Gaither All-Star Tribute

By John Brown University
June 29, 2018

Gaither All-Star Tribute

Three JBU alumni were key players in producing a once-in-a-lifetime A-list tribute to the music of Christian music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither. John Coates ’72 served as executive director, Dan Posthuma ’74 served as producer, and Dick Marsh ’70 oversaw marketing."Bill


All-star special guests at the May 1 Nashville event featured The Gather Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, Buddy Green, Russ Taff, Gordon Mote, Gary McSpadden, Sheila Walsh, Steve Green and the Isaacs.

Coates founded The Nashville Choir in 2005, which presented the lifetime tribute. In just six years The Nashville Choir has become not only a sought-after performing group but a mission-oriented team dedicated to serving the city of Nashville. Under Coates’ leadership The Nashville Choir has performed three Hymn Sings with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, recorded music for the Billy Graham Library, recorded and performed with Michael W. Smith, and shared the stage with many of Christian music’s top talents. 


After graduating from JBU in 1974, Posthuma began his career in Christia"Pattin music working with Bill and Gloria Gaither – first as a bass player, then as their Musical Director. For the next 10 years, Posthuma produced The Gaither Trio’s live shows. In the mid-80’s, Post moved to Nashville, where he served for several years as Amy Grant’s Musical Director. After a stint as VP of A&R for Word Records, Posthuma began his own independent company providing production services for records, television, and live concerts. Posthuma has received multiple Dove awards and Grammy nominations for producing projects for Crystal Lewis, Leslie Phillips, Debby Boone, Russ Taff, and others.


Dick Marsh is a marketing consultant for the Salem Radio Network and runs The Marsh Group out of Nashville.

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