Phil Driscoll

Phil Driscoll is a musician and Christian minister, perhaps best-known for his trumpet playing.

Background

Driscoll grew up in a musical family, and was soon found to be gifted himself at playing the trumpet. He began taking lessons in school when he was a fifth grade student at Lancaster, near Dallas, Texas. His family moved to Tulsa in 1959, where he began to study trumpet both in classes at Bell Junior High School and as a private student of Roger Fenn (3rd trumpet with the Tulsa Philharmonic).

His skill opened doors for performance throughout school, and by the 1970s he was touring and recording with major music acts including Stephen Stills, Leon Russell, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Joe Cocker, as well as performing classical music with the London Philharmonic orchestra. Along with fame and fortune, Driscoll found himself increasingly involved with illegal drug use. In 1977 he became a Christian, gave up drug usage, and has since turned his musical talents to furthering the Christian faith.

Driscoll is an accomplished pilot, with commercial, instrument and multi engine ratings. [ [https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/Detail.aspx?uniqid=A0502291&certNum=1 Federal Aviation Administration ] ] His ministry owned a Cessna Citation jet the he would pilot to his concerts before his conviction and prison sentence (discussed later in this article). Ironically, the ownership of the jet (and other luxuries) would aid in the government's prosecution against him for income tax evasion. [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/ap/entertainment/mainD8I4A9K80.shtml Trumpeter Driscoll Convicted in Tax Case, Grammy-Winning Gospel Trumpeter Phil Driscoll Convicted in Tax Case - CBS News ] ]

Music and ministry

In 1981, Driscoll recorded his first album sharing his new-found Christian beliefs, and has recorded over two dozen since. He has been affiliated with the ministry of Kenneth Copeland since the early 1980s, playing and singing at many KCM Believers' Conventions. Himself an excellent musician, Driscoll has worked with some of the top session musicians, including Abraham Laboriel, Bill Maxwell, Justo Almario, Greg Mathieson, and others. Between 1999 and 2002, Driscoll recorded several albums that featured the organ playing of the late Billy Preston.

Driscoll also operates as a Christian minister, teaching about Biblical praise and worship, and teaching church musicians how to excel in their work.

Phil Driscoll has had the honor of playing music for several United States presidents, as well as playing for many national events, including the dedication ceremony for Bill Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the memorial services following the Columbine High School massacre.

Recent events

In 2006, Phil Driscoll was convicted of using his ministry organization for tax evasion. Driscoll maintains that tax evasion was never intended, and some of the evidence used against him in the trial was later found to be potentially misleading, but Driscoll was, no less, sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison. His prison term began in March 2007. Driscoll's family opted not to appeal the conviction, as the prison term would likely be over before the appeal was complete.

After finishing his sentence, Driscoll's ministry resumed. According to his website, he is currently touring and performing concerts. [ [http://www.phildriscoll.com/itinerary.htm Itinerary Page ] ]

Driscoll and his family had lived in Cleveland, Tennessee, since the early 1980s. Since his conviction, he has moved to Georgia where he continues to operate his ministry.

Trial & sentencing timeline

06/08/06: Phil Driscoll was convicted on federal charges that he used his Tennessee-based Christian music ministry in an income-tax cheating scheme. It was found that millions were donated to his ministry, which were found to be illegal in source. A jury found Driscoll, 58, guilty of charges of conspiracy and evading some federal income taxes owed for 1996 through 1999. [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/ap/entertainment/mainD8I4A9K80.shtml Trumpeter Driscoll Convicted in Tax Case, Grammy-Winning Gospel Trumpeter Phil Driscoll Convicted in Tax Case - CBS News ] ]

10/27/06: Federal Judge Curtis Collier denied a motion for a new trial for Grammy-Award winning gospel musician Phil Driscoll. He was found not guilty of one count of income tax evasion. Driscoll, 58, had been due to be sentenced on the next Thursday, but it was delayed until Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. The maximum he faces is five years on each of three counts - for a maximum of 15 years. The jury ruled his wife, Lynne Driscoll, not guilty of conspiracy and not guilty of one count of tax evasion. The jury deadlocked on another tax evasion charge she faced. It was later decided that Lynne Driscoll will not be retried. [ [http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_95560.asp 10/27/2006 - Judge Denies New Trial For Driscoll, Sentencing Moved To Nov. 30 - Breaking News - Chattanoogan.com ] ]

11/28/06: Sentencing was once again delayed until Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. The new delay came after prosecutors insisted upon Driscoll receiving the maximum in his sentencing range. The range listed is 18-24 months, and the government is asking that Judge Curtis Collier sentence him to serve the maximum two years in federal prison. Prosecutors asked the maximum, citing the amount of money he evaded taxes on (as established in evidence - $128,627) and that testimony demonstrated a pattern of tax-evasion behavior. Prosecutors said there are no factors for "downward departures" (recommendation for a lesser sentence) in the case. [ [http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_97387.asp 11/28/2006 - Driscoll Hearing Delayed, Government Asks Maximum - Breaking News - Chattanoogan.com ] ]

