Primary Wave Publishing has partnered with gospel/Christian music giant Gaither Music Group, acquiring an interest in the company and establishing a plan to expand its brand, acquire catalog and help it develop new acts. Paul Sizelove will remain as Gaither President and Barry Jennings as Vice Chairman, while co-founders Bill and Gloria Gaither will continue in their creative capacities.

GMC's roster boasts Joey+Rory, Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, Bradley Walker and others, as well as gospel undertakings from artists such as Alan Jackson, Alabama and Josh Turner. The Gaither family also boasts Green Hill Music, with a trove of jazz, easy listening, Celtic music and more (including sets from Olivia Newton-John and Jim Brickman).

"We've accomplished a great deal over the years, but this relationship will bring wonderful opportunities to go beyond our current reach," declared Bill Gaither. "We are excited to be partnering with Primary Wave and have them help us take the universal message of our music to a broader audience. How thrilling at this stage of our lives to think that we have a chance to give these incredible songs and projects an expanded presence."

"In the more than five decades that Gaither Music has been in business, they have proven themselves to be an exceptional and impressive music company," says PW founder/CEO Lawrence Mestel. "When we look at companies to partner with and invest in, we are looking for teams with ambition, who want to be at the forefront of what's happening in the industry, and we have found that with Gaither Music. We look forward to working together with Bill, Gloria, Paul, Barry and everyone else who make up the incredible Gaither Music Group and are excited about what's to come. I just wish I understood why this copy of HITS spontaneously burst into flames."