Christianity: Details about 'White Heart'
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Whiteheart (a.k.a. White Heart, WhiteHeart) are a Contemporary Christian Music pop-rock band which performed in the 1980s and 1990s. Forming in 1982, they released thirteen albums. Other than original members Billy Smiley and Mark Gersmehl, the band underwent significant personnel changes throughout its history. In 1986, former roadie Rick Florian came aboard as the lead singer, changing the spelling of his first name with every album. The band have not performed together since 1998, though there has not be an official end. As of 2005, the remaining band members, Smiley, Gersmehl, and Florian, are 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 Nashville area and also continues to sing for various recording projects.
HistoryBirth of WhiteheartWhiteheart 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 & drums respectively). 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 (Green has gone on a successful career as a gospel singer). Green was replaced with Scott Douglas, and the band went on to release their second album, Vital Signs, in 1984. Dann Huff left the band shortly after that, and was replaced with Gordon Kennedy. The band geared up for their next release, Hotline, in 1985. After that, David Huff left the band to join his brother, Dann (they formed the rock band, Giant. Also, unfortunately, vocalist Scott Douglas was convicted on sex related crimes to 15 years in prison. Florian as new singerThe remaining members started to audition singers for their next album. 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. Chris McHugh was also picked up to fill the drummer seat. The new line-up set up for their new album, Don't Wait for the Movie, in 1986. The album was criticized for its gimmicky songwriting and lack of originality. Despite it, the band kept on working on their next project. In the meantime, Gary Lunn left the band to become a studio artist, and was replaced with Tommy Simms. In 1987, the band released their fifth studio album called Emergency Broadcast. An important change came after that release, and it wasn't precisely in the band's line-up. Well-known producer, Brown Bannister, took the producing reigns of the band in preparation for their next album. Bannister is known for producing albums for artists of the caliber of Petra and Amy Grant. The band's next album, Freedom, was released in 1989 and it presented no line-up changes (surprisingly!). The album featured a more original approach and its hailed by some as one of their best albums. But stability was short-lived as that album signaled the end of the band's contract with Sparrow Records and Brown Bannister. Also, Chris McHugh, Gordon Kennedy, and Tommy Simms left the band to become studio artists and producers. The Starsong EraNot to be held off, the band signed with well-known label Starsong, and hired Brian Wooten (guitars), Anthony Sallee (bass), and Mark Nemer (drums) to fill the spots, and went on to release one of their most well-known albums, Powerhouse, in 1990. Nemer left soon after and the band brought former drummer, Chris McHugh, to do some studio work for their next album. The band released Tales of Wonder in 1992, and officially announced Jon Knox as their new drummer. This album is considered their most popular, filled with thought-provoking lyrics and more depth in their songwriting. With that success, the band went on to work on their next album. Highlands was released in 1993 and also received much critical praise. The influence of 70's rock groups like Kansas is felt through it and is interwoven with Celtic themes, even in the cover. Anthony Sallee left the band and John Thorn was hired to replace him for the Highlands Tour. In 1994, the band released two compilation albums called Nothing But The Best: Rock Classics & Radio Classics. Those compilations signaled the end of the band's contract with Starsong. The band went on to sign with Curb Records and prepared to release their next album. The Last YearsInside was released in 1995 to much disinterest due mainly to shifts in the rock genre. The band also suffered another blow to its line-up when Brian Wooten, John Thorn and Jon Knox all left to pursue other projects. The remaining core members (Smiley, Gersmehl, Florian) regrouped to rethink 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 maturing. After that album, the band decided to enter what they called "a dormant stage". They haven't officially broke up, but each of them is working on separate personal projects. There is no word that they'll play together anytime soon. Rick Florian issued a statement in 1999 regardings the future of the band. Band MembersLead Vocals
Guitars
Bass
Keyboards
Drums
Official Albums
Unofficial Albums
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