
I would like to thank all of those that have written and called during the past 2 months. My health is doing better. Doctors have given me a tune up, and I am on my way to much healthier days.
I have started this column several times, and each time I hit the delete button. Since NQC is around the corner, I figured what a perfect time to identify the fakes amongst us.
I remember as a boy sitting in my daddy's church, listening to the Oak Ridge Boys sing live for our modest congregation. They seemed to just shine like the singers I watched on television. I remember waiting to visit with them back at their table. My knees were shaky and my palms sweaty, I moved in for the kill. I felt I was closing in on royalty. As I started to speak, Bill Golden grabbed my hand and said, "Hey little guy did you enjoy the singing? Pick anything you need off the table." Then Joe Bonsall came over and gave me a few pieces of the tambourine he broke that night when he was playing it. They laughed, showed us the bus, prayed with us and hit the road. Many of you are probably thinking, I have done that plenty of times with artists.
But, wait. Several days later the phone rang and they called to thank my father and mother for having them. They frequently sent letters and money to me and my family during hard times. The next year they planned a move to Country radio, with "Yall Come Back Saloon." They called and talked with many of their pastor friends, fans, and industry partners.
What did Southern Gospel music do? They put out their "Holier than Thou" stick and beat them to a pulp. The Oaks were accused of every bad thing all the other groups were doing at that time. Many groups came through my parents church, singers, drunks, addicts, thieves, and liars. One night we had geared up for a big Saturday night sing in Hickory, NC with another artist. Dad had announced it on his television show for several weeks, posters were out, and radio was playing their number one song. We arrived at the church early, we were making sure they had room to park, plugs, lighting, access, food, water or anything to make their journey pleasurable for our church.
I remember this being a pivotal point in the attitude that helps me manage and promote artists today. We pulled up and as we got out of the car, they pulled the curtain on the bus. We knocked and knocked. Finally a member of this family group came to the door and said, "We only come off the bus an hour before the show and would prefer you let us rest."
I had never seen a beer bottle before in my life. I immediately ran to the car. My dad wasn't aware until later on what had actually happened. I was afraid of beer and didn't want to believe or tell him that I had seen one on my favorite gospel artist's bus.
My father is one of the greatest men that ever lived. When this man dies, our town will not be able to hold the people. We were poor and my parents worked really hard to keep us feed. I remember someone laughing at my dad one day. He said, "If they are laughing at me, they are leaving someone else alone." I found that hard to swallow when they were laughing at me as a poor little boy, I would rather give them a black eye or throw them over a dam. I learned later in life that you can learn a lot from your enemies. You can gain plenty of dignity in silence, you can take the high road and be closer to God during trials.
Ok, I know you all are thinking stick with the subject, take your medicine and stop rambling on. So, here we go. The group stayed on the bus until show time, sent their crew to set up. They sang a few songs, cried in the same spots as they did on the radio, refused to talk to the people, had a family member stand at the table, and then ran back to their coach. My family cooked for a bake sale and stood in the hot sun for 4 weekends, collected bottles, used some of our building fund. Families that couldn't pay their bills put money in the pot to bring them to our church. We were supporting this image we saw on television and radio of this artist. What did we get? A big fake, drinking, lying, egotistical, over rated group of big time gospel stars, that couldn't even step inside the door of a major label without being kicked to the road.
When dad later explained to the group manager he had smelled gin on their breath, they tried to close the bus door on him and told him to run his church and stay out of their business. My dad, an old mountain Pentecostal preacher with a temper a mile wide, ran them off the church lot with an axe handle. I know groups think I am crazy, but I laugh as I look at every old Buffalo tour bus to see if its the coach my daddy chopped the sides off. I watched these attitudes happen year after year. Groups would come to our small church, get their money, put on a show and hit the road.
As I grew up and ran away from home in the mid 80's, I found myself working gigs on the road. Touring with rock bands, bouncing at bars, even a stint managing Tiny Tim ("Tip Toe Through the Tulips") during his days with the Alan C. Hill Circus. Now here's a man that was never fake or unpleasant, Tiny Tim (Herbert Khaury). I wasn't born during Tiny Tim's explosive career, I was just there to watch him struggle to out live "Tip Toe Through The Tulips." He had the most beautiful baritone voice, but couldn't escape the parody voice he used to break "Tip Toe Through the Tulips" on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. "Tip Toe Through the Tulips" was Tiny Tim's only Billboard Top 20 hit. Tiny lived at the Olcott Hotel in New York City for a few hundred bucks a month.
