White Heart
Encyclopedia
White Heart, also listed as Whiteheart, was a Contemporary Christian Music
pop-rock band which formed in 1982. White Heart's discography includes thirteen albums, the most recent of which was released in 1997. Original members Billy Smiley
and Mark Gersmehl
worked with a continually-changing cast of band-mates. In 1985, former roadie Rick Florian
became the lead singer.
Although White Heart has not officially "retired" as a band, remaining members Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian are each pursuing other interests. Smiley started his own label, Cul-de-Sac Records. Gersmehl continues to write music and has released solo efforts. Florian is a real estate agent in the Franklin, Tennessee
area and also continues to sing for various recording projects.
(guitar), Mark Gersmehl
(keyboards & occasional lead vocals), Steve Green (vocals), Gary Lunn (bass), and brothers Dann
and David Huff (guitars/vocals & drums respectively).
Whiteheart was turned down by every major Christian label until Chris Christian heard their demo and signed them to Home Sweet Home Records and gave them their first record deal. By the time they released their third album on Home Sweet Home Records, they were selling in excess of 250,000 albums. After their self-titled
debut album was released in 1982, the band suffered its first line-up change. Green left the band, saying that rock was not his style. He moved quickly into a successful career as an adult contemporary singer. Green was replaced by Scott Douglas.
The band released its second album, Vital Signs
, in 1984. Dann Huff left the band shortly afterward and recommended his high school friend, Gordon Kennedy
as his replacement.
When White Heart released its third album, Hotline
, in 1985, David Huff left the band to pursue other interests, including studio work and touring with Michael W. Smith. Eventually he would join his brother Dann to form the hard rock band Giant
.
driver
and roadie, Rick Florian
, dancing around the stage and singing along to their songs. They auditioned him, and he was chosen as Douglas' replacement. Florian became a core member of the band and continued through the rest of White Heart's discography. Chris McHugh
was also picked up to fill the drummer
seat.
White Heart's 1986 release, Don't Wait for the Movie
, was criticized for its gimmick
y songwriting and lack of originality. Despite the criticism, the band kept on touring and recording. In the meantime, Gary Lunn left the band to become a studio musician, and was replaced with Tommy Sims
.
After Emergency Broadcast
was released in 1987, White Heart made an important change—but it wasn't precisely in the band's line-up. Brown Bannister
came on board as producer for their next album. Bannister is known for working with artists like Petra
and Amy Grant
.
The band's next album, 1989's Freedom
, featured a more original approach and has been hailed as one of White Heart's best. But stability remained elusive. The band reached the end of its contract with Sparrow Records
and Brown Bannister
. Also, Chris McHugh
, Gordon Kennedy
, and Tommy Sims
left the band to become studio musicians and producers. ....
, and hired Brian Wooten
(guitars), Anthony Sallee
(bass), and Mark Nemer (drums) to fill the spots. With these pieces in place, the band released one of its best-known albums, Powerhouse
, in 1990. Nemer left soon after and the band brought back former drummer Chris McHugh
to do some studio work for their next album.
The band released Tales of Wonder
in 1992, and announced Jon Knox
as their new drummer
. This album is considered the band's most popular, filled with thought-provoking lyrics
and deeper songwriting.
White Heart followed this success with Highlands
in 1993, which also received critical praise. The influence of 70's rock groups like Kansas
could be felt throughout, interwoven with Celtic
themes, including the cover art. Anthony Sallee
left the band and John Thorn
was hired to replace him for the Highlands Tour.
In 1994, the band released two compilation albums: Nothing But the Best: Rock Classics
and Radio Classics
, which included some new material. These compilations marked the end of the band's contract with Star Song
.
, as Curb's first foray into the Christian Music contemporary rock market. The band released Inside
in 1995 and stylized their name as "Whiteheart". The album had mixed reviews from the Christian market, but was quite successful on the Christian radio charts and yielded several No. 1 singles in the Christian Radio Market: "Inside" and "Even the Hardest Heart". This album was notably produced and mixed by the legendary Ken Scott (Supertramp, Elton John, David Bowie). This record marked an edgier sound, and was also the band's launch through the newly created and now-defunct Warner Christian Distribution. The band's lineup continued to be a revolving door. Brian Wooten
, John Thorn
and Jon Knox
all left to pursue other projects.
