Sandi Patty
Encyclopedia
Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty (born July 12, 1956) is an American
Christian music
singer. For many years she was known as Sandi Patti. She has been dubbed "The Voice" by critics, because of her wide range and flexibility.
, into a family of musicians; her father was a minister of music and her mother served as the church pianist. She first performed at the age of two when she sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her church, Phoenix First Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). First growing up in Phoenix
, then San Diego, she and her brothers joined her parents in a performing group, known as "The Ron Patty Family," and sang at churches across the nation during summer holidays. After high school graduation from Crawford High in San Diego, CA, she attended San Diego State University
and Anderson University
in Anderson
, Indiana
, where she studied voice and conducting. While studying at Anderson University
, she worked as a studio musician for area recording studios, singing background vocals and recording commercial jingles, including one for Juicy Fruit
gum. Her reputation as a performer and studio singer grew during the late 1970s, and it was during this time that she initiated contact with legendary Christian musician, Bill Gaither.
Her career expanded after she won her first two GMA Dove Awards in 1982, and began singing backup for Bill Gaither and the Bill Gaither Trio. She headlined her first national tour in 1984, and reached national acclaim after her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner
" was included during the ABC
Statue of Liberty re-dedication broadcast on July 4, 1986. This exposure led to multiple mainstream television appearances including The Tonight Show
, Christmas in Washington, and Walt Disney
's Fourth of July Extravaganza. She was invited to sing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500
from 1987–1988 and 1990–1992.
At the peak of her career, her concerts were so heavily attended that she performed in often sold-out mainstream arenas and concert halls. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she averaged over 200 concerts a year, and supported a staff of over 30 that managed her career. In 1995, she was also featured in the Warren Chaney
docudrama
, America: A Call to Greatness
. During this period of time she was noted, often critically, as the highest-paid singer in the Christian music industry, largely due to massive touring and high-profile public appearances.
from manager John Helvering shocked the gospel music industry. The reason for the split was later revealed to be infidelity
, which subsequently stalled her career in the mid-1990s.
, the Cincinnati Pops, the Dallas Symphony and repeatedly served as master of ceremonies for the Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In interviews and in her autobiography, Broken on the Back Row, Patty has expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for her past actions, and has outlined the steps she undertook to seek forgiveness from people affected by them.
In 2000, she had a guest singing appearance at the end of a 7th heaven
episode (season four, episode 20). She appeared in the 2006 annual Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
. A televised performance of Sandi Patty's Yuletide Special was filmed for syndication in 2006, with other performers—including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Band.
In 2004, Patty was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
, and in August, 2007, was awarded the GMA Music in the Rockies
Summit Award.
In May 2008, Patty released her 30th studio recording, Songs For The Journey, in which she covers classic hymns of the church and other modern gospel classics. 2008 also saw the release of five separate compilation recordings of past songs taken from previous albums.
In 2009, Patty received two GMA Dove Award nominations: Female Vocalist Of The Year, and Inspirational Album Of The Year (Songs For The Journey).
Simply Sandi, an acoustic album, is the first solo project to be released on her own record label, Stylos Records (a label with three artists—Sandi, Ben Utecht
, and Heather Payne
). It was released on May 5, 2009. This album includes new renditions of some of Sandi's most beloved songs including "In Heaven's Eyes", "Via Dolorosa" and "The Stage is Bare". WEA Distribution
is the distributor for Stylos Records, although this album is not being released commercially.
In Fall 2009, Sandi released her first live Christmas album entitled Christmas: LIVE. The album includes live performances of her past Christmas favorites including "O Holy Night", "Someday", and a duet with her husband Don Peslis in "The Prayer".
Patty's latest album (released on August 24, 2010) is titled The Edge of the Divine. It includes a new version of her popular song "We Shall Behold Him", plus eight new songs with a fresh contemporary sound—one of which she performs a duet with Heather Payne
. A book of the same name was also released—with the sub-title "Where Possibility Meets God's Faithfulness."
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association
Hall of Fame
in 2004
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Christian music
Christian music
Christian music is music that has been written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life and faith. Common themes of Christian music include praise, worship, penitence, and lament, and its forms vary widely across the world....
singer. For many years she was known as Sandi Patti. She has been dubbed "The Voice" by critics, because of her wide range and flexibility.
Early life
Patty was born in Oklahoma City, OklahomaOklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city ranks 31st among United States cities in population. The city's population, from the 2010 census, was 579,999, with a metro-area population of 1,252,987 . In 2010, the Oklahoma...
