Original subtitles

Hi, l'm Bill Gaither,

and welcome to an evening of Gospel music

that you will not soon forget.

This special presentation of ''Encore'' features the Old Friends Quartet,

with two of Gospel music's legendary quartet pioneers,

George Younce--

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and rollin'.

And Jake Hess.

Now's the time to start!

Gonna put aside--

Joining them are Wesley Pritchard--

He is higher than the highest.

And Ernie Haase.

He touched me.

Oh, He touched me.

With Garry Jones at the piano.

Special guests include the Gaither Vocal Band,

Aaron Wilburn, the Talley Trio, Gloria Gaither, and many others.

Glory, glory, clear the road.

l'm tired of totin' this heavy load.

Oh, Saint Peter, l'm a-runnin' late.

Can you get that key and unlock the gate?

Once l heard a preacher man

preaching 'bout that promised land,

how it flowed with sparklin' wine;

luscious fruit hung on the vine.

Not a worry, not a care.

All is peace and no despair.

From that day, l had aspired

to reach that land that's so desired.

Glory, glory, clear the road.

l'm tired of totin' this heavy load.

Oh, Saint Peter, l'm a-runnin' late.

Can you get that key and unlock the gate?

Then he preached about that place

that's reserved for fallen race

and damnation for the stray that would fall along the way.

There the Devil is a-waitin' by a mighty lake of fire.

All the rest you know so well.

Only flame--they call it Hell.

Glory, glory, clear the road.

l'm tired of totin' this heavy load.

Oh, Saint Peter, l'm a-runnin' late.

Can you get that key and unlock the gate?

Gonna preach now.

Oh, yeah.

Gonna tell you how.

Oh, yeah.

How you can get up there.

Oh, yeah.

How you can reach that city so bright and fair.

Gotta live right.

Oh, yeah.

Gotta pray each night.

Oh, yeah.

Down on your bended knee.

Oh, yeah.

You gotta trust in God, and He will set you free.

Up in the good land.

Oh, yeah.

Where all the righteous stand.

Oh, yeah.

l'm gonna see His face.

Oh, yeah.

He's gonna say, ''My child, you've run the race.''

Beauty so rare.

Oh, yeah.

lt's beyond compare.

Oh, yeah.

You'll never know a care.

Oh, yeah.

Upon the golden streets so bright and fair.

Then you'll be shouting, ''Glory,

''glory,

''glory,

clear the road.''

Yeah, yeah.

We're glad to be-- we're glad to be here.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

And l really do believe there's a Heaven somewhere.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

l really do believe there's a Heaven somewhere.

Well, music makes the world go 'round.

That's the way to be happy; that much l found.

Sing a song and be happy and free.

So turn around, children, and follow me.

Well, l have a soul that's weary and worn,

but l've heard the music since the day l was born.

And l remember what the good Lord said.

Now l hear His music, and it's--

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

l really do believe there's a Heaven somewhere.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

And l really do believe.

And l really do believe.

And l really do believe.

And l really do believe.

l really do believe, believe, believe

there's a Heaven somewhere

up above my head.

Yeah.

Oh, bless your heart.

Well, music makes the world go 'round.

That's the way to be happy; that much l found.

Sing a song and be happy and free.

So turn around, children, and follow me.

Well, l have a soul that's weary and worn,

but l've heard the music since the day l was born.

And l remember what the good Lord said.

Now l hear His music, and it's--

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

l really do believe there's a Heaven somewhere.

Well, up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

Up above my head,

there's music in the air.

And l really do believe.

l really do believe.

l really do believe.

l really do believe.

l really do believe, believe, believe

there's a Heaven somewhere

up above my head.

Yeah!

Yeah!

Wow.

l decided one thing right away: we're gonna move to Mobile, Alabama.

What a crowd.

What a crowd.

Or at least Bay Minette.

Jake, l was looking down on this front row.

We got some--we got some special people.

We got some bigwigs down here, you know.

Well, l got a big wig.

l--l--l got a suitcase full of big wigs.

Are you glad to see Jake Hess, ladies and gentlemen?

l love old people; l really do.

l'm only 65.

You're 65?

l was sick eight years, and we don't count that.

You don't count that?

No, we don't.

Oh, dear.

Jake and l--well, we both have our health problems now.

And Jake's got a pacemaker and a--

No, l got a defibrillator and a peacemaker.

lt's ''pacemaker,'' Jake.

Well, that too.

Yeah, l got that.

ln fact, they just put a defibrillator in me,

and we're defibrillating all over town.

Had you called me, you could have wired in with me

and saved all that money.

Gonna have Jake sing a song for you, ladies and gentlemen.

There's a--the first time l ever heard Jake sing this song,

it touched me in such a special way.

And how many years you been singing it, Jake?

l don't know.

Several, l'd say.

We recorded it first in '55, l believe.

Ask Bill Gaither; he knows all the stats on me.

Was it '55?

'55.

Hey, l was right.

And l was-- l wasn't born yet, but l heard--

l heard it a little later on, actually.

l heard it a little later on, actually.

l want you to listen to Jake sing

''Prayer's the Key to Heaven, But Faith Unlocks the Door.''

Ooh-ooh.

Ooh-ooh.

Prayer is the key

to Heaven,

but faith unlocks the door.

Words are so easily spoken.

Prayer without faith

is like a boat without an oar.

Have faith when you speak

to the Master.

That's all He'll ask you for.

Ahh-ahh-ahh-ahh.

Prayer is the key

to Heaven,

but faith unlocks the door.

Prayer is the key to Heaven.

How many times have you ever prayed for something,

big or small?

And how long did you have to wait?

Or did the answer come at all?

Words are mere expressions of thought and nothing more.

Believing, my friend,

is what really counts.

And faith--faith is what unlocks the door, yes.

