04/02/2008

Associated Press

Gospel music greats Bill and Gloria Gaither received the 2008 Sachem, Indiana's highest award, from Gov. Mitch Daniels on Wednesday.

The Alexandria couple have won eight Grammy Awards and more than two dozen Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. They were named "Songwriters of the Century" in 2000 by ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

"Indiana is really a nurturing state, and I hope that will always be the case," Bill Gaither said in a news release distributed by Daniels' office.

Gloria Gaither praised the couple's Hoosier roots.

"I don't think there is any more trustworthy advice, or opinions, or influences than the influences and advice and opinions of those who know you best on your block," she said.

The ceremony at the Indiana State Museum included performances by gospel singers Sandi Patty of Anderson and Larnelle Harris.

Bill Gaither, whose songs include "He Touched Me," began his music career while studying teaching at Anderson University near his hometown of Alexandria, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. He formed the Bill Gaither Trio with his brother, Danny, and his sister, Mary Ann, later replaced by Gloria, whom Bill Gather met at college. Bill Gaither still performs with the Gaither Vocal Band.

Daniels reinstated the Sachem award in 2005 to honor people whose lives have brought credit and honor to Indiana. Previous recipients include basketball coach John Wooden and the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, former president of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend.

Each Sachem honoree receives a sculpture evoking the award's American Indian roots. The name comes from an Algonquin term for wise village leaders.