01/21/07: Prosecutors asked for an 18-24-month federal prison sentence for Phil Driscoll at his sentencing for income tax evasion. Paula Junghans, his Washington, D.C., attorney, asked for a lighter term. Driscoll, who has continued to operate his ministry concert schedule, is due to appear before Federal Judge Curtis Collier at 2 p.m. [http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_100173.asp 1/21/2007 - Gospel Musician Phil Driscoll Faces Sentencing Thursday - Breaking News - Chattanoogan.com ] ]

01/25/07: Phil Driscoll was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for using his gospel music ministry in an income-tax evasion scheme. Judge Curtis L. Collier allowed Driscoll 45 days to report to prison and agreed to decide by that March 12 deadline on Driscoll's request to remain free while he appeals his conviction. [http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_100173.asp 1/21/2007 - Gospel Musician Phil Driscoll Faces Sentencing Thursday - Breaking News - Chattanoogan.com ] ]

March 13, 2007: Phil Driscoll Reports To Atlanta Minimum Security Federal Prison

Phil Driscoll reported to a minimum security federal prison in Atlanta on Monday to begin serving a year and a day for income tax evasion.

His Washington, D.C., attorney, Paula Junghans, had asked that he be allowed to remain free on bond pending the appeal.

However, Federal Judge Curtis Collier ruled that the three arguments on appeal are "unpersuasive."

He said they "do not raise a reasonable question of law or fact likely to result in a reversal and order for a new trial."

Judge Collier had directed that Driscoll report to prison by noon Monday.

Attorney Junghans said he was assigned to a satellite camp adjacent to the main federal prison at Atlanta.

She said, "Everybody is doing as well as they can. It's a very difficult time, but they are strong people."

She said of the appeal, "I am very hopeful. I think we've got good grounds."

Judge Collier had allowed Driscoll 45 days to report to prison and agreed to decide later on Driscoll's request to remain free while he appeals his conviction.

Driscoll formerly had his ministry at Cleveland, TN, but it is now at Eatonton, GA.

Driscoll, 58, addressed the court at his sentencing, saying his "life was taken apart the last five years." He said during that time "I have seen some mistakes I made."

He said, "I never intended to take a penny from our great government and the country I love."

He said from 1996–1999 his ministry took in $8.7 million - much of it in cash. He said, "I never took a dime of it. The mission of my life has been to use the gift God gave me to make the world a better place."

Attorney Junghans said, "I don't know or recognize the manipulative, greedy person that Mr. Mackie talks about."

Prosecutor William Mackie of Knoxville said, "I am not saying he is a bad person, but I am saying he made some bad decisions."

He said taxpayers worried about coming up with their taxes should not have to worry about covering others who don't pay the full amount.

Judge Collier noted at the sentencing that a jury earlier found Driscoll guilty of several charges. He said, "Judges cannot disregard willy nilly what a jury decides."

He said he had received numerous letters speaking for Driscoll, including one from former President Bill Clinton and another from former Defense Secretary Bill Cohen.

Discography

*2008: "Here and Now"
*2008: "Songs in the Key of Worship"
*2006: "Drops Of Praise"
*2003: "One Nation Under God"
*1999: "Simple Song"
*1999: "Plugged In"
*1999: "The Quiet"
*1998: "I Exalt Thee 1998"
*1997: "Live Praise and Worship"
*1997: "Live! With Friends"
*1996: "A Different Man"
*1995: "Selah Volume 2"
*1995: "Selah Volume 1"
*1995: "In His Presence"
*1993: "Heaven And Nature Swing"
*1992: "The Picture Changes"
*1991: "Classic Hymns Vol 2"
*1990: "Inner Man"
*1990: "Warriors" (Dayspring)
*1990: "Gabe And The Good News Gang"
*1988: "Classic Hymns Vol 1"
*1987: "Make Us One"
*1986: "Amazing Grace And Other Favorites"
*1986: "Instrument Of Praise"
*1986: "The Spirit Of Christmas"
*1985: "Power Of Praise"
*1984: "Celebrate Freedom"
*1983: "Covenant Children"
*1983: "I Exalt Thee"
*1983: "Songs of the Spirit", Volumes 1 and 2
*1982: "Sound The Trumpet"
*1982: "What Kind Of Love"
*1982: "Songs in the Spirit Volumes 1 and 2"
*1981: "Ten Years After" (Sparrow)
*1978: "Acclaimed and Framed"
*1972: "A Touch Of Trumpet"
*1970: "Blowin' A New Mind" (Word)

References

External links

* [http://www.trumpetgig.com/christianartist.html Phil Driscoll at TrumpetGig.com]
* [http://www.mightyhorn.com Phil Driscoll's Official Website]
* [http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Phil_Driscoll/9175/ Profile] at "Cross Rhythms"

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