The remaining core members (Smiley, Gersmehl, Florian) regrouped to consider the band's future. They released their final album, Redemption
, in 1997 using studio musicians. It received critical praise for its depth and musical maturity.
After Redemption, Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian entered what they called "a dormant stage". They haven't officially broken up White Heart, but each of them is working on separate personal projects. Rick Florian issued a statement in 1999 regarding the future of the band.
On Aug. 25, 2006 White Heart received a Soul2Soul Honor award in New Albany, Indiana
. Billy Smiley, Rick Florian, Mark Gersmehl, Tommy Sims, Jon Knox
and Gordon Kennedy reunited to perform "Over Me" and "Sing Your Freedom". According to Florian, it was the first time in 17 years that particular combination of musicians had performed together, although Knox had never actually been in the band at the same time as Sims or Kennedy.
In May 2010, Rick Florian announced that a one-off benefit concert would be performed by the band featuring the line up from the 'Freedom' album - Rick, Mark Gersmehl, Billy Smiley, Gordon Kennedy, Tommy Sims and Chris McHugh. The show was scheduled to take place in Franklin, Tennessee at Christ Community Church on August 7, 2010 as a benefit for Rick's family's recent international adoption, as well as Rick's church's adoption and foster care ministry. In mid-June, it was announced that the benefit concert had to be postponed due to a schedule conflict. As of January 2011, no new date had been set.
, and despite the many No. 1 hits and albums, they have never won a Dove Award.
White Heart was formally inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame during the Visionary Awards show on November 6, 2010.
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
pop-rock band which formed in 1982. White Heart's discography includes thirteen albums, the most recent of which was released in 1997. Original members Billy Smiley
Billy Smiley
Billy Smiley is a music producer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for being one of the core members of the Christian rock band White Heart. He was the bands' guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter since 1982....
and Mark Gersmehl
Mark Gersmehl
Mark “Gersh” Gersmehl is a Christian musician who is best known as one of the founding members of the Christian rock group White Heart. He and guitarist Billy Smiley were the only two original members of the band to stay with White Heart from its conception in 1982 through its disbandment in 1998...
worked with a continually-changing cast of band-mates. In 1985, former roadie Rick Florian
Rick Florian
Rick Florian is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Lisa, one of his three sons and his daughter, and works as a real estate agent...
became the lead singer.
Although White Heart has not officially "retired" as a band, remaining members Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian are each pursuing other interests. Smiley started his own label, Cul-de-Sac Records. Gersmehl continues to write music and has released solo efforts. Florian is a real estate agent in the Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is a city within and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 62,487 as of the 2010 census Franklin is located approximately south of downtown Nashville.-History:...
area and also continues to sing for various recording projects.
Birth of White Heart
White Heart formed in 1982 with most of its members coming from Bill Gaither's group. The original line-up consisted of Billy SmileyBilly Smiley
Billy Smiley is a music producer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for being one of the core members of the Christian rock band White Heart. He was the bands' guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter since 1982....
(guitar), Mark Gersmehl
Mark Gersmehl
Mark “Gersh” Gersmehl is a Christian musician who is best known as one of the founding members of the Christian rock group White Heart. He and guitarist Billy Smiley were the only two original members of the band to stay with White Heart from its conception in 1982 through its disbandment in 1998...
(keyboards & occasional lead vocals), Steve Green (vocals), Gary Lunn (bass), and brothers Dann
Dann Huff
Dann Huff is an American musician, session musician, singer-songwriter and producer. For his work as a producer in the Country music genre he has won several awards including the Musician of the Year award in 2001 and 2004 at the Country Music Association Awards and the Producer of the Year award...
and David Huff (guitars/vocals & drums respectively).
Whiteheart was turned down by every major Christian label until Chris Christian heard their demo and signed them to Home Sweet Home Records and gave them their first record deal. By the time they released their third album on Home Sweet Home Records, they were selling in excess of 250,000 albums. After their self-titled
White Heart (album)
White Heart is the debut album by contemporary Christian music band White Heart and the only to feature Steve Green on vocals.-Track listing:# "Hold On" – 3:37# "You're The One" – 3:56# "Listen To The Lonely" – 3:47 # "He's Returning" – 4:23...
debut album was released in 1982, the band suffered its first line-up change. Green left the band, saying that rock was not his style. He moved quickly into a successful career as an adult contemporary singer. Green was replaced by Scott Douglas.
