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For the American politician, please see David D. Phelps.

David Phelps is an American Christian vocalist, songwriter and vocal arranger, who is most known for his stint as tenor and soloist in the Gaither Vocal Band, with which he performed for 8 years. During and after his time with the Vocal Band, David has released several solo albums, including three Christmas collections. David has appeared on Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the Woodhouse family

Background

Singer/songwriter David Norris Phelps was born on October 21, 1969, in Texas to Gene and Mary Ella Phelps. Gene is a former accountant/banker who currently teaches business and finance at a college in Houston. Mary Ella is a retired English Professor. He has two older sisters, Sherri Proctor (who sings backup vocals for him when he tours) and Kari Lee (a professional trumpeter who tours with the Chicago-based Millar Brass Ensemble.) He grew up in Tomball, Texas near Houston and graduated from Tomball High School in 1988. He graduated from Baylor University in 1992 with a degree in music and vocal performance.

David is a lyric tenor as a trademark of his large range, especially his ability to sing in a high tessitura for sustained periods. Live recordings, whether by himself or with the Gaithers, indicate he has more than a three octave full voice range. In the first verse of "Just As I Am," off of the album "Revelation," David sings an E2. This is attested by live performances. During a performance of "When God Dips His Love In My Heart," he ably sings an F5, full voice, and sustains it for a significant period of time. During his time with the Gaither Vocal Band, his high tessitura was employed often. He was introduced to Bill Gaither by Mark Lowry, who was (and is now again) the baritone in the group. Lowry brought Gaither a tape of Phelps. During a performance of "Let Freedom Ring," he ably sings an C#5 in full voice.

David is once again, since approximately January 13, 2009, part of the Gaither Vocal Band. He is sharing the tenor part with Wes Hampton.

Personal

David's wife is Lori Purtle Phelps (also born on October 21, 1969); together the two have four children: Callie Noelle (born 1995), Maggie Beth (born 1997), David Grant (born 2000) and Coby Daniel (born 2004). Callie, Maggie Beth and Grant can be seen on the Gaither Homecoming videos "Christmas in the Country" and "A Time for Joy." The Phelps Family currently resides south of Nashville, Tennessee.

Discography

Solo Studio Albums

• 2008 The Voice
• 2005 Life is a Church
• 2004 Revelation
• 2001 David Phelps
• 1994 Journey to Grace

Solo Live Albums

• 2008 O Holy Night CD/DVD (Live with guest appearance by Jack Daniels)
• 2007 Live in Birmingham CD/DVD
• 2006 Legacy of Love CD/DVD (Certified Gold)

Solo Christmas Albums

• 2008 O Holy Night CD/DVD (Live with guest appearance by Jack Daniels)
• 2007 One Wintry Night
• 2000 Joy, Joy

Gaither Vocal Band projects

• 2009 Reunited
• 2009 Reunion Vol. 1 & 2
• 2004 Greatest Hits
• 2003 A Capella
• 2002 Everything Good
• 2000 I Do Believe
• 1999 God Is Good
• 1998 Still the Greatest Story Ever Told
• 1998 Hawaiian Homecoming

Miscellaneous

• He currently lives south of Nashville, TN with his wife Lori and their four children.
• Phelps has performed live as part of the Gaither Vocal Band at six Billy Graham Mission crusades.
• Phelps arranged several pieces for the Gaither Vocal Band; one is found on Everything Good, several on A Capella.
• He was artist in Residence at First Baptist Church, Hurst TX from 1994 to 1996.
• He directed the Baylor Religious Hour Choir, Baylor University, Waco, TX in 1992.

References

External links

• David Phelps at Allmusic
• Official website
• "When God Dips His Love" video