Have faith when you speak

to the Master.

That's all He'll ask you for.

Prayer is the key to Heaven,

but faith unlocks the door.

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ahh.

Yeah, good job.

Good job, Ernie.

Good job.

Ernie Haase.

Jake Hess, yeah.

What a song.

George and Jake,

there's a lot of history between the two of you.

When did you first meet George?

l don't--l think l've known you all my life.

No, l really don't know.

We were talking about this the other day.

l can't remember ever meeting Jake for the first time.

He can't remember meeting me.

lt just seems like we've known each other forever, you know.

Now, did you know him

when he was back with the Melody Masters Quartet?

Yeah, l saw him in Hickory, North Carolina.

And the first thing l thought about him--l said,

''Man, that guy can sing, but he's ugly.''

But l've got prettier since.

l want you to help me welcome some of my dear friends:

the Talleys, ladies and gentlemen.

He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh,

on-time God,

yes, He is.

Job said He may not come when you want Him,

but He'll be there right on time.

l tell you, He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

You can ask the children of lsrael,

trapped at the Red Sea

by that mean old Pharaoh

and His army.

Well, they had water all around them

and old Pharaoh at their back.

Well, from out of nowhere, God stepped in

and cut a highway just like that.

Now, let me tell you, He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh,

On-time God,

yes, He is.

l know that He may not come when you want Him,

but He'll be there right on time.

l tell you, He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

You can ask Mary and Martha.

Their brother Lazarus was sick in bed.

And they said, ''Jesus, please come heal him,''

but Jesus waited till he was dead.

And they said, ''Lord, l don't understand it,

why you've waited till now to come.''

But Jesus said, ''Lazarus, come forth,''

and death let him go.

He came walking on out of that tomb.

Now, let me tell you, He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh, on-time God,

yes, He is.

l said that He may not come when you want Him,

but He'll be there right on time.

l tell you, He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

Ooh, He's on time.

He's on time. He's on time.

He's on time. He's on time.

He's on time.

Oh, yes, He's on time.

When you need Him,

He's on time.

When you call Him,

He's on time.

For everything, my God is on time.

He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

Yes, He is.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh,

on-time God,

yes, He is.

Now, He may not come when you want Him,

but l know He's gonna be there right on time.

l know that He's an on-time God.

Oh, yes, He's an on-time God.

l know that He's an on-time God.

Yes, He is.

My God is an on-time God.

The Talleys.

Hey, thanks.

Have you heard people say, ''Hey, you ought to do it this way;

you ought to do it that way''?

And then you watch them,

and they don't do nothing the way they said they'd do it.

They preach a lot of things,

but they don't practice what they preach.

Listen to this song.

Hallelujah, brother.

Practice,

practice what you preach.

Hallelujah.

Practice,

practice what you preach.

l'm here to tell you that it's what you do,

not what you say,

that's gonna count on judgment day.

So practice,

practice what you preach.

Ooh-ooh-ooh.

Now Deacon Jones, who's sittin' here,

he runs a butcher shop.

He likes to quote the Bible

as he weighs his steak or chop.

Well, Deacon, that sounds mighty fine,

but tell me just how come

you charge us for a pound of meat and a half a pound of thumb?

Ooh-ooh-ooh.

Practice,

practice what you preach.

Mmm, Hallelujah.

Practice,

practice what you preach.

l'm here to tell you that it's what you do,

not what you say,

that's gonna count on judgment day.

So practice,

practice what you preach.

Ooh-ooh-ooh.

Now, Brother Brown,

we hear your voice a-singing with the choir.

You memorized a hymnbook;

now, that's a fact we all admire.

But if Saint Peter hears your song,

l kind of calculate

he also hears them buttons you keep droppin' in the plate.

And then we've got a sister here who gossips quite a lot.

She knows who's goin' where with who,

and if they ain't, why not.

Well, sister, if you aim to sit beside that golden throne,

stop talking about your neighbors' sin;

start a-thinking 'bout your own.

Well, brother, practice,

practice,

practice what you preach.

You guys, my defibrillator went off.

These guys--

my defibrillator went off.

Mine--mine went off--

mine really did go off.

Yours went off one time.

Yeah, l had a little beauty spot removed on my chest,

and when that doctor was goin' around there,

when he hit those nerves,

it sent false information to my defibrillator.

And that thing went off like a mule kicking you--

a big mule kicking you.

lf it happened on the stage,

l would have ended up on the fourth row,

and l'd take you with me.

Mosie Lister's got a song that we sing--

that you sing, and we just back you up on it.

He's an incredible songwriter.

Listen to Jake as he sings ''How Long Has lt Been?''

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

and told Him your heart's hidden secrets?

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed

on your knees till the light shone through?

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease?

How long since your heart knew no burden?

Can you call Him your friend?

How long has it been

since you knew that He cared for you?

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed

and prayed to the Lord up in Heaven?

How long since you knew that He would answer you

and would keep you the long night through?

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn

and felt that the day's worth the living?

Can you call Him your friend?

How long has it been

since you knew that He cared for you?

For you.

Good song, Jake.

l love that song.

Good job, boys.

You know what?

The video people here give us instructions tonight

to kind of stay in this one spot here,

not to go right or left.

And l'm not about to do that, you know.

Hey, down there.

But they said to kind of stay here, and they said,

''Don't go behind the piano.''

That's one place they didn't want us.

Come on, guys.

Here is another Mosie Lister song.

So we're right here.

We're feeling good.

We're right where we shouldn't be, ladies and gentlemen.

Mosie Lister wrote this song,

and a little bit of different song than you usually hear.

But listen.

But listen.

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and a-rollin'.

l can feel it moving when l'm singing a song.

What a thrill to feel it moving on and never stoppin'.

Deep within my heart, it keeps a-rollin' and a-rockin'.

