Gaither Officially Announces Matthew Holt As Pianist

Alexandria, IN - The audience at National Quartet Convention received a surprise announcement on Friday night, September 14, when Bill Gaither announced from stage that the new full-time piano player for the Gaither Vocal Band and the Gaither Homecoming Tour is Matthew Holt. Holt, too, was surprised and delighted at the announcement but is well prepared to accept his new role.

Matthew has been playing piano professionally since he was 19, when he was invited to accompany the award-winning family group The Perrys full-time. He remained with the Perrys from 2004 until 2008, receiving multiple nominations for Singing News Fan Awards for Top Musician during those years. Matthew came off the road after he and his wife, Lindsey, had their first child and Matthew went to work as Associate Director of Bethel University's Renaissance program in his hometown of McKenzie, Tennessee. He and the university intend for Matthew to remain on staff at Bethel for as long as possible while he also works with the Gaither Vocal Band and Gaither Homecoming Tour.

First inspired by late piano legend Anthony Burger, Matthew attended a Kingsmen concert at age two that would forever change the course of his life. He watched Anthony play and imitated him starting that very night. His parents bought him a piano the following year and he began taking lessons in grade school until he eventually realized his ultimate goal to play for a gospel group. In October of 2007, Matthew experienced a full-circle moment when he was chosen to play piano at Anthony Burger's induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Thrilled to accept his new role with the Gaither tour, Matthew states, "To be a member of the Gaither Family is a dream come true. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of this established and highly respected musical tradition. Words can't describe how excited I am about this opportunity!"

Bill Gaither is equally thrilled that Matthew has accepted this new role, stating, "The Gaither Vocal Band has been blessed to only have two piano players in our history until now, and both have been tremendous. Now, to be blessed once again with a musician of Matthew Holt's caliber is quite a gift! What a joy it is to welcome this fine young man to the family."

Matthew and Lindsey have two children: a son, Fletcher (4) and a daughter, Ridley (1). The family resides in McKenzie, Tennessee, where Matthew was born and raised.

Press Release from Singing News News, September 27, 2012 http://www.singingnews.com/Southern-Gospel-News/11678486/

2011 Alto Singer of the Year, Libbi Perry Stuffle, Announces First Solo Project

Hendersonville, TN (November 7, 2011) – After nearly 41 years on the road with the Perrys, the 2011 Alto of the Year, Libbi Perry Stuffle, is excited to announce the release of her first Daywind Records’ solo project, entitled Journey.  Produced by Wayne Haun, the CD includes 7 previously recorded songs featuring Libbi, and 5 brand new songs written by Kyla Rowland, Joseph Habedank, Matthew Holt, Wayne Haun and Rodney Griffin.

Journey, is now available at retail stores nationwide and features guest appearances by Libbi’s brother and sister, Randy Perry and Debra Perry Reed, as well as Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Dailey & Vincent, Sisters and Wayne Haun.

”I am excited about my first solo CD! At first when approached about doing it, I said absolutely not. I am not a solo singer, but after a lot of persuading from Tracy, I gave in,” shares Libbi Perry Stuffle.   “I finally got to sing with some of my heroes that I had dreamed of for so long! We all have a bucket list and this was on mine. I got to bring in Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, Dailey & Vincent, Randy Perry, Debra Perry Reed, Wayne Haun, Tracy Stuffle, the Sisters and Jeff & Sheri Easter. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning in the studio listening to my heroes sing on my CD!  The CD is not fancy, but it's just me and who I am and the music I love!  It's been a long JOURNEY, but I've always had a song!”

The first single from the project, “His Grace Will Lead Me Home,” was released to Southern Gospel radio last month.

Journey is available at Christian retail stores across the country and digitally at iTunes and other outlets.  Bulk purchasing for gift and ministry purposes is available by calling 1-800-635-9581.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors.  In addition to the Perrys, Daywind is home to many other great artists such as Karen Peck & New River and Greater Vision, among others.  For more information on Libbi Perry Stuffle and the rest of the Perrys, visit perrysministries.com.  For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com.