Bill and Gloria Gaither have never measured their story by milestones alone. They have defined success by writing songs that have resonated with people over their 50+ year career through voices they have lifted up, and by a calling that has outlasted every format change the music business has thrown their way. Still, some moments deserve to be named.

On December 16, 2025, executives and staff from Gaither Music Group and Capitol CMG gathered in Nashville to celebrate two remarkable benchmarks in a shared journey: 30 years of partnership and more than 10 billion streams across the Gaither music brand. The morning was a reflection on what can happen when a catalog is stewarded with care and conviction, and when a decades-long relationship keeps finding new ways to serve listeners across multiple generations.

Gloria and Bill Gaither

(From L to R) Brad O’Donnell, President CCMG; Bill Gaither; Gloria Gaither; Paul Sizelove, President Gaither Music Group

For the Gaithers, the occasion also underscored a rare feat in modern music: a body of work rooted in tradition that has continued to expand its reach in a streaming-first world. Long before “catalog strategy” became industry language, Bill and Gloria were building something that would last, writing from real life and real faith, creating songs meant not only to be heard, but to be sung. Over the course of their career, their collaborations have produced more than 700 songs, including standards that have become part of the fabric of gospel music.

That legacy has been carried not only through songwriting, but through an unmistakable commitment to production and community-building. From the Gaither Homecoming phenomenon, which helped redefine how gospel music could be presented on screen and on stages around the world, to their work developing and celebrating artists across the broader Christian and gospel landscape, the Gaithers have remained both curators and contributors.

Their reach spans recordings, television, touring, and a digital ecosystem that has introduced their music to millions of new listeners. In 2000, Bill and Gloria were named “Songwriters of the Century” by ASCAP.

The accolades match the impact. Collectively, Bill and Gloria Gaither have earned eight GRAMMY Awards and more than a dozen GRAMMY nominations, along with more than 44 GMA Dove Awards. They are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and their influence is regularly cited as foundational to the growth and visibility of the genre.

In recent years, their audience has continued to expand through Gaither Music’s digital channels (amassing more than 4 billion views on its YouTube channel), as well as new platforms like Bill Gaither’s enLighten on SiriusXM, extending the Gaither sound and story to listeners across the country.

“With God’s strange sense of humor, this whole thing happened,” said Bill Gaither. “All I am is a cook in the kitchen. To have any claim on the success of this would not be honest. There are many people who are involved in [the process].”

“I still believe that when I write a song and shoot it into the air, I have no idea where it’s going to land and what life it’s going to change,” said Gloria Gaither. “We hear from folks all over the planet who tell us, ‘That arrow landed in my heart.’ I believe in art. After the debates are done, and the news is turned off… art will still speak.”

“For more than 30 years, our partnership with Gaither Music has been built on a shared commitment to music that brings people together across generations and around the world,” said Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group. “We’re grateful for what we’ve accomplished together and excited about what’s ahead.”

“I’ve been blessed to be part of this for 30 years. We create and build community by partnering with artists, ministries, musicians, and songwriters,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group. “Our partnership with CCMG has brought our music to the world.”

The December gathering in Nashville was also a reminder of how distinctive the Gaither story is. While their music has reached the world, their roots have never shifted. The Gaithers have long been known for building from the ground up, from their early years as teachers to a life in music that remained anchored in the values of home, faith, and craft. That steadiness has helped make their catalog a living thing, one that continues to find new audiences while remaining deeply recognizable to the people who have carried these songs for decades.

“We’re going to write just as long as it takes for us all to set sad, heavy spirits free,” said the Gaithers. “It’s all we know.”

As Gaither Music Group and Capitol CMG enter the next chapter of their partnership, the 10 billion-stream milestone is not a finish line. It is a snapshot of momentum, proof that songs built on truth and melody can travel farther than anyone imagines, especially when they are supported by a team committed to honoring the past while leaning into what comes next.

Churches now have access to a new resource designed to help worship teams prepare with clarity and confidence. CCLI has introduced Rehearse, an all-in-one rehearsal solution created to make practicing simpler, more effective, and easier to access for worship musicians and vocalists.

Rehearse gives teams a centralized way to learn their parts outside of rehearsal and arrive ready to lead worship. By integrating directly with leading worship platforms, it addresses common challenges churches face – limited rehearsal time, fragmented practice materials, and volunteers trying to learn songs from MP3s, YouTube videos, or playlists that weren’t designed for rehearsal.