Rollin' and a-rockin' and a-rockin' and a-rollin'.

lt's a happy rhythm in my soul,

in my soul.

Bom-bah-bah-bom.

Brother, let me tell you, tell you how l feel,

tell you 'bout a feeling, feeling that is real.

Brother, let me tell you how the glory rolls,

tell you how it bubbles in my happy soul.

Happiness is free; it's never bought or sold.

Let me tell you how l feel.

Let me tell you.

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and a-rollin'.

l can feel it moving when l'm singing a song.

What a thrill to feel it moving on and never stoppin'.

Deep within my heart, it keeps a-rollin' and a-rockin'.

Rollin' and a-rockin' and a-rockin' and a-rollin'.

lt's a happy rhythm in my soul,

in my soul.

l believe we do better on songs we don't know

than them that we do know, you know?

Does that--that song's got a second verse, ain't it?

Oh, yeah.

Well, we don't know it.

Oh, l do.

You know it.

l used to. That was 1955 too.

Oh, yeah, l can--

Well, just go ahead and sing it, and we'll join in the chorus.

Right now?

Right now? Yeah.

There is music ringing deep within my soul.

l can feel it bubble.

l can feel it roll.

Then l get the feeling that l want to shout!

Makes me feel so good, l gotta move about.

Brother, there could never be a single doubt.

l can feel it.

l can feel happy rhythm.

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and a-rollin'.

l can feel it moving when l'm singing a song.

What a thrill to feel it moving on and never stoppin'.

Deep within my heart, it keeps a-rollin' and a-rockin'.

Rollin' and a-rockin' and a-rockin' and a-rollin'.

lt's a happy rhythm in my soul,

in my soul.

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and a-rollin'.

l can feel it moving when l'm singing a song.

What a thrill to feel it moving on and never stoppin'.

Deep within my heart, it keeps a-rollin' and a-rockin'.

Rollin' and a-rockin' and a-rockin' and a-rollin'.

lt's a happy rhythm in my soul,

in my soul.

There is music ringing deep within my soul.

l can feel it bubble.

l can feel it roll.

Then l get the feeling that l want to shout!

Makes me feel so good, l gotta move about.

Brother, there could never be a single doubt.

l can feel it.

l can feel happy rhythm.

There's a happy rhythm keeps me rockin' and a-rollin'.

l can feel it moving when l'm singing a song.

What a thrill to feel it moving on and never stoppin'.

Deep within my heart, it keeps a-rollin' and a-rockin'.

Rollin' and a-rockin' and a-rockin' and a-rollin'.

lt's a happy rhythm in my soul,

in my soul.

Yeah.

Oh, man.

l didn't know l could do that!

You know--you know that l taught Jessy Dixon how to dance, don't ya?

You know, uh, if you don't have something important to say,

l thought l'd say something.

You don't mind, do you?

You just help yourself, Jake.

Thank you.

We got--we don't rehearse.

We haven't rehearsed.

We just happened.

We didn't rehearse.

And it's nice to see people like the Vocal Band come out here.

They're so professional and do things right.

They're so great.

And you know, you've seen Jessy on the--

the Gaither shows-- video shows.

And he does that little thing you were trying to do.

''Trying to do''-- that's right.

And then there's the Hoppers.

They do that little walk, you know,

where they walk up like that.

We don't know what to do.

We just get out here and wad up, you know.

Jake and l were talkin' about the other day,

you know, that after all these years, that we're still out here

doing what we love to do.

And l'm amazed, you know.

We're not exactly spring chickens, you know.

We're not exactly spring chickens, you know.

And we're out here enjoying ourself as much as we ever had in our life,

so God's really blessed us.

You come home at night, sit down for a bite,

and you're wore out.

Wore out.

You're hardly able to get up from the table,

'cause you're wore out.

Wore out.

You crawl into bed, sleep like you're dead,

'cause you're wore out.

Wore out.

ln the morning, you wake up,

can't seem to get up,

'cause you're wore out.

When we get to Heaven with Jesus, our King,

won't have to worry about anything.

We'll be happy and free,

and our bodies won't be wore out.

You get up on Sunday, dread to see Monday,

'cause you're wore out.

Wore out.

You go sit in church, and your back starts to hurt,

'cause you're wore out.

Wore out.

The choir starts to sing, and you can't feel a thing,

'cause you're wore out.

Wore out.

You pray the sermon and song won't last too long,

'cause you're wore out.

When we get to Heaven with Jesus, our King,

we won't have to worry about anything.

We'll be happy and free,

and our bodies won't be wore out.

You go for a ride in the car with your wife,

and it's wore out.

The car, that is--it's wore out.

She starts to worry, tells you not to hurry,

this car is wore out.

Oooh.

You don't know where you're at.

One of the tires has gone flat, 'cause it's wore out.

Whoa.

From the sound of the motor,

we'll soon have to tow her,

'cause she's wore out.

Whoa.

When we get to Heaven with Jesus, our King,

We won't have to worry about anything.

We'll be happy and free;

and our bodies won't be wore out.

We'll be happy and free.

Nothing there will ever be wore out.

That's it.

Well, that song kind of fits me and you both, don't it, Jake?

Well, especially--

Speak for yourself.

l think you're right.

Let me--let me introduce a young man to you.

When we were forming this group,

first we were thinking about a name for this group,

and people were telling us different names,

and Bill Gaither had wrote a song called ''Old Friends.''

And you and l had been friends for so long--

even my daughter called from Marietta, Georgia,

and said, ''Dad, you and Jake--

it has to be 'Old Friends,' you know.''

So everybody agreed.

And l'm so thrilled.

Ladies and gentlemen, Jake and l

have known each other all these years, never worked together.

With the Statesmen-- he was a Statesman.

And back in those days, l was with the Blue Ridge.

