Bill Itzel
Karen Itzel
Jessica Itzel
Ryan Itzel
Shannon Bailey Itzel
Influences
Musical: Petra, Daughtry, Disciple, Toto, Decypher Down, Stellar Kart, Children 18:3, Fighting Instinct, Journey, Decemberadio, The Oak Ridge Boys, Hyperstatic Union, Run Kid Run, Day Of FIre, The Afters, Red, P.O.D., Survivor, Mike Slammer, Kansas...
Bill was born on September 4, 1968 in Baltimore, Maryland, grew up in a Christian family, and received the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior when he was five years of age. Karen was born on March 6, 1969 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and also accepted the Lord at the age of 5. Karen’s Father is a Pastor in Oklahoma, and Bill’s Father is a worship leader in Maryland. After attending Christian School and Bible College, God placed Bill in Nashville, Tennessee in a music school where “The First Family of Gospel Music”, the Speers, heard him sing. That was all it took; in less than a month, Bill was living in Nashville and touring nationally with the Speers. During his tenure with the group, Bill was featured on two radio singles: “Saved To The Uttermost” and “He’s Still In The Fire”, both of which soared to the number one spot on the Singing News, Cash Box, and Gospel Voice charts, leading to 2 Dove and 2 Grammy award nominations. During the Summer of 1989, God brought Bill and Karen (who was a music major in college) together, and in August of 1990 they were married. After much prayer, Bill resigned from the Speers, and in December of 1990, began his own family ministry. In the fall of 1991, Bill released his self-penned pro-life song “Let Us Live” to radio and although it received only limited exposure, it opened many doors for pro-life rallies, and established Bill as a songwriter and pro-life advocate. In 1992 they began to write all of their own music, based upon study of the Scriptures, Greek language, and systematic theology. Bill and Karen’s ministry is unique in that they have headlined concerts drawing 40,000 people, Bill has appeared on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Videos, and have had top 100 gospel songs like “I Will Praise And Worship”, yet still have a desire to bring their professional ministry to the local churches where many other top artists will not go. Bill and Karen have performed in over 2,400 concerts, written and recorded over 150 songs, and travel with their three children, Jessica, Ryan, and Shannon Bailey, ministering in 130 churches and concert events a year. Bill and Karen Itzel are singers/songwriters who are committed to Christ, committed to truth, and committed to excellence.
Thanks for addding me.. I saw you all twice at my cousin church in pa. and i loved you guys and the music. when you all sing it just toutches people hearts. and i have all 5 cd's and i listen to them alot. thanks and god bless ur family and ur minstry along the way.
Thank you SO much for coming to Bethel for Father's Day again. Love all the new songs and Beautiful Day hit me harder than expected. If you remember, the lady Pastor Dan was talking about who lost her "earthly" life this morning was like a grandma to me and her son, Ken, like a dad to me. I lost my real dad a year ago. It's amazing the people God weaves into our lives when we need them. :-)) God bless you and your family's ongoing ministry. You reach so many! <3 See you guys nest year!
Thanks for the add. I saw you guys on May 3rd at Greenway Spirit and Word Fellowship in Stephens City, VA. I love your music, it is very inspiring to me and helps my day go by. Keep up the awesome work, I look forward to your future albums and concerts.
Hope you had a blessed Easter! It was so great having you play at EUMC Palm Sunday! We love the new gospel album! I thought I'd share my daughter, Elizabeth's Easter eggs she dyed. The Itzel eggs!
Thanks again for visiting our church today! I always get super excited on the days that I know you're coming. You have such a positive energy and passion for Jesus that truly shines! Please come back and visit us real soon! Happy Easter!
Hello, Itzels, Glad you had the opportunity to come back to Melwood Church of the Nazarene in Upper Marlboro. My mother and I really enjoyed your performance. I am in love with your song, "At the World's End". I have posted it as my profile song! God bless you all, hope you have safe travels and a wonderful Christmas! Jen
Thanks for the add. My family and I really enjoyed your family at the Holiday Park campground this past weekend we really love the songs solider and follow me.
Thank you all so much for coming out to Bethel again. You all rocked and made Father's Day a special time. :-) God bless and thank you for your ministry!
--Love, Jackie, Rick, Andrew and Benjamin Gausepohl
