If they made a movie about Christian music duo Billy and Sarah Gaines, Montel Williams would have to play Billy, and Angela Bassett would work nicely in the role of Sarah. And somewhere in the movie, Montel would have to lean back thoughtfully in his chair and relate this story from Billy Gaines' childhood.

"When I was in the fourth grade," Montel/Billy would say, "I was called to the cafeteria to be tested by a music therapist. I panicked when she started asking me questions. Since I didn't answer anything right, she said I was tone deaf, that I had no ear for music. It was eight years later before I began learning to play piano and developed my writing ability. That taught me how easy it is to cripple someone by saying negative things to them."

Then the movie would cut to a concert stage. While thousands clap, dance and sing along, Billy (now joined by his wife, Sarah) would prove without a doubt that he is by no means tone deaf--and never was.

But don't wait for the movie to appreciate the talent of Billy and Sarah Gaines. Since 1986, these Christian music veterans have released seven albums, received three Dove Award nominations, and had five songs reach the No. 1 spot on various radio charts.

Still, success has never come easy. When they first moved to Nashville to pursue a career in Christian music, Sarah kept busy as a homemaker and home school teacher for their three children while Billy worked a variety of jobs until finally landing a position as a songwriter for Lorenz Creative services.

Says Billy, "I worked at Target as a janitor. I worked at Pinkerton Security as a security guard. I worked at Parkview Hospital as a supervisor. I even fixed the cars of some of the executives over at Lorenz Creative Services! I did whatever I could do, waiting on that, shall we call it, the 'Big Break.'"

Ten years later, Billy wants to be able to give that "Big Break" to aspiring new Christian artists. He explains, "I believe an extension of the ministry God has given me is to mentor and to help others get started. If I cannot pass on what God has given me, then I'm not really being effective. If I don't pass it on, it stops with me. It's a matter of wanting to see other ministry out there."

Out of that desire came the formation of a brand new record label, SoundHouse Records. Billy shares the title of vice-president of SoundHouse with award-winning producer and friend, Michael Omartian. "Michael Omartian and I started working together," Billy says, "and then out of our relationship grew this dream and this vision for SoundHouse. We sign and we produce artists, and [publishing partner] Warner Alliance does the marketing/distribution. The flavor of our label is going to be pop/R&B stylistically. That's going to be our little niche. [Our most recent] Billy and Sarah Gaines record is somewhat of a template for the kind of artists we're looking for."

That album, Come On Back, is the first release on the fledgling SoundHouse label. It's a collection of 10 radio-friendly, pop/R&B songs that Sarah describes this way: "Musically, it's us. It's what we like. It's the kind of music that we've been wanting to do for a long time. And we were able to do it. It's that soulful pop, R&B feel, and it's the real deal."

One of Sarah's favorite songs on the album (and one that's sure to find its way up the music charts) is the song, "Just Like Me." Says Sarah, "I like the way it sounds, and I like what it says, saying if everyone in the world was just like me, what kind of world would it be? That's very thought-provoking." It's no surprise that Billy likes that song too. In fact, this couple shares a lot of the same interests and opinions. (Perhaps that's why they've been happily married for many years!)

The couple is also in complete agreement about the audience they attempt to reach. Says Billy, "I feel like our music crosses racial and age barriers. That is what we aim for in our ministry and everything else. We don't do anything for any one particular segment of society." "Right," Sarah follows up simply.

When they talk about what it takes to maintain a vibrant relationship with God, Billy points out that daily time with God is vital. He says, "The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is pray and seek His face instead of waiting to do that. That's the key for me. And I know Sarah would say the same thing because that's a rule that we have to live by." Guess what? Sarah agrees, saying "Yes, that's true."

When talking about favorite hymns, Sarah leads off, saying "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Billy groans. Ah, a difference in this duo? Nope. "That's what I was going to say!" exclaims Billy. When it comes to favorite sports teams, they both say at the same time (and with enthusiasm), "Chicago Bulls!" Favorite Bible verse? Proverbs 3:5-6 for both. Books they're currently reading? Wellington Boone's Breaking Through. Actually, Billy just finished it, and Sarah's halfway through, but do you see a pattern here?

Just when it seems like they might be clones instead of husband and wife, a difference of opinion comes to light. Billy loves action/adventure movies. Sarah doesn't. On the other hand, Sarah loves to go shopping, while Billy rates that as something he can't do to save his life. When it comes to CDs they're currently listening to, they're back on the identical track again. Sarah admits, "I've been listening to ours. I have three favorites. 'A Promise That I Will Keep,' 'Just Like Me' and 'All Comes Down.'" She adds, "I like 'A Promise That I Will Keep' because it was written to me. And it's real, real, real pretty."

Billy confesses to listening to Come On Back also. "I love the record. I know we did it, but I could just listen to it over and over again. Hope that doesn't seem vain."

So what should people know about Billy and Sarah Gaines? "The reason that we're in what we're doing is because it's a calling and it's a ministry," Billy says. "For the people who don't know us musically, I want them to know that we're serious musicians, writers, singers. Those who don't know us [personally], I want them to know that we are people of good character, who love God with a whole heart and are seeking God and serving Him."

Listen To/Download a sound clip from Come On Back

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Other columns and features:

POINT OF GRACE || 4HIM || THOM SHUMATE || TWO OR MORE || ON THE BEAT || WHAT'S NEW

LOST DOGS || DELEON RICHARDS || REWIND || ROARING LAMBS || BIG TENT REVIVAL

MATT SLOCUM || ASK CCM || FEEDBACK || OUTTA TOON || JOHN FISCHER

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