From humble beginnings in south Texas, Vance has come to be recognized as one of the premier male voices in America today.
Born in Princeton, Indiana, Vance is the youngest of 4 children of a musical family. His father, quite a singer himself, and his mother spent their days working hard to provide for the family, instilling the higher values of life, and on Sundays the enitre family performed in church inspiring the whole community with their joyful sounds.
After moving to Texas, at the tender age of 6, Vance sang with his siblings and quickly acquired the ability of performing live. While in college, he toured the American northwest with a choral group conprised of outstanding young vocalists from all across the U.S.
Vance began to receive recognition for his talent in the early 70's and was approached to record his first album. This first of many recordings was a selection of inspirational songs.
In 1972 he married Donna Horton, and the two of them set out touring all over America, mostly in churches, campgrounds, and auditoriums, but also entertained in retirement and R.V. resorts in the Rio Grand Valley of Texas during the winter seasons.
Vance's first overseas tour came in 1975 when he performed in churches in and around London, England. In 78 he performed to capacity crowds in Brisbane, Australia. The 80's brough two more tours across England, a jaunt to Jersey Island, a tour to Brazil, Mexico and the Philippine Islands. While in Manila, he and his team were summoned to the Presidential Palace for a meeting with then President Marcos.
In the mid 80's he was the featured male vocalist on the syndicated T.V. program "Country Gospel" on the TBN network. In 1988 Vance was invited to join the "Legends in Concert" show in Las Vegas, but declined the offer and set his sights on Branson, Missouri. After a guest appearance in Branson in 89, Vance knew that he had found his nitch. From 1990 through 1997 he would perform in Branson during the April-November season, then pick up and move the family back to South Texas where he would continue his rigorous concert schedule with the "Winter Texans". While in Branson, he became know as "The Golden Voice Of Branson", and the favorite singer of many of the "Stars".
"Baby I Do", a nostalgic pop song in the style of the late 1950's rock era became the #1 song on The New York Music Review pop charts in Feb. 1997. 1997 saw four more of Vance's songs going on Treasure Coast Records' 'Mitch Chanler' CD. They include "Look What You Do To Me" (which charted at #8 on the American independent charts), "I See Love", "Heartache", and "Homesick For You". Just recently one of his original songs, "Gettin' Ready To Go" shot to number 2 on the country charts in Austria, and another original, "I See Love" went to number 7 on the country charts in Germany.
Blessed with one of America's truly great voices, Vance has crossed many barriers. A wide variety of musical styles incorporating his playing the guitar and the piano has endeared him to the hearts of young and old alike.
With his breakneck pace of recording, concerts, touring, T.V. etc. it seems like Vance has time for little else. Not the case when it comes to what is really an important cause. Vance has used his talents to further humanitarian and spiritual causes. From assisting in telethons, including the Jerry Lewis MDA live from Branson, to local childrens homes, The Easter Seals, and church ministries, he is keenly aware of the need to help those less fortunate. Vance leads the worship services at one of America's largest R.V. resorts (Fun n Sun, San Benito, Texas) each Sunday during the winter season, inspiring the huge crowds with his messages and songs. His siblings and their spouses, as well as his talented daughter Gina, add to the excitement in the music.He also leads the music program and youth work at his home church in Rio Hondo, where his father-in-law, Dr. Gene Horton and his wife Phynetta have pastored for over 35 years.
Vance's family is his first love. Donna, his beautiful wife of over 30 years, their son Steven, and his wife Daisy, grandchildren Daniel and Nathan, and his beautiful, athletic and musically talented daughter, Gina, bring great joy to his life and are the source of much of his inspiration. Once you hear him you will certainly know that his talent is God given and you too will be inspired to say what a "GOLDEN VOICE"!!
