Penrod happy to be part of benefit

Gospel great Guy Penrod is anxious to be a part of the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation's Aug. 4 benefit concert after learning about the work of the organization and all it has done for local students.

As lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1994 to 2008, Penrod became familiar with Rector and the Helping Hands Foundation through Gaither producer and Foundation co-founder Bill Carter, a native of Rector.

"The Helping Hands Foundation is a love that's close to Bill's heart," Penrod said. "He's very passionate about helping others. I love that about Bill. After talking with him about Rector and all the organization was doing, I knew I wanted to be involved with this concert. I think a society is understood and reflected upon by the way those who have been fortunate in life work to help those who have not."

Penrod says he believes those who make an effort to help out get much more out of life.

"To me, some of the saddest people in life are those who do not give to others or share what they have. You can have all the material wealth you could ever need, but without that human connection that we all need, it doesn't mean anything."

While Penrod is known for his powerful vocals and broad singing range, he prefers a laid back lifestyle when not performing. He and wife, Angie, have eight children, all under age 18. Penrod says he loves spending time with his family, taking part in activities such as playing golf, swimming and even working on the family's farm in Tennessee.

"I'm so fortunate to have eight beautiful children and the best wife on the planet. One of the biggest joys in my life is when I can just sit back and watch them while we're doing something and having fun. If we're outside grilling or at the lake, I like to step back for a few moments and just watch them enjoy life. I like providing an atmosphere where I can watch the people I love have fun."

Penrod began singing in church at a young age. While his talent was undeniable, he says he never really envisioned becoming a world renowned professional performer.

"I don't remember a time where I thought 'I have to sing. That's what I'm going to do for the rest of my life.' That's just the path it took. I've been very blessed in that I've been able to sing for my supper."

Penrod says he has numerous interests. Had he not made his mark as a singer, he can envision himself in a range of different vocations such as a rancher, sailor or even teacher.

"I think one of our greatest capabilities as people is that we have the ability to appreciate so much. There are so many different variations as far as the type of work we do and what our interests and passions are. It's really incredible."

In the early 1980s, Penrod began working as a studio singer in Nashville. He sang backup for artists like Garth Brooks, James Ingram, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, among many others. He also made regular appearances on the TNN television program "Music City Tonight." During that time, he first met Bill Gaither.

When he joined the Gaither Vocal Band in 1994, Penrod found himself performing all across the United States and Canada, as well as in Gaither Homecoming concerts in Europe, Africa and Australia.

In January, Penrod began a solo career. He currently is working on a new album which he expects to be released later this summer, likely in June or July. His appearance in Rector will be one of his first as a solo artist.

"It fits me just perfectly to have one of my first shows on my own be in a community like Rector," Penrod said. "I enjoy the smalltown atmosphere and the way of life that goes along with it. That's a lot of who I am. I'm excited to come see the people of Rector and share in an event that goes to benefit the kids. I think it's going to be something that both the audience and the performers enjoy."

Appearing with Penrod for the amazing night of music will be top bluegrass artists Dailey & Vincent, multiple Grammy winner Russ Taff and famed gospel artists The Isaacs. Gaither artist Kevin Williams will return as emcee.

Dailey and Vincent won seven awards at the 2008 International Bluegrass Music Awards Show, including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year.

Taff, who was part of last year's first Helping Hands Foundation benefit concert, has won seven Grammy awards and 11 Gospel Music Association Dove awards. Billboard Magazine has called him "the single most electrifying voice in Christian music."

The Isaacs' new album "Big Sky" is their second for Gaither Music. The family band includes members who have many individual accomplishments and who have toured and performed with such artists as Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Ralph Stanley, Allison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 15, for the concert, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Rector High School's new air-conditioned gymnasium.

Premium seats are available at $50 each either in preferred stadium seating or a padded chair with back on the floor. Those who purchase premium seating will be invited to a "meet and greet" with the artists prior to the show. The $50 ticket also includes a gift bag featuring two Gaither DVDs and one CD, along with a gift card for two complimentary meals at any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store location.

General admission seats at $20 each are located throughout the facility. Most feature stadium seating with back support and armrests.

Ticket locations are:

Rector -- Liberty Bank and Glen Sain Motors, both on Highway 49.

Paragould -- Liberty Bank facilities at 300 West Emerson, 2404 Linwood Drive and 2300 West Kingshighway, Glen Sain Ford at 1301 Highway 49 North and Glen Sain Pontiac-Buick-GMC-Cadaillac at 6345 Highway 49 South.

Jonesboro -- ASU Convocation Center box office ($20 seats only). Note: Tickets will not be sold at the Turtle Creek Mall as previously reported.

Kennett -- Glen Sain Motors at 1607 Independence Avenue.

Tickets also may be reserved by phone by calling the office of Foundation president Sherland Hamilton at (870) 595-3501 or picked up directly at that office, located at 610 South Main in Rector.

All proceeds of the concert go the Helping Hands Foundation, established in 2006 by Carter and his former classmate, U.S. Army Major General (ret.) George Barker of New York. The Foundation assists disadvantaged Rector students and, since its inception, has provided several college scholarships, new instruments and uniforms for the school band, athletic equipment for underprivileged students, funding for field trips, eyeglasses, dental work and much more.