White Heart is a Contemporary Christian Music pop-rock band which formed in 1982. White Heart's discography includes 13 albums, the most recent of which was released in 1997. Original members Billy Smiley and Mark Gersmehl worked with a continually-changing cast of bandmates. In 1986, former roadie Rick Florian became the lead singer. His first name is spelled differently in the liner notes of each album on which he participated. Image File history File links Whiteheart. ... Billy Smiley is a famous music producer, songwriter, and musician. ... Rick Florian (1997) Rick Florian (born April 10, 1962 in South Bend, Indiana) is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term Inspirational music) is a genre of popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. ... This article is about the music genre. ... Hard rock is a variation of rock and roll music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage and psychedelic rock. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term Inspirational music) is a genre of popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Billy Smiley is a famous music producer, songwriter, and musician. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... The road crew (or roadies) are the technicians who travel on tour, usually in sleeper buses, with musicians and who handle every part of the production except actually playing the music. ... Rick Florian (1997) Rick Florian (born April 10, 1962 in South Bend, Indiana) is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. ...

Although White Heart has not officially "retired" as a band, remaining members Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian are each pursuing other interests. Smiley started his own label, Cul-de-Sac Records. Gersmehl continues to write music and has released solo efforts. Florian is a real estate agent in the Franklin, Tennessee area and also continues to sing for various recording projects. Franklin is a growing city located in Williamson County, Tennessee, USA. It is the county seat of the county. ...

History

Birth of White Heart

White Heart formed in 1982 with most of its members coming from Bill Gaither's group. The original line-up consisted of Smiley (guitar), Gersmehl (keyboards & vocals), Steve Green (vocals), Gary Lunn (bass), and brothers Dann and David Huff (guitars/vocals & drums respectively). Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... William Bill Gaither (born March 28, 1936) is an American singer and songwriter of southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Dann Huff (born 1960) is a well-known singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. ... David Lyndon Huff (born ????) is a well-known drummer, songwriter and producer. ...

After their self-titled debut album was released in 1982, the band suffered its first line-up change. Green left the band, saying that rock was not his style. He moved quickly into a successful career as an adult contemporary singer. Green was replaced by Scott Douglas. A debut album is the first released music album by an artist or a band. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Rock is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals (often with vocal harmony), electric guitars, and a strong back beat; other instruments, such as the saxophone, are common in some styles, however saxophones have been omitted from newer subgenres of rock music since the 90s. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Adult contemporary music, frequently abbreciated to just AC, is a type of radio format that plays mainstream and pop music, without hip-hop or rap since, as per the name, it is geared more towards adults than teens. ... A singer is a musician who uses their voice to produce music. ... Scott Douglas (born ????) was the singer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1984 to 1985. ...

The band released its second album, Vital Signs, in 1984. Dann Huff left the band shortly afterward and recommended his high school friend, Gordon Kennedy as his replacement. This article is about the year. ... Dann Huff (born 1960) is a well-known singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. ... Gordon Kennedy (born ????) was the guitarist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1985 to 1989. ...

When White Heart released its third album, Hotline, in 1985, David Huff left the band to pursue other interests, including studio work and touring with Michael W. Smith. Eventually he would join his brother Dann to form the hard rock band Giant. In telecommunication, a hotline (also called an automatic signaling service or off-hook service) is a point-to-point communications link in which a call is automatically directed to the preselected destination without any additional action by the user when the end instrument goes off-hook. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... David Lyndon Huff (born ????) is a well-known drummer, songwriter and producer. ... Dann Huff (born 1960) is a well-known singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. ... Giant is an American Rock band that was formed in 1987 by brothers Dann and David Huff. ...

In 1986, the band's reputation was stained when lead singer Scott Douglas was arrested, convicted of sex-related crimes and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Some websites have used this incident to illustrate the so-called evils of Christian rock. [1] Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... Scott Douglas (born ????) was the singer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1984 to 1985. ... Human sexuality is the expression of sexual feelings. ...

Rick Florian becomes lead singer

The remaining band members began to audition singers. They were surprised when they heard their bus driver and roadie, Rick Florian, dancing around the stage and singing along to their songs. They auditioned him, and he was chosen as Douglas' replacement. Florian became a core member of the band and continued through the rest of White Heart's discography. Chris McHugh was also picked up to fill the drummer seat. In music a singer or vocalist is a type of musician who sings, i. ... For other uses, see Bus (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The road crew (or roadies) are the technicians who travel on tour, usually in sleeper buses, with musicians and who handle every part of the production except actually playing the music. ... Rick Florian (1997) Rick Florian (born April 10, 1962 in South Bend, Indiana) is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. ... Chris McHugh (born 1964) Lived in Oaklyn, NJ until becoming the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. ... A drummer in Action A drummer is a person who plays the drums, particularly the drum kit, marching percussion, or hand drums. ...

