RECORD BUSINESS (Biographies of Current Recording Artists)
S u r e it was a thrill for me to sing as soloist in. the Hollywood Bowl,” John Gustafson declared when asked about his musical career. “But the most wonderful thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing, outside of the time I accepted Christ as my per sonal Saviour, is directing the Christ mas and Easter music at my church.” John Gustafson is a well-known tenor soloist and has recorded for Christian Faith Records. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he grew up in a Chris tian home. His parents had him con firmed in the Covenant Church when he was twelve. “It wasn’t until 1949,” John reflects, “that I believe I really gave my heart to Jesus Christ. I was at that time soloist for the Temple Baptist Church in downtown Los An geles. Dr. Kemie Keegan was pastor and presented the Gospel message. But this night was different. Not that I hadn’t heard the same thing before, but somehow, now it was for me.” With a smile John went on to say, “It was also at Temple Baptist that I met the young woman who was to be my wife. In 1951 we were married. De- lores and I have two children, Leslie, 4, and Stacy, 5 John Gustafson has always been a singer. One of the first selections he can remember doing was in the Cove nant church: “There are Treasures for Children in Heaven Above.” Re cently, while interviewed over the Bible Institute Hour, John remarked that he would like to have a copy of the song to sjng again. The broadcast was deluged with pages of the song and with many hymnals as well, con taining the selection. Needless to say, he was quick to record the selection for the benefit of the many Swedish listeners to the program. “I had always enjoyed singing,” John reflected, “although I was gradu ated from U.C.L.A. with a major in mathematics. One day, while having a little fun, I recorded some singing on tape. This was heard by a friend who lived nearby, and who in turn gave the tape to the music depart ment of MGM. From 1946, my voice was used; to ‘dub’ in that of the sing ers in some of the musical produc tions.” John is now Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Van Nuys, pastored by Dr. Porter Barrington. “My duties?” he grinned, “Well, I have about three hundred people to supervise in the various choirs of the church. We have adult, high school- college, junior high, junior choirs,
JOHN GUSTAFSON also a male chorus, a women’s chorus, two trios and a quartet, all working to present an effective musical testi mony to the people of our area for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When asked what he likes to do with his spare time, John merely said, “I like to sipg! ” He is often used in evangelistic campaigns conducted by Merv Rosell and others. He is also a member of the Bible Institute Hour choir “the Musical BIOLANS,” he sings with the “Baptist’s Laymen’s Horn” and for many special record ing sessions. John has several excellent records out all on the Christian Faith label. His first L.P. features twelve old hymns with orchestral arrangements and conducting handled by Ralph Carmichael. “I’m really excited about my new album,” John volunteered, “it’s just getting out to the bookstores now. We do both old and new songs on it, with one I’m especially fond of, ‘The Things I have Left Undone.’ ” John has also a 45 r.p.m. record with four selections on it, and a longplay- ing duet record made with one of his close friends, Joseph Barclay. Those looking for smooth interpre tation and inspiring presentation will not want to overlook these outstand ing Christian Faith albums, featuring a young man everyone enjoys and thoroughly appreciates, JOHN GUS TAFSON. EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting in this issue of The King’s Business, our readers will have the opportunity of meeting various recording personal ities whose music has blessed the hearts of people around the world.
throughout the w e s t . . . the B I B L E INSTITUTE H O U R • Heart searching messages • Thrilling testimonies • Outstanding features • Inspiring music
MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY MUTUAL DON LEE NETWORK
WRITE TO BIBLE INSTITUTE HOUR LOS ANGELES 17, CALIF.
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NOVEMBER, 1958
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