Brown Bannister

Elliott Brown Bannister III is a contemporary Christian music producer and songwriter.

Early life and education Elliott Brown Bannister III was born in Topeka, Kansas.

Career Bannister released one album of his own, Talk to One Another, in 1981 on NewPax Records. It was reissued on the Reunion Records label five years later, featuring a newer recording of the album's final cut, "Create in Me a Clean Heart". The original NewPax version featured Ed DeGarmo on the Hammond B3 organ; the 1986 version featured Amy Grant and her then husband Gary Chapman on vocals. The 1986 version was released as a radio single and gained moderate airplay in some markets.

Bannister is best known for his work in the audio engineering, recording, and production industry. He formed his own independent label, Vireo Records, in 1991.

Personal life Ellie Holcomb is his daughter.

Awards and accolades Bannister was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2025.

Dove Awards 1981: The Imperials, "Praise the Lord" - Song of the Year 1981: Debby Boone, With My Song - Album by a Secular Artist 1983: Amy Grant, Age to Age - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 1984: Debby Boone, Surrender - Album by a Secular Artist 1985: Amy Grant, Straight Ahead - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 1989: Amy Grant, Lead Me On - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 1992: Bruce Carroll, Sometime Miracles Hide - Country Album of the Year 1993: Paul Overstreet, Love is Strong - Country Album of the Year 1994: Michael English, Hope - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 1994: Bruce Carroll, Walk On - Country Album of the Year 1994: Petra, Wake Up Call - Rock Album of the Year 1996: Various Artists, My Utmost for His Highest – Special Event Album of the Year 1997: Steven Curtis Chapman, Signs of Life - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 1998: Producer of the Year 2000: Producer of the Year 2000: Steven Curtis Chapman, Speechless - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 2001: Producer of the Year 2002: Steven Curtis Chapman, Declaration - Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year 2002: Cece Winans, CeCe Winans – Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year 2003: Producer of the Year 2003: Amy Grant, Legacy...Hymns and Faith – Inspirational Album of the Year 2004: Producer of the Year 2006: Bart Millard, Hymned – Inspirational Album of the Year 2006: Amy Grant, Rock of Ages...Hymns and Faith - Inspirational Album of the Year 2007: End of the Spear Soundtrack – Instrumental Album of the Year 2012: The Story - Special Event Album of the Year

Grammy Awards

1980: Debby Boone, With My Song - Best Inspirational Performance 1982: Amy Grant, Age To Age - Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary 1983: Amy Grant, Ageless Medley - Best Gospel Performance, Female 1984: Amy Grant, "Angels" - Best Gospel Performance, Female 1984: Debby Boone & Phil Driscoll, "Keep the Flame Burning" from Surrender - Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group 1985: Amy Grant, Unguarded - Best Gospel Performance, Female 1988: Amy Grant, Lead Me On - Best Gospel Performance, Female 1992: Bruce Carroll, Sometimes Miracles Hide - Best Southern Gospel Album 1994: Petra, Wake-Up Call - Best Rock Gospel Album 1999: Steven Curtis Chapman, Speechless - Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 2001: CeCe Winans, CeCe Winans - Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 2004: Steven Curtis Chapman, All Things New - Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 2005: Amy Grant, Rock of Ages, Hymns & Faith - Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album 2006: Third Day, Wherever You Are - Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album