsthand from Gloria. The triumphs and tragedies they’ve faced, and the songs that stem from them all, will leave a legacy for generations of believers.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book. Gloria gives the backstory to 74 of the songs she & Bill have written over the years. Loved hearing about the work put into the songs.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed some of the behind-the-scenes information that is about some of the great songs the Gaithers have created. Gloria is a great writer and it shows in her very descriptive observations about everyday life and the smallest things that can mean so much to us. I do wish it would have included a bit more stories about some of the details that inspired them. Some of the stories about the songs seem kind of vague. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloria's my cousin so my copy is autographed.