At that point he might have only have 3 dates a month. We spent lots of time talking, and I spent lots of time learning. Tiny taught me to never be fake, always be grateful, love everyone and praise the Lord with every breath. I wrote most of his fan mail back to others, Tiny's writing was not legible and his education was limited. But, his knowledge was amazing. It was awesome to watch him. We couldn't go 2 feet down a street without someone wanting his autograph or a picture, and we couldn't even afford a bagel for breakfast. But, it was something bigger than money to him. It was honesty, charisma and integrity. He never meet a stranger, and he always made sure everyone felt special.
I wasn't born to see him marry Miss Vickie on the Tonight Show, but I was when he married Miss Sue on Leno's Tonight Show, right before he died. I cry when I think of Tiny Tim, I feel great sadness that so many artist today are conceited,stuck up, fake, phony and egotistical. Yet they still manage to keep that fame and fortune rolling in that Tiny Tim deserved. Don't let artists treat you with disrespect. If you go to a concert, and the artist stays on the bus till they sing, as if they are royalty, don't buy their music. If they give you a fake smile and shake your hand and give you that "We appreciate you so much" and move to the next victim to their ego, move away. If they act like they don't have time for you say "I really liked you till I met you, your a disappointment," and walk away.
I hear every year at NQC the horror stories of artists, and their treatment of fans. I have had to literally go to my artist booths with fans on my arm and ask them to apologize. I have seen artists toss pictures at fans, make them stand for an hour while they talk to another group about fuel prices, or their bad spot on main stage. WHO CARES? At least you are singing. Get over it and yourself. Treat the people that buy the music as royalty. They pay your bills. They drive to see you. They pull the 8 records you might sell at retail off the shelves. Be nice and kind. Be Christ like.
And for the fans, stand up for yourself. If artists cut you out of a circle, treat you unkind, refuse a picture or autograph, ask you to come back, you just walk away. Find an artist that hasn't lost it, that can be real and honest, and say "I am tired will you forgive me."
In all seriousness, I have witnessed fan abuse and over inflated egos for too long. I have toured with musical icons that don't act like some of these Southern Gospel artist. Just watch them, and hold them accountable. Be a friend and fan. If they are jerks, they need to know it. There is only one King, the Messiah, our Lord and Jesus Christ. The artist are there to serve him, not be him.
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com
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The artist have TONS of stress. I have been treated rude on several occasions. One artist looked me in the eyes at NQC, walked away and ignored me. Later, I found out she was going through a divorce. We really do not know their cicumstances.
Welcome back!!!! Rick We missed you
This is a very important point. Unlike other genre, we are not really selling the music, we are selling Christ. And we can't really sell Christ if we are aloof from the people. If people love what I am doing enough to ask for my autograph or for me to sign a picture, I have a duty before God and man to give that person all the undivided attention I can. It's a shame that often those artists who do not present themselves as Christians are better people than those who do.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Kudos Rick!!! I am 100% in agreement. Thanks for bringing this up!
It's about time someone besides myself is saying this. As artist, we must treat people the way we want to be treated. You know how rumors start in this business and most of the time they may be true, but once a rumor starts it doesn't take long for it to spread like wild fire, and can and will hurt a group in the long run. EVERY artist must treat the fans wilh the utmost respect, regardless of what they wear, how bad their breath smells, or if they have B.O.
THANK you. The artist can be rude. I could understand the worlds entertainers, these are Christ warriors.
Rick
There's some balance to this...some fans are hyper sensitive and take the slightest thing an artist does as an offense. Some feel they've been rudely treated when perhaps they were asking personal questions they had no business asking.
