Outstanding talent always speaks for itself. It stands out from crowds of gimmicks, flashy clothes and pretty faces, and rises above odds, obstacles and any lesser contenders. Great talent cannot be learned or created—it is simply given to a special few. And when that talent is dedicated to a higher purpose, there's no telling where it may take the one who possesses it.
Pop vocalist and songwriter David Phelps has been given such a talent. Credited by many as having one of today's most spectacular voices, David has seen countless thousands rise to their feet for his inspiring, powerhouse performances. His audiences have included George W. Bush, massive crowds at Billy Graham Crusades, and millions of "ABC News" viewers, and his voice has brought him multiple Grammy and Dove awards. And with the release of his new solo debut for Word Records, Revelation, Phelps is poised to reach an even greater audience of fans around the globe. Yet amid all the acclaim, David has a special person in his life who reminds him to always honor the One who gave that talent to him.
His wife of eleven years, Lori, helps David balance his dual roles as acclaimed vocalist and down-to-earth husband and father of four. "Most of us don't get the chance to have even one standing ovation or round of applause in our lives, so working on a stage of any kind can give you a really unrealistic view of life if you're not careful," David reveals. "In her own loving way, Lori won't let me live in that place of applause, and I'm very thankful for that."
Recognized from an early age for his unusual talent, David knew from the beginning that he wanted to perform music for the glory of God. Not everyone understood his commitment to faith, however. "I had several teachers who felt that I should be singing opera, or performing somewhere on Broadway," he recalls. "In college particularly, I had a teacher who kept pushing me strongly toward classical music, but when she finally accepted that Christian music was what God was calling me to do, that became the turning point for me."
A miracle is what God had in mind. In Nashville, David met with executives from Word Records and found out about an opportunity with best-selling vocal foursome Gaither Vocal Band. Two weeks later, he officially joined the group that has brought him four Dove Awards, two Grammy Awards, and over 13 gold and 15 platinum-selling projects.
My thirst for the things of this earth, isn't quenched by diamonds or pearls/One man lived the life I want—He's the One they said ruled the world/Though He only wore a crown of thorns, and He never owned a thing…I want to live like a King!
Those words also reveal the purpose behind the tremendous talent God has placed in David's own life. Despite being given such great ability and opportunity, David Phelps is a man who will forever invest that gift in honor of its Giver.
