The crime scene is set, the guns and knives are the invisible word of mouth. The credibility, fairness, respect, and integrity of many women and men that tirelessly fight for their songs continues to be organized and scrutinized. Why? Because the industry in its entirety has sold itself out. People are trying to hide behind the ministry card. Over 75% of Southern Gospel music is business. No matter what people say. Over the years gospel music has survived on a very thin and conservative foundation. It has been sold as a vision, not a genre. It has been represented with control, not knowledge. It has been held back, for some to hold on. It has been publicized, to capitalize. It has been choked out, so others can breath. You know the old saying ,"If you love something, let it go. If it comes back it loved you too." Gospel music needs to be let go. It needs to be set free. Forget the saying "Outside the box," that's what people say when they are trying to appear to have knowledge of the real world. Forget the box, forget the denominations, forget the hair, clothes, age, drums, forget all of your restrictions.
I was reading a comment somewhere on the web site where a lady was trying to find the sin in the Bible that she was infering against another mans character. Hey, I have an idea, instead of taking all that time to prove someone wrong, pray for them to do right. I really think people jump to conclusions way to often.
OK, lets stop for a minute and think about Southern Gospel music as a government. If wages were dropping, housing and demand was shrinking and jobs were being lost. Would we do the same things? Would we support the same leaders? Would we travel to the same place looking for work, when we have already been turned down? NO!! Wake up. Lets stop being afraid we may not get a spot at NQC, or we may miss making the charts, or booking agent XYZ may not take us, or we need to get signed by a major label. Come on people, think past singing one week in September, or having your name pasted on some chart, wanting a booking agent to sign you, when you cant book yourself or needing a label to invest in you when the last product you ordered is in the garage still boxed.
I think Southern Gospel music would be a lot better if-
A separate union needs formed to unite labels, producers, stations, artist, managers and churches. We need to respect one another's strengths and create a bond. We need to lock into a plan that we all adhere to.
I could go on and on. The facts are we're dying, falling and complaining. What we are not doing is changing, planning and uplifting. This format has followers. We have a huge potential. I hear all the time,"Man if I could do what Bill Gaither has done." You can!! He had exposure, he tapped in a fan base outside of the Hallelujah Hillbilly Highway.
So many groups and artist are singing in circles, traveling the same highways, with their good old buddies, trying to keep it down-home and real. Oh come on, I hear the complaining and griping daily. You artist are tired and miserable. You put everything in what you do. If you take a dollar bill stomp it, spit on it, rip it, chew it, you know what? Its still only a dollar. No pain, no stress has changed its value. Its the same in Southern Gospel, you can fight the same circuit, same demons, same broken dreams and visions night after night. But, you are still the same value. You have to move outside of your disappointments and heartaches. I have learned nothing easy is worth having. And nothing worth having is easy to keep. Be ready to change and fight. I am excited about what all of us together can do for Southern Gospel music.
God Bless,
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com
Author: RickBHendrix
| Author's Website: http://www.rickhendrix.com
Written: 07/01/2005
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Category: Monthly ArticlesLeave No Stone Unturned
Comments: 104
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Hey, Rick:
I am shocked at the way Southern Gospel music treats one another. My hats off to you. Great article.I think its certainly bigger than someones dream to preserve it. It is is dying. sad but true.
You Go Rick! I have been"Screaming " this for months! Of course, no one hears me except my husband! I have been writing and singing gospel for over 35 years, and FINALLY had my first song to reach the charts in May..I have worked for over 3 decades to "break in" to southern gospel music, to no avail..It is next to impossible to get in as a singer OR songwriter..Seems no one wanys to let a newcomer in..THIS is why it is dying on the vine..WHY can't the artists, promoters, publishers, record companies see this? If new blood isn't allowed in, eventually the old will die out.. Has anyone really looked at the people filling the seats of the concerts lately?> The majority of concert goers are over 65..something needs to be done while there's still a chance for revival! wake up!!!! The need for REAL dedication to GOD is paramount! I'm not saying everyone has sold out to the wrong motives, but many, many artists have, and trust me, it shows in their attitudes when talking to people at the product tables, and in the lack of anointing when they sing. If true revival would break out in the southern gospel music realm, there would be NO stopping the growth of this awesome music! GOD is the best promoter anyone could ever hope to have! I've been pitching songs for years, only to have them STOLEN, by "God- called, anointed artists"....but you know what? I'm STILL going to write songs and try to get major artists to record them, because there are still some REAL CHRISTIANS who sing because they ARE CALLED, and there always will be.. God will have his remnant!Seems like southern gospel radio stations are disappearing faster than the speed of light these days, and a lot of it can be attributed to the problems Rick mentioned in his article.. But I still believe God can turn it aROUND, AND I BELIEVE THIS... The day will come when America gets so desperate for the real thing, the old-fashioned anointing..that they are going to come streaming back to Southern Gospel...when their prosperity comes to a halt, when their hearts are breaking, and they finally realize that America will never be like it once was before 911, they are going to come home to southern gospel..The "feel good songs" of contemporary gospel aren't going to do the job in these last days.. when your heart is breaking, will you want to hear "praise songs". "prosperity songs" or,"God Walks The Dark Hills", "I Go To The Rock". and "Thru The Fire"????I know it looks rough for Southern Gospel right now, but I tell you this, "It Won't Rain AlwaYS"!!!!lET'S HAVE A REVIVAL!! nICOLA wYATT
Sadly, most will read this article and agree to it, but then will not understand or hear a word of it. That's because most of the people who read this really want things to be as they were in 1970. They just want to be the stars. I'm not sure why artists want to continue in the same business model anyway. Even in the mainstream industry, the only ones receiving any significant benefit from this business model are the large entertainment conglomerates. Very few artists receive more than a few dollars and lots of misery. Why do we want to follow that?
