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'''Mark “Gersh” Gersmehl''' (1969- ) 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<ref>{{cite web |url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Heart|title= White Heart |last= Wikipedia |accessdate= May 30, 2011 }}</ref>. Gersh played keyboards in the band, as well as occasionally singing lead vocals. He also contributed his songwriting skills, penning 15 of White Heart’s 16 #1 hits<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>. When the group disbanded in 1998, he began a solo career, releasing his first solo album in 2002<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.whiteheart.com/info/gersh_2002.html|title= Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh |last= White Heart |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>.
⚫
#REDIRECT [[White Heart]]

==Early Life==
Gersh was born in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]] in 1969, and spend his childhood in the area<ref>{{cite web |url= http://music.aol.com/artist/mark-gersmehl/biography|title= Mark Gersmehl Biography |last= AOL, Inc. | accessdate= May 30, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>. His first musical memories are classical, at home and at the local Lutheran church<ref>{{cite web |url= http://awaitingemmanuel.com/ae-creative-team/mark-gersmehl.html|title= Mark Gersmehl |last= AwaitingEmmanuel.com |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>. His first instrument was the piano, although he later studied trombone, baritone, flute, and recorder. At the age of 15 he performed his first “professional” gig at a wedding reception with the New World Quintet<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>. Later, he would play trombone with the O’Jays, the legendary Philadelphia Sound group, as well as with several professional orchestras in Indiana<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11535640/gersmehl/|title= Whiteheart: No Pain, No Gain |first= Steve |last= Rabey |work= CCM Magazine |Nashville, TN |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>.

==Gaither Vocal Band==
While attending [[Ball State University]], Gersh began playing horns at the studios of [[Bill Gaither (gospel singer)|Bill]] and [[Gloria Gaither]]. Other studio musicians suggested that he go on the road with the [[Gaither Vocal Band]], but at first Gersh was hesitant. The third time his studio friends insisted, Gersh agreed to go on the road<ref>{{cite web |url= http://alphaomeganews.org/features/02/june/gersh.html|title= Mark Gersmehl Interview |first= Ken |last= Wiegman |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>. He would play keyboards and horn on tour with the Gaithers for four years<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>.

==White Heart==
By 1981, Billy Smiley and Gersh, both of whom were playing with the New Gaither Vocal Band at the time, found that they were tired of playing backups for other artists, and felt that they wanted to go out on their own and let the Lord work through them. They decided to start their own contemporary Christian music group singing some of their co-written compositions<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1xc0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=qDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2829,1601945&dq=dann-huff&hl=en|title=White Heart Beats|last=Rosenthal|first=Traja|date=14 March 1987|work=[[Lodi News-Sentinel]]|page=5|accessdate=May 28, 2011|location=Lodi, California , USA}}</ref>. Four musicians who were in the Gaither Trio, the Gaither Vocal Band, or both—[[Dann Huff|Dann]] and [[David Huff (musician)|David Huff]], [[Steve Green (singer)|Steve Green]], and Gary Lunn—decided to join the duo in the formation of the band, which was eventually named “White Heart”<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11535640/gersmehl/|title= Whiteheart: No Pain, No Gain |first= Steve |last= Rabey |work= CCM Magazine |Nashville, TN |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>.

Through White Heart’s numerous lineup changes, Billy and Gersh, the primary songwriters of the group, stayed on<ref>{{cite book|last=[[Don Cusic|Cusic]]|first=[[Don Cusic|Don]]|title=Encyclopedia of contemporary Christian music: pop, rock, and worship|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=_3jqjSKHKcwC&pg=PA461&dq=%22dann+huff%22&hl=en&ei=XkNtTMLFOMKSjAfiobz7CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22dann%20huff%22&f=false|year=2009|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-313-34425-1|page=461}}</ref>. Gersh wrote or co-wrote 15 of the White Heart’s 16 #1 hits, as well as numerous other Top 10 hits for other artists including [[Kathy Troccoli]], [[Sandi Patty]], and [[Geoff Moore]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.btbf.org/elevatespeakers |title= Mark Gersmehl |last= BentTree.com |accessdate= May 26, 2011 }}</ref>. The band was nominated for 2 [[Grammy Award|Grammy Awards]] and 22 [[Dove Award|Dove Awards]]; however, they never won either award<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.whiteheart.com/info/gersh_2002.html|title= Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh |last= White Heart |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.whiteheart.com/whfaq.txt|title= Official Whiteheart FAQ |first= Danl |last= Blackwood |accessdate= May 28, 2011 }}</ref>. In 1998, the group disbanded<ref>{{cite book|last=[[Don Cusic|Cusic]]|first=[[Don Cusic|Don]]|title=Encyclopedia of contemporary Christian music: pop, rock, and worship|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=_3jqjSKHKcwC&pg=PA461&dq=%22dann+huff%22&hl=en&ei=XkNtTMLFOMKSjAfiobz7CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22dann%20huff%22&f=false|year=2009|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-313-34425-1|page=461}}</ref>.

==Solo Career==
While still with White Heart, Gersh was encouraged by others in the music industry to consider a solo career<ref>{{cite web |url= http://alphaomeganews.org/features/02/june/gersh.html|title= Mark Gersmehl Interview |first= Ken |last= Wiegman |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>. However, he did not begin a solo career immediately after the disbanding of White Heart. By the early 2000s, Gersh was ready to roll again, releasing his first solo album, “Awakening”, in March of 2002<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.whiteheart.com/info/gersh_2002.html|title= Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh |last= White Heart |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>. Gersh continues to tour both in the US and abroad, as well as teaching and encouraging Christians and other musicians. His wife, Brynn, often accompanies him to concerts and speaking engagements<ref>{{cite web |url= http://awaitingemmanuel.com/ae-creative-team/mark-gersmehl.html|title= Mark Gersmehl |last= AwaitingEmmanuel.com |accessdate= May 27, 2011 }}</ref>.