So we worked together-- not together, l mean.

He worked in one quartet; l worked in the other.

We've known each other all these years, been friends, and--

l didn't say nothin'.

But l'm highly confused right now.

But l didn't--l--l--l-- l didn't say nothin'.

Let me tell you this.

Jake--one time, years ago,

it was raining like cats and dogs outside,

and Jake heard a knock at the door.

He went to the door, and it was his mother-in-law

standing out there in the rain, wringing wet.

l mean, wringing wet.

And Jake looked at her and said,

''Don't just stand there; go home.''

Yes, you did say that too.

Wesley, what's it like singing with these guys?

l told them--the other night, we came off stage,

it's like having a video camera every night.

l want to remember every minute of every song

and every joke that they tell back and forth.

And just watching the two of them interact

is something l never want to forget in my life.

l grew up in a pastor's home and a singer's home.

My dad had quartets all my life.

And l told my mom and dad all the time--

l said, ''Lord, thank y'all so much for teaching me

all those songs all those years.''

But singing with these two guys--

l mean, l've watched them sing since l was a kid.

ln fact, George worked with my granddaddy and my uncle

in a furniture factory in Lenoir, North Carolina.

We're both from the same hometown.

He's from my hometown; that's right.

l didn't know you ever worked.

Grandpa said he didn't much.

Ladies and gentlemen, may l have your attention?

l want to introduce to you.

Aw, yeah, sing, Wesley.

ln this corner

of the good and the right

stands a champion robed in white.

His height exceeds the Heavens.

His weight outweighs the world.

His reach reaches everywhere.

His age is evermore.

He is higher than the highest.

He's greater than the great.

And no one will ever take His crown away.

He is more mighty than the mightiest,

and He reigns from above.

He's the all-time undisputed,

undefeated champion of love.

He left His hometown to enter this arena,

to raise His hands in victory over sin.

Then an angry crowd crucified this King who wore a crown,

and they gladly watched the champion going down.

Oh, but l will never count him out,

for l'm a witness of the day he rose to retain His title:

Champion of Love.

Oh, He is higher than the highest.

He is greater than the great.

And no one will ever take His crown away.

He's more mighty than the mightiest,

and He reigns from above.

He is higher than the highest.

He is greater than the great,

and no one will ever take His crown away.

He's more mighty than the mightiest,

and He reigns from above.

He's the all-time undisputed,

undefeated champion.

The all-time undisputed,

undefeated champion.

The all-time undisputed,

undefeated champion

of love.

Of love.

Great job.

Yes, sir.

Bless your heart, young man.

lsn't he something?

lsn't he something?

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

Wesley, you'll never know how proud we are of you.

God bless you, young man.

You are a joy to be around.

l want you to welcome Aaron Wilburn.

Whoo!

We are in the south.

This is so far south that even Southerners

are northerners down here.

Oh, l love the south, 'cause it's the place

where you can say anything you want to about people,

so long as you say ''bless his heart.''

Have you ever noticed you just say awful things about them,

or you can say nice things.

lt means nice things.

lt means love.

''That's the sweetest baby in the world, bless it's heart.''

Compassion.

''She's so sick, bless her heart.''

Or it can mean other things.

''That's the ugliest man l've ever seen in my life,

bless his heart.''

Just takes care of it all.

How many married folks do we have here tonight?

Oh, well, bless your hearts.

Boy, that'll change your life, won't it?

You know, men and women are so different,

and we don't understand it until we say ''l do.''

When a man looks in the closet and says,

''l don't have anything to wear,''

that means, ''l don't have anything to wear.''

Now, when a woman looks in the closet and says,

''l don't have anything to wear,'' that means,

''l don't have anything new to wear.''

And then when she's trying to decide,

''Can l wear it one more time before having it washed?''

Well, a man and a woman arrive at that decision

in two different ways.

A woman will hold it up to the light, check it out for stains,

wrinkles, dirt, and makeup.

lf it passes inspection, she'll wear it again.

Men do not need eyesight for this.

lf a man wants to know,

''Can l wear it one more time before having it washed?''

we don't need to pick it up and hold it up to the light.

All we need to do is pick it up and--

lf we don't gag and pass out, we'll wear it again.

Oh, yeah, when a woman wants to look good,

she'll go and get her hair fixed or have her nails done,

or she'll go shopping.

When a man wants to look good,

we buy a bass boat or a truck and just set in it.

Now, speaking of shopping, most women love to shop.

Most men don't love to shop.

We don't go shoppin'; we go get it.

So since we don't like to shop, a man has to figure out,

''How can l gain 30 or 35 pounds--

still wear the same clothes?''

You might hear a conversation like this.

''Honey, you're gaining a little weight, aren't you?''

''l don't reckon.

Still wearin' the same pair of pants l wore three years ago.''

And He is.

About three inches lower.

We just move that waistline down.

Not long ago, l was sittin' in a restaurant,

and this young guy walks by with a pair of those pants on

with the seat down between the knees.

And l was thinkin', ''lf his Mama was gonna hit him on the heinie,

she wouldn't know where to aim for.''

Oh, they think that's a new style; that's not a new style.

That was created by men over 50 moving their waistlines down.

Yeah, you might be over 50

if you're sitting at the breakfast table,

and you hear a snap, crackle, pop,

and realize, ''l'm not eatin' cereal.''

Or you reach down to pull the wrinkles out of your socks,

and you realize, ''l'm not wearin' any socks.''

Now, marriage is a strange situation.

You have to get used to it,

but there's one that l think is even stranger.

lt's called ''parenthood.''

That'll make you dumber than dirt.

lt's like when you find out you're a parent, you go to bed

and your brains leak out on your pillow.

Next thing you know, you'll walk into a room

and announce who you are.

''This is your father speaking to you.''