Thanks, Rick, for your perspective. I have played in Southern Gospel groups for years and have found what you say to be true. Frankly, as I see it, most Southern Gospel is fluff and entertainment, not "ministry." Those that want to do more than stroke their own ego are few and far between.
NO- I dont feel people will think it needs to return to the 70s.I think they will see it needs to return to the BIBLLE.
Entertainment Gospel. Instead of Southern Gospel. Maybe we should name it that.
Are labels marketing to bookstores now?
Rick, I have said it before. I'll say it again...you are my hero! (LOL)
John Lanier, By the way-I LOVE your music.
Hey I kinda agree with Ole Rick. As long as folks are trying to hold on to their piece of the pie (NO matter how small and meningless) we will be stuck in the same old movie, showing after showing.
This industry is kinda like our office supply store. My grandpa and uncle wanna keep running it. The problem is times have changed.They wanna hold on to the business heritage. My mom finally told them, "Your part of the legacy will live forever to you and your family. What happens to continue the business is not about you or your humble beginnings.Maybe, gospel needs to move past the early birds and put them in their place respectfully.
Do you and Nick Bruno know one another? Your columns seem to have the same thread running through them. He says pretty much the same thing you do about quality, radio, etc. Maybe people you like and Nick and others who believe the same way should form a new SGM arena.
Rick
Some stuff is better left be. You cannot change them. just sing and smile.
Terry,
Back in 1970, the "Major" labels were Word/Canaan and Benson/Heartwarming. Where are THEY now? Shall we wait for our newer Majors like Daywind to go belly-up, too? Then we'll all sell our home burned CDs out the trunks of our cars.
On top of what I just wrote, I agree with both Rick and with Nicola Wyatt. We CAN have both economic and artistic success AND at the same time sing under the true anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Great article, Rick. I hope it doesn't just go in one ear & out the other.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
Hey Rick, buddy you said it just right. Love your articles and you always say just what needs to happen. Sure wish we could get SGM to growing and some of the new artist to working at becoming more involved. Bhy the way, Loved Nicole Watts post also. Sweet lady and she does a wonderful job.
There have been a couple of comments made about Praise and Worship music that show a lack of understanding of that genre. Today's "commercial" praise and worship -- i.e. Michael W. Smith, Delirious?, etc -- may be boring. But true praise and worship music was born out of the Charismatic revivals of the 70s and 80s and came with lots of boisterous audience participation -- the kind of shouting, raising of hands and praising God that would make Peg McKamey proud. Perhaps one of the problems with Southern Gospel is the "we're the only ones that have the true Gospel" attitude that come from fans and performers of this style.
It's amazing.. but some of the posters agreeing with Rick.. still don't seem to get his point.
Now on to what I really wanted to say.
"CCM just apes whatever music is popular and just changes the lyrics, there is no defineable CCM "sound." There is a defineable Praise and Worship sound... the sound of bored churchgoers snoring in their pews!"
Ignorance truly is bliss. I guess my church is just an anomaly then, because they love today's modern worship. Also - speaking something as fact even though it is only your personal opinion will get you nowhere.
I thought we were talking about GOSPEL music not popular music. I certainly dont go to church to hear Nelly. If it doesnt sound gospel it doesnt need to be on radio or in the churches.
Sue - so what exactly does "gospel" sound like?
Chris,
"Chris,
A joyful noise to the Lord-Not a loud one.You have to be able to worship God not scare him away."
Funny. I don't remember anywhere in the bible where "volume" determined whether something was "gospel". I don't believe God is limited by certain decibel levels. After all, didn't he create those decibel levels?
No where does the Bible ask us to act as the world. I honestly feel people listen to CCM music because they cannot completely give up the worlds music. God can deliver you.Nothing is shameful in listening to gospel music without make up and lights.