Versatile and Easy to Use

Rehearse includes a streamlined set of tools built specifically for learning worship music. Musicians can focus on their individual instrument or vocal part using isolated Up Mixes, then rehearse with Down Mixes to hear how their part fits within the full arrangement. On-demand looping makes it easy to repeat challenging sections, transitions, or musical phrases until they feel comfortable.

The platform features a growing song library powered by Loop Community, with songs available in all twelve keys and supported by Click & Cue tracks. Rehearse works seamlessly within SongSelect, Loop Community, and WorshipTools, allowing teams to practice in the same places they already plan and prepare.

Practical for Any Church or Team

Rehearse is built to support churches of every size, from small volunteer-led worship teams to larger ministries with multiple weekend, midweek, and youth teams.

Pricing is determined by church size rather than the number of users, so teams can add new members without increasing costs. With no seats to manage, every musician can easily be included. For teams that need added flexibility, RehearsePlus enhances the experience with access to original Master Tracks and a Dynamic Mixer. This allows users to mix, pan, mute, and solo parts in real time, creating a personalized practice environment that works across all supported platforms.

A Tool to Support Confident Worship Leadership

With Rehearse, CCLI aims to reduce friction in the rehearsal process and help worship teams show up prepared and unified. By combining an intuitive rehearsal experience, powerful practice tools, and seamless integrations, Rehearse provides churches with a dependable way to equip their teams to lead with confidence.

As UNITED’S music director Dylan Thomas shares: “Confidence isn’t accidental. It’s prepared. Rehearse makes practice stress free and straightforward for you team.”

Rehearse offers a practical and flexible solution for churches looking to simplify preparation and strengthen worship leadership.

A powerful new documentary titled “The First Hymn” is set to make its debut. The film is centered on the creation of “The First Hymn,” a new worship song written by Grammy-winning artists Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding. It is inspired by the discovery of an ancient manuscript believed to contain the earliest known Christian hymn. 

The film follows the creative and spiritual journey of Chris, Ben, and their teams as they bring this ancient text into the present day. They explore how history, theology, and worship intersect in the songwriting process as they reflect on translating one of Christianity’s earliest expressions of faith into a modern worship context.

You can check it out in theaters across the country March 24th & 26th, 2026.

Watch Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding performing the song for the first time:

Christensen joined the CCLI team in 1998 after a 20-year career in banking. In his previous role as Chief Intellectual Property Officer, he was responsible for the publisher and rights owner side of CCLI’s enterprise, and was actively engaged in global copyright matters, including rights, publisher relations, contract development, as well as repertoire and royalty management. In 2023, he was appointed President.

L-R: Gary Christensen, Matt McCoy, Nate Scott

Nate Scott and Matt McCoy have been promoted to CoPresidents of The CCLI Group of Companies effective January 1, 2026, which includes CCLI, Loop Community, Sunday Sounds, Christian Copyright Solutions (CCS), and WorshipTools. Christensen will serve as Outgoing President until October. During this period, he will serve in an advisory capacity to support the leadership transition with McCoy and Scott. 

“I am grateful for all that Gary has accomplished over his outstanding career with CCLI,” said Malcolm Hawker, Chief Operating Officer of SESAC Music Group and CEO of CCLI. “I am very proud of our leadership team, and I have full confidence that Matt and Nate will continue to provide outstanding leadership and service to all our clients.”

Scott previously served as Senior Vice President of Operations at CCLI, where he oversaw a global team serving churches, publishers, and songwriters. He joined the company in 2014 after years as a project manager in the web development industry.

McCoy is the creator of Loop Community, a music technology company providing multitracks, software, and hardware for church musicians in live performance. Additionally, he served as President of WorshipTools and Sunday Sounds, where he supervised teams building simple, powerful, and affordable technology for churches and worship teams.

McCoy and Scott both bring years of service and dedication to their respective organizations, as well as their local churches. Additionally, they share a passion for innovating and equipping churches with the tools and technology they need for impactful worship.

About the CCLI Group:

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) a global rights licensing and resource company, Church Copyright Solutions (CCS), Loop Community, Sunday Sounds and WorshipTools, serves over 240,000 churches, schools, and other organizations globally and represents the intellectual property rights of over 5,000 church music publishers and song owners. The CCLI group is a division of SESAC Music Group.