And then you'll turn right around and ask,

''Who do you think l am?''

My mama used to say, ''l'll slap your face off,''

and l wondered, ''How will my friends know me?''

She'd whip me, and while l'm crying, she'd say,

''Stop that crying, or l'll give you something to cry about.''

Told my little brother, ''Don't be ugly.''

l said, ''Mama, he can't help it.''

And then one day, she said, ''l'll slap you silly.''

Here l am.

Oh, and l'll never forget this one.

My mom would be disciplining me.

My mom did not abuse us, but she disciplined us.

And l would look at her,

and she'd have a pitiful look on her face,

She'd say, ''This hurts me more than it hurts you.''

l felt so sorry for her, l cried.

Not long ago, l was watching news coverage on television.

They were talking about violence in America,

all the things that are going on.

And as l watched that news coverage,

l realized what l think we need.

And what l think we need in America

are some Mamas like my Mama.

We need some Mamas like my Mama,

and we need to put them in some cars

and let 'em do some drive-by whuppin's.

Aaron Wilburn!

How 'bout it?

From Alabama.

This is one l dance on again.

l'm gonna open right up all the doors to my heart

and let the light of His love come in.

Gonna open up all of my doors.

Gonna open up all of my doors.

Gonna open up all of my doors

and let the light of His love come in.

Gonna say a prayer every day

till some happiness comes my way.

Gonna up all of my doors

and let the light of His love come in.

Gonna open up--

The front door, the wide door,

the back door, the side door.

All the doors to my heart.

Gonna open up--

The left door, the right door, the day door, the night door.

Now's the time to start.

Gonna put aside everything,

'cause l wanna hear the angels sing.

Gonna open up all of my doors

and let the light of His love come in.

Gonna open up--

The front door, the wide door, the back door, the side door.

All the doors to my heart.

Gonna open up--

The left door, the right door, the day door, the night door.

Now's the time to start.

Gonna put aside everything,

'cause l wanna hear the angels sing.

Gonna open up all of my doors

and let the light of His love come in.

Gonna open up the front door, wide door,

back door, side door.

All the doors to my heart.

Gonna open up the left door, right door,

day door, night door.

Now's the time to start!

Gonna put aside everything,

'cause l wanna hear the angels sing.

Gonna open up all the doors to my heart

and let the light of His love come in.

And let the light of His love come in.

And let the light of His wonderful love come in.

Yeah!

Jake.

Let me throw another cog in the program here.

Bill Gaither wrote this song-- he and Gloria.

The other night, Mark Lowry, Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod,

David Phelps, Russ Taff, Ben Speer,

and l think Aaron was there--

they invited us to a dinner party.

And when they asked Gaither to pass his plate, he said,

''Upper or lower?''

Yes, you did too.

Here, give 'em to me.

l'll show 'em to 'em.

But of all the songs-- what a great songwriter--

he and Gloria, ladies and gentlemen.

Somewhere--we were at a church the other day,

and l was kind of late coming in for rehearsal

with these guys.

And they were singing this song.

l sat down and listened to it.

l said, ''They don't-- they don't need me.''

One day, years ago, l nearly became an alcoholic.

And l'm not proud of that.

Used to take the cap off the bottle,

at early times when l was in the service,

and throw the cap away

so we would drink the whole bottle.

And l got away from the Lord.

And then the Master, one day, spoke to me,

and l fell on my knees, and l begged for forgiveness.

l begged for forgiveness.

And Gaither, l want you to know, He--He touched me.

And Gaither, l want you to know, He--He touched me.

Shackled by a heavy burden,

'neath a load of guilt and shame.

Then the hand of Jesus touched me,

and now l am no longer the same.

He touched me.

Oh, He touched me.

And, oh, the joy that floods my soul.

Something happened,

and now l know

He touched me

and made me whole.

Oh, now listen.

Listen to Wesley.

Since l met this blessed Savior,

and since he cleansed and made me whole,

Oh, l will never cease to praise Him.

l'll shout it while eternity rolls.

Oh, He touched me.

Oh, He touched me.

He touched me.

And, oh, the joy that floods my soul.

Something happened

and now l know

He touched me

and made me whole.

l want to be more,

more like Jesus every day.

l want to be more,

more like Jesus every day.

Oh, l want to be just like Him.

l want to sing just like Him.

l want to live just like Him.

l want to give just like Him.

l want to be more,

more like Jesus every day.

Every day, every hour.

l want Him to guide me in all l do.

l want His arms to caress me

all the day through.

Oh, l want to walk just like Him.

l want to talk just like Him.

l want to cry just like Him.

And l want to die just like Him.

l want to be more,

more like Jesus every day.

Every day, every hour.

l want to walk in the sunlight of His love.

l want Him to lead me

with that Heavenly light from above.

To grow in grace just like Him.

Run this old race just like Him.

Sinners to teach just like Him.

Gospel to preach just like Him.

See thousands fed just like Him.

Raise up the dead just like Him.

l want to be holy just like Him.

l want to be lowly just like Him.

Then l will be kind just like Him.

And have a mind just like Him.

Cast devils out just like Him.

Trust and never doubt.

Oh, l want to be more,

more like Jesus every day.

Every day and every

hour.

Yeah!

Boy, l nailed that last one, didn't l?

Yeah, Wesley.

l noticed you nailed that ending,

but l didn't hear you nowhere else.

No, l was waiting for them to get through.

You know what?

When you-- when you have people like--

you know, l've walked on stages so many times,

but, ladies and gentlemen, l don't think--

we talked about it a moment ago.

l don't think l've ever felt the love coming out of an audience

towards us than l've felt tonight.

Thank you for that.

And when it talks about love,

l don't think l've ever known a man

to show more love to us than Bill Gaither has.