Actually- I am not ahsamed. I would stand on the roof tops and proclaim he is Lord. Please people do not get blinded by the world. CCM is marketed to appear gospel and not set itself apart.
Every time there is an article like this, we end up descending into an argument over full-timers vs. part-timers or Southern vs. CCM. It's no wonder SG does not grow. Christian music artists and fans who will not open up to new styles are potentially missing out on a great blessing from God. There is no good or evil inherant to any style of music, only in the people who sing it. If the fan will not let the artist grow musically because of narrow views of what is right and wrong, the artist should not allow themselves to be held back by the fans. It will be the fans' loss.
"No where does the Bible ask us to act as the world. I honestly feel people listen to CCM music because they cannot completely give up the worlds music. God can deliver you.Nothing is shameful in listening to gospel music without make up and lights."
People listen to CCM because they have different tastes. Period. It has nothing to do with not being delivered. When you can start to give some scriptural backing for your outlandish remarks, then we can discuss this further. Until then, I have no time for remarks like this.
Chris Unthank, forgive me for trying to be funny and saying that the sound of praise and worship is the sound of boredom. There is a lot of lovely worship music being made by Integrity!Hosanna, Vineyard, etc. I was an early member of what became the Maranatha! Praise Singers... so I'm not anti-praise and worship music. What bothers me, though, are the many Christians I've encountered in recent years who feel that SGM and even CCM are Christian entertainment and are low on the spirituality scale. I have a good friend who is such a great singer... he's somewhere between Russ Taff, Ivan Parker, and Guy Penrod... and when he expressed his desire to sing SGM he was told "No, that's wrong. You must be a worship leader. Gospel music is about singing for yourself... praise and worship is about singing for God." Now, this poor brother is so discouraged he's given up singing altogether. So that's where my snideness was coming from. Sorry.
All of this is good, but you can't find hardly anyone to take a chance on unknown artist and help them. Although we read about it and understand it, we need help implementing it. Where are these people at?
I agree with Justin. Not many people will take a chance on an unknown artist. Some radio stations will play some unknowns. Others will not because it will take air time from the well known national artist. The secular record companies will take a chance and invest lots of money in unknowns to get them started. They say you cannot pay you way into Southern Gospel, but it sure pays to have money in your pocket to pay promoters and record companies to do the work for you. Lets face the truth, the industry as well as fans do not welcome new talent easy.
I can't speak for everyone.. but I don't think there is a problem with the industry not taking chances on "unknowns." I have always been open to new artists and new songs. So, then why do I play mostly established artists from the major labels? Simple.. they are better. It isn't that the industry won't take a chance on "unknowns". The problems is that the industry is flooded with "unknowns" that either aren't talented enough.. or haven't taken enough time to find, record and produce quality material. Then this flood of unknowns feels like the industry owes them a something. Sorry.. but it doesn't work that way in real life.
Rick, WOW! Thank you for putting this to print. You and I have talked about it and I have learned from you. Ginger and I now are singing one night a month at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN. We are marketing in the secular world to reach out to the lost, not just singing in the churches. Thank you for taking an interest in the 'unknown' and helping Young Harmony along with so many others expand on what GOD has called each of us to do.
I also agree that changes need to be made in the areas that were mentioned by Rick. But may I add these thoughts. Based on some comments in regards to Praise and Worship and CCM, I feel that what really needs changing are the hearts of people. Fans and Artists alike. Not in all cases but in some. I believe the key is this.....God blesses obedience....period. He will not bless disobedience. It's kinda like your children, after outright disobeying you, asking for some reward or privelege. If you study the book of Haggai, you'll learn that the four messages from The Lord delivered through Haggai all involve obedience, and in some cases the lack of it. First is the issue of priority....where are our priorities? Second is the issue of disobedience.....are we being obedient in our personal walks with the Lord? Third is Discouragement.....Do we know that disobedience brings discouragement? And lastly is the blessing, and in some cases the absence of blessing. My point is this.....are we really desiring what God desires for us as individuals and for his people. It starts with a personal relationship...time spent with him...and I'm talking about more than saying the blessing over the food. I spent a little time on the road with Tim Surret and he would regularly tell us that if the concerts were the only church we were getting ....it wasn't enough. Did you know that Tim attends bible study on Tuesday nights? Are we being good stewards of the ministry that God gives us? Whether it's cleaning the facilities at the church, or working dilligently to be at peak level vocally for concerts, night after night. Friends, I don't care what genre of music you're taling about, if it lifts HIGH the name of JESUS, and HE, and HE, and HE gets ALL the Glory, then it's blessed. And Southern Gospel is no exception. I hope that this makes since in some way.
