THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 26, 1996 TAG: 9609260035
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 58 lines
WHICH ONE is not running for president?
Clinton? Dole? Ross Perot? Ralph Nader? Harry Browne? Mark Lowry? Lyndon LaRouche? Howard Phillips?
The answer: Lowry.
He's a character who says ridiculous things.
Hey, he could be running for Prez. As a matter of fact, ``Mark Lowry for President `96'' bumper stickers will be available at Hampton Coliseum on Friday when the comedian shows up with Bill Gaither & Friends. Some of those other friends are some of gospel's biggest names - Vestal Goodman, Jake Hess, Jonathan Pierce.
In addition to working with Gaither, Lowry is on the road on his own. He makes records and videos - ``Remotely Controlled'' went gold - and, he co-hosts The Mark & Kathy Show, a Saturday night Inspirational Network staple.
``It's a variety program with skits, comedians, singers, interviews. It's a lot of work, but it's fun,'' he said.
A lot of talk show hosts and comedians ``are so raw, but there are some good people,'' said Lowry, a 38-year-old bachelor whose act is G-rated. He is primarily a comedian, but he is also part of the Gaither Vocal Band.
``I'm better than average, but no Michael Bolton,'' said Lowry, who has a powerful voice. ``I started out singing in a church choir, but people paid more attention when I talked. I just want 'em to listen. I don't care if they listen to me sing or talk.
``But, I love to hear people laugh,'' said Lowry, who often talks about his family. ``I love great stories. Bill Cosby is my hero.''
Lowry's professional story began at the age of 9, when he appeared in ``The Music Man,'' choreographed by Broadway legend and Houston native Tommy Tune.
``He tried to talk my parents into letting me go to Broadway,'' Lowry said. ``That's when my mama started praying. Not that I'd get to go - heavens, no. We were Baptists. Since I wasn't allowed to dance, that nipped my Broadway career in the bud.''
The career took another turn when he auditioned with the National Quartet Convention, a huge gathering of Southern Gospel music fans.
``I was 11 and Mama dressed me up like a flag,'' Lowry said. ``I sang a patriotic medley in front of 10,000 people, got two standing ovations, and a recording contract. Just like that.''
His childhood was spent on the road with backup singers on a tour bus, visiting church camps and gospel meetings. Next, he attended Liberty University. Then, back on the road as a solo act.
``I always have stage fright. The first few nights, I'm out there winging it,'' he said. With Gaither, ``all I do is listen and make fun of everything that's happening, except the serious stuff. If he scratches his head, I remind him his hair will come off.''
More often than not, the quick-witted Lowry is able to break the boss up. ``Bill remembers everything I do - and says, `Do it again.' ''
Gaither is not the only object of Lowry's razor-sharp attention. He has shared the stage with - and picked on - such entertainer/ friends as Amy Grant, Sandi Patti, and Michael W. Smith.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE BIOGRAPHY COUNTRY MUSIC
SINGERS by CNB