Artist:Sandi Patty f/Larnelle Harris
Song:More Than Wonderful
Album:The Definitive Collection
Sandi Patty was one of the early success stories of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) though I think her music was aimed at an older audience than much of the music that would follow. More Than Wonderful was one of her early hits and it won a Grammy. She was born July 12, 1958 in Oklahoma City. Her father was minister of music at Phoenix First Church of God and her mother played piano. They toured as The Ron Patty Family. Sandi attended high school in San Diego and studied voice at Anderson University in Indiana. She could have been an opera singer. But instead she got into studio work singing jingles and background vocals until she met Christian music mogul Bill Gaither who convinced her that there was a growing market for what would become CCM. After recording for a small label, Sandi signed with Benson's Impact label and started touring with Gaither. Benson was Word's main rival for Christian music supremacy in the 80s. They petered out in the 90s and sold themselves off in pieces. Sandi was probably their biggest seller. More Than Wonderful is from Sandi's 1983 album More Than Wonderful which was recorded live at a couple of churches. Her duet partner Larnelle Harris also toured with Gaither. Other black singers like Jessy Dixon and Candi Staton toured with Gaither too. It's probably the most successful song written by Lanny Wolfe. The record won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group. Sandi switched to Word in 1985 and continued to have success until she divorced her husband and manager John Helvering in 1992. When it was learned that Sandi had an affair with backup singer Don Peslis, you know that won't go over well with the faithful. They married in 1995. Remember she was the highest paid CCM concert draw in the 80s. Patti eventually returned and she still tours and records. This comp is a good intro to her music. Here's Sandi Patty featuring Larnelle Harris performing More Than Wonderful on a Gaither Family DVD.
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