Hi Rick, I really enjoy your articles. I admit I do get confused sometimes. It is almost as though we have no direction in the industry because we cant really figure out what the people who can do something for you really want. Everything leads to a dead end unless someone really believes in you and wants to help you. I hear really bad songs get played on the radio and some are by the major name groups. I dont understand how the system really works. I think people are getting tired of trying to be heard. It gets really discouraging trying to understand how this whole thing is played out and how radio determines who they play and who they dont play. I think I am little off topic but I'm trying to say that the business part is extremely confusing. I really like the ministry part of singing but also, I want to feel respected by the industy as much as everyone else. It's really had to know how to do both. Cathy
One of the main problems is that there is a structure in the music world that people know and are familiar with, except in Southern Gospel. In other music, depending on your quality, contacts, luck, whatever, you are discovered, signed and the label develops your career. Not in Southern Gospel. This does not happen in SG.
You guys are right. SG has some kind of doom hanging over it. A very oppressive, competitive format. I saw Ricks options.What are some others? I think we need to get better radio. I ran a station for years. The format also needs to advance in sound. And lock out the cheap projects and bad part time artist. I am all for the quality ones.
THis is all true. There are many unknowns that are flooding with low quality music. I am so thankful that God put Rick in my path and he took a chance on the 'Unknown' that I was. I believe that he will of a great help in the future also.
When you get right down to it, though, all the planning and changing will not make a dent in the critical situation in Southern Gospel music unless we do one thing -- learn a little music! Just because someone can sing a little and strum a few chords on a guitar does not mean they should be in music ministry or recording CDs. Everyone should have at least a few years of formal music training before they attempt to pursue a career in music -- even Southern Gospel. Would you want a doctor who has not been through the necessary schooling? Would you want a contractor building your house if he was not trained in it? Why do we allow Southern Gospel music to be performed by the untrained? On the other hand, if the artists and musicians in SG were well-trained in music, the genre could not help but be noticed.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
well since we are "keeping it real" here...I got somethings to say...This comment kind of un-nerved me "Who cares if you sing 22 dates a month for a total of 800 people. Wouldn't it be smarter to sing 5 dates for 6,000 people? Artists need to rework their plan" Since we are being realistic...as an unknown artist..it is very difficult to get bookings with more than a 1,000 people per concert. Promoters will not even listen to you without you first having a booking agent doing your calling for you...so unless I want to be Harriett on the phone booking for Jamie Carter then I don't get past the secretary. So how do you propose to get past that? Plus...I'm running into this problem...I'm getting larger venues such as WV state fair but do you want to know what they are paying me....Zero..nahda...oh wait they are giving me free admission and an opportunity to be heard....don't get me wrong I am grateful for the invite...but as I read that comment I thought wow how do they expect me to make it? (financially) Plus, SGM does not have large venue things very often..unless your "label" does them. So back to square one...It's just very fustrating. And most people int he industry say to "sing everywhere you can" now I hear to try to do large venues...heck...I'm unsure of where is UP and where is Down LOL...
Jamie, I feel your pain. You like to take every opportunity you can to sing for the Lord, but some people take advantage of that. There is a local Promoter in our area that charges the not so known new artist to sing at his big concerts. They make you feel that it is an honor that they invited you because, they do not invite just anyone. Only a select few. They charge you $500 to sing and the only thing they give you is a booth in a corner behind all the big names, also they do not even place you on the main stage as opening acts. They stick a small stage in a corner of the product room and let the new artist sing on it away from the main stage. The least that they can do is if they do not pay you anything, do not charge you to sing. The new artist is paying part of the tab for the known artist for this promoter. I have learned a lesson from this one.
It's a shame that promoters would behave this way. If they were truly Christian, they would not do as Betty wrote. It is dishonest.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I could'nt have read this at a better time. I have two daughters, a 13 year old and a 9 year old who just wow'd an audience at a talent contest in Owensboro , Kentucky with their harmony. They did'nt even place in the winners and I understand because there was so much talent there. There was just so much focus on marketability and performance that it sickend me!
I think what Mr Hendrix is trying to say is- take it serious. Make it work for you to reach more people and not kill yourself in the time of it.I may not agree with everything he says
I do this.Rick, kudos to you my brother! You hit the nail on the head with this article. It is sad, I've been singing solo for 3 years now in the local area, I enjoy doing it and am selective about the songs, the words and the message it reflects and I do it because I love the Lord and want to encourage, uplift and glorify Jesus, NOT entertain. However, I just entered a national talent search in which I submitted a demo and now will go to the semi-finals in 4 days. I contacted a local southern gospel radio station to see if they would take a "local's" cd..only to be told that pretty much if I hadn't spent about $6,000 on my demo and it wasn't the quality/sound of the Talley Trio..then I was wasting my time sending it. That really blew me away... the Christian Music Industry in my eyes has become just like the World. It is sad and to boot, the cd of last years "finalists" in this contest blew me away..90% of it sounded like hard rock, heavy metal, rap, blues, alternative and there was 1 group that came close to southern gospel. It made me realize and disheartened me that...the Christina Music World is not really looking for God given talent or actually the "spiritual" part of it..but "entertainment". I am about 4 days away from the semifinal and am beginning to lose my interest. I don't need a judge, a panelist, or someone to judge the talent God gave me... I know that "my style" Southern Gospel..probably won't be the one chosen. Look at how they dress in the industry...looks no different than the world. That's whats wrong w/ our churches and pastors too..the world is coming in and the church is not going out into all the world.. Definitely a problem we as Christians need to be praying about.