==Family Life==
On a seven-month tour in 1993, White Heart’s opening act was [[Rachel Rachel (band)|Rachel Rachel]], CCM’s first all-girl rock band. Gersh and Rachel Rachel’s keyboard player, [[Brynn Gersmehl|Brynn Beltran]], began a relationship that blossomed into the two falling in love. After the tour, Gersh showed up on her doorstep, and proposed. The two were married in 1994<ref>{{cite web |url= http://brynnandgersh.com/fr_bios.cfm|title= Brynn and Gersh Bios |first= Brynn |last= Gersmehl |accessdate= May 12, 2011 }}</ref>.

Brynn and Gersh currently live in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] with their son, Trevor.

==Discography==
⚫
===With White Heart===
See [[White Heart|White Heart Discography]]

===Solo Work===
Awakening (2002)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 21:34, 30 May 2011

Mark “Gersh” Gersmehl (1969- ) 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[1]. Gersh played keyboards in the band, as well as occasionally singing lead vocals. He also contributed his songwriting skills, penning 15 of White Heart’s 16 #1 hits[2]. When the group disbanded in 1998, he began a solo career, releasing his first solo album in 2002[3].

Early Life

Gersh was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1969, and spend his childhood in the area[4][5]. His first musical memories are classical, at home and at the local Lutheran church[6]. His first instrument was the piano, although he later studied trombone, baritone, flute, and recorder. At the age of 15 he performed his first “professional” gig at a wedding reception with the New World Quintet[7]. Later, he would play trombone with the O’Jays, the legendary Philadelphia Sound group, as well as with several professional orchestras in Indiana[8][9].

Gaither Vocal Band

While attending Ball State University, Gersh began playing horns at the studios of Bill and Gloria Gaither. Other studio musicians suggested that he go on the road with the Gaither Vocal Band, but at first Gersh was hesitant. The third time his studio friends insisted, Gersh agreed to go on the road[10]. He would play keyboards and horn on tour with the Gaithers for four years[11].

White Heart

By 1981, Billy Smiley and Gersh, both of whom were playing with the New Gaither Vocal Band at the time, found that they were tired of playing backups for other artists, and felt that they wanted to go out on their own and let the Lord work through them. They decided to start their own contemporary Christian music group singing some of their co-written compositions[12]. Four musicians who were in the Gaither Trio, the Gaither Vocal Band, or both—Dann and David Huff, Steve Green, and Gary Lunn—decided to join the duo in the formation of the band, which was eventually named “White Heart”[13].

Through White Heart’s numerous lineup changes, Billy and Gersh, the primary songwriters of the group, stayed on[14]. Gersh wrote or co-wrote 15 of the White Heart’s 16 #1 hits, as well as numerous other Top 10 hits for other artists including Kathy Troccoli, Sandi Patty, and Geoff Moore[15]. The band was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards and 22 Dove Awards; however, they never won either award[16][17]. In 1998, the group disbanded[18].

Solo Career

While still with White Heart, Gersh was encouraged by others in the music industry to consider a solo career[19]. However, he did not begin a solo career immediately after the disbanding of White Heart. By the early 2000s, Gersh was ready to roll again, releasing his first solo album, “Awakening”, in March of 2002[20]. Gersh continues to tour both in the US and abroad, as well as teaching and encouraging Christians and other musicians. His wife, Brynn, often accompanies him to concerts and speaking engagements[21].

Family Life

On a seven-month tour in 1993, White Heart’s opening act was Rachel Rachel, CCM’s first all-girl rock band. Gersh and Rachel Rachel’s keyboard player, Brynn Beltran, began a relationship that blossomed into the two falling in love. After the tour, Gersh showed up on her doorstep, and proposed. The two were married in 1994[22].

Brynn and Gersh currently live in Nashville, Tennessee with their son, Trevor.

Discography

With White Heart

See White Heart Discography

Solo Work

Awakening (2002)

References

  1. ^ Wikipedia. "White Heart". Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  2. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  3. ^ White Heart. "Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  4. ^ AOL, Inc. "Mark Gersmehl Biography". Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  5. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  6. ^ AwaitingEmmanuel.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  7. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  8. ^ Rabey, Steve. "Whiteheart: No Pain, No Gain". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 27, 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Nashville, TN" ignored (help)
  9. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  10. ^ Wiegman, Ken. "Mark Gersmehl Interview". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  11. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  12. ^ Rosenthal, Traja (14 March 1987). "White Heart Beats". Lodi News-Sentinel. Lodi, California , USA. p. 5. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  13. ^ Rabey, Steve. "Whiteheart: No Pain, No Gain". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 27, 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Nashville, TN" ignored (help)
  14. ^ Cusic, Don (2009). Encyclopedia of contemporary Christian music: pop, rock, and worship. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 461. ISBN 978-0-313-34425-1. {{cite book}}: Check |first= value (help)
  15. ^ BentTree.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  16. ^ White Heart. "Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  17. ^ Blackwood, Danl. "Official Whiteheart FAQ". Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  18. ^ Cusic, Don (2009). Encyclopedia of contemporary Christian music: pop, rock, and worship. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 461. ISBN 978-0-313-34425-1. {{cite book}}: Check |first= value (help)
  19. ^ Wiegman, Ken. "Mark Gersmehl Interview". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  20. ^ White Heart. "Spring Hill Music Signs Gersh". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  21. ^ AwaitingEmmanuel.com. "Mark Gersmehl". Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  22. ^ Gersmehl, Brynn. "Brynn and Gersh Bios". Retrieved May 12, 2011.
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