Guy Penrod and Jason Crabb, two of the biggest names in Southern gospel music, are bringing their “Two Voices — One Message” tour to Highland Park Baptist Church on Thursday night.
Penrod is well-known as the Gaither Vocal Band’s lead singer with flowing salt-and-pepper locks. He sang with the Gaither Homecoming shows from 1994 to 2008, when he left to pursue a solo career.
Jason Crabb toured from 1996 to 2007 as lead vocalist of The Crabb Family. He started his solo career when the family retired from the road.
IF YOU GO* What: Guy Penrod and Jason Crabb in concert.* When: 7 p.m. Thursday.* Where: Highland Park Baptist Church, 1907 Bailey Ave.* Admission: $20 in advance, $25 day of show, $18 groups.* Phone: 493-4111.Did You Know?Guy Penrod’s guilty pleasure is banana popsicles. The person with whom he’s always wanted to sing is Celine Dion.Source: Moore Media
Both singers said in news releases they stepped out in faith.
“Looking back, I wouldn’t have traded a moment of my time with the Gaithers,” said Penrod. “I felt called for that season, and I felt I had purpose… and was valued for what I was contributing. I just got encouraging notes recently in the mail from both Bill and Gloria [Gaither] telling me how much they loved my new music.”
That music is his first solo country album, “Breathe Deep,” which was released in February. It reached No. 7 on the Christian charts and No. 41 on country album charts. His current single from that CD is “Are You the One.”
Crabb has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, Gaither Homecoming videos and was asked to sing for the Rev. Billy Graham’s farewell crusade in New York City.
His debut solo album in 2009 won the 2010 Grammy for Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass/Gospel Album.
Crabb in a news release said that after touring with his family he worried whether audiences would accept him on his own merit.
“I was a nervous wreck. It was like throwing sand into the wind. I really didn’t know how it would turn out. But I just relied on the truth I’d known for many years: The songs pick you. And once they do, if you just let the song be the song, you will know what to do with it.”
The two greats will perform individual sets and then sing together at the Highland Park show.
Officials at Highland Park said the concert will be in the church’s main sanctuary. Tickets may be purchased in advance at LifeWay Christian Bookstores, the church, on itickets.com or by calling 800-965-9324.