By Loretta Gillespie

Correspondent

Wes Hampton is quick to tell you that he never sang publicly until he was in his mid-teens, and that he is still, after all this time, somewhat shy about singing in front of a crowd.

Coming from a guy who is now singing with one of the most well-known and beloved gospel groups in history, and has performed with them from coast to coast in the United States, in South Africa, South America, Brazil, and in Eastern European countries, like Rumania and Hungry, it’s hard to imagine his being shy.

“When I get up there and get started, and especially if the audience is responding well, I get over that quickly,” Hampton laughed. “God uses my weakness to make me strong, but it’s good to have others up there with me to help carry the load.”

Like many singers he can tell when the audience is responding to the message the Gaither’s bring. “You can just tell the Spirit is in a place when the crowd is connecting spiritually and emotionally, and is receptive to the song and to the Holy Spirit,” he said.

He grew up just outside Memphis, Tennessee, where he joined a quartet in high school. It was then he came to realize that he might just be good at this. Indeed, he was so good that at the relatively young age of 27, he was chosen by Bill Gaither to sing with the world famous Gaither Vocal Band.

“God has gifted me with this talent,” he said humbly. “It has been a joy; I truly love doing what I’m doing.”

Traveling through the week gives him time at home with his family, too, which consists of his wife, Andrea, who is a family therapist, and four growing boys ages 5-11.

Before starting his career with the Gaither Vocal Band, Hampton was the associate worship leader at The Church at Brook Hills, in Birmingham, where his family lives. He worked there with choirs and was the praise team leader, but when the opportunity to sing with the Gaithers came along, he made the decision to try something different.

“The daughter of a friend sent some of my tapes in to Bill Gaither,” he said. “I was invited to audition with them. Bill Gaither was amazed at the number of their songs that I knew the words to — even more than the guy who was singing baritone.”

He knew those words because the Gaithers had been one of his earliest influences. He spent many hours singing along with their CDs as a teenager.

The audition lasted seven weeks. “I wasn’t actually seeking this, it just happened, so I know God’s hand was in it, and that helps me to keep things in perspective.”

That was 10 years ago, and as soon as he signed on to join them, it was off to see the world.

He has since had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall, and with the Billy Graham Crusade in New York City, in Hawaii and Alaska, on Caribbean cruises, and in Europe.

He has had the privilege of meeting many famous singers on his travels with the band, people like George Beverly Shea, Franklin Graham, and many of the legends in country and pop music. The band has recorded in Martina McBride’s husband’s Blackbird Studio.

“I’m amazed,” he says of the whirlwind his life had become. “I’ve often wondered if this was really happening to me. I’m living out my dream.”

Hampton says that relating to the audience is part of the reward of this life. “It’s part of the spiritual side of this to get to hear people tell stories of how the music has gotten them through difficult times in their lives. There are so many powerful things in the truth of what we sing.”

The audiences vary from city to city, from state to state, and from country to country. “We were amazed at the following in Europe,” he said.

In South Africa the Gaither Vocal Band was treated like rock stars. “The band hadn’t been there before, so none of us were really prepared for that,” he said.

They perform about 65 times per year. At the age of 75, Bill Gaither is still going strong, and most of the time their concerts last for approximately three hours. For that reason, Hampton and other members of the band frequently switch up vocal parts so that it gives their voices a break. “That really depends on the song, but it’s nice to be able to sing other parts.” Although his part is considered first tenor, he can pinch hit like the pro that he is, on lead and baritone.

On the weekends, he often sings solo at various churches and functions. On May 3, he will be singing at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church in Cullman. The concert starts at 6 p.m. with the doors opening at 5:30. Tickets are $10 per person, and are available at O.F. Richter and Sons, and through the office at St. John’s Church.

“We are so excited about having Wes at St. John’s Church and are looking forward to a wonderful evening of worship with him,” said Karen Hassel, Office/Facilities Administrator at St. John’s. “He is a strong Christian and stands strong in his faith and has a beautiful tenor voice.”

Hampton has visited St. John’s before and says that he is looking forward to returning. He also writes music and will have his new CD with him at the event. His favorite song is one he wrote for his sons, called, “Out On a Limb”. “The song explains how no matter what you do, God still loves you,” he said. “I don’t think that enough children realize that they have unconditional love with God.”

“We are looking forward to having Wes back at St. John’s,” said Minister of Christian Education, Steve Wood. “This is our 141st Heritage Sunday and we welcome Wes’ d message in song and his great testimony. He is a great singer and has a heart for singing and seeing people respond to the message.”

When: May 3 at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

Cost: $10 each. Available at O.F. Richter and Sons and St. John’s Church office. For more information, call the church office at 256-734-0344.