Russ Taff has accepted an offer to become the new baritone for the popular gospel quartet. The announcement, made last Tuesday in a press release, was posted on the Gaithers' Web site, Gaithernet.com.

Although Lowry does not plan to leave the group until the end of December, Taff's responsibilities will begin immediately with his first performance with current members Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod and David Phelps taking place tomorrow in Colorado for the taping of "A Rocky Mountain Homecoming."

According to a statement by Taff in the press release, joining the popular gospel quartet is like coming home. "I feel like I've come full circle. I grew up singing southern gospel with my four brothers; in fact, we weren't allowed to listen to anything else. I was born for this job."

Hailing from gospel roots as a preacher's son, Taff's musical career began professionally with the late '70s and early '80s group, The Imperials. Taff eventually left the group to pursue a solo career. He recorded eight albums, garnered three solo Grammy Awards and nine Dove Awards.

In 1995, Taff crossed over to the general-market and signed a country deal with Warner Brothers Records to make Winds of Change. Although the album was met with critical acclaim and some radio success, Taff soon returned to his gospel roots and in 1999 recorded Right Here Right Now on Benson Records.

Numerous appearances over the years with The Gaither Vocal Band on the Gaithers' Homecoming video series made Taff an easy choice as the newest member.

Band member Bill Gaither said in a press release, "Russ has always been a great talent. He's a great spirit, a great cheerleader and he understands what we're doing. He started in quartets, so he understands how quartets work and this kind of music, and he's just the best friend anybody could have, including David, Guy and me."