As a teenager, back in the 70s, I had opportunities to work with many SG legends. I always HEARD about the drunks, and the adulterers, and the addicts, but I only really ran into decent folks like Jake Hess, Chris Hess, Bill Baize, Ed Enoch, James Blackwood, Cecil Blackwood, Ken Turner, Hovie Lister. Each one of them gave me their time and were quite gracious. Cecil Blackwood even put me to work on a merch table run when they were out of the Bibles they sold.I got to pile into a car with Pat Hoffmaster, Tommy Fairchild, and Jimmy Blackwood, like I was part of the team.
Oh, and welcome back again, Rick. I love you, bud.
Oops. I accidentally posted that last one as "c"
Maybe their attitudes are due to comments like the one above/ not supporting artist that charge to sing/ Thats crazy/ artist cannot sing for free.
Oh PLEASE- All the excuses in the world arent good enough. A lot of people in this industry have an ego the size of the ocean. I think if artist are jerks, share it with the promoter, agents, label, etc. Some folks are only good to the things they need. And for some reason they disreguard the fans.
Chris, What do you do now? Your life sounds exciting
True Dale-
The things described here by Rick are things that are not even acceptable in the business world. You can't come to work drunk and you can't treat your clients and customers rudely. These things that are described by Rick are also things that are not acceptable for any Christian to do. We are told in scripture and led by the Spirit to treat everyone as we would like to be treated. So why would coming to work drunk or treating clients rudely be acceptable for a Christian singer or group? It does not matter about your personal life. It does not matter what fan may have treated the artist rudely. It does not matter if the promoter or church is not paying enough money. The artist still has a reponsibility to treat everyone with whom they come in contact with the utmost respect, and they have the responsibility to come to work in a professional manner. Doing as Rick described above is just not acceptable for any reason. It's time that we weed out those who do not behave properly.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith, Rick did speak of artists being drunk and blatantly rude initially, but he concluded by talking about things much more minor...like being cut out of a circle or ignoring a fan who's wanting to talk to you. That's what I was talking about with regard to balance. Fans expecting to be treated royally is a bit much, so I disagree with Rick on that one. Artists and fans should treat each other with respect. The whole hero worship/fan worship thing is out of hand.
Rick,
Great topic! I have also witnessed some of the "top artists" be very erogant to other groups.
Like a new or not so popular group opened for the major artist and the opening group recieved as much crowd response and folks at their product table buying CD's. I have seen the top artist not speak, shake a hand or even look their way. When the opening group was honored to be on the same stage with the major artist. Then when the opening group takes the first step to reach out & shake hands with the top group....they still get the cold shoulder! That is rediculous! Or they even make some sort of "sarcastic" remark about the opening group from the stage. That is so sickening in the eyes of God.
Then you have folks like the Crabb family that go out of their way to supoort other artists!
Psalm 101 - I will sing of mercy and judgement; unto thee O Lord, will I sing.
Bill & Angela Fulkerson
http://www.myspace.com/psalm101
http://www.shoutlife.com/psalm101
http://www.psalm101ministries.org
Rick,
Great article! As a Fan I have seen this very thing from artist that I love. It is very hurtful. But I have resorted into looking at them as an equal not as a "hero" or "celebrity". Don't get me worng...there are a few out there that I haven't gotten the privilage of meeting and I know I will get sweat palms and shaky knees when I finally get to meet them. But if we feed their ego, it will get much bigger. They are just "people". Not only does this thought keep me from developing "hero worship" as David Burce Murray stated it also keeps me from feeling "rejected" from my best loved artists!
If your a gospel artist, you should depend on the Lord to supply and not charge money. I agree with Holly. I immediately turn away from artist that charge to give the word of Christ.If your meant to sing-GOD will provide the money, not the churches and followers. What a world when the word of God cost.Thats something to think about
Rick, thank you for this article. I totally agree with you. I also agree with a couple of other people that some of the fans can be too sensitive and too demanding. I think we all need to realize that these artists are people just like all of us with everyday pressures and problems just like us. Someone mentioned that someone had been going through a divorce. Someone may have a sick child or spouse, etc. at home, or have a teenager with issues that has them worried. Maybe they have a headache. Whatever?? There is no excuse for being rude, or arrogant, but keep in mind these people are the same as us - just people. And by all means, let the artist/group know how you feel, either in person at the time or if not possible, by e-mail or phone later. I do not like to see anyone bashed in a public forum.
