The Isaacs have been a performing gospel family band for some 30 years, mostly on the southern gospel circuit and only in recent years on the bluegrass circuit. They’re often seen on the Gaither Homecoming TV specials and videos. Today’s core group is headed by Lily Isaacs, who was born in Germany to Jewish parents who survived several years in the concentration camps of WWII. She sang in New York’s Greenwich Village and recorded in 1968. How she came to meet a bluegrass banjo player from Kentucky (Joe Isaacs, the youngest of 17 children and former banjo player for Larry Sparks and the Greenbriar Boys as well) and convert to Christianity, produce a family of musically talented children, and end up singing bluegrass gospel music is a wonderful story. You can read more about her story under “Lily’s Notes” on their website.

Lily’s three children ­ Ben, Sonya, and Rebecca ­ fill out the rest of the band, along with Becky’s husband, John Bowman. Ben plays the bass and sings, and produces most of their recordings. Sonya sings, writes songs, and plays mandolin. She’s toured with Vince Gill and sings on many other recordings in addition to being part of the Isaacs. Rebecca, or Becky, plays guitar, piano, banjo and Dobro, and sings and writes many of the group’s songs. John plays banjo, guitar, and fiddle and sings lead on several songs. He previously performed with Alison Krauss and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

The Isaacs have produced over 20 albums and thousands of live appearances, including the Grand Old Opry. Their a cappella song “I Have A Father Who Can” became the group’s first top 5 hit, peaking at #2 on the Singing News magazine chart.

They have recently become a regular part of the touring Gaither Homecoming concerts and videos. This has resulted in a recent video (DVD/VHS) entitled “The Best of the Isaacs - Favorites from the Homecoming Series.” It highlights interviews and songs from the last 10 years of Homecoming tours ­ including their rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at Carnegie Hall.

“Heroes” is their 2004 CD release with the title song being a tribute to parents and other care givers who take care of special needs individuals and receive little or no recognition for this constant support. The CD also contains a moving version of “Sweet Holy Sprit,” a song of desperation written by Joe Isaacs some years ago.

Join this very lively interview with the Isaacs, conducted by WAMU’s occasional Bluegrass Overnight host, Bob Webster. The interview was held after the Isaacs’ concert on November 4, 2004 at Bob’s church, Cherrydale United Methodist, in Arlington, Virginia and the Isaacs were in great spirits and humor, perhaps sparked by a wonderful response from the audience that evening. You’ll hear some stories, song jingles, and insights not captured in previous interviews with the Isaacs. This is one of those rare moments that doesn’t come along very often, so don’t miss it.