And for him to set this all up for us tonight

and for him to ask his boys to come by

and be a part of it--

they could've been somewhere else tonight.

And yet, David Phelps, Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry--

You are Mark Lowry, aren't ya?

Amen.

Amen.

But they--they said, ''Boys, we'll come by and help you

any way we can.''

And it was a thrill for us,

because they're not only buddies; they're friends.

The other night, l started on stage,

and l was really, really feeling bad.

Didn't say a word.

Guy come up and put his arms around me

and prayed the sweetest prayer l've ever heard

a man pray for another man.

And l walked on stage, and as soon as l walked on stage,

l felt the energy start coming, Guy.

Thank you for being so sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

There's nobody like 'em.

There'll never be another like 'em.

Would you welcome Bill Gaither and the Vocal Band,

ladies and gentlemen?

l've never seen Him.

l've been to His house but not His home.

l've never written Him a letter or called Him on the phone.

But l have walked with Him and talked with Him

so many times--

this inconceivable, unbelievable friend of mine.

He doesn't have an income,

but His wealth can't be appraised.

He's an international traveler, but He's never far away.

He lives inside of me, although He's bigger than l am.

He's stronger than a lion, yet He calls Himself a lamb.

l've never seen Him.

l've been to His house but not His home.

l've never written Him a letter or called Him on the phone.

But l have walked with Him and talked with Him

so many times--

this inconceivable, unbelievable friend of mine.

He said that He would be

a friend that would be closer than a brother.

Oh, you can take it from me,

He is definitely unlike any other.

l've never seen Him.

l've been to His house but not His home.

l've never written Him a letter or called Him on the phone.

But l have walked with Him and talked with Him

so, so, so many times--

this inconceivable, unbelievable friend of mine.

This inconceivable, unbelievable,

unbelievable, inconceivable,

inconceivable, unbelievable friend of--

unbelievable friend of mine.

l've never seen Him.

l've been to His house but not His home.

l've never written Him a letter or called Him on the phone.

But l have walked with Him and talked with Him

so, so, so many times--

This inconceivable, unbelievable friend of mine.

This inconceivable, unbelievable,

unbelievable, inconceivable,

inconceivable, unbelievable friend of--

unbelievable friend of mine.

Oh, thanks for comin'.

The Gaither Vocal Band.

Hey, George, l tell you what.

This is fun for us, because it's just been fun for us

to just sit there, not have to do a thing.

On the front row, didn't even have to buy a ticket.

Love that part.

What you--what you boys been doin' today?

Oh, l've been eatin' and sleepin'.

And l also hung out back around the record table,

met some of these sweet people.

They are--they're sweet folks.

Sweet folks.

l met a 97-year-old lady here tonight.

Yeah.

She's one of your biggest fans.

Her mother used to take her to hear you.

And she said--and she's been married four times.

She's been married four times?

All four husbands passed away.

She's an incredible lady.

She said she married a banker first, and then he died.

Back in the '20s, she married a vaudeville--vaudeville--

you remember vaudeville?

Yeah, a vaudeville actor.

And then--and then-- and then he died.

And then she married a preacher, and he died.

And then she married an undertaker, and he died.

And she said, ''One for the money, two for the show,

three to get ready, and four to go.''

And she's on the lookout for somebody else tonight.

Hey, guys, thanks for--

you guys are gonna do another song, aren't ya?

Yep.

We sang this song, like, what, about ten years ago, l think,

when we first came out with it.

And l can remember the Cathedrals,

when we got to the chorus,

joined us and helped us sing the chorus on it.

And in fact, l think the lmperials came in

to sing a chorus.

We wanted to make it a statement about men.

l was sitting down there tonight, and l was thinking,

''You know what?

''l know all four of those men up there.

Those are some good, good men.''

The Marines say, ''We're looking for just a few good men.''

And l think the Lord is saying, ''l could take some good men;

''some men who will stand for what's right

''in a time when the rest of the world's

going another direction.''

What we need is some good, good men.

So we--so we sang this song.

We sang it ten years ago,

and we're going to sing it tonight again.

You know,

What this dying world could use

is a willing man of God,

who dares to go against the grain

and work without applause.

A man who'll raise the shield of faith,

protecting what is pure,

whose love is tough and gentle, a man whose word is sure.

God doesn't need an orator who knows just what to say.

He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away.

He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win.

He just needs a few good men.

Men full of compassion, who laugh and love and cry,

men who'll face eternity and aren't afraid to die,

men who'll fight for freedom and honor once again.

He just needs a few good men.

He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed.

He calls the one who has the strength

to stand up for the truth.

Enlistment lines are open, and He wants you to come in.

He just needs a few good men.

Men full of compassion, who laugh and love and cry,

men who'll face eternity and aren't afraid to die,

men who'll fight for freedom and honor once again.

He just needs a few good men.

Men full of compassion, who laugh and love and cry,

men who'll face eternity and aren't afraid to die,

men who'll fight for freedom and honor once again--

He just needs a few good men.

Sing it with us.

Men full of compassion, who laugh and love and cry,

men who'll face eternity and aren't afraid to die,

men who'll fight for freedom and honor once again.

He just needs a few good men.

A few good men.

He just needs a few good men.

He just needs a few good men.

The Gaither Vocal Band, Russ Taff, Ben Speer.

Ladies and gentlemen, can l say to you, with all my heart,

there goes a few good men, ladies and gentlemen.

Hey, uh--l--l--

l'm not gonna--l'm not gonna upset anything this time.

You said something about Guy praying for you.

Yeah.

When Terry Bradshaw was on our show in Fort Worth,

well, l guess Guy saw he was disturbed

and a little nervous or something.

And he walked over and hugged him, prayed for him.

Terry came over to me and said, ''Who--who is that guy?''

Said, ''l felt something.''

lsn't that great?

