“Give the people what they want” is such a famous phrase referring to performers and their audiences and it’s quoted by so many well-known people, that it’s difficult to uncover who said it first. Some reference books attribute it all the way back to Julius Caesar. Some quote it this way, “Give the people what they want and you’ll never want for people” or, “Give the people what they want and the people will give you what you want.” The underlying common sense in that statement is obvious; people won’t buy tickets to something they don’t want and they don’t like. It’s obvious to everyone except some people in places of influence in SGM.
THE PEOPLE DON’T WANT HAIR-SPLITTING DEBATES
Some individuals want to get into hair-splitting rather than address the real issue of losing our unique style of music. The dictionary defines hair-splitting as, “over attention to unimportant details and fine distinctions, especially in an argument” and, “giving undue significance to fine distinctions and details.” Rather than address the threat presented to our art form by allowing artists who are not SG to call themselves SG – and the potential consequences thereof – some people would rather split hairs and focus on debate.
I’m referring to those of you who want to have a long-winded discussion about what Southern Gospel music is and is not. For those of you who still require an answer to the naïve question, What is SGM?” I have a sure-fire way to get a sure-fire answer… ask the people!! They will tell you in a heartbeat. They are the ones laying out their hard earned money to hear EH+SSQ, The Booth Brothers, The Inspirations, The Perrys, Legacy 5, Triumphant Quartet, The Kingdom Heirs, The McKameys, The ChuckWagon Gang and others who are singing PURE SGM.
SGM does not need to be defined. We all know exactly what it is, and so do the people.
And then we get off track because someone says something like, “so and so group recorded a song in 1973 that was more jazz than SG and Nick used their name as a group that sings pure SGM.” We all know what I mean, don’t we? I will not be drawn into a debate centered on such a ridiculous question. The fans know what SGM is and it’s the fans and the audience that matters. Of course, there are some who have taken that famous quote and changed it ever so slightly. Their philosophy is:
TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
These folks have their own agenda and they feel they are smarter than the average SGM fan, so they have to tell the people what they want because they believe the people don’t really know. These artists have a new style of music and they don’t have an audience. They aren’t country, they aren’t country gospel, they aren’t contemporary Christian music, they aren’t Southern Gospel, they don’t know what they are, but they need an audience in order to have a music career. So they’ve decided that rather than work to find an audience for THEIR style of music, they will simply join the SGM industry and tell the SGM fans that they should want this new kind of music. And they have plenty of willing accomplices to help them along. They tell the SGM fans:
• “You really want this new kind of music because the music has to change in order to keep up with the youth.”
• “SGM has to change with the times.”
• “Young people don’t like SGM.”
It amazes me that you all can stand there flat footed and see the tremendous response received by true SG artists singing pure SGM, sell out crowds and great product sales, and say, “We need to change our music to reach more people.” That’s nuts!
You guys just don’t get it. That’s the only conclusion I can draw.
The people are the ones pointing the way to success with their wallets and yet you stubbornly continue to try to force-feed them what YOU want instead of what THEY want. WAKE UP!
People love Southern Gospel Music…pure and simple!
LET THE PEOPLE TELL US WHAT THEY WANT
For those of you who are trying to change SGM to reach a larger audience, I will tell you that the SG audience is larger than you think. I had the privilege of traveling on the Gaither Homecoming tour for about 2 years. I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears the overwhelming audience response to simple SG songs like “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hands” and “ God On The Mountain.”
The success of the Gaither Homecoming Videos is ample proof that there is a market, a very large market, for SG music. You folks who are trying to make SG music into something else should be able to see that.
The SG audience doesn’t want to hear Rock, Country, Bluegrass, Progressive, or anything else. They want pure SG music performed at a high level by talented artists. Why, oh why, can’t you see that?
The reason SG is not bigger than it is can’t be blamed on the music…people love it. What they don’t want is precisely what the “Music Row Crowd” is all about. These guys are the “Who Cares What The People Want” crowd.
WHO CARES WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT
There are certain elements and individuals within our industry with the power and ability to influence the growth of SG. These are Radio Promoters, Radio Stations, Magazines, and Record Labels, to name a few. The folks who run these various entities are the ones who are responsible for the information and music that is sent to the consumer.
Sadly, these leaders don’t have a clue as to what the people want, not a clue. They are either totally and completely ignorant or so concerned about their own agenda that they don’t care.
They are so blinded by the glitz and glamour of secular gospel music that they cannot see the beauty of traditional Southern Gospel Music. To them it is hokey “old peoples music.”
There was a time when the Dove Awards was primarily a SG event. I remember those days. And I remember that it was precisely the mindset being presented by many of you that let the music row crowd overtake it and turn it into what it is now, a “hip-hop” show. This attitude of, “there’s room for everyone” didn’t work then and it won’t work now.
We were not driven away from the GMA/Dove Awards…WE SURRENDERED!
There is no need for us (SGM) to change what we are to be accepted by the GMA. They treat us like yesterday’s donuts and couldn’t care less about Southern Gospel Music.
We don’t need them…we need us…sticking to our roots.
I WANT WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT
Before I quit, I want to leave you this final thought. I don’t usually respond to the comments to my articles. I figure I got my chance to speak, and you should have yours.
But I must say that to portray me as a naysayer or a revisionist who thinks we should go back to the 60s is not accurate at all. I am someone who dearly loves Southern Gospel Music and I tell the truth, and the truth is that we have been blessed with the advent of technology which has greatly improved the methods we use to produce our music, but the music, traditional Southern Gospel Music, is still the same.
I am not AGAINST any type of music. I love and applaud anyone who is spreading the Gospel through music and encouraging Christians to stay strong in their faith. I am thrilled at any kind, any style of music that does this…but if it isn’t SGM then don’t call it SGM.
You can dissect my words, and split hairs over definitions, misinterpret my articles, read things that I didn’t write, and disagree with me on every point, but in the end the people vindicate everything I’ve said.
The people, SGM fans, will only pay for what they want, and the people who attend SG concerts and purchase SG music want traditional Southern Gospel Music.
And…they are putting their money where their mouth is.
As always, I welcome your comments.
God Bless You
Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com
Author: Nick Bruno
| Author's Website: http://www.nickbruno.com/
Written: 07/02/2009
| 
Category: The Gospel Truth
Comments: 5
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Again we agree NIck, 100%. This is pretty much the line I have been preaching for years.
Amen, Nick, and another great big Amen, Nick.
The final statement for all these arguments should be what you wrote above.....
I agree 100% Nick. I have promoted many years and will not bring in a group that sing and record what the radio station wants. If they are not crowd pleasers I dont and will not book them and they know who they are. Their crowds have fallen off and they know why. They tell me they want to be more progressive. Now they are having to be for bookings and Cd sales are down. I wont call names. They know who they are.
Well said Nick !
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