The band released its second album, Vital Signs
Vital Signs (White Heart album)
Vital Signs is the second album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature vocalist Scott Douglas.-Track listing:# "Sing Unto The Lamb" – 3:15# "Draw The Line" – 4:38# "Walking In The Light" – 3:56...
, in 1984. Dann Huff left the band shortly afterward and recommended his high school friend, Gordon Kennedy
Gordon Kennedy (musician)
Gordon Kennedy is a multi Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, world-class guitarist and visionary at the forefront of Nashville’s music community....
as his replacement.
When White Heart released its third album, Hotline
Hotline (White Heart album)
Hotline is the third album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature Gordon Kennedy on guitars and the last with Home Sweet Home Records.-Track listing:# "Hotline" – 4:14# "Gotta Be A Believer" – 4:21# "Jerusalem" – 3:50...
, in 1985, David Huff left the band to pursue other interests, including studio work and touring with Michael W. Smith. Eventually he would join his brother Dann to form the hard rock band Giant
Giant (band)
Giant is an American melodic hard rock band that was formed in 1987.The band consisted of founding members Dann Huff and Alan Pasqua , and had Dann's brother David Huff on drums and Mike Brignardello on bass....
.
Scott Douglas
Controversy ensued in 1985 when Scott Douglas was charged with aggravated sexual battery on June 30. Later, he was arrested for statutory rape on October 13 and was dropped from the band. Douglas (whose real name is Scott Douglas Mathiesen) was registered as a violent sex offender as a result of these incidents. He was released from prison in the mid 90s, and reunited with his family.Rick Florian becomes lead singer
The remaining band members began to audition singers. In 1985, they were surprised when they heard their busBus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
driver
Driving
Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, such as a car, truck or bus.Although direct operation of a bicycle and a mounted animal are commonly referred to as riding, such operators are legally considered drivers and are required to obey the rules of the road...
and roadie, Rick Florian
Rick Florian
Rick Florian is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Lisa, one of his three sons and his daughter, and works as a real estate agent...
, dancing around the stage and singing along to their songs. They auditioned him, and he was chosen as Douglas' replacement. Florian became a core member of the band and continued through the rest of White Heart's discography. Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. He also worked in the recording of several of their later albums....
was also picked up to fill the drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
seat.
White Heart's 1986 release, Don't Wait for the Movie
Don't Wait for the Movie
Don't Wait for the Movie is the fourth album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature vocalist Rick Florian and drummer Chris McHugh.-Track listing:# "Read The Book " – 4:51# "Holy Ground" – 4:42...
, was criticized for its gimmick
Gimmick
In marketing language, a gimmick is a unique or quirky special feature that makes something "stand out" from its contemporaries. However, the special feature is typically thought to be of little relevance or use. Thus, a gimmick is a special feature for the sake of having a special feature...
y songwriting and lack of originality. Despite the criticism, the band kept on touring and recording. In the meantime, Gary Lunn left the band to become a studio musician, and was replaced with Tommy Sims
Tommy Sims
Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, songwriter, record producer and bandleader.-Music career:From 1987 to 1989 he was the bassist of the popular Christian rock band White Heart which he left to become a studio musician and producer. During 1992-1993, he played bass on the Bruce Springsteen and the...
.
After Emergency Broadcast
Emergency Broadcast
Emergency Broadcast is the fifth album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature bassist Tommy Sims.-Track listing:# "Urban Renewal" – 4:02# "Key to Our Survival" – 4:19# "No Taboo" – 4:46 # "Montana Sky" – 4:55...
was released in 1987, White Heart made an important change—but it wasn't precisely in the band's line-up. Brown Bannister
Brown Bannister
Brown Bannister is a CCM producer and songwriter. Bannister released one album of his own, Talk to One Another, in 1981 on NewPax Records. It was reissued on the Reunion Records Label five years later, featuring a newer recording of the album's final cut, "Create In Me A Clean Heart"...
came on board as producer for their next album. Bannister is known for working with artists like Petra
Petra (band)
Petra is a music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres. Formed in 1972, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock"...
and Amy Grant
Amy Grant
Amy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
.
The band's next album, 1989's Freedom
Freedom (White Heart album)
Freedom is the sixth album by Christian rock band White Heart and the last with Sparrow Records. Produced by Brown Bannister, it was also the last album for Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy and Chris McHugh.-Track listing:# "Bye Bye Babylon" – 4:09...