Acclaimed Christian recording artist Micah Tyler is set to hit the road with his newly announced tour, Micah Tyler Live In Concert, bringing an unforgettable evening of music, faith, and encouragement to audiences across the southeast. Known for his authenticity, heartfelt storytelling, and uplifting performances, Tyler continues to connect with fans through songs that speak to real life and unwavering hope.

Micah Tyler Live In Concert is a powerful night of music, faith, and encouragement featuring fan-favorite songs like “Different,” “Walking Free,” “Even Then,” and more. The evening blends high-energy worship moments with meaningful stories of hope and God’s faithfulness, creating an atmosphere that invites audiences to reflect, celebrate, and be encouraged.

“I’m so excited to get back out on the road and worship with people face-to-face,” says Tyler. “These nights are about more than just music, they’re about creating space for people to be encouraged, to lift their eyes, and to be reminded that God is still working in their lives. I can’t wait to see what God does in every city we visit.”

Joining Micah on the road will be special guests Emerson Day and Micah Christopher, adding even more depth and energy to an already impactful night of worship and inspiration.

An exclusive pre-sale begins Wednesday, February 11th, with tickets available to the public starting Friday, February 13th at 10am local time. To sign up for the pre-sale,

About Micah Tyler:

Micah Tyler is an award-winning Christian recording artist whose journey from southeast Texas to national stages is a story of faith, perseverance, and obedience. After stepping out of ministry to pursue music full time, Micah has gone on to earn multiple Dove Award and K-LOVE Award nominations, four BMI Top 25 Christian Songs, and eight #1 hits.

He has toured with artists including MercyMe, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Phil Wickham, and Big Daddy Weave, and his music has been featured in a major motion picture. Known for songs that reflect real-life faith and hope, Micah continues to impact audiences across the country through powerful live performances and honest, encouraging music.

About TPR.:

With over 75 years of combined experience in concert and event promotion, TPR. was formed in 2024 from the three leading faith-based promotion companies: Transparent Productions, Premier Productions, and Rush Concerts. Together, TPR. is the largest promoter in the genre, promoting first-class Christian and Gospel concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums.

TPR.’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom, and many more.

How Sweet The Sound™ will air nationwide in February 2026 through broadcast television syndication, reaching audiences across the United States during Black History Month. The one-hour special will be available on major broadcast television networks and affiliates, offering viewers a powerful celebration of gospel music, faith, and cultural legacy.

Designed to honor Black History Month, the 2026 syndicated broadcast highlights the enduring influence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the rich tradition of gospel music. The program brings together celebrated artists, renowned choirs, and a national platform dedicated to excellence, heritage, and spiritual expression.

Featured choir performances include the New Direction Gospel Choir of Tennessee State University, the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale, and the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir, each representing the musical excellence and cultural impact of HBCUs across America.

How Sweet The Sound™ is hosted by Donald Lawrence and features performances by J.J. Hairston, Jekalyn Carr, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Ricky Dillard, and Vincent Bohanan, with a special appearance by Comedian “GRIFF”.

“This moment is bigger than a show—it’s a cultural celebration,” said Nate Brown, CEO of How Sweet The Sound™.

Following the national broadcast, audiences will also be able to experience How Sweet The Sound™ live in concert on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30 PM at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

After a breakout year that has firmly established her as one of Christian music’s fastest-rising new voices, Megan Woods is set to embark on her first-ever headlining tour this spring. The Truth Tour will visit 22 cities across the U.S., bringing Woods’ powerful message of identity, hope, and God’s redeeming love to audiences nationwide.

The tour will feature special guests Caleb & John, the duo behind the #1 hit “Somebody Like Me,” along withAmerican Idol and The Voice contestant Jeremy Rosado. Together, the lineup promises nights filled with meaningful worship, authentic storytelling, and genuine connection.

“The Truth Tour is a declaration of who God says we are,” Woods shares. “My music has come from a place of finding my worth and identity in Jesus, and experiencing His saving grace in real, personal ways. My prayer is that every night on this tour we get to lift our voices, declare who God says we are, and see lives change by His truth.

This being my first headlining tour is incredibly meaningful, and bringing out Caleb and John and Jeremy Rosado with me makes it even more special. I truly believe the Lord is going to meet us in these rooms and do something powerful every night.”

Named Billboard’s Best New Christian Artist of the Year for 2025, Woods has experienced unprecedented momentum following the release of her debut single “The Truth.” The song was recently certified Gold by the RIAA, became the largest breakout debut single in Christian music in the last four years, and has reached #1 on iTunes in 52 countries. With over 100 million global streams, “The Truth” has quickly become an anthem of identity and faith for listeners around the world.

