David Phelps, of Gaither Vocal Band fame, brings his “Classic Christmas” tour to the State Theatre for the Arts, Easton, 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

“Classic Christmas” is Phelps’ 16th annual Christmas tour with more than one dozen stops by Phelps and his seven-piece musical entourage. Many of the songs featured are included on Phelps’ “O Holy Night” recording, as well as his recently-release “Freedom” recording.

Over the last 20 years, Phelps has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary Christian music. Phelps’ voice has been heard in Carnegie Hall, the White House at a gospel concert for then President George W. Bush and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

“I’m just a kid who grew up dreaming about singing. Then I stepped on stage at Carnegie Hall and the White House and it’s almost surreal. It’s crazy,” Phelps says with a laugh in a phone interview.

Phelps’ first concert appearance was in a high school talent show in Tomball, Tex. When the nervous freshman opened his mouth, his classmates sat in awe. By the time he had finished singing all you could hear in the auditorium were the steps of his feet as he turned to leave. “Look, they’re standing,” someone yelled in the crowd and Phelps got his first glimpse of the big picture and knew he had to sing.

Phelps’ countless stage performances prepared him to be the youngest winner of the Christian Artists Seminar In The Rockies contest. He received a music degree from Baylor University and became artist-in-residence at First Baptist Church, Hurst, Tex. In 1997, Phelps became part of the multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, singing tenor.

“I think above anything else, in terms of the lessons that I’ve had to learn, is that I have to be myself. Over the years the labels and management that I’ve been with at one time or another have tried to make me something I’m not. I’ve had to figure out who I am as an artist and the passion that goes along with that endears you to the audience.”

The David Phelps Band is a family affair. Joining him on stage are his two daughters as singers, when their schedule permits; his sister on trumpet; his wife’s cousin is music director and keyboardist, and his nephew on lighting.

“I have been blessed to do a lot of things. I have an appreciation for all kinds of music and have a lot of different genres in my music. I’ve become a little hard to classify as a specific genre. I perform my music with the world view I have as a believer and hopefully can inspire people through that.”

Phelps has released 14 records, as well as DVDs.

“I want to make great art. I am very passionate about that. I want to have a great listening concert. I put a lot of effort into the planning of how that will be accomplished. I have a chance during Christmas to give the fans hope, help them on their journey. It makes me smile to know that I can give someone just a little bit of hope in an evening of music,” says Phelps.

Tickets: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132