, featured a more original approach and has been hailed as one of White Heart's best. But stability remained elusive. The band reached the end of its contract with Sparrow Records
Sparrow Records
-Background:Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 by Billy Ray Hearn, then A&R director at Myrrh Records. Purchased by EMI in 1992, it is now part of the EMI Christian Music Group, and has been named by Billboard Magazine as "America's Best Christian Music Record Label"...
and Brown Bannister
Brown Bannister
Brown Bannister is a CCM producer and songwriter. Bannister released one album of his own, Talk to One Another, in 1981 on NewPax Records. It was reissued on the Reunion Records Label five years later, featuring a newer recording of the album's final cut, "Create In Me A Clean Heart"...
. Also, Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. He also worked in the recording of several of their later albums....
, Gordon Kennedy
Gordon Kennedy (musician)
Gordon Kennedy is a multi Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, world-class guitarist and visionary at the forefront of Nashville’s music community....
, and Tommy Sims
Tommy Sims
Tommy Sims is a renowned bassist, songwriter, record producer and bandleader.-Music career:From 1987 to 1989 he was the bassist of the popular Christian rock band White Heart which he left to become a studio musician and producer. During 1992-1993, he played bass on the Bruce Springsteen and the...
left the band to become studio musicians and producers. ....
The Star Song era
White Heart signed on with Star Song RecordsStar Song Communications
Star Song Communications is a Christian record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. It gained notoriety when it issued Resurrection Band's ground-breaking debut album, Awaiting Your Reply in 1978. Originally a distribution deal was made with Benson Records. From 1983 until 1986...
, and hired Brian Wooten
Brian Wooten
Brian Wooten is an American guitar player. He has played in contemporary Christian rock bands, including Whiteheart in the 1990s. Also in the 90s, he played and co wrote songs on Petra albums including God Fixation and Double Take....
(guitars), Anthony Sallee
Anthony Sallee
Anthony Sallee was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993.Anthony Sallee was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He started playing bass guitar in church as an early teen...
(bass), and Mark Nemer (drums) to fill the spots. With these pieces in place, the band released one of its best-known albums, Powerhouse
Powerhouse (White Heart album)
Powerhouse is the seventh album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature Brian Wooten on guitars and Anthony Sallee on bass, and the only to feature Mark Nemer on drums.-Track listing:# "Independence Day" – 5:37# "Powerhouse" – 4:30...
, in 1990. Nemer left soon after and the band brought back former drummer Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh
Chris McHugh was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. He also worked in the recording of several of their later albums....
to do some studio work for their next album.
The band released Tales of Wonder
Tales of Wonder (album)
Tales of Wonder is the eight album by Christian rock band White Heart and the first to feature drummer Jon Knox. Chris McHugh played all drum tracks although Knox was the official drummer for tour.-Track listing:...
in 1992, and announced Jon Knox
Jon Knox
Jon Knox is an American session musician drummer, producer and composer. He was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1991 to 1996. He was concurrently the drummer of the band Adam Again which disbanded after lead singer Gene Eugene died in his sleep on March 20, 2000 in his...
as their new drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
. This album is considered the band's most popular, filled with thought-provoking lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of...
and deeper songwriting.
White Heart followed this success with Highlands
Highlands (White Heart album)
Highlands is the ninth album by Christian rock band White Heart and the last with Star Song Records.-Track listing:# "You Can See the World" – 4:21# "Nothing But the Best" – 3:42# "Heaven of My Heart" – 6:11 # "Once and for All" – 5:04...
in 1993, which also received critical praise. The influence of 70's rock groups like Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
could be felt throughout, interwoven with Celtic
Celtic music
Celtic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
themes, including the cover art. Anthony Sallee
Anthony Sallee
Anthony Sallee was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993.Anthony Sallee was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He started playing bass guitar in church as an early teen...
left the band and John Thorn
John Thorn (musician)
John Thorn was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1993 to 1995. He was the band's road manager and joined the band as a touring bassist during the Highlands Tour when Anthony Sallee left the band. However, after the tour, he was named as the official bassist of the band.-...
was hired to replace him for the Highlands Tour.
