After going through a big couple of years of transitions, Gold City recently took home 3 SGN Music Awards, solidifying the group's place as one of the few prominent groups in the industry. How do you view your place in the industry and awards like this after so many years of success?
We just want to sing. We never really worry about our place in the industry. We ask God to take us each weekend and use us for His glory. As long as He makes a way for us, we will be out here. I must admit that we love awards and are blown away every time we receive one. It let's us know that people enjoy what we do. But the best award we receive is when someone tells us how God used our music to lift them up when they were in a valley, or that they were saved as a result of our music. A young man emailed me recently and shared that he had been a Christian for most of his life, but had in recent years fallen away from God. He ended up being mixed up in some pretty bad stuff in his personal life, all while playing the roll of a Christian. He came to one of our concerts and heard the song “If He was willing to die for me, I'm willing to live for Him,” and it got his attention. Stories like that are the awards that we think about when it is time to leave our families each week. Our motivation is not to earn a certain position in the industry, but to be used by God to change lives. That's what it's all about.
How have crowds and fans responded to Steve and Bill? What challenges have they faced having to fill such big shoes left by their predecessors?
They love them! There are many challenges to deal with when you're stepping in to such big shoes. Everybody is watching you like a hawk to see if you can get the job done. It is a lot of pressure for a while. These guys knew when they came on board that there were going to be challenges, but they have both stepped up and are getting the job done. They are not trying to be their predecessors, they are simply being themselves. Our fans have embraced them and made them feel at home here.
You just released Heaven - explain the process that went into recording this project. Why did you choose the song you did? What songs are having the greatest impact to listeners, fans, and your audience?
When we started talking about doing this project, we decided that we would all pick songs that we had been itching to sing. Some of them are songs that Gold City has recorded in the past; some of them are songs that we remember from our childhood. We came up with so many; it was hard to narrow it down to ten. We always enjoy new material, so we were anxious to get this project done so we could start performing these songs on stage. There is one I picked that I recorded when I sang with Tony Gore and Majesty called “Never Alone”. I remember how much people were blessed and encouraged back then so I had to do this song again. This song is having a great impact; so many people are going through storms in their lives and are discouraged. They come to us after our concerts with big tears in their eyes and share testimonies of how God spoke to them through this and other songs. Steve sings a song, called “Without a Word,” that people are responding to very well. Bill sings an old song, “I'm Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger” and absolutely does a great job on it. I've never heard it done the way he sings it. We went back and got an old GC song called “Still Small Voice,” it was one of Gerald Crabb's fist major cuts back in the 80's when we recorded it the first time. Jonathan sings it and people love it. It has a great message, but it also has a groove to it that makes it fun to sing. Doug did a great job producing this project.
Daniel & Holly just had a new addition to the family. How has this changed your view of ministry, life on the road, and parenthood?
It has changed everything. That first time I had to leave after she was born just about killed me. If it weren't for the calling God has placed on my life to sing this music, I am not sure I would be able to do it. It has always been tough to leave my wife, but now it is twice as hard. It has also made me realize more how much my dad sacrificed all those years as he traveled. I know that I will miss a lot of things just like he did, but if God can use me to impact peoples lives, it will be worth it.
So now with the release of a new album and video, what's up next for Gold City?
Our plans are to continue doing what God has called us to do, sing. He knows what is around the corner, and we will continue to trust him. As long as God continues to bless us, and bless people through our music, we will continue to burn the roads up spreading the joy of the Lord.
What has God been teaching Gold City lately?
Wow, what a question. I think He has been teaching us to trust Him. With all the changes we have faced in the last few years, we have had to place all our trust in Him. There are uncertain days in our future. The industry is changing. We are in a position to trust Him or worry about everything all the time. I believe He will take care of us, He always has.
Catch Gold City online at http://www.goldcityqt.com . Don't forget to catch their performance at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival on Thursday, July 28 at River of Life in Smyna, TN.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 07/17/2005
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 11
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Good article...
Gold City has always had & will continue to have a special place in my heart. They have weathered numerous personnel changes over the years but have never missed a beat. They continue to bless me & encourage me with their music & their dedication to God.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
I ordered "Heaven"as soon as it came available.I love it from beginning to end.I have been a fan since 1980 and this project brought back some fond memories with the old song "Still Small Voice".I have always loved these guys even through the changes that ive seen in personnel.But the message is still the same.And thats what counts.
Thank you Deon for this great article.
I'm amazed that a group that was so good 3 years ago can change half of its singing talent and remain so good! God has indeed blessed this group through the years. I have been a fan for years and will continue to be. I sing in a quartet and I know how hard it is to sound that good every time out. Only the most talented - and most blessed of God - can do it. These guys are the best, bar none!
Great Article! I have been a Fan of Gold City's for many years. The new group is great! All the guys do a great job on their parts. The Band is great too! I'm very Proud of how they have stayed committed to the cause of Christ over the Pass few years. They have had alot of changes over the pass few years, but they have stood strong and continued to serve our Lord. I'm honored to call every Guy in the Group a friend.
HI GUYS, I ENJOY YOUR MUSIC & MINISTRY. I'VE SEEN YOU IN CONCERT FEW TIMES. GODS BLESSINGS.
Great article,I've had the chance to see these guys up close and personable,when WTRM brought them to the Winchester Va area earlier this year.Let me say they flat out tore the place apart,not only with thier great vocals but thier sincerity and humility was very evident that night and our SG fans couldn't get enough of what these guys was serving up.It doesn't suprise me that you guys keep winning awards ,with what we saw these awards won't be the last.Please don't ever change,ALL you guys ARE the cream of the crop.Just keepin it real. Tim Bates
Great article. I can remember going to see Gold City for the first time in the early 80's. I was hooked from the beginning, and have remained a fan to this day. I have had the opportunity to see GC several times since all of the changes took place, and I love them. I was a big fan of Steve when he was with the Anchormen, and it was difficult to see him leave. I can say, however, that he definately made the right choice. The sound is there, the sincerity is there, so keep keeping on!!! God Bless you all.
i have never really listened to southern gospel until about two or three years ago. a friend introduced me to it. and the first group i heard was God City. i cant remeber the album that i listened to, but i enjoyed it a lot. i have several albums and have only seen them once here in texas. i enjoyed the show. i met danny and a few of the guys. but i just wanted to say i enjoy your new album "heaven." i really like the song "never alone." even with all the new changes, they are still doing an awsome job. keep up the good work guys!!!
Great Article!! Gold City, keep up the GREAT work. I've listened to your group for many years, have a few of the video's and really enjoy them. You are one of my fav's. Of all the songs I've heard you do, "The Search is Over" is by far the one I love MOST. I still cry when I listen to it. God has reall Blessed and continues to Bless each and everyone of You.
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