OH COME ON-so now all groups are going to HELL for charging for their dates.
Oh so now the groups are unChristian for charging for their show?? Please
Joy wrote:
Someone once said, "The gospel is free. But you gotta pay the band." Get a Bible and read 1st Timothy 5:18. Would any preacher stay at a church who just gave him love offerings? I believe it is honorable for anyone who presents the gospel, whether in spoken word, or in song, and does it to the glory of God and not themselves is worthy of pay (a fee, expenses, a flat, honorarium--whatever you want to call it.) Are there any full-time groups who sing strictly on love offerings? Show me ONE.
Jesus said that we should pray that God give us our daily bread. This is all and good but I have not found many places that are passing out free loaves.
Yes, indeed, the gospel is free to "whosoever will". But it takes money to get that word out. It takes money for materials to print a bible. It takes money for a church to operate. It takes money to send missionaries around the globe. It takes money to feed the hungry. It takes money to pay for supplies to send to hurricane victims to aid them in recovery.
I love Christian music, although I am not personally a fan of SGM. I have family members who have been actively involved in SGM since I was a child, and so I know that much of what you say is true. I don't really know who you are and what your history is in SGM, but you seem to have a heart that is soft toward God and heart that is soft toward God is a heart that embraces Truth. My question is this and I have not been able to find one person in any form of Christian entertainment who can answer it: Where in the Bible do we see an example of a person, or a group of people PERFORMING songs before an audience? The only Scriptural refernce I see is people who lead a congregation in WORSHIP TO THE LORD. Yes, they are standing in front, but they are doing so in an attempt to LEAD people in to the PRESENCE of God. I cannot find anything in the Bible that even closely resembles what we do in SGM or Contemporary Christian or anything. It's entertainment. And the people are Christian perhaps. And they sing songs about Christ. But to call it a MINISTRY??? How do we support that with Scripture? I'm not trying to split hairs or begin a controversey. I'm seriously baffled by the whole Christian music INDUSTRY. Jesus came to save the World. Isn't this whole INDUSTRY just an American distortion of what MUSIC is supposed to be?
Candy raises an interesting question. The industry is just someone's idea of how to make money from music. If we take the Industry out of the music, would we have the ego problems this article is trying to address? And, by the way, the scriptures never say that the Gospel is free (see Luke 14:26-33, Matthew 7:6,13-14).
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Interesting points, Candy. I strongly believe that since artists represent a message that promotes a specific lifestyle, they should live it, not just sing about it. I believe that's what separates a "minister of music" and just an entertainer. Today's artists ARE entertainers. If they aren't, no one will come and listen. That's the packaging and vehicle to get the message out. If the message is just lyrics to us, then we are only entertainers. If we indeed believe what we sing, live what we sing, and treat people like Jesus wants us to, then I feel that it IS a ministry, because that's what we are doing -- ministering to people's needs.
Where in the Bible do we see an example of a person, or a group of people PERFORMING songs before an audience? The only Scriptural refernce I see is people who lead a congregation in WORSHIP TO THE LORD. Yes, they are standing in front, but they are doing so in an attempt to LEAD people in to the PRESENCE of God. I cannot find anything in the Bible that even closely resembles what we do in SGM or Contemporary Christian or anything. It's entertainment.
IN MY YEARS IN RADIO, I'VE MET AND INTERVIEWED PEOPLE FROM THE PRESIDENT ON DOWN AND FIND SOMETIMES THE BIGGEST EGO'S ARE ON THE ONES THAT DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH TO BE PUFFED UP ABOUT. MY FAMILY TRIO HAS SUNG AT MANY CHURCHES AND ARE ALWAYS GRACIOUS WHEN WE'RE SINGING SOMEWHERE. BUT ONCE IN A WHILE I MIGHT GET UPSET ABOUT SERVICE IN A STORE OR RESTAURANT AND PRESENT AN ATTITUDE I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE JUDGED BY. I SUPPOSE THOSE ON THE ROAD CAN HAVE A BAD DAY TOO.
