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■ I * Songwriters of the century Gaither and Gloria, 64, who also is an author and speaker, have written some 600 songs, including the standards "Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me" (which was recorded by Elvis Presley) and "The King Is Coming,” all of which have sold 1 million copies each of sheet music. He and Gloria have won numer ous awards, including the prestigious title of Christian Songwriters of the Century, which the music organization ASCAP bestowed on them in 2000. Gaither credits his Alexandria upbring ing with his success because it instilled in him a strong work ethic, an unconditional faith in God and a sense of humility. One long-ago moment in particular largely determined his approach to business and life. "My granddad told me, 'Bill, there are givers and there are takers in this world. You gotta make up your mind which you’re going to be,’” he says. It wasn't a hard choice, because giving was all Gaither had ever known. “Giving is a way of life,” he says, “and if you under stand that, you are going to be fulfilled.” His father, George, was a toolmaker and farmer who spent the long Indiana winters helping neighbors clear snow off of their driveways. His paternal grandfather, Gro ver Gaither, took in an orphan and later paid his way through electrician’s school. “Give it away" is Gaither's mantra, as well as the title of the new album by the (Continued on page 8) American Profile • The current lineup of the award-winning Gaither Vocal Band. Marshall Hall, Gaither, Guy Penrod and Wes Hampton. page 7 One pound. One pan. One happy family. , HHHb Upr 4® . mm ’ V .V4-' Bl wvi'* I m j Bk a! Bff uB € JJm fijl m f Mg I w JM fin I fSf 1 ffifepTfflflp' ■'« JHBBSRKb. ® - 1 sßi§P S' , v r ‘ * ' wjp; re j||- -