In 1994, the band released two compilation albums: Nothing But the Best: Rock Classics
Nothing But the Best: Rock Classics
Nothing But the Best: Rock Classics is an official compilation album by White Heart. It also contains the songs "Letter of Love" and "Climb the Hill", which were previously unreleased.-Track listing:# "Letter of Love" – 3:52# "Convertibles" – 3:43...
and Radio Classics
Nothing But the Best: Radio Classics
Nothing But the Best: Radio Classics is an official compilation album by White Heart. It also contains the songs "Morningstar" and "My Eyes Have Seen", which were previously unreleased.-Track listing:# "Morningstar" – 4:17# "My Eyes Have Seen" – 4:14...
, which included some new material. These compilations marked the end of the band's contract with Star Song
Star Song Communications
Star Song Communications is a Christian record label that was started in 1976 by Darrell Harris. It gained notoriety when it issued Resurrection Band's ground-breaking debut album, Awaiting Your Reply in 1978. Originally a distribution deal was made with Benson Records. From 1983 until 1986...
.
The last years
White Heart signed with a mainstream label, Curb RecordsCurb Records
Curb Records is a record label started by Mike Curb originally as Sidewalk Records in 1963...
, as Curb's first foray into the Christian Music contemporary rock market. The band released Inside
Inside (White Heart album)
Inside is the tenth album by Christian rock band White Heart and the only to feature John Thorn on bass. The band stylized their name as Whiteheart for this album.-Track listing:# "Inside" – 4:27...
in 1995 and stylized their name as "Whiteheart". The album had mixed reviews from the Christian market, but was quite successful on the Christian radio charts and yielded several No. 1 singles in the Christian Radio Market: "Inside" and "Even the Hardest Heart". This album was notably produced and mixed by the legendary Ken Scott (Supertramp, Elton John, David Bowie). This record marked an edgier sound, and was also the band's launch through the newly created and now-defunct Warner Christian Distribution. The band's lineup continued to be a revolving door. Brian Wooten
Brian Wooten
Brian Wooten is an American guitar player. He has played in contemporary Christian rock bands, including Whiteheart in the 1990s. Also in the 90s, he played and co wrote songs on Petra albums including God Fixation and Double Take....
, John Thorn
John Thorn
John Thorn is a noted sports historian, and the Official Baseball Historian for Major League Baseball.-Early life:Thorn was born in Stuttgart, West Germany. His Polish Jewish parents had come there as refugees. He immigrated to the United States in 1949...
and Jon Knox
Jon Knox
Jon Knox is an American session musician drummer, producer and composer. He was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1991 to 1996. He was concurrently the drummer of the band Adam Again which disbanded after lead singer Gene Eugene died in his sleep on March 20, 2000 in his...
all left to pursue other projects.
The remaining core members (Smiley, Gersmehl, Florian) regrouped to consider the band's future. They released their final album, Redemption
Redemption (White Heart album)
Redemption is the last album by Christian rock band White Heartwho once again stylized their name as both Whiteheart and WhiteHeart for this album.-Track listing:# "Looking Glass" – 4:00# "Man Overboard" – 5:06# "Honestly" – 4:37...
, in 1997 using studio musicians. It received critical praise for its depth and musical maturity.
After Redemption, Smiley, Gersmehl and Florian entered what they called "a dormant stage". They haven't officially broken up White Heart, but each of them is working on separate personal projects. Rick Florian issued a statement in 1999 regarding the future of the band.
On Aug. 25, 2006 White Heart received a Soul2Soul Honor award in New Albany, Indiana
New Albany, Indiana
New Albany is a city in Floyd County, Indiana, United States, situated along the Ohio River opposite Louisville, Kentucky. In 1900, 20,628 people lived in New Albany; in 1910, 20,629; in 1920, 22,992; and in 1940, 25,414. The population was 36,372 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of...
. Billy Smiley, Rick Florian, Mark Gersmehl, Tommy Sims, Jon Knox
Jon Knox
Jon Knox is an American session musician drummer, producer and composer. He was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1991 to 1996. He was concurrently the drummer of the band Adam Again which disbanded after lead singer Gene Eugene died in his sleep on March 20, 2000 in his...
and Gordon Kennedy reunited to perform "Over Me" and "Sing Your Freedom". According to Florian, it was the first time in 17 years that particular combination of musicians had performed together, although Knox had never actually been in the band at the same time as Sims or Kennedy.