Quote: It is sad and to boot, the cd of last years "finalists" in this contest blew me away..90% of it sounded like hard rock, heavy metal, rap, blues, alternative and there was 1 group that came close to southern gospel. It made me realize and disheartened me that...the Christina Music World is not really looking for God given talent or actually the "spiritual" part of it..but "entertainment"
Sorry, John, that probably didn't come out the way I meant it too. I'm not bashing all the genre's,I don't have a problem with some of the contemporary, but God told us to be not conformed to the world, but we are called to be set apart , sanctified and holy and some of the stuff that is coming out sounds anything but that. I went to a Teen Christian Rally last year..and they had alot of rock /rap..I couldn't understand a word of it and it was loud. How can you get anything "spiritual" out of that??
Tara, you may want to try other stations. It sounds as if this station's programming is closer to Inspirational or Praise and Worship than Southern Gospel. But I do applaud the station for holding to high standards. We cannot equate holding high standards to becoming like the world. Our song has to sound as great on a radio as any professional's or the radio station will lose listeners. Besides, we can't say that because we are ministering that it is okay to skimp on quality. We have more of a responsibility before God to produce higher quality music for ministry than we do for entertainment.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Hi Keith, I understand your point on "quality" sound of music, and not conforming to the world. I am all about that. But, what I don't understand is, the Talley's, the Hoppers, etc, all the "famous" groups..did not start off as famous either, someone had to give them a start in playing their music, so why are so many so critical and not willing to help the "unfamous". Seems there are not many wanting to help those just starting out. It also appears that just because something is labeled "Christian" music, isn't when you listen to it. I just got back from participating in a national talent search semi final, it blew my mind what I saw there. Some of the really good ones, who were singing from the heart, sounded professional, were really ministering in song didn't make it. It blew my mind to see how ladies/guys dress, sure is not reflective of a godly lifestyle but seems to be acceptable to judges. No thanks, it was a learning experience, alot of money wasted and they make alot of money off people doing these things. I was not impressed. No, I will stick with singing local, I do not need someone's contract to share the gospel with others. I know the Lord will lead me to the right places and people and His will is best.
Tara, I totally agree with you. I know I am going to get critized for talking about dress because people just do not think that Jesus would not care the way we dress. The fact is he does. His word says to dress modestly, not showing off your body. This is one thing that is going to be the death of Southern Gospel, when we start going the way world sees that we need to go istead of looking to Jesus for directions. The same will be with the music, if we have to start singing like rock n' Roll and rap in order to get people to listen. I know what you mean about the contest. I was a semi finalist in what was suppose to be a Southern Gospel Talent Search, some of the contestants had very tight, revealing clothes on with their hair dyed Purple and red, also had gun belts on. One song that one group sang, the only word I could understand was the word 'Go' because that was about all the words that were in the song. I could not understand how that was presenting anything that uplifted the Lord. If Southern Gospel has to go this way, it definately will die. I'm not saying that all Contemporary or Praise and Worship songs are bad. In fact there is a lot of it that I like. I only think that when the musical arrangement and clothes overpowers the message, it is not good. There is nothing wrong with change in Southern Gospel if it is a positive change for Christ. God Bless Your ministry.
Tara, your experience with the talent search is not unexpected if you understand that most of the "Christian" record labels are owned by the big five media and entertainment conglomerates. To them, Christian music is just another genre with the same expectations as any other. They do not understand that being a Christian requires different things of us.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith,
Oneness with Jesus Christ and music excellence are the best marketing tools available. If you have these things, word of your goodness will spread like wildfire. If you don't have these things, all the radio promotion and magazine ads in the world will not keep you going for long. Unless your house is built on a solid foundation, it will fall.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith, right on! You are right and I got an email this morning from the fellow who recorded my demo for me with some encouraging words along the same lines. I am to the conclusion that "industry" is not the way to go. He told me alot who end up going that way end up in corruptness and growing away from God instead of growing in Jesus and I sure don't want to do that!
