Biography

About Canyon Creek Recording Artist Gayla Earlene

Gayla Earlene was raised in the small town of Inola, Oklahoma but with big dreams of becoming a successful singer/songwriter. Her persistent drive and dedication to excellence in her art has proven to be one of her strong points in the industry. Her belief is to "Never give up, never quit, and always give 110% of yourself to your craft." As an only child she had a very close relationship with her parents who provided a musical, Godly home, and lots of positive encouragement to succeed in whatever she chose to do in life. At the age of 11, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her dad sang and played guitar and was a huge fan of Hank Williams. Her dad's influence played a big part in her love for music and Hank is still her all time favorite songwriter and singer. Her Mom also played piano and between Mom and Dad, Gayla picked up playing both instruments. It was during these early years that she began writing poetry that soon became songwriting.

Gayla Earlene began her professional singing career at the early age of 15. She met her husband, Gene Crain, while in the music business, and they have spent their years together in both country and gospel music. While in country music, they travelled with and performed alongside known personalities such as Mr. Roy Clark and the late Freddy Fender. They also worked with the likes of Minnie Pearl, Johnny Russell, Willie Nelson, Carl Perkins, Carl Belew, Hank Thompson, Mel Tillis, opened for Gene Watson and many others. They worked with The Johnnie Lee Wills Band and travelled with the legendary Billy Parker with the KVOO Big Country Band.

While in the Gospel industry they have performed with the likes of Colin Raye, Jack Greene, Linda Davis, Freddie Hart, John Berry, Marty Raybon, Jim Ed Brown, David L. Cook, Chuck Day, Joe Paul Nichols, Judy Deramus and many others who seek to lift up the name of Jesus.

Gayla and Gene have been guests on numerous TV shows such as TBN, Texas Country Gospel, TCT with Jimmy Snow, Atlanta Live & Babbie's House in Atlanta, GA and nationwide broadcasts of the CCMA(ICM) awards show live from Nashville, TN. They have had the distinct opportunity to perform on the Grand Ole Opry Sunday Morning Country, as well as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and have taken part during Fan Fair week where they enjoyed meeting thousands of music fans.

Gayla was featured in The Baptist Messenger newspaper and was the cover picture and story on the Power Source Magazine in Nashville. They've been on many local tv shows and featured in local newspaper reviews. Their music is being played throughout Europe, Australia, Ireland and Africa as well as the USA. Their music shows up on many international charts.

Gayla has recorded a number of albums with husband Gene as the producer and steel guitarist. Gayla's cousin and friend, Nashville's late Randy Hardison, co-produced and was the drummer on her first six of 10 albums recorded. Gayla's recordings have produced fifteen number 1 songs to date on the Country Gospel charts and she says that only through the blessings of God has this been made possible. Gayla Earlene and her Pure Country Band won the "Band of the Year" award for four years consecutively from the ICGMA. Gayla has won many awards for her talent as a singer, songwriter and entertainer and never fails to give God all the glory for all good things in her life. Gayla's sincerity, sensitivity and enthusiasm is evident in her music and ministry as she strives to inspire and bless the hearts of her audiences.