White Heart's 1986 release, Don't Wait for the Movie, was criticized for its gimmicky songwriting and lack of originality. Despite the criticism, the band kept on touring and recording. In the meantime, Gary Lunn left the band to become a studio musician, and was replaced with Tommy Sims. Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... A gimmick is a unique or quirky special feature that makes something stand out from its contemporaries. ... A songwriter is someone who writes either the lyrics or the music for songs. ... Hon. ... Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, producer and musician. ...

After Emergency Broadcast was released in 1987, White Heart made an important change -- but it wasn't precisely in the band's line-up. Brown Bannister came on board as producer for their next album. Bannister is known for working with artists like Petra and Amy Grant. Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... Petra, which means rock, massive in Greek, is a Christian Rock band formed in the 1970s. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The band's next album, 1989's Freedom, featured a more original approach and has been hailed as one of White Heart's best. But stability remained elusive. The band reached the end of its contract with Sparrow Records and Brown Bannister. Also, Chris McHugh, Gordon Kennedy, and Tommy Sims left the band to become studio musicians and producers. .... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Sparrow Records is a popular Christian Music record label; a Division of EMI Music. ... Chris McHugh (born 1964) Lived in Oaklyn, NJ until becoming the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. ... Gordon Kennedy (born ????) was the guitarist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1985 to 1989. ... Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, producer and musician. ...

The Starsong Era

White Heart signed on with Starsong Records, and hired Brian Wooten (guitars), Anthony Sallee (bass), and Mark Nemer (drums) to fill the spots. With these pieces in place, the band released one of its best-known albums, Powerhouse, in 1990. Nemer left soon after and the band brought back former drummer Chris McHugh to do some studio work for their next album. Starsong - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Brian Wooten (born 1954) Lead guitar player for Trace Adkins 2006 - 2007. ... Anthony Sallee (born January 3, 1969) was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993. ... Mark Nemer (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart in 1990. ... Powerhouse may refer to: Powerhouse (dance music act), a Chicago, USA musical group famous for the 1999 hit What You Need Powerhouse (song), a composition by Raymond Scott featured in many Warner Bros. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Chris McHugh (born 1964) Lived in Oaklyn, NJ until becoming the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. ...

The band released Tales of Wonder in 1992, and announced Jon Knox as their new drummer. This album is considered the band's most popular, filled with thought-provoking lyrics and deeper songwriting. Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Jon Knox (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1992 to 1995. ... A drummer in Action A drummer is a person who plays the drums, particularly the drum kit, marching percussion, or hand drums. ... Lyrics are the words in songs. ... A songwriter is someone who writes either the lyrics or the music for songs. ...

White Heart followed this success with Highlands in 1993, which also received critical praise. The influence of 70's rock groups like Kansas could be felt throughout, interwoven with Celtic themes, including the cover art. Anthony Sallee left the band and John Thorn was hired to replace him for the Highlands Tour. Highland or Highlands has these meanings:- The term highland is used in geography for any elevated mountainous plateau. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Kansas is an American progressive rock band who became a major arena rock group in the late 1970s. ... Celtic music is a term utilized by record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe. ... Anthony Sallee (born January 3, 1969) was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993. ... John Thorn (born April 17, 1947) is a noted sports historian. ...

In 1994, the band released two compilation albums called Nothing But The Best: Rock Classics and Radio Classics, which included some new material. These compilations marked the end of the band's contract with Starsong. Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... Starsong - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

The Last Years

White Heart signed with a mainstream label, Curb Records, which caused some fans to wonder if this would lead to a watering-down of the band's Christian lyrics. The band released Inside in 1995 to much disinterest, due mainly to shifts in the rock genre. The band's lineup continued to be a revolving door. Brian Wooten, John Thorn and Jon Knox all left to pursue other projects. Curb Records is a country record label started by Mike Curb in 1973, after leaving MGM Records. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Rock is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals (often with vocal harmony), electric guitars, and a strong back beat; other instruments, such as the saxophone, are common in some styles, however saxophones have been omitted from newer subgenres of rock music since the 90s. ... Look up genre in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Brian Wooten (born 1954) Lead guitar player for Trace Adkins 2006 - 2007. ... John Thorn (born April 17, 1947) is a noted sports historian. ... Jon Knox (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1992 to 1995. ...

The remaining core members (Smiley, Gersmehl, Florian) regrouped to consider the band's future. They released their last album together (using studio musicians) in 1997 called Redemption. It received critical praise for its depth and musical maturity. For the band, see 1997 (band). ...

After Redemption, Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian decided to enter what they called "a dormant stage". They haven't officially broken up White Heart, but each of them is working on separate personal projects. Rick Florian issued a statement [2] in 1999 regarding the future of the band. This article is about the year. ...

