Gospel great Bill Gaither, center, with Pete and Cindi DeBusk
It’s always nice when you meet a celebrity and he or she turns out to be charming and engaging rather than stuck-up and aloof. That certainly was the case when famous gospel singer Bill Gaither visited Knoxville recently to perform a sold-out show at the Tennessee Theatre to benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
The night before the show, Gaither was guest of honor at a reception at Pete and Cindi DeBusk’s home. Gaither, his wife Gloria, and most members of his singing group mingled with the other guests and even gave brief remarks and a short preview of the show. Also in attendance were Knoxville’s own Con Hunley and well-known studio musician Stan Williamson. Hunley himself has just released a fantastic gospel album, “Wayfarin’ Stranger,” on which Gaither makes a guest appearance.
Another highlight of the evening, in addition to just being in the DeBusks’ over-the-top fabulous house, was a special art show, “Art Interprets Alzheimer’s,” with pieces by potter and sculptor George Roby. Roby, and his wife, Sue, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, also were present at the event.
The DeBusks held the reception in their actual house rather than in the guest lodge where they usually hold big events. It is an impressive home.
Stan Williamson, left, and Con Hunley
Janice Wade-Whitehead, executive director of Alzheimer's Tennessee
This is Pete's beautiful office.
Here is the view from his desk.
Cindi's very feminine office
The dining room
Ornate staircase and chandelier
Jim Clayton, left, with Pete DeBusk and Rodney Lawler, right
Bill and Donna Cobble
Dianna Osickey offering nibbles.
Cindi and Pete
Jim Clayton with his wife, Kay, left, and Misty Gresham of Clayton Bank and Trust
From left, Donna Cobble, Faye Langley, Cindi and Pete DeBusk making a few remarks before the entertainment. Donna and Faye, two of Cindi's best friends, were part of her committee in charge of the reception.
Bill and Gloria Gaither making remarks.
Gaither, whose mother died of Alzheimer’s, noted that the only way some Alzheimer’s patients can be reached is through music. And many older people, he said, relate to hymns they knew growing up. So music is a blessing — and an important part of dealing with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Gaither and his group performed the Christmas song, "Mary Did You Know," as well as the Gaither classic "He Touched Me."
Con Hunley and Stan Williamson also performed a few numbers.
My favorite was Hunley's somewhat autobiographical "Hollow Man."
Dell Lawler, left, with David Rechter and his wife, Suzanne Schriver
Tom and Carolyn Jensen with Joan Cronan, right
Jeff and Christy Lee
Bill and Wanda Williams
Avis Phillips and Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr.
Charles and Nancy Wagner
Annelle Neel, left, with Freddi and Craven Crowell
Kim Trent, left, with Gay Lyons
Kay Watson, left, of Alzheimer's Tennessee, with Danny Higgenbotham, center, and Steve Bridges
Artist George Roby and his wife, Sue, an Alzheimer's patient. He is her caregiver and they came up with nicknames for themselves: "The Handler" and "The Happy Nuisance." (She dubbed herself that.)
This piece is called "Your Brain on Alzheimer's."
This is named "The Comfort of Acceptance, the Pain of Denial." Roby said the "acceptance" is the warm, open bowl surmounting the darker, enclosed form.
The sun had set as we left, painting this pretty view. Isn't that fountain a show-stopper?
An evening view of the stupendous house
Alzheimer’s is a cruel, hateful disease. I pray for a cure. If you would like to keep up with what’s going on, click here to go to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee website. Click here to see an interview with Bill Gaither by my friend Wayne Bledsoe of the News Sentinel. Click here to hear Con Hunley sing “Hollow Man.”
Great recap of a lovely evening–great music for a great cause. And so generous of Cindi and Pete to open their lovely home for the event.
Fabulous recap! Thank you for info on Alzheimer’s.
Thanks for covering a wonderful event for a great cause. And the pictures of this lovely home give all your readers an inside tour of one of Knoxville’s finest residences! Beautiful!
What a wonderful event, thank you for documenting it so well!! For those looking to get involved, the YPA [Young Professionals against Alzheimers] is a great group to be part of.
Oh, what a special night for so many very special supporters! Cynthia, thank you for sharing the evening’s highlights so thoroughly and calling attention to the cause and the importance of Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s work We greatly appreciate the support of all those who made the evening with the Gaithers at Pete & Cindi DeBusk’s home – as well as the Gaither Vocal Band Benefit Concert at the Tennessee Theatre – a success!
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