I have heard some people say at various concerts and industry events they are concerned for the future of Southern Gospel Music. Some seem to feel the fan base of our music is “dying off”.
Recently, the group I sing with, First Love was invited to participate in the “Leaders of Tomorrow” concert showcase to be held at The National Quartet Convention. The program will feature today’s young artists (ages 30 and under) in concert celebrating the music they love and sing.
When collecting names for participants for the program, the list grew past 100 very quickly. There are several young people who make their living singing Southern Gospel Music and have no desire to sing anything else! These individuals and groups are successful in ticket sales and radio charting. They are in fact the “Leaders of Tomorrow”.
There is no doubt the majority of Southern Gospel fans are over the age of 30 but, I do see small children, teenagers, and adults who love our music. Just yesterday a family drove three hours to see us in concert. They told me their 7 year old son counted the days until he saw “First Love” in concert. How encouraging!
I guess it’s up to all of us to increase our fan base. Our fans are loyal. But sometimes I feel our “fans” are “wore out!” It seems like we see the same faces year after year. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and they support our ministries and families, without them we couldn’t survive but let’s make it a point to add some new ones this year! Invite some new people to attend concerts with you. Even buy them a ticket or dinner after the concert. It will not only help Southern Gospel Music grow, it will allow them to grow spiritually and possibly meet the One we do all of this for.
What could be greater? Hope to see you at The National Quartet Convention. Make plans to see us on Saturday afternoon for the “Leaders of Tomorrow” Showcase held on main stage in Freedom Hall!
JP Miller
http://www.firstloveonline.com
FREE GIFT!!! Print off this story and bring it to First Love’s booth at NQC for a free gift! We would love to meet you and thank you for your support of Southern Gospel Music! We are located in The Resting Place Music Booth. FREE GIFT!!!
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 08/31/2005
| 
Category: Monthly ArticlesJP Miller
Comments: 9
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I would like to say I am 19 yrs old and I am a BIG-time fan of Southern Gospel music and I know several young people that still love southern gospel music, so don't get discouraged and keep on singing what you are singing.
Both my wife and I are 28 years old and love southern gospel music. We recently attend a concert with what I would call major artists, and we were probably the only couple under the age of 30 there. The problem the way I see it as that not enough churchs support my favorite form of music. People say that it is too bland or too simple, just talking about salvation or going to heaven. But, really what does Christianity boil down to... your salvation and the hope of Heaven. Maybe Christianity is too bland or too simple for those people. Unlike other forms of 'christian' music, I find that southern gospel is more powerful, because it does exactly what a salvation message does on sunday morning does and that is point other toward Christ and to continue to remind those saved of the hope of Heaven.
I'm like jenna, i'm 19 years old and i love southern gospel. But when you go to concerts to listen to a quartet you look around and all you see is people my grandparents age. In MY opinion the only young fans that like the "old time gospel music" are the ones who have grown up with it.
I agree with Brian's comments about young people growing up with Southern Gospel. I was immitating Ray Reece from the Kingsmen when I was 7 years old. Kids today are imitating Britney Spears and Slim Shady. The media pushes pop singers and other forms of non Christian music in the faces of young people constantly. It is no wonder that they grow up not listening to Southern Gospel. Perhaps if SOgospel music was marketed better more young people would take interest. Hang in there First Love, you are doing a great job!
I would just like to "People don't get discouraged there are still some young people loving southern-gospel music". I go to a church of about 175 people and 80% of those are young people and we all listen to nothing but southern gospel music!! SO keep it up singing the southern gospel style.
I saw the "Leaders of Tomorrow" showcase at the NQC, and I would say the future of Southern Gospel music in great hands with the likes of First Love, Crabb Family, Mercy's Mark, Crystal River, and all the other groups represented there.
Southern Gospel Music...Aah..well it's the best.. When I got saved,I was in a church that had a Revival atmosphere. And in that atmosphere Southern Gospel Music was born and I've loved it ever since. There's just something about music that not only tells the Gospel Story, but, also can encourage, lift, and brighten the path in an almost darkened world. Southern Gospel Groups...Keep singing...Keep telling...Keep on Keepin' on....
I would like to say that I love southern gospel music and I always have. However, I do like the new style of music that groups like the Crabb Family are singing. I think it reaches out to the younger generation and I believe that is what it is going to take to draw the youth in.
Renee’
I love SOuther Gospel Music. The Perrys are my absolute favorite, but I also like Legacy Five, The McKAmeys, Gold City, The Inspirations, and others. I do NOT like what southern gospel music is progressing into. I like the old style, old time way. I hope there are some groups who will remain true to the traditional southern sound, not feeling like they have to get more progressive for a younger generation. I am a 25 year old pastor, and I love it!!! I sing, it I play it in my cd player, and watch it on my dvd player!!! The words are primary, music secondary! I love southern gospel music!!!
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