<<Oneness with Jesus Christ and music excellence are the best marketing tools available. If you have these things, word of your goodness will spread like wildfire. If you don't have these things, all the radio promotion and magazine ads in the world will not keep you going for long. Unless your house is built on a solid foundation, it will fall.>>
Keith wrote: "Oneness with Jesus Christ and music excellence are the best marketing tools available. If you have these things, word of your goodness will spread like wildfire. If you don't have these things, all the radio promotion and magazine ads in the world will not keep you going for long. Unless your house is built on a solid foundation, it will fall."
Keith wrote: "Oneness with Jesus Christ and music excellence are the best marketing tools available. If you have these things, word of your goodness will spread like wildfire. If you don't have these things, all the radio promotion and magazine ads in the world will not keep you going for long. Unless your house is built on a solid foundation, it will fall."
Rick, I've never responded to anything anybody has to say but you NAILED IT . Finally someone who speaks the truth. My question is who will really listen ? Keep it up. Great job!!
Sorry.
I'm not necessarily saying that we should never advertize. What I am saying is that if Southern Gospel is dying (as Rick seems to be indicating that it is), it is because the root is dead or not getting nourishment -- and the root of what we are doing is our relationship with Jesus Christ and our training and talent in music. If we fix the root, these other things we think we need to do to fix it will not be necessary and the marketing will become much, much easier. Perhaps the reason why the groups are singing "22 times a month for the preacher, a homeless man and the guy that opened the church to let you in" is because they are just not very good, either spiritually or musically. Until we are willing to take off the rose-colored glasses, things will not get better.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
you all have got to be kidding. if you can only sing to these small venues you have yet to be discovered. who really pays to make their own records and then releases press they have signed with a label or all the fluff these star crazed artist desire. if you have what it takes you will be called on- if you have what it takes you will not have to make your own records- dont worry mr hendrick-the artist will end this industry for everyone
Hey Rick and most others - Thanks. How often I have had similar thoughts - for many years, in fact. You are correct on all counts. Here are a few more thoughts: 1) Folks, the entertainment is only a problem for those who can't do it and don't understand it. Christian entertainment is not an oxymoron. You can be a great singer but if the presentation is wimpy then even good singing can be boring. 2) Have you noticed that over the years since "contemporary" came in the late '60's that many SG 'fans' have been continually casting negative judgement on it, often in the SG publications. But you don't see the Cont. folks doing that to SG. Many of them don't even know SG exists. There's a reason for that. C'mon after almost 40 years leave Cont. alone. It sailed on by SG long ago. 3) Song selection ...even in this semi-blog folks are so concerned about their songs and 'making it. You don't have to write songs. Use some that are already known. It's a waste of ink in most ads and reviews to list all (Usually a paltry 10) songs and no one recognizes any of them. 4) As Max Lucado and others have stressed...it's not about you and your nifty whatever. It is about Jesus. Put more of Jesus and scripture in the music and drop the "I's". 5) The age factor...it is true the vast majority of SG fans are senior citizens and what is SG doing to attract and keep a younger fan base? As a genre, nothing. 6) Modest dress. C'mon again. I've been a SG fan and involved with promotion and radio for years and I love it when that's brought up. Please don't use the Bible to defend your dress code. None of what any of us wears was around. I haven't seen any immodestly dressed SG performers in over 40 years. If anything SG folks dress a bit dowdy almost to the point of distraction. It has nothing to do with the frequent quotes of worldliness. And the hair issue...it's hard to believe this could still be an issue. Hair has nothing to do with being or becoming a Christ follower. It's just a taste thing (Uh, and for some of us a 'growth challenge). We need to realize that and move on. Actually going back to the music - same thing. You won't find backing for a Southern Gospel sound over any other music in the Bible, either. There is nothing wrong with being of the highest quality and up-to-date. SG was the last music to do away with selling 8 track tapes and still has some 'artists' promoting cassettes, yet. SG was the last type of music on CD's or DVD's. Some groups still promote VHS rather than DVD's. We got our first CD player in 1983 and it was several years, yes years, before there was SG on CD. Much of the above could really be improved upon if, indeed, there was some real accountability within the southern gospel industry. I remember how hard JD and some others tried to get better unification within SG - beyond NQC but it was and is such a mom and pop, me and mine business. Well, I've had my time for today. Onward and Upward
So big name artists should sing less often to larger crowds AND travel outside their comfort zones? That sounds like staying right smack in the middle of your comfort zone to me! Big name artists sing to large venues because that is the only way that they can make money, though. No matter how much you think we need to "get back to ministry," making quality gospel music is VERY expensive! If you don't believe that, try it yourself. Go buy a bus, hire vocalists and a band, buy instruments and a sound system, fuel up the bus and hit the road. You'll be broke before you get in the bus! Singing in small venues gets you small $. Small $ aren't enought to cover your costs (like you said)! Believe me, no artist is going to sing for small crowds and take a loss all the time. So how is a "second-tier" artist to get to the big venues? The big venues need to invite little-known artists to do concerts there. That would give the little-known artists greater cash flows to promote their ministrys. That means buying a better sound system, hiring more band members, adding vocalists, purchasing higher quality instruments, and on and on. Otherwise, without a "big break," talented little-known groups will languish in obscurity forever. The rich get richer and the rest stay broke! Help the little guys by supporting their ministry. Make donations to artists you like - local or regional groups. It just might be the amount that they need to "get over the hump." Notice - no ranting or raving required!