With The Truth Tour, Megan Woods invites audiences into an evening of worship, testimony, and bold declarations of faith marking a major milestone in a rapidly rising career. An exclusive pre-sale begins Friday, February 6th, with tickets available to the public starting Monday, February 9th at 10am local time. For the full list of dates, tickets, and more information, visit meganwoodsofficial.com.

About Megan Woods:

Megan Woods is a breakout Christian music artist whose powerful vocals and honest songwriting are rooted in a personal journey of discovering identity, worth, and hope in Jesus. Signed to Fair Trade Services, Woods is known for her Gold-certified debut single “The Truth,” which has become a global anthem of faith and freedom. Through her music, Megan shares her story of redemption and her passion to help others encounter God’s love in real and personal ways.

About TPR.:

With over 75 years of combined experience in concert and event promotion, TPR. was formed in 2024 from the three leading faith-based promotion companies: Transparent Productions, Premier Productions, and Rush Concerts.

Together, TPR. is the largest promoter in the genre, promoting first-class Christian and Gospel concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums. TPR.’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom, and many more.

The Gospel Music Association, in partnership with Kingdom + Culture, Adarga Entertainment Group, Integrity Music, and TPR., was proud to host the 2026 Kingdom + Culture Christian & Gospel Reception Saturday, January 31st, during GRAMMY® week in Los Angeles.

Hosted by AJ RAMOS, the reception gathered more than 200 artists, creatives, and industry leaders to celebrate the Christian and Gospel GRAMMY® nominees shaping today’s music and culture. 

“What a joy it was to come together with our community and celebrate all that God is doing in Christian and Gospel music. We’re proud to support these artists and creatives who are taking the message of hope to the world.” -Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association

L to R: Israel Houghton, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Jackie Patillo (GMA), Lecrae, AJ RAMOS

L to R: Henry Alonzo (Adarga Entertainment Group), Alex Davila (Adarga Entertainment Group), AJ RAMOS, Edgar Sotelo 

L to R: Holly Zabka (Provident Entertainment), Jackie Patillo (GMA), Jared Gibo (TPR.), Justin Fratt (GMA), Alexandra Mohilowski (GMA)

L to R: Jackie Patillo (GMA), Justin Fratt (GMA)

L to R: Breanna Nix, Sharayah Daves, Rylie O’Neil

L to R: Jayvonne Chiriboga, Aaron Moses, Gilbert Nanlouhy (Integrity Music)

L to R: Victoria Lawson, Georgia Evans, Jacob Lawson, Zac Lawson

L to R: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols

L to R: Jackie Patillo (GMA), Emily Dashiell (Capitol Christian Music Group), Jonny Rays (Anotherland)

L to R: Lauren Stellato (Amazon Music), Alex Davila (Adarga Entertainment Group), Stephanie Calvinisti (Adarga Entertainment Group)

L to R: Nathan David Jr., Sofia Watkins, Tamela Mann, David Mann, Jackie Patillo (GMA)

Four of Christian music’s most respected songwriters have joined forces to create Poets & Prophets. Together, experienced worship leaders Rebekah White Williams, Josh Farro, Mitch Wong, and Tommy Iceland have created a fresh musical group poised to combine and expand their collective creativity. The chart-topping, award-winning songwriters have signed a recording contract with Fair Trade Services, who will release Poets & Prophets’ first single, “Make Room,”on Mar. 13, 2026.

“We are so fortunate to partner with four individually successful voices that have come together with a heart to bring the body into worship as a collective,” shares Fair Trade Service’s James Rueger. “I have known and respected all four of them over the years and it’s exciting to finally get to work together!”

The powerhouse lyricists that comprise Poets & Prophets have written songs recorded by some of the biggest names in the genre, including CeCe Winans, Phil Wickham, Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, ELEVATION RHYTHM, Chris Tomlin and Maverick City Music, among many others.

Between the four writers, they have 144 songs charting on CCLI in the top 2000, underscoring their deep impact on the Church’s modern worship canon. With a dual calling to both draw listeners into the wonder and beauty of God and to embrace the harder, countercultural work of stirring hearts to worship, Poets & Prophets wants their music to echo the timeless truths of Scripture, reminding the Church of the transformative power of faith.

