Feature Articles

David Hill Trio

Fans of Southern Gospel music know the name David Hill very well from your time with groups like Gold City, The Perrys, and The Nelons. However, they may not be as familiar with your other group members. Tell us about your group.

We got started in the summer of 2006 after I had spent about 3 years as a solo artist. My wife, Amanda, sings the soprano and does a super job. She's not only a great singer but is very good at communicating a song. I'm quite proud of her. Singing the alto is our long-time friend Stephanie Lindsey. Steph has been with us from the very beginning. A very loyal member and a powerful alto. Then I sing the lead/tenor.

If I had to describe our group I would say that we're a mixed trio that gives 100% with our vocals and presentation. In giving everything we have we hope to accomplish three things: 1-Lift up Jesus. 2-Encourage Christians. 3-Share the Gospel clearly. If we do that, we've done our job.

How has ministry changed for you since traveling with A-level artists every weekend to now partnering in ministry with your wife?

When I look back over the last 24 years of being involved in gospel music I can truly say that it has been a joy. I've been blessed to be a part of some great groups and am very thankful for the experience. I've also been blessed to make thousands of great friends all over the world. As far as what has changed I would say that the main thing is the fact that my wife and I own the group so we can set our own schedule and our children can go everywhere that we go. I love the fact that I am honored to stand next to my wife, lift up Jesus, and minister to people. The first year of our marriage I was with The Nelons, so I spent a lot of time on the phone with her. Now, I just look next to me...'cause there she is. I'm also very blessed with the fact that both of our children, Mason and Eliana, LOVE being on the road. Seriously, give those kids a hotel, a Wal-Mart, and a place where we can sing, and they're thrilled. I love what I do!

Your bio on your website says that the David Hill Trio is "from the local church, for the local church." What does that mean exactly?

Well, this ministry was literally born out of a local fellowship. The way we found Steph was during a prayer meeting on a Wednesday night when we heard her sing behind us. We practiced at church, we were supported by the pastor and members, and we were held accountable by them as well. So, we are "from the local church". "For the local church" means that we understand that we are called to serve, encourage, and challenge the Body of Christ wherever they are. When we say the word "church", for many their minds go to the building. Our minds go to God's people. I tell pastors all the time, "Don't worry about catering to us. We're here to serve, not to be served".

The word out now is that you're working on a brand new recording. Tell us about that.

We are! We have actually finished the vocals and are awaiting the mixes for review as we speak. We were so blessed on this record to have some great songs from some great writers. A song called "Good, Good News" is an up tempo song written by Jason Clark of The Nelons that we really like. Another one from the pen of Jason is called "Thank You For The Blood". This is my personal favorite. Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark wrote another one called "God Makes No Mistakes". My wife is featured on this one and is very special to her. It was written specifically for Amanda and myself and speaks of our second child who was still-born. "Awesome Are You Lord" was written by my wife, Amanda. She's very new to songwriting and I'm very proud of her efforts. One more song that I'll mention is a Nancy Harmon tune called "I've Got A Right". The Nelons recorded this song years ago and we wanted to honor them by putting it on the record. Jason, Kelly, and Amber have been some of our best friends for a long time and I hope we did them justice with this tribute. The title of the recording is "Things We Believe" on the Gospel Heritage label, so ya'll be looking for it!

What's it been like working with Jason Clark (The Nelons) on this record?

Jason is a brilliant musician, songwriter, and singer. Is that all you wanted me to say, Jason? Just kidding. He's been my best friend for almost 20 years. We got started together with the Singing Americans...years ago. You want to be able to completely trust your producer and I do. I know that Jason has our best interest in mind and that makes it very easy to go into the studio and just sing. I don't have to worry about what it sounds like, that's Jason's job. He's very patient, very smart, and the guy hears everything that the music has to offer. Makes for a creative record. He's produced every recording that we've done and I don't see that changing any time soon.

One thing about David Hill that people may not know much about is that you're a talented songwriter. When did you start writing songs?

I wrote my first song when I was about 20 years old. It wasn't good, but it was a start. Biney English, Michael's older brother, sang lead with The Anchormen and wrote 90% of their songs. When I was hired as their lead singer after Biney's departure (a LONG time ago)they needed songs. That was when I really felt that God developed my songwriting. So let me make this correction, I was 24 years old when I really started writing.

Each songwriter approaches the craft differently. What is your process like?

Nine times out of ten it begins with the chorus for me. I'll usually get the chorus together and then sit on it for a while to see what direction the verses need to take. I'm not a musical genius by far and most people would be very surprised to know that I don't read music. I can tell when the melody is going up or down by looking at the notes but that's about it. From an early age I was trained how to use my ears to hear what part was missing and to put it in there. That's how I've gotten by all these years. So when it comes to writing I'm blessed, again, to have Jason Clark. After I finish a song I sing the melody for Jason and he puts his musical genius to work with the chords. That is, if I finish a song. I have been known to send Jason nothing but a chorus and let him finish it. We have an inside joke that says that I'm the "Chorus King".

What other plans does the group have for the future?

I've got a ton of goals that I have written down, but in general, we want to always work at getting better and be faithful.

Any additional information you would like to share?

If you'd like to schedule DHT visit http://www.thedavidhilltrio.com