Man.... I have read every responce to this article, and am blown away.... and I thought the Country Music Business was bad!
Bill! All I have to say is AMEN Brother! I feel just the way you do.... couldn't have said it better and that is what I have come to terms with as well. Wherever the Lord leads, whatever He wants....we know His will is always best! He will put you right where He wants you and at the right time!
After reading Rick's column it took a moment for me to realize just how blessed I am. As I read comment after comment I couldn't believe how many people were in support of his position. Finally, as I read the last few entries before this comment I found people who remember what's important. Now here's why I feel so blessed: Our group has ministered, repeat ministered, to churches and venues with anywhere from seven(7) to seven hundred people in attendance. At each opportunity we were proud to proclaim the Gospel as we've been called to do. Wherever we go God has blessed our efforts and met our needs to do His work because we're faithful. People ALWAYS comment on the anointing of the Holy Spirit because we're there for HIM and for them, not for ourselves although we are powerfully blessed as well. And finally, since I know you'll want me to be brief, we are blessed because we can be sure that if your advice is taken, Rick (and supporters) there will be so many churches available for us to sing in that we'll be singing the Gospel right up to the Rapture! If Jesus had had a minimum crowd limit before appearing how lost would we all be today?? Thanks for the blessing!!
Amen...that's right..it doesn't matter the size of the crowd, audience, church..etc.... you're not there for you or what you can do.... its for Jesus..and if it only reaches one person...then it has been a blessing...that's the way it is for me at least.... if I know that message has reached one persons heart..that was in need of hearing it..then it blesses me too..
WHAT ABOUT LOST PEOPLE MUSIC IS GREAT I LOVE IT BUT JESUS DID NOT GIVE HIS LIFE SO WE CAN MAKE A LIVING SINGING HE DIED FOR SINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!! OF WHICH WE ALL HAVE BEEN GUILTY. THERE ARE EXPENCES I KNOW BUT ASK YOUR SELF WHY YOU SING IS IT FOR GOD AND THE LOST OR FOR YOURSELF?THINK ABOUT IT!! KAREN
I love it.
As long as you insist on thinking of a MINISTRY as a profession you will have complaints about what you do and how you do it. You can't compare this to working in a grocery store. You can answer the call with a faithful heart and know that your true reward is waiting for you. If you've truly been called you can trust in God to equip you. Yes, you must pray hard, work hard, study hard, drive (or ride) hard, whatever it takes to do what we do. And let me respond to one more thing that seems to have pervaded this discussion: Whether I am singing 300 days or 60 days during the year I am still a FULL-TIME ministry. I live, talk, walk, work, and play in a manner which reflects my faith. You will insist on calling me a PART-TIMER because you have made it a business to proclaim the Gospel. I realize that my opinions will probably not endear me to many big-time, professional Southern Gospel Industry types, but I am not a professional entertainer. I am called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I couldn't be happier. Don't ask me to make business decisions about this...if someone wants us to appear and minister we're there! God Bless!!
Ron,
John,
Ron,
Amen for "the heart and soul of Southern Gospel Music." Love ya, John! We'll crosss paths one day. God Bless!!
Having been involved in Southern Gospel music for many years locally as a D.J. some promotions and sang locally I can say I agree with you 100%. I think that it has become as hard business and in some cases is more ruthless than a lot of secular businesses.
I have been quiet way to long. I have been producing radio programs since 1973. I was selected by The Finland government, as one of 3 top English speaking radio programs.* For over 14 years, ended after 9/11, Hymn Sing was heard and used as an English Second language class by every college student. It was also heard via satellite, and proven to be heard by 800 million.
The title of your article intrigued me, but I totally disagree with what you have targeted as the cause of the "death of southern gospel music." Southern Gospel Groups must wear many different hats and have the ability to change hats smoothly and connectively. It is true that it is a business and as long as people depend upon it for their living, it will always be that; however, the focus of those trying to achieve and over-achieve is not the root of the problem.
I love a troll. But I am going to bite anyway.
QUESTION:"Since none has been published that I can remember, I doubt that you can find one writer today who can write a song where each of the four parts sing different words and at different times on the chorus like you find in the old song 'Daniel Prayed' or 'The Heavenly Parade'."