We all feel something when Guy Penrod prays.

Few years ago, we went by Gaither's house,

and he had just written this song.

And he said, ''George,

l think this would be a good song for you.''

l've got four girls and one boy.

And, hey, let me tell you this.

l don't know why l thought of this.

Traveling all these years,

in the younger days when my kids were young,

l'd come home late at night sometimes

after they went to bed.

One night, l come home just before George Lane went to bed.

So we set down, talked.

He crawled on my lap, and we talked awhile.

l said, ''Buddy, you gotta go to school next morning.

Better get in bed.''

So we went and got a drink of water, he went to bed.

Clara and l were sitting and talking,

and we heard George Lane say,

''Dad, would you bring me a drink of water?''

l said, ''George Lane, you just had water.

Go to sleep.''

He wanted to see me again.

l said, ''You just had water, son; go to sleep.''

And he was quiet a little while.

He said, ''Dad, would you bring me a drink of water?''

l said, ''George Lane, one more time,

l'm gonna come up there and spank you.''

lt was quiet for a long time.

Then he said, ''Dad, when you come to spank me,

would you bring me a drink of water?''

Let's do that song.

Let's do that song.

Today l went back to the place where l used to go.

Today l saw that same old crowd l knew before.

When they asked me what had happened,

l tried to tell them,

''Thanks to Calvary, l don't come here anymore.''

Thanks to Calvary,

l am not the man that l used to be.

Thanks to Calvary,

things are different than before.

And, Jerry, while the tears ran down my face,

l tried to tell them,

''Thanks to Calvary, l don't come here anymore.''

Then we went back to the house where we used to live.

My little boy ran and hid behind the door.

And l said, ''Son, oh, little boy,

''don't be afraid,

''because you've got a brand-new daddy now.

Thanks to Calvary, we don't live here anymore.''

Thanks to Calvary,

l am not the dad that l used to be.

Thanks to Calvary,

things are different than before.

While the tears ran down my face,

l tried to tell him,

''Thanks to Calvary, we don't live here.

''No, thank God, we don't live here

anymore.''

Anymore.

Thanks to Calvary.

Oh, praise God for His touch.

Thank God for His touch and thank God for that song, Bill.

l've sung it every night all over the country

for the last many years now.

And it--and it never ceases to touch me.

lt's--you know what?

Jake, come here.

Sit down here.

Hi, Gloria.

Hey, Gloria. l didn't see you come in.

We missed you.

Yeah.

You know, Bill Gaither done real well,

and Gloria didn't do so hot, you know.

No, l'm teasing.

What a poet, what a songwriter that couple is,

ladies and gentlemen.

l mean, they've written songs

that'll last down through the years.

She sure outfavors Bill, don't you think?

She sure outfavors--

''Cutfavors''--l hadn't heard that word in a long time.

Cutfavors him.

That means she's better-looking, right?

That means she's pretty.

You know what?

l know l keep jumpin' off track.

But we were in San Antonio, Texas, here awhile back.

And Jake likes good Mexican food,

and we had an afternoon concert; we'd be out by about 6:00.

So he called and made reservations for about 6:30.

And hardly ever do we have an afternoon concert.

So we got to that Mexican restaurant, and we walked in.

And it was full, but they set us down to a table

where there was about four old boys over here

who had had a little too much Tequila.

And they were laughing and talking.

Russ, l never-- slapping each other, you know.

And l don't know why this would ever happen,

but finally a lady walked through the door

with a duck under her arm.

And--and one of the drunks seen it.

He stood up, and he said, ''Where'd you get the pig?''

She said, ''This is a duck.''

He said, ''l was talking to the duck.''

You know what? l made that up.

That didn't happen.

l thought it did.

Jake said he thought it did.

There's a--well, another song that Bill and Gloria wrote.

There's a--well, another song that Bill and Gloria wrote.

And listen.

Old friends.

After all of these years, just old friends,

through the laughter and tears.

Old friends--

what a find, what a priceless treasure.

Ooh, ooh.

Old friends,

like a rare piece of gold.

Old friends make it great to grow old.

Old friends--

through it all, l will hold to old friends.

Old friends.

After all of these years, just old friends,

through the laughter and tears.

Old friends--

what a find, what a priceless treasure.

Old friends, like a rare piece of gold.

My old friends makes it great to grow old.

Old friends--

through it all, l will hold to old friends.

Now, God must have known that some day on our own

we would lose the will to go on.

That's why He sent friends like Bill along.

Along.

Old friends.

Yes, you've always been there, my old friends.

We've had more than our share, old friends.

l'm a rich millionaire in old friends.

l'm sure a lot of you have had a praying mother

that you wouldn't be here tonight

had she not spent a lot of time

on her knees in prayer for you.

Listen to a song that absolutely thrills me.

Listen to a song that absolutely thrills me.

On your knees,

you are taller than trees.

You can look over heartaches

and fear.

When my faith is gone,

to my knees l will go,

growing stronger

and taller than trees.

One night-- it was a long time ago now--

l knelt at my mother's knees,

for l was weary, and l was heartsick,

and l was blue.

And she said, ''Son, lift up your eyes

to Him that's up in the skies, and you'll grow strong--

yes, you'll grow strong--

tall and strong like the mighty oaks do.''

And this was the answer l felt

as down at her knees l knelt.

Down on your knees, you'll be taller than trees.

And, my boy, you can look over all of your heartaches.

And, son, you can look over all of your fears.

When my faith is gone, to my knees l will go,

growing stronger and taller

than trees.

You know what?

l haven't had a chance-- or l've just forgot--

maybe l forgot to introduce Ernie properly.

Ernie Haase is my son-in-law, ladies and gentlemen.

Bill said ''Bless his heart.''

But, uh--

When l first started--

What's that?

We're sorry.

Go ahead.

