March 2002 ~ Featuring Channing Eleton
One of my favorite things about traveling is having the opportunity to work with other groups and visiting with my friends at concerts. I may be a Southern Gospel Music artist, but I am also a big fan. I try to keep track of the groups, and can name you the members of each group. Just like everyone else, I have my favorites. In this article, I want to share a little about one of my favorite pianists. To be a favorite of mine, I look for a few different things. First is to be a great musician, one that knows when not to play, and plays only consistently clean licks and fills. Second, I prefer being around people that are humble. Especially when someone in a very well known group remains very friendly and appreciative of what recognition that they receive. And finally, when someone (especially a young person) comes along and represents Southern Gospel Music with the utmost class. Several of these pianists exist, one good example would be my friend Roger Bennett, but the pianist that I want to write about this month is Channing Eleton of the prestigious Gold City Quartet. Channing is one of the best young pianists in Gospel Music, and I am honored to call him a friend.

Channing Eleton was born on April 29, 1973. His parents are Earl and Janice Eleton. He has two older sisters, Florene and Tammy, and a younger brother, Cameron. Channing was saved in 1983, at the age of ten. On July 10, 1999, he was married. Now, Channing and his wife Christina reside in Dalton, Georgia. Prior to his involvement in Southern Gospel Music, he received several years of training at the Cadek Conservatory of Music in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was trained in Classical and Jazz.

His first experience in Southern Gospel came with Poet Voices, where he spent four and a half years. Soon after Channing was married, Gold City began looking for a pianist, and the name Channing Eleton was one of the first that came to mind. He joined Gold City in March of 2000. His talent and professionalism are exactly what Gold City was looking for. Channing states that his biggest musical influences include Anthony Burger, Garry Jones, Bruce Hornsby, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Tony Bennett.

His collections include vintage keyboards and jazz cd's. Some of his favorites cd's are his Tony Bennett collection. His vintage keyboard collection includes a Hammond B-3 organ, a Wurlitzer electric piano, a Rhodes electric piano, and his prized possession is an old Mini Moog analog synthesizer. Channing also has a couple of accordions. He says that he loves the sound of an accordion when used in the right context. When Channing was with Poet Voices, he played the accordion on a few songs on the "Pilgrim's Song" project, as well as a few times live on stage. In fact, Anthony Burger recently played one of Channing's accordions on an up-and-coming Gaither Video that was shot down in Louisiana. While on the road with Gold City, his jobs include setting up and breaking down the stage equipment. He also pitches in whenever something needs done. Most of the time that means taking out the trash from the bus.

Channing added, "Even though music is what I do, I still love studying music. I'm really into learning as much as I can. I don't ever want to stop working at it. God has given me the opportunity of a life-time, and I want to be the best I can be for Him."

One of Channing's favorite pastimes is taking his wife Christina to a nice coffee house in Chattanooga, called Rembrandt's. This is where they had their first date. Then on a later visit, Channing proposed there at a spot that overlooks the Tennessee River. They try to get their favorite table, the one by the fireplace, and they catch up on some reading or simply just talk. Channing also mentioned that he usually orders a grande' vanilla cappuccino, his favorite item on their menu.

In the few years that Channing has been in Southern Gospel Music, he has been well received by the fans and industry. He has been honored with many acknowledgements. Most recently, he was voted the Musician Of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association in 2001. This is voted upon by the members of the SGMA, which is made up by most of the Southern Gospel Industry. That award alone proves how he is admired and respected by his piers. Since being with Gold City, their band has been voted Favorite Band in 1998 and 2000 in the Singing News Fan Awards.

He has been nominated as favorite pianist several times in the Singing News Fan Awards, and he received two Dove Award nominations in 1999 for his Instrumental Recording entitled "Be Still And Know". Even with all of these recognitions, Channing remains one of the most down to earth and humble people that I know.

Channing has a very supportive family. I have met his parents, Earl and Janice Eleton, and they are some of the finest people I've ever met. Earl is a big Southern Gospel Music fan and has always encouraged me, and for that I will always appreciate him. I'm glad to be associated with fine folks like these.

You can find out more about the Channing on Gold City's website: www.goldcityqt.com. While your there, be sure to read Jay's Jems, a monthly article by Jay Parrack. Jay is probably my favorite tenor singer, and I'm sure you will read about him in this article soon. Channing also has his own website at: www.channingeleton.com. He launched his own website about four years ago and is currently updating it so that it will offer his latest piano products, such as an up-and-coming piano songbook from his first cd entitled "Be Still And Know", as well as a new Christmas cd that is scheduled to be released in the late Summer or early fall of 2002. Also, a cd of soft hymns, played with just the piano, is also in the plans to be released in late 2002. Also on this site, you will be able to find out about production services offered by Channing. Be sure to check the personal appearances and see when Gold City will be in your area. They have a great group and an awesome band. You're sure to enjoy them. While your there, pick up a copy of Channing's instrumental piano recording. It's a part of my collection and I can highly recommend it. I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about one of Southern Gospel Music's favorite young artists.