Their introductory single, “Make Room,” will also serve as their official radio debut when it drops next month. The moving worship anthem was written by Williams andFarro, along with EvelynHeideriqui and LucasCortazio. Simultaneously intimate and bold, Poets & Prophets’ version of “Make Room” invites listeners to clear away distractions and create space for God’s presence to dwell. Moreover, it sets the tone for the group’s mission: to craft music that is as beautiful as it is challenging, rooted in Scripture and overflowing with the Spirit.

ABOUT POETS & PROPHETS: Poets & Prophets is a collective of songwriters in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) world, united by a shared passion to create more than just songs — to create moments of encounter. The band brings together Rebekah White Williams, Josh Farro, Mitch Wong and Tommy Iceland — four voices that have already shaped the landscape of modern worship and CCM.

With lyrics rooted in truth and melodies shaped by some of the industry’s finest, Poets & Prophets exists not to entertain, but to awaken. Their music is an invitation to experience both the beauty and the boldness of God’s presence. Their first single, “Make Room,” releases Mar. 13, 2026. Set to impact radio, the debut selection serves as a powerful introduction to the heart of Poets & Prophets.

ABOUT FAIR TRADE SERVICES: A leader in the faith-based music space, Fair Trade Services was founded in 1999 as INO Records by Jeff Moseley and was acquired by Cook Media Global in October 2025.

Fair Trade seeks to work with those who are culturally relevant, artistically excellent, and spiritually significant. Home to artists like MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Micah Tyler, Colton Dixon and more, the label has a diverse roster with multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning artists, gold-certified and platinum-certified songs and albums, and numerous No. 1 radio hits. To learn more about Fair Trade and the artists it represents, visitFairTradeServices.com.

Harry Kappen’s After the Crossing may not present itself as a traditional Christian album, but beneath its alternative rock and singer-songwriter foundation lies a deeply spiritual message that resonates with themes of grace, redemption, compassion, and the search for truth. The Netherlands-born artist’s fifth post-pandemic release becomes a reflective journey that mirrors many of the spiritual crossings believers experience in their walk of faith—leaving behind the familiar, stepping into uncertainty, and trusting in a greater purpose.

The album opens with its lead single, “Balance,” a thoughtful meditation on division and unity. From a Christian perspective, the song echoes the biblical call for wisdom, discernment, and peace.

Scripture repeatedly urges believers to seek understanding rather than conflict, and Kappen’s plea for finding harmony between extremes mirrors the call found in James 3:17, which describes heavenly wisdom as peace-loving and sincere. The song gently encourages listeners to step away from anger and embrace dialogue rooted in compassion.

http://www.hypeddit.com/harrykappen/afterthecrossing 

Kappen’s personal journey takes center stage in “No Delays,” a song about stepping into a new chapter of life. The message resonates with the faith-driven idea of trusting God’s timing and moving forward when called, even without knowing the outcome. Similarly, “Take This Step” reinforces the belief that faith often begins with action. Its uplifting message about courage and forward motion reflects the biblical encouragement to walk by faith rather than by sight.

Love and commitment form the emotional heart of the album through songs like “We’re Going to the Max” and “While Life’s Rushing By.” These tracks celebrate devotion and partnership, reflecting Christian values surrounding sacrificial love and shared purpose. The sincerity in Kappen’s songwriting highlights the beauty of relationships rooted in loyalty and perseverance.

One of the album’s most powerful moments arrives with “Distant Shore,” which offers a compassionate reflection on the refugee experience. The song strongly aligns with Christian teachings about caring for the displaced and vulnerable. Throughout scripture, believers are called to welcome strangers and serve those in need, and Kappen’s storytelling captures this humanitarian perspective with sincerity and empathy.

Tracks like “The Real Thing” and “Good Samaritans” provide perhaps the album’s clearest spiritual parallels. “The Real Thing” calls for honesty, truth, and authenticity—values central to Christian teaching—while “Good Samaritans” directly reflects the biblical parable that encourages selfless service and compassion toward others without seeking recognition.

The album concludes with “Now,” a quiet and reflective piece reminding listeners of life’s fragile and fleeting nature. From a faith perspective, the song encourages gratitude for each moment while acknowledging the temporary nature of earthly existence, reinforcing the Christian call to live purposefully and faithfully.

After the Crossing ultimately serves as a reminder that spiritual growth often comes through life transitions. Harry Kappen delivers a heartfelt collection that celebrates love, compassion, truth, and perseverance—values that reflect the heart of Christian living while offering listeners a hopeful and introspective musical journey.

–Chris Petersen