John,
I can tell you first hand how being insenstive some can be. The group that I was singing with at the talent contest at the Seminole Singing had just won first place and was fixing to take the stage to open the nights program. What should have been an awesome experince turn bad for me when **** walked over to me and said as I was going on stage that " You are to fat to make it in southern gospel music." What encouragement that was from a ledgend that I admired. Unfortunately here I set writing this istead of doing what I would love to do. Words can do a lot of harm and artist should, no matter what, show the love of Christ in every situation and treat everyone as he would because without the love of Christ why get up and singing about HIM anyway.
Please tell me where the big expense is in getting in a car and singing to a church. I read a few comments. I see no excuse for groups to charge 500 dollars to sing.
Please tell me how a group can charge 500 dollars to get in a car and sing to a church. Its beyond me. It doesnt cost that much.
Perhaps Joy I can help you understand it.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Candy, I am not saying that it isn't a career. It is for many people. Any career will create an INDUSTRY. It is just that simple. The other responders said it better than I can. It takes Money to run any organization. How much money? That is really the question, isn't it? Most people, as Danny Jones' blog stated a while back, think NOTHING of paying over $40 to see a country performer, plus buy product and shirts, and be proud that they spent that much, and then go to a Gospel concert the next weekent and grouse about paying $10 to get in!
Ed, I am sure that the statement you heard hurt your feelings. I am reasonably sure that the fellow that said that was joking. Think of who he has been around all these years! Your height/weight ratio does not determine your success; your willingness and ability and yes, leading of the Lord will determine if you would be in this business.
I would like to respond to Joy's comments.
It doesn't cost $500 to get in a car and go sing. I assume from your comment you would be happy to have only local artists do all of your concerts.
It doesn't cost $500 to get in a car and go sing. I assume from your comment you would be happy to have only local artists do all of your concerts.
I first want to say to john, that I since a lot of compassion in you. that you do have a heart for God. The only reason that I would say anything was not to attack but to say that we need to have the heart of copassion to everyone that we meet. I never pursuded my dream of fulltime because what was said was in the back of my mind. But I have gotten to sing and travel some regionally and sang on stage with some of the best in gospel music. I was always careful to respect everyone and to show Gods love no matter what. That will win more people than we can imagine. And one last thing for Candy, 90 percent of the people out singing for the Lord dont make a red cent from it. They do it because they love the Lord and are sharing the Gospel to the lost and spreading Gods words in song because some people might never listen to a preacher preach but they'll listen to a song. And I can garentee you that many have been saved, set free, healed amd delivered during a singing. God Bless everyone that has chosen to give in service no matter what it is they do.
We must never ever forget this is not show biz, it is ministry. Artist are human but if you are in the lime light you are expected to be better. To whom much is given much is required. We as artist (ministers) do live in glass houses. If you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen. We must follow the example of Christ, When His cousin had been beheaded he wanted to be alone but the crowd followed so he got His self off His hands and ministered to them. When singing Gospel music stops being ministry it stops being Gospel, even if it does have the name of Jesus in it. It is just another song. Great article, we must be held accountable
No. No. No. Sometimes I believe that many people who claim to be Christians and write on these boards do not believe in the power of God.
I have been a fan of southern gospel music now for about 8 years. My "addiction" to going to concerts all started with a family group, who took me under their wings, the Perrys. In my opinion I had to be their number one fan. At the time Nicole Watts Jenkins was singing the soprano part and doing a fabulous job. However, it wasn't their 'awesomeness" on stage that pulled me in as a fan. It was the way I was treated after the concert. They talked to me as if they had known me for years. Nicole especially. Now that she has a solo ministry we to this day are great friends. Tracy and Libby Stuffle were also very sweet and they too are still dear friens to me. There are many groups who not only sing what they do but they live what they are singing. They truly are "Christlike". Then there are the groups that aren't, and boy I have met a few of them in my time. All I have to say is if they dont want to take the time to talk to us, which we aren't just fans, we are also people! Just as important as they are. Maybe God didnt give us the talent to do what they are doing but if it wasnt for us they wouldnt be able to do what they do and live because they would have noone to buy records or come see them. There are still artists who genuinely do care and I think I will go ahead and mention a few names: Nicole of course, the Perrys, the Greenes, the Hoskins, the Steeles, the Whisnants, and I know I have forgotten someone but these are just a few!!!!
