Solo David Phelps Returns To Baylor

Award-winning musical artist and Baylor gradate David Phelps will return to Baylor University to perform Dec. 15. The event will include an opening artist, Phelps' message of hope and love through song, and a comedian. It will be a night of "positive family entertainment," Phelps says. 
Nominated for multiple Dove Awards including Male Vocalist of the Year and Inspirational Album, Phelps is a former member of the Gaither Vocal Band. While a member of the Southern gospel group, he performed for President George W. Bush at the White House as well as six Billy Graham crusades. He received multiple Dove Awards and a Grammy. 
He decided to leave the Gaither Vocal Band to begin his solo career in 2005. "I just took a deep breath and said, 'This feels right,' " he said. In fact, Phelps performed solo for nine years prior to joining the Gaither Vocal Band, so his transition to a solo performer once again was a smooth one. 
Phelps, a student from 1988 to 1992, often performed at events around Baylor. From Welcome Week to events hosted by the Baptist Student Union, he took all opportunities to perform. "Above all else, the education that I received at Baylor gave me opportunity." Phelps says he is still reaping the benefits of his education today. His entire immediate family attended Baylor, as well as his grandmother. "Baylor is one of my homes," he says of his alma mater. It's where he met Lori, his wife of 15 years and mother of four children, ranging in age from 2 months to 12 years.
In his lyrics, Phelps seeks to convey hope to help people overcome struggles and pain by grasping what is real and loving one another. "People are all around us and every moment is designed by God. Let us love each other," he says.
"Grasping what is real" is an important part of staying grounded while on tour away from his family, he says. "Not everyone gets an applause when they work," he adds. Living in the applause is dangerous because adulation makes it easier to lose sight of what's really important, Phelps says. "Changing diapers is real, playing catch with my son is real. These things are grounding." 
Touring is hard on his relationship with his family, he says, but he tries to focus on the big picture and take the good with the bad. "I may be touring a lot right now but Lori and I are going to Brazil next month."
Phelps will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 at Waco Hall, 624 Speight on the Baylor campus. Tickets, which range from $10 to $20, are available at Compass Christian Super Store, First Baptist Woodway Office, online at HYPERLINK "http://www.itickets.com" www.itickets.com or by phone (800) 965-9324. For more information, contact Brian Townley at (254) 717-8436.