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Leading up to the song’s official 55th anniversary on October 18, Gaither Music will revisit memorable performances from its extensive catalog while joining artists and fans in celebrating how “Because He Lives” continues to resonate more than five decades after it was written.
Throughout October, Gaither Music’s social and digital platforms will feature classic performances alongside newly created music, along with personal reflections from Gaither artists and artists beyond the Gaither family on what the song and its message have meant to them.
Fans will also be invited to become part of the anniversary by sharing their own performances,memories and stories connected to “Because He Lives” across social media.
“‘Because He Lives’ has become more than a song in the past 55 years,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group and Gaither Music Group. “Congregations have sung these lyrics in times of celebration and sorrow, in moments of uncertainty and great hope. This anniversary is a celebration of the countless lives that have carried this song forward, and the global enduring impact of Bill & Gloria’s legacy.”
Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971, “Because He Lives” has become one of the couple’s most recognized and enduring compositions. Its message of hope and assurance has traveled far beyond its beginnings in gospel music, finding a home in churches, concert halls, recordings, and personal moments of faith around the world. It’s a song that has taken on a life of its own.
During COVID in 2020, you saw entire cities in Brazil singing the song in unison from their balconies.
The song has been interpreted by generations of artists spanning gospel, country, Christian and worship music, while remaining a cornerstone of the Gaither catalog. Versions include: The
Gaither Vocal Band, Alabama, Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Harry Connick Jr., Kristin Chenoweth, Tommee Profitt & Bay Turner, Guy Penrod, Jimmy Fortune, Wintley Phipps, The Martins, and many more.
The October celebration will highlight that musical legacy while introducing the song to new listeners through fresh performances and digital content.
As part of the anniversary campaign, Gaither Music has created two streaming collections showcasing the breadth of artists and musical styles through which “Because He Lives” has been interpreted:
Because He Lives: Contemporary Christian & Worship Collection
Listen here: https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/BecauseHeLivesContemporary
Because He Lives: Country Gospel Collection
Listen here: https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/BecauseHeLivesCountryGospel
Additional anniversary content will roll out throughout October across Gaither Music’s digital and social platforms, culminating around the October 18 anniversary and continuing through the end of the month.
For 55 years, the words “because He lives, I can face tomorrow” have carried a message of enduring hope that has transcended musical styles, generations, and even languages. This October, Gaither Music invites artists and listeners around the world to add their voices to that continuing story.