, into a family of musicians; her father was a minister of music and her mother served as the church pianist. She first performed at the age of two when she sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her church, Phoenix First Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). First growing up in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, then San Diego, she and her brothers joined her parents in a performing group, known as "The Ron Patty Family," and sang at churches across the nation during summer holidays. After high school graduation from Crawford High in San Diego, CA, she attended San Diego State University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
and Anderson University
Anderson University (Indiana)
Anderson University is an accredited private Christian liberal arts university in Anderson, Indiana. The college is affiliated with the Church of God . Anderson University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and the society. In 2010, U.S...
in Anderson
Anderson, Indiana
Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Indiana, United States. It is the principal city of the Anderson, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses Madison county. Anderson is the headquarters of the Church of God and home of Anderson University, which is...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, where she studied voice and conducting. While studying at Anderson University
Anderson University (Indiana)
Anderson University is an accredited private Christian liberal arts university in Anderson, Indiana. The college is affiliated with the Church of God . Anderson University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and the society. In 2010, U.S...
, she worked as a studio musician for area recording studios, singing background vocals and recording commercial jingles, including one for Juicy Fruit
Juicy Fruit
Juicy Fruit is a brand of chewing gum made by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a U.S. company that since 2008 has been a subsidiary of the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. It was introduced in 1893, and in the 21st century the brand name is recognized by 99 percent of Americans, with total sales in...
gum. Her reputation as a performer and studio singer grew during the late 1970s, and it was during this time that she initiated contact with legendary Christian musician, Bill Gaither.
Singing career
Patty recorded her first album, For My Friends, an independent effort, that landed in the hands of executives at Singspiration! records. In 1979, she was signed to Singspiration! and released her first professional record, Sandi's Song. According to the FAQ section on her website, the name on her birth certificate is Sandra Patty. A printer's error on the labeling listed her name as Sandi Patti, and she used this moniker as her stage name for the next fifteen years, before correcting it to Sandi Patty.Her career expanded after she won her first two GMA Dove Awards in 1982, and began singing backup for Bill Gaither and the Bill Gaither Trio. She headlined her first national tour in 1984, and reached national acclaim after her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships...
" was included during the ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
Statue of Liberty re-dedication broadcast on July 4, 1986. This exposure led to multiple mainstream television appearances including The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
, Christmas in Washington, and Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
's Fourth of July Extravaganza. She was invited to sing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
from 1987–1988 and 1990–1992.
At the peak of her career, her concerts were so heavily attended that she performed in often sold-out mainstream arenas and concert halls. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she averaged over 200 concerts a year, and supported a staff of over 30 that managed her career. In 1995, she was also featured in the Warren Chaney
Warren Chaney
Warren Herbert Chaney, Ph.D. is an American executive, author, filmmaker, behavioral scientist, entertainer, businessman and a pioneer in early television. In a career spanning four decades, Chaney wrote fifteen books, fourteen screenplays, and seventy-eight professional and nonprofessional...
docudrama
Docudrama
In film, television programming and staged theatre, docudrama is a documentary-style genre that features dramatized re-enactments of actual historical events. As a neologism, the term is often confused with docufiction....
, America: A Call to Greatness
America: A Call to Greatness
America: A Call to Greatness is a 1995 docudrama feature from Paige-Brace Cinema, chronicling United States history from its inception through the 20th century. It stars Charlton Heston, Mickey Rooney, Deborah Winters, Peter Graves, Jane Russell, and Rita Moreno among others and was written,...
. During this period of time she was noted, often critically, as the highest-paid singer in the Christian music industry, largely due to massive touring and high-profile public appearances.
Divorce
In 1992, the news of her divorceDivorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
from manager John Helvering shocked the gospel music industry. The reason for the split was later revealed to be infidelity
Infidelity
In many intimate relationships in many cultures there is usually an express or implied expectation of exclusivity, especially in sexual matters. Infidelity most commonly refers to a breach of the expectation of sexual exclusivity.Infidelity can occur in relation to physical intimacy and/or...
, which subsequently stalled her career in the mid-1990s.
Comeback
Patty slowly rebuilt her career through expanding her musical appeal, performing pops concerts with symphony orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony OrchestraAtlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Robert Spano has been its music director since 2001...
, the Cincinnati Pops, the Dallas Symphony and repeatedly served as master of ceremonies for the Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In interviews and in her autobiography, Broken on the Back Row, Patty has expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for her past actions, and has outlined the steps she undertook to seek forgiveness from people affected by them.
In 2000, she had a guest singing appearance at the end of a 7th heaven
7th Heaven
7th Heaven is an American family drama television series, created and produced by Brenda Hampton. The series premiered on August 26, 1996, on the WB, the first time that the network aired Monday night programming, and was originally broadcast from August 26, 1996 to May 13, 2007...
episode (season four, episode 20). She appeared in the 2006 annual Macy's
Macy's
Macy's is a U.S. chain of mid-to-high range department stores. In addition to its flagship Herald Square location in New York City, the company operates over 800 stores in the United States...
Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. A televised performance of Sandi Patty's Yuletide Special was filmed for syndication in 2006, with other performers—including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, sometimes colloquially referred to as MoTab, is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning, 360-member, all-volunteer choir. The choir is part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . However, the choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to...
and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Band.
In 2004, Patty was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1971 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music.-Inductees:...
, and in August, 2007, was awarded the GMA Music in the Rockies
Music in the Rockies
Music in the Rockies was a week-long festival, with a combination of seminars, competitions, concerts, and events related to Contemporary Christian Music, other kinds of Christian music, and the Christian music business industry. It has been replaced by a new event called Immerse. It was previously...
Summit Award.
In May 2008, Patty released her 30th studio recording, Songs For The Journey, in which she covers classic hymns of the church and other modern gospel classics. 2008 also saw the release of five separate compilation recordings of past songs taken from previous albums.
In 2009, Patty received two GMA Dove Award nominations: Female Vocalist Of The Year, and Inspirational Album Of The Year (Songs For The Journey).
Simply Sandi, an acoustic album, is the first solo project to be released on her own record label, Stylos Records (a label with three artists—Sandi, Ben Utecht
Ben Utecht
Benjamin Jeffrey Utecht is a former American football tight end who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Minnesota...
, and Heather Payne
Heather Payne
Heather Lynaye Floyd Payne is a solo Contemporary Christian music artist and founding member of group Point of Grace. She announced her retirement from the group in June 2008...
). It was released on May 5, 2009. This album includes new renditions of some of Sandi's most beloved songs including "In Heaven's Eyes", "Via Dolorosa" and "The Stage is Bare". WEA Distribution
Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
is the distributor for Stylos Records, although this album is not being released commercially.
In Fall 2009, Sandi released her first live Christmas album entitled Christmas: LIVE. The album includes live performances of her past Christmas favorites including "O Holy Night", "Someday", and a duet with her husband Don Peslis in "The Prayer".
Patty's latest album (released on August 24, 2010) is titled The Edge of the Divine. It includes a new version of her popular song "We Shall Behold Him", plus eight new songs with a fresh contemporary sound—one of which she performs a duet with Heather Payne
Heather Payne
Heather Lynaye Floyd Payne is a solo Contemporary Christian music artist and founding member of group Point of Grace. She announced her retirement from the group in June 2008...
. A book of the same name was also released—with the sub-title "Where Possibility Meets God's Faithfulness."
Style and voice
Sandi Patty is known for her wide vocal range, flexibility, and emotional expression. In her early recordings, she created a trademark for herself by exploiting her range to its fullest advantage, through the "power ballad" vehicle, sweeping orchestral gestures, and a series of key modulations building to a crescendo and signature high vocal ending. This style, often defined as being in the "inspirational" genre of Christian music, flourished throughout the 1980s. In later years, Patty's versatility has allowed her to expand into other styles, such as black gospel, southern gospel, classic and modern pop, and American musical theater. On her official website, she discusses her range saying "To be honest, my range has changed a bit over the years but my mom says it’s about four octaves (F below middle C to high F above double high C). Really singing high is just like screaming on pitch."Personal Life
In 2009, she and her family relocated from Anderson, IN, to Oklahoma City, OK. She and her husband, Don Peslis, have a blended family consisting of eight children.Grammys
- 1984: Best Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group for “More Than Wonderful” with Larnelle HarrisLarnelle HarrisLarnelle Steward Harris is a gospel singer and songwriter. During his 30-plus years of ministry, Harris has recorded 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards, and has had several number one songs on the inspirational music charts.-Early life:A native of Danville, Kentucky, Harris...
- 1986: Best Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group, Choir Or Chorus for “I've Just Seen Jesus” with Larnelle Harris
- 1987: Best Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group, Choir Or Chorus for “They Say” with Deniece WilliamsDeniece WilliamsJune Deniece Chandler known by her stage name Deniece Williams is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer who achieved success in the 1970s and 1980s...