In May 2010, Rick Florian announced that a one-off benefit concert would be performed by the band featuring the line up from the 'Freedom' album - Rick, Mark Gersmehl, Billy Smiley, Gordon Kennedy, Tommy Sims and Chris McHugh. The show was scheduled to take place in Franklin, Tennessee at Christ Community Church on August 7, 2010 as a benefit for Rick's family's recent international adoption, as well as Rick's church's adoption and foster care ministry. In mid-June, it was announced that the benefit concert had to be postponed due to a schedule conflict. As of January 2011, no new date had been set.
Awards
Although White Heart is considered one of the premier bands to ever play Contemporary Christian MusicContemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
, and despite the many No. 1 hits and albums, they have never won a Dove Award.
White Heart was formally inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame during the Visionary Awards show on November 6, 2010.
Band members
- Steve Green - lead vocals (1982)
- Dann HuffDann HuffDann Huff is an American musician, session musician, singer-songwriter and producer. For his work as a producer in the Country music genre he has won several awards including the Musician of the Year award in 2001 and 2004 at the Country Music Association Awards and the Producer of the Year award...
- lead vocals, guitars (1982–1984) - David Huff - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1982–1985)
- Rick FlorianRick FlorianRick Florian is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of Contemporary Christian Music rock band Whiteheart since 1986. He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Lisa, one of his three sons and his daughter, and works as a real estate agent...
- lead vocals (1986–1998) (the band intentionally mis-spelled his name differently on each album) - Gordon KennedyGordon Kennedy (musician)Gordon Kennedy is a multi Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, world-class guitarist and visionary at the forefront of Nashville’s music community....
- guitars, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals (1985–1989) - Billy SmileyBilly SmileyBilly Smiley is a music producer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for being one of the core members of the Christian rock band White Heart. He was the bands' guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter since 1982....
- guitars (1982–1998) - Mark Gersmehl - keyboards, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals (1982–1998)
- Scott Douglas - lead vocals (1984–1985)
- Gary Lunn - bass (1982–1986)
- Chris McHughChris McHughChris McHugh was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1986 to 1989. He also worked in the recording of several of their later albums....
- drums, percussion (1986–1989) - Tommy SimsTommy SimsTommy Sims is a renowned bassist, songwriter, record producer and bandleader.-Music career:From 1987 to 1989 he was the bassist of the popular Christian rock band White Heart which he left to become a studio musician and producer. During 1992-1993, he played bass on the Bruce Springsteen and the...
- bass, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals (1986–1989) - Brian WootenBrian WootenBrian Wooten is an American guitar player. He has played in contemporary Christian rock bands, including Whiteheart in the 1990s. Also in the 90s, he played and co wrote songs on Petra albums including God Fixation and Double Take....
- guitars (1990–1995) - Anthony SalleeAnthony SalleeAnthony Sallee was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1990 to 1993.Anthony Sallee was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He started playing bass guitar in church as an early teen...
- bass (1990–1993) - John ThornJohn Thorn (musician)John Thorn was the bassist of Christian rock band White Heart from 1993 to 1995. He was the band's road manager and joined the band as a touring bassist during the Highlands Tour when Anthony Sallee left the band. However, after the tour, he was named as the official bassist of the band.-...
- bass (1995) - Mark Nemer - drums, percussion (1990)
- Kevin MillsKevin MillsMr. Kevin J. Mills was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Socket Mobile in March, 2000 - having served previously as Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Engineering and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Socket, Mr...
- bass (1995–1997) - Jon KnoxJon KnoxJon Knox is an American session musician drummer, producer and composer. He was the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart from 1991 to 1996. He was concurrently the drummer of the band Adam Again which disbanded after lead singer Gene Eugene died in his sleep on March 20, 2000 in his...
- drums, percussion (1991–1996)
Official albums
Live and unofficial compilation albums
- Live at Six Flags (Home Sweet Home), 1986
- White Heart Greatest Hits (Home Sweet Home compilation), 1987
- White Heart/Vital Signs (double album), 1989 - Two songs were missing to fit the length.
- Souvenirs (Sparrow Records compilation), 1990
- Quiet Storm: The Ballads (Home Sweet Home compilation), 1993
- Vital Signs (Contemporary Christian Gold Series), 1994
- Attack! (Star Song compilation), 1995
- White Heart: The Early Years (Star Song compilation), 1996
- The Millennium Archives: Demos, Interviews, and Lost Songs (Home Sweet Home), 2000
- Hits from the Heart (BCI Music compilation), 2000
- Very Best of Whiteheart (EMI CMG) October 2006