Welcome back Rick. The artists are under a lot of pressure. They are criticized by people who claim to be their fans for silly things like how they dress. I don't recall ever experiencing rudeness from any members of the groups I like. I'm sure that is a fortunate thing since I know others haven't been so lucky.
Quote: (Bethany) "I do agree with Rick it is high time that the groups who aren't in this for people other than themselves or their families to move out! Let thos who truly love the Lord and love His people get some recognition. Let us buy their recors and pay the big bucks to come and see them in concert, we may at least geta genuine smile and handshake then!!!!"
joy i can tell by the way you talk you do not travel $$$$$$$well the woed of god is free but rent -gas- light- ins-water.etc are not there are full time groups out there were $500 whould not even get them to a singing we needed to support the people on the front lines or do it for them (you sound like you really have all the numbers worked out i need to book you and you need to travel 1000 miles to a church and sing and lets see how good your faith is talk the talk walk the walk.......
I really can't relate to the column. Everybody that I've ever approached in SG has been really nice to me. The big names like the Cathedrals, Imperials, Gold City, on down to the local groups.
Rick,
Hi Rick
thanks Rick for the great post. It gives me a chance to say that I am a great fan Of the collingworth's, Jonathan white and the LeBeaus. They are the most wonderful, kind and considerate people I know. They always take time to talk with their fans and they are real Royalty, not fakes.
Hi Rick,
I agree that there are those with egos who are mean and we need to deal with those. But some singers just have shy personalities. Many singers become singers for this very reason -- it is easier to sing what you want to say than speak it. Personally, I'm just not going to try to figure out the correct etiquette for every situation since every person has their own set of rules for every situation. I would do the best I could to be as friendly as possible, but it is too much for every fan to expect that every singer will give them their full and undivided attention. It reminds me of the song "Excuses". One of the excuses some have for not going to church is that the "preacher didn't even shake my hand!"
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
A great Operatic Conductor "Arturo Toscanini"
<<On 09/16/2005 Mark Kozlowski wrote:
I've been a SGM fan since the early 70s, and heard rumors of unchristian behavior but never knew of any. I do know that I was very disappointed to the point of feeling betrayed when the Oak Ridge Boys went country. I could not understand how someone who I thought was dedicated to Christ would turn to serve the world. It seemed like the title and picture on "Y'all Come Back Saloon" were selected to distance themselves from Christ, similar to Peter's cursing when he did it. They were one of the top gospel groups so I imagine they already had a great income and plenty of popularity. I've heard Duane Allen say they couldn't sing a certain song because they were believers but I also know they sang "Hey my old lover and friend, how long has it been since we lay together..." To this day whether they appear on Gaither or a Christmas special I am troubled. Certaily I don't know their spiritual condition, but this is clear: "If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I'd appreciate comments or insights.
Quote: "I could not understand how someone who I thought was dedicated to Christ would turn to serve the world."
I make my living at a secular job, but I would not drive a beer delivery truck or work at a Hustler store. And, personally, I have no use for secular artists who do Christian music.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I believe that the discussion can be kept focused on professions and jobs where there is no question about whether what is being done is right or wrong.
I have no problem with Christian artists leaving to take another job, just as I have no problem with a pastor leaving for a factory job, let's say. But for any Christian to take a job which opposes the faith or encourages immorality -- yes, that bothers me. Before someone objects, I grant that not every song must be overtly Christian, but it must pass the Phil 4:8 test. And to be a drawing card to attract people to attend places like night clubs is also clearly wrong. Many people say that Jesus associated with sinners which makes it OK, but there is a huge difference. He did it on his terms in neutral locations. Had he been invitied to a brothel to preach I can even imagine that he might have done so. But I am certain that he would have not turned any water into wine or put on a show to make the evening more 'pleasant' for the customers, even if it might have made his message more acceptable.
Wow! I couldn't have said it any better. Rick Rocks! Rick Hendrix For President! Hendrix in 2008
Hi,
Hi,
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