- 1987: Best Gospel Performance, Female for “Morning Like This”
- 1991: Best Pop Gospel Album for Another Time... Another Place
GMA Dove Awards
- 1982–1992: Female Vocalist of the Year
- 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988: Artist of the Year
- 1983: Inspirational Album of the Year for Lift Up the Lord
- 1984: Inspirational Album of the Year for More Than Wonderful
- 1985: Inspirational Album of the Year for Songs from the Heart
- 1987: Inspirational Album of the Year for Morning Like This
- 1988: Song of the Year for “In the Name of the Lord”
- 1989: Inspirational Album of the Year for Make His Praise Glorious
- 1989: Inspirational Song of the Year for “In Heaven’s Eyes”
- 1990: Children’s Album of the Year for The Friendship Company
- 1991: Inspirational Album of the Year for Another Time, Another Place
- 1992: Inspirational Song of the Year for “For All the World”
- 1992: Children’s Album of the Year for Open for Business; the Friendship Company
- 1992: Short Form Music Video of the Year for “Another Time, Another Place”
- 1994: Short Form Music Video of the Year for “Hand on My Shoulder”
- 1995: Inspirational Album of the Year for Find It on the Wings
- 1996: Special Event Album of the Year for My Utmost for His Highest (various artists)
- 1998: Inspirational Album of the Year for Artist of My Soul
- 1998: Special Event Album of the Year for God with Us - A Celebration of Christmas Carols & Classics (various artists)
- 1999: Long Form Music Video of the Year for My Utmost for His Highest (various artists)
- 1999: Spanish Language Album of the Year for Libertad de Mas
- 2011: Inspirational Album of the Year for The Edge of the Divine
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association
Gospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association was founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of Gospel music. There are currently about 4,000 members worldwide...
Hall of Fame
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1971 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music.-Inductees:...
in 2004
Discography
- 1978: For My Friends
- 1979: Sandi's Song
- 1981: Love Overflowing
- 1982: Lift Up the Lord
- 1983: Live: More Than Wonderful
- 1983: The Gift Goes On (Christmas)
- 1984: Songs from the Heart
- 1985: Hymns Just for You
- 1986: Morning Like This
- 1988: Make His Praise Glorious
- 1989: The Finest Moments
- 1989: Sandi Patti and The Friendship Company
- 1990: Another Time...Another Place
- 1991: The Friendship Company: Open for Business
- 1992: Hallmark Christmas: Celebrate Christmas!
- 1993: Le Voyage
- 1994: Find It On the Wings
- 1996: O Holy Night! (Christmas)
- 1996: An American Songbook
- 1997: Artist of My Soul
- 1998: Libertad Me Das (Spanish album)
- 1999: Together: Sandi Patty & Kathy Troccoli
- 2000: These Days
- 2001: All the Best...Live!
- 2003: Take Hold of Christ
- 2004: Hymns of Faith...Songs of Inspiration
- 2005: Yuletide Joy (Christmas)
- 2007: Falling ForwardFalling ForwardFalling Forward is the audio companion to Sandi Patty`s autobiographical book of the same name presenting a collection of the singer's Christian pop songs.-Track listings:# "Made Me Glad"# "Sing to the King"# "Falling Forward"...
- 2008: Songs for The Journey
- 2009: Simply Sandi
- 2009: Christmas Live (Christmas)
- 2010: The Edge of the Divine
- 2011: Broadway Stories (slated release October 18, 2011)
Compilations
- 1985: Inspirational Favorites
- 1992: Hallmark Christmas: Celebrate Christmas!
- 1994: Quiet Reflections
- 1996: Hallmark Christmas: It's Christmas! Sandi Patty & Peabo BrysonPeabo BrysonPeabo Bryson is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, born in Greenville, South Carolina...
- 2005: Duets
- 2006: The Voice of Christmas
- 2007: The Definitive CollectionThe Definitive Collection (Sandi Patty album)The Definitive Collection is a compilation collection of Sandi Patty's greatest hits from the Word catalogue.-Track listings:# "How Majestic Is Your Name"# "More Than Wonderful" # "In The Name Of The Lord"# "Via Dolorosa"...
- 2008: Gospel GreatsGospel GreatsGospel Greats is compilation of Sandi Patty's greatest hits from the Word catalogue.-Track listings:# "We Shall Behold Him"# "Via Dolorosa"# "Love In Any Language"# "How Majestic Is Your Name"# "God Of All Of Me"# "Amazing Grace"# "Unto Us"...
- 2008: Via Dolorosa: Songs of RedemptionVia Dolorosa: Songs of RedemptionVia Dolorosa: Songs of Redemption is an Easter compilation of previously released songs by Sandi Patty in which these tracks deals with theme of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.-Track listings:...
- 2008: A Mother's Prayer: Songs that Inspire a Mother's Heart
- 2008: Quiet Hearts: Songs of Restful Peace for Women
- 2008: Let There Be Praise
- 2009: Duets 2
- 2011: The Best of Sandi Patty from the Gaither Homecoming Series
Literature
- 1993: Le Voyage
- 1994: Merry Christmas, With Love
- 1999: Sam's Rainbow
- 2000: I've Just Seen Jesus
- 2006: Broken on the Back Row
- 2006: Life in the Blender: Blending Families, Lives and Relationships with Grace (Women of Faith)
- 2006: A New Day: A Guided Journal
- 2007: Falling Forward... into His Arms of Grace
- 2008: Layers
- 2010: The Edge of the Divine