WhiteHeart

by Jason AnkenyThe Christian rock band Whiteheart was formed in 1982 by singer Steve Green, guitarist Dann Huff, bassist Gary Lunn, keyboardists Mark Gersmehl and Billy Smiley, and drummer David Huff, most of the members alumni of Bill Gaithers group. After debuting with a self-titled effort issued on the Home Sweet Home label, Green exited the line-up, and was replaced by vocalist Scott Douglas for 1984s Vital Signs; another roster swap exchanging Dann Huff for guitarist Gordon Kennedy again shook up the Whiteheart sound just prior to 1985s Hotline. The remaining Huff brother, David, split soon after its release, as did Douglas; new vocalist Rick Florian and drummer Chris McHugh were installed in time for 1986s Dont Wait for the Movie, the last Whiteheart record to feature Gary Lunn. With the addition of new bassist Tommy Sims for 1987s Emergency Broadcast, only Gersmehl and Smiley remained from the groups original line-up; somewhat remarkably, the release of 1989s Freedom heralded no roster changes, but in the months to follow Kennedy, Sims and McHugh all left the fold to be replaced by guitarist Brian Wooten, bassist Anthony Sallee and drummer Mark Nemer for 1990s Powerhouse. Nemer quit soon after, and although McHugh returned to record the majority of 1992s Tales of Wonder, the drummers seat was eventually filled by Jon Knox. The next Whiteheart LP, 1993s Highlands, featured the same line-up, but Sallee departed prior to 1995s Inside, cut with new bassist John Thorn. By 1997s Redemption, Whiteheart offically consisted of Gersmehl, Smiley and Florian, rounded out by studio players.