On Aug. 25, 2006 White Heart received a Soul2Soul Honor award in New Albany, Indiana. Billy Smiley, Rick Florian, Mark Gershmehl, Tommy Sims, Jon Knox and Gordon Kennedy reunited to perform "Over Me"[3] and one other song. [4] According to Florian, it was the first time in 17 years that particular combination of musicians had performed together, although Sims and Knox had never actually been in the band at the same time. Jon Knox (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1992 to 1995. ...

Awards

Although White Heart is considered one of the premier bands to ever play Contemporary Christian Music, and despite the many number one hits and albums, they have never won a Dove Award. Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term Inspirational music) is a genre of popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. ... The Dove Awards, created in 1969 by the Gospel Music Association to honor the outstanding achievements in contemporary Christian and gospel music, are held annually in Nashville, Tennessee. ...

Band Members

Lead Vocals

• Steve Green (1982)
• Dann Huff (1982-1984)
• Scott Douglas (1984-1985)
• Rick Florian (1986-1998) (spelled Ric, Rikk, Riq, Ricke, Rhic, Rikcq)
• Mark Gersmehl (1985-1998)
• Gordon Kennedy (1985-1989)
• Tommy Sims (1987-1989)

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Dann Huff (born 1960) is a well-known singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. ... Scott Douglas (born ????) was the singer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1984 to 1985. ... Rick Florian (1997) Rick Florian (born April 10, 1962 in South Bend, Indiana) is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. ... Gordon Kennedy (born ????) was the guitarist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1985 to 1989. ... Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, producer and musician. ...

Guitars

• Dann Huff (1982-1984)
• Gordon Kennedy (1985-1989)
• Billy Smiley (1986-1998)
• Brian Wooten (1990-1995)

Dann Huff (born 1960) is a well-known singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. ... Gordon Kennedy (born ????) was the guitarist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1985 to 1989. ... Billy Smiley is a famous music producer, songwriter, and musician. ... Brian Wooten (born 1954) Lead guitar player for Trace Adkins 2006 - 2007. ...

Bass

• Gary Lunn (1982-1986)
• Tommy Sims (1987-1989)
• Anthony Sallee (1990-1993)
• John Thorn (1995)

Gary Lunn (born ????) was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1982 to 1986. ... Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, producer and musician. ... Anthony Sallee (born January 3, 1969) was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993. ... John Thorn (born ????) was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1993 to 1995. ...

Keyboards

• Mark Gersmehl (1982-1998)
• Billy Smiley (1982-1986)

Billy Smiley is a famous music producer, songwriter, and musician. ...

Drums

• David Huff (1982-1985)
• Chris McHugh (1986-1989, some studio work on several later albums)
• Mark Nemer (1990)
• Jon Knox (1991-1996)

David Lyndon Huff (born ????) is a well-known drummer, songwriter and producer. ... Chris McHugh (born 1964) Lived in Oaklyn, NJ until becoming the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. ... Mark Nemer (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart in 1990. ... Jon Knox (born ????) was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1992 to 1995. ...

Official Albums

Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Home Sweet Home Records is a record label, based in Dallas, Texas. ... This article is about the year. ... Home Sweet Home Records is a record label, based in Dallas, Texas. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... Home Sweet Home Records is a record label, based in Dallas, Texas. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... Sparrow Records is a popular Christian Music record label; a Division of EMI Music. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... Sparrow Records is a popular Christian Music record label; a Division of EMI Music. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Sparrow Records is a popular Christian Music record label; a Division of EMI Music. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Star Song Communications was a record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Star Song Communications was a record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Star Song Communications was a record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... Star Song Communications was a record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... Star Song Communications was a record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Curb Records is a country record label started by Mike Curb in 1973, after leaving MGM Records. ... Ken Scott (born April 20, 1947 in London) is an influential English record producer and engineer. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Curb Records is a country record label started by Mike Curb in 1973, after leaving MGM Records. ...

Live and Compilation Albums

• Live at Six Flags, 1986
• White Heart Greatest Hits (Home Sweet Home Records compilation), 1987
• White Heart/Vital Signs (double album), 1989
• Souvenirs (Sparrow Records compilation), 1990
• Quiet Storm: The Ballads (Home Sweet Home compilation), 1993
• Vital Signs (Contemporary Christian Gold Series), 1994
• Attack! (Sparrow Records compilation), 1995
• White Heart: The Early Years (Sparrow Records compilation), 1996
• The Millennium Archives: Demos, Interviews, and Lost Songs, 2000
• Hits from the Heart (Home Sweet Home compilation), 2000

Home Sweet Home Records is a record label, based in Dallas, Texas. ...

External links

• "Official" Fan Website
• gershonline.com
• Cul De Sac Records
• Whiteheart on Myspace