David Bruce Murray
Jan 08, 2009
In The News|Observations
GMA Hall Of Fame Will Induct Lari Goss
The Gospel Music Association doesn’t have the list in an obvious place on their own website, but they’ve evidently issued a press release announcing the latest names to be added to their Hall Of Fame. The 2009 class will include multi-genre producer Lari Goss along with artists Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Dr. Bobby Jones and The Dixie Hummingbirds. The ceremony will be held on February 2, 2009. (Sources HERE and HERE)
Goss is a legendary figure in Southern Gospel music. He has produced recordings for the Cathedrals and more recently for the Hoppers, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Greater Vision and many other artists in the Southern Gospel industry. His reach extends beyond Southern Gospel, though. Choral directors have been using Goss’ arrangements for years. He also has several folios of piano music available. His name appears on choral collections based on recordings by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and he has recorded several solo piano recordings.
It’s good to see a producer recognized amidst an ocean of artists who have been inducted into the Hall Of Fame over the years. It’s especially good to see one recognized who has made such a significant impact on Southern Gospel.
Congratulations to Lari Goss and to the GMA Foundation for making sure his accomplishments are lauded. Here’s the complete biography for Goss quoted from the CMSpin article:
Lari Goss is best known within the Christian music industry in the areas of music production, orchestral arranging and keyboard artistry. He has produced critically acclaimed projects for such artists as The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Cathedrals, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Anthony Burger, Greater Vision, Christ Church, The Martins, Larnelle Harris, Phil Driscoll, The Gaither Vocal Band, Janet Paschal, and many others.
Along with Goss’ impressive list of production credits, he is equally recognized on both sides of the industry for his signature orchestral arrangements. He has orchestrated music for such secular music giants as Warner Bros., Capitol, RCA, Columbia; and such artist names as Glen Campbell, Ray Price, B.J. Thomas and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. His arrangements have been heard in countless venues around the world, from the stage of Radio City Music Hall to “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” Additionally, he has arranged and conducted music for such prestigious entities as the GRAMMY Awards, the Peoples Choice Awards, and The London Philharmonic Symphony, with whom he has recorded several award-winning albums.
Whether arranging for 10 or 100 pieces, his music is consistently noted by the dimension of unparalleled quality, undergirding power and heartwarming richness it lends alongside the other musical components of a project. When music to stir the heart and emotions of the listener is the requirement, Lari is widely recognized as the arranger of choice.
In addition to being one of gospel music’s most respected producers and arrangers, Goss also is an accomplished artist in his own right. He has recorded several successful piano/keyboard albums and has written scores of songs, including the widely performed and recorded “Cornerstone.” His keyboard style is distinctive and unique and his “Goss Sound” is legendary in the recording industry.
Besides his musical vocation, Goss also uses his industry networking for philanthropic purposes. This year marks the 5th Annual Lari Goss Invitational, a charity golf tournament that in previous years has benefited the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.
The acclaim he has received from his keyboard artistry as well as his producer/arranger credentials have brought ever-increasing demand across the United States for Goss’ involvement as a speaker/teacher at various music symposiums and seminars. He is an Artist-in-Residence at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., where he teaches graduate level courses one day a week in Orchestration and Recording Studio Accompanying.
I was also pleased to note that in both of the sources linked above, the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall Of Fame at Dollywood was mentioned as part of Dolly Parton’s biography.
