In May 2012, Coastal Media, parent company of SGNScoops and SGMRadio, proudly hosted the annual Diamond Awards at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. That October, Guy Penrod was honored as the 2012 Christian Country Male Artist of the Year and received the Christian Country Album of the Year for Breathe Deep. SGMRadio celebrates Guy Penrod’s ministry by republishing this 2012 SGNScoops feature by Rhonda Frye, Editor of SGNScoops.

The phrase “Out of the Box” originated in the United States in the late 1960s or early 1970s, meaning to think creatively, unbound by conventional limits. The “box” symbolizes rigidity and unimaginative thinking, while “out of the box” represents unrestricted, innovative thought. Many remain confined by familiarity, but thanks to a Texas preacher father, a dedicated school teacher, and a spirited visionary, a young Guy Penrod was encouraged to think beyond limits.

Considered one of the most powerful voices in Christian music, Penrod spent 14 years with the Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, selling over 18 million CDs and DVDs worldwide. His face and voice are widely recognized, appearing regularly on television networks like Daystar’s Gospel Music Showcase, in Homecoming Magazine, and on Gaither.com. True to his calling, Penrod is now forging a solo career as Christian music’s premier country recording artist.

Growing up in a preacher’s home in West Texas, Penrod’s parents and mentors encouraged him to nurture his musical gifts. “I never chased normal,” he says. “I was always a bit outside the box, and I credit wonderful teachers who poured into me the belief that I could be anything if I put my mind to it.”

He recalls his college experience at Liberty University, where he developed a close connection with Dr. Jerry Falwell. “We spent personal time together at events, flying from date to date, me singing before he spoke. He fostered a vision-focused environment, challenging students to be Champions for Christ and to dream big.” It was also at Liberty that Penrod met his wife, Angie, drawn to the university for the same love of vision-casting and mentorship.

After college, Guy taught voice in Georgia before moving to Nashville to pursue a vocal career. He became an in-demand session singer for country music legends until Bill Gaither noticed him, inviting him to join the Gaither Vocal Band. He learned invaluable lessons during his time with the band, often sharing the advice, “Bloom where you’re planted,” emphasizing the importance of honing talent, practicing constantly, and using the resources around you.

Guy eventually left the Vocal Band to pursue a solo career. “The most compelling reason I left was to express what God has put in me to say and sing,” he explains. Though the transition was challenging, Penrod has embraced the responsibility, learning from each performance and growing as an artist. Fans, however, see no imperfection; his tour schedule remains packed, selling out venues across the U.S. and Canada.

Penrod’s Dove Award-nominated release, Breathe Deep, came out in 2010, selling 85,000 units and even charting on mainstream country radio. In 2012, he released Hymns, which became a top seller on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel chart, reached #5 on the Contemporary Christian chart, and entered the Billboard 200 at #85. “I’ve always wanted to record hymns,” Penrod says. “Country music is the last secular form that still uplifts God, and this project clearly shows who I am and what I stand for.”

Hymns includes classics such as “Amazing Grace,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” and a duet with 103-year-old legend George Beverly Shea on “Does Jesus Care?” Penrod describes Shea as “a gift to mankind—gentle, humble, strong, and full of the Lord.”

Looking ahead, Penrod plans to follow Hymns with a second country record, blending a biblical worldview with a fresh country sound. His goal is to provide music that lifts, inspires, and points listeners toward Jesus.

At home, Penrod’s life is full of joy and family. He and Angie have eight children, and Mother’s Day is a special celebration of her dedication and love. “I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, wonderful woman to go through life with,” he shares.

Guy closes with words of wisdom: “We are not merely human beings having spiritual experiences; we are spirit beings having a temporary human experience. Listen, live, be strong, and love those around you.”

To learn more about Guy Penrod, visit guypenrod.com. His music is available online, at Gaither’s store, and in retail outlets nationwide, including Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.