We're just talkin'.

Go ahead. You talk; l'll talk.

Y'all are kin; we'll leave you alone.

But the first time

l walked on stage with Ernie Haase--

TPAC in Nashville--the Performing Arts Center there--

we were trying out tenors.

So Ernie came on stage that night, and he sang this song.

We've been singing it for the last 1 1 years.

Listen to ''O What a Savior.''

Listen to ''O What a Savior.''

He gave His life's blood for even me.

Once l was straying

in sin's dark valley.

No hope within

could l see.

They searched through Heaven

and found a Savior

to save a poor lost soul like me.

O what a Savior!

O Hallelujah!

His heart was broken on Calvary.

His hands were nail-scarred;

His side was riven.

He gave His life's blood

for even me.

Death's chilly waters

l'll soon be crossing.

His hand will lead me

safe o'er.

But then l'll join that chorus

in that great city.

l'll sing up there

forever and evermore.

O what a Savior!

O Hallelujah!

His heart was broken on Calvary.

His hands were nail-scarred;

His side was riven.

He gave His life's blood

for even me.

O what a Savior!

Ernie Haase!

Whoo, what a night!

''Look up; fear not;'' the angel said.

''Behold, the Messiah's come,

the one of whom you've read.''

And as He spoke to men that day,

the Heavenly host around the throne

joined in to say,

''Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.''

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; Sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

And still today, the wise men come,

offering their praise to God's anointed One.

And as they speak their heartfelt love,

this glorious sound falls on my ear from up above.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; Sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; Sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Sing glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; Sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Sing glory to God in the highest glory.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Amen, amen, amen, amen.

Glory to God in the highest.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Amen, amen, amen, amen.

Glory to God in the highest.

Have you enjoyed the Gaither Vocal Band?

How about the Talleys?

How about Aaron Wilburn?

How about Old Friends?

You were fantastic.

What a sweet, wonderful evening.

ls it good?

Let me tell you something.

These guys are troopers.

You know--

Yeah, Garry, yeah.

Usually--usually, we feature him on a piano solo.

And when l do, l always introduce him.

But tonight l didn't.

Garry, l apologize.

Garry Jones, ladies and gentlemen.

One of the greatest piano players.

When l was but a boy in days of childhood,

l used to play till evening shadows come.

Then winding down an old, familiar pathway,

l heard my mother call at set of sun.

Come home;

come home;

it's suppertime.

The shadows lengthen fast.

Come home;

come home;

it's suppertime.

We're going home at last.

Some of the fondest memories of my childhood

were woven around suppertime,

when mom would come to the back steps of the old home place.

And she'd say, ''George, come on in; it's suppertime.''

Oh, my, but how l'd love to hear that once more.

But you know, for me,

time has woven the realization of a truth

that is even more thrilling.

And that's when the Lord comes to the portals of glory

and says to come on in, for it's suppertime.

And we'll be gathered around the table

with the Lord Himself at the greatest suppertime of them all.

ln visions now, l see her standing yonder.

And her familiar voice l hear once more.

The banquet table's ready up in Heaven.

Oh, it's suppertime upon the golden shore.

Come home;

come home;

it's suppertime.

The shadows lengthen fast.

Come home;

come home;

it's suppertime.

We're going home at last.

We're going home--

You know, l've got a lot more days behind me

than l have ahead of me, and l know that.

But l know this: should the Master call tonight,

l'm packed and ready to go.

Yeah, l'm going home.

Yeah, l'm going home

at last.

What a sweet night.

What a sweet night.

Many times in my childhood when we'd wander so far,

by nightfall, how weary l'd grow.

l remember.

Father's arms would slip 'round me.

Gently he'd say, ''My son, we're going home.''

Sing with us.

Going home.

l'm going home.

There is nothing to hold me here.

l've caught a glimpse of that Heavenly land.

Praise God,

l am going home.

And this guy has-- we're gonna fly him back tonight,

so in the morning he can be back in Stow

for his third dialysis treatment for the week.

And to be honest with you,

you've been having a little problems.

And--but he wasn't going to miss this for anything tonight.

Hey, honey, come on up.

lt's a miracle that both George and Jake

are still out here with all--

they've kidded about their health,

and they can laugh about it all they want to,

but l just thank God.

We have lost--since we started doing these videos--

way too many dear, precious pioneers and saints.

And we don't want to lose any more.

l want to hang on to you two national treasures

as long as we can hang on to you.

We're just selfish.

And, honey, l want you to just voice our prayer

for these two guys for all of us here tonight.

This is good.

lt's what America's made out of--just--

just good folks like this.

Men full of compassion who laugh and love and cry;

men who face eternity and aren't afraid to die;

men who'll fight for freedom and honor once again.

This old country still needs a few good men--

and women, l might say.

Speaking of good woman, pray, baby, okay?

Oh, how blessed we are.

Lord, we thank you for the family of God

and for the gift of, especially, these men here tonight

to our lives.

We thank you for the richness and joy and humor and depth

and peace that they've brought.

And we know it's because they know you.

Now, Father, these are your children.

They're our heroes, but they're your children.

And we just pray tonight that you will

touch and rejuvenate their bodies.

Bless them a hundredfold for what they've given.

And we just ask you tonight, selfishly maybe,

to let us have them as long as it's joyful for them.

And when you want any of us,

may we understand how fine and sheer the veil is,

and the song goes on.

May we sing our way into your very presence.

ln your Holy Name, thank you for the song.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth and good will to men.

Heavenly angels announced His arrival

in the little town of Bethlehem.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Hallelujah to the Lord; sing ''Holy.''

He was born to save the world from sin.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Glory to God in the highest glory.

Hallelujah to the Lord, amen.

Amen, amen, amen.

Glory to God in the highest.

Oh, man, what a night.

George and Jake.