Anytime someone suggests that the only reason to make music is to "win the lost," it saddens me. The reason is that to limit music to "winning that lost" is to diminish its' value in our lives. Do the birds sing to win the lost? Do the leaves rustle to win the lost? Do the brooks babble to win the lost? Why should the only reason I make music be to win the lost? True, the sounds of nature magnify the glory of God, but that is not limited to simply winning the lost. I will glorify God with my music! But not simply to win the lost.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
John R wrote, "I think that the discussion was about drawing more people to concerts, not to Christ. Who says that Southern Gospel is any more God's MUsic than any other kind of Christian music? " If all of these changes that are being promoted are so great, then where are the great crowds you are talking about drawing? You'll never get them that way!
John R. also wrote, "Writers write what they think the people will listen to. If there were a market for this type of quartet music today, you can be sure that writers would be writing it." Would you please explain to me your basis for this assumption? None has been written in the last 30 years to test your assumption. Writers are limited to their abilities and I personally believe that they lack the ability to write songs like the old greats did. I'm speaking of writes like G.T. Speer, Lee Roy Abernathy, Ira Stanphill, Vep Ellis, Mosie Lister, Albert Brumley, Luther Presley, etc.
David,
This reminds me of a chapter in the book "Simply Strategic Growth Attracting a Crowd to Your Church", released this month. - Tony Morgan stated that "If people start buying a lot of music with pipe organs and choirs, then Granger will start using pipe organs and choirs in its weekend services." Over 80% of the churches in the USA are plataued or shrinking and more churches are closing than being started. We really need to do what's needed and not just use or judge music by what we like and our comfort zones. I've said before and Tony stated in the book, "God doesn't care what style of music we use in our churches as long as it helps point people toward him." Amen.
Paul said: "We really need to do what's needed and not just use or judge music by what we like and our comfort zones. I've said before and Tony stated in the book, 'God doesn't care what style of music we use in our churches as long as it helps point people toward him.'"
Sorry, but I have to take exception to the statement that writers don't write convention-style music anymore.
I acknowledge and have been corrected that there are writers still writing convention songs and I am very glad to know that.
David,
David,
Thank you for your comments Terry. I agree with you. Sometimes I refer to Southern Gospel as commercial Gospel. And whatever happened to personal and ecclesiastical separation?
Hahaha... LOL!!! pagan piano riffs... thats funny John!
The recent turn in this discussion seems to indicate to me that SG has more basic problems to address than what Rick mentioned -- like finding concensus about what SG really is and finding agreement amongst artists, fans and industry professionals. But I would interject something the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians: "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (1 Cor. 4:3-5)
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I travelled and sang with a group for several years! We traveled well over 100 days a year! But only a handful were concerts that were really large draws! Most of these dates were a to a handful people in small churches or concert venues! Its a good thing we only had a van and not a bus and we were not all doing this full time! we would have never made it! The mentallity of most churches is that expect you come and sing for nothing-and yes the Lord does provide! But it can get expensive! Right now gas is very expensive and I don't know how the lesser known groups can make it! traveling in a gospel group can be hard enough but if you are trying to pay your members,record projects, drive and maintain a bus and promote your songs! You should think twice about doing this for a full time ministry!
You are so right with the majority of your article. I liked it UNTIL.. you got to the part where you don't think a group should go after the little homeless people. I know they don't have money to pay top dollar for the groups out there cutting each others throat to get the #1 spot on charts, but you know what??? They have a soul that needs to be reached. If God put you out there in the "ministry", he'll supply the need for finances. You have your entertainers, and you have the groups that would take time out and sing and minister to just one little homeless guy. If I were homeless, I wouldn't want to be entertained, would you? When you don't have anything, entertainment means nothing....but when someone will slow down, (and get their minds off of being in the spotlight at the quartet convention), and minister to someone that has a need, well that just shows who is sincere and who is there for spotlights. It's sort of like the song "You'll never run out of the blood". This world is a dark & lonely place at times, and I want God to use me whether it be for a group of 10,000 or 1 little homeless guy. Wouldn't you?
Just a couple quick comments here. One - I worked with the homeless for years Not just an hour at a mission each month but almost every day. They do want to be entertained. Why wouldn't they want that. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying being entertained. Two - Search the Bible for God's definition of music...tain't there. If you call something you don't like devil's music be sure people know that that is your opinion. Third - There is no fighting between SGM and CCM. I have also been in Christian music radio for many years, incl. concerts. I've never heard nor read a CCM performer's saying anything negative about SGM. Many really aren't familiar with it. I have heard SGM fans since 1966ish complain about CCM. BTW I have seldom ever heard a professional SGM performer cut down CCM. Again it's the heart issue.
Rick Hendrix is not blasting homeless folks. If you read the articles on SoGospel, you would see Rick Hendrix was a homeless runaway in New York in the mid 80's. He has a box in his office to remind him where he came from. I just arrived in Louisville for NQC. Anyone else coming ??
