I didn?t really know what to expect as I entered the Gaylord Entertainment Center for a night of celebration in Christian music. With this in mind, I knew that this evening would be like nothing I had ever attended in my many years involved in Christian music, and especially coming onto the scene representing Southern Gospel Music.
I didn?t know just how different it would be, but I had already been told that casual attire was fine. Now I knew that the Dove Awards presentation was a Black Tie affair, and I was going in slacks and a SoGospelNews.com polo shirt.
As it was to be, my dress code was accurate for what we were doing. Unlike any of the Southern Gospel awards programs that I had attended, we were not in the room where the presentation were being made. Instead all of the media people were in a back room with giant screen TVs to watch the program on. Before anyone gets too bent out of shape about this, there was a reason for the way they did this. There were certain advantages to having the media all in one area. First of all, the Chinese buffet that they provided was scrumptious. Secondly, we were afforded a more intimate time with the artists who won the awards. Every award winner was brought back stage where we were, and we could ask questions of them at our will.
As we have stated in other articles, the more that we are in contact with the artists of other genres, the better we understand and have more of an appreciation for what they do. In return, the more that media from other genres are exposed to Southern Gospel artists, the more they understand what we are all about. As we heard from the hearts of various artists from other genres I understood more where their music is coming from. Honestly, it seems that every other genre is seeking to get the same message of the Gospel across, just as we are. They may be using a different vehicle to do it, but the message is the same. At the same time, I believe that other genres of music are better understanding the hearts of the Southern Gospel artist and songwriters, and where we are coming from. This understanding is only going to help get the message of Christ out to the world.
Even though I wasn't inside the program area, my heart swelled within me as I watch on that big screen TV and saw The Crabb Family get one of the few Standing ovation received that night. This is especially heart warming when you remember that Southern Gospel was one of the lesser represented genres in the audience. What a shame that more of our genre wasn't there to support and see the honor bestowed upon one of our leading artists.
SoGospelNews was the only news media there representing Southern Gospel. I sure can't figure out why all of Southern Gospel's media wouldn't be there to cover such a national award program.
Be that as it may I thoroughly enjoyed my exposure to the world of Christian music.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 04/30/2003
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 55
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Is that Pat Boone in that picture?
Are you kidding? Were you really the only Southern Gospel news agency there? That is a shame. Where was Singing News or US Gospel News?
In reply to Bill (Shorty) Gray, the Singing News and the US Gospel News were probably covering some real music
Don't beat around the bush there Jack. lol!!!!
Wow Jack. So you're saying that us covering the Southern Gospel artists at the Dove's aren't making real music? What a shame. I definitely felt that the Lewis Family, Crabb Family, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Mike Bowling, and Best of Friends trio deserved to have some form of press there for them.
This is in regards to the gentleman who said that about The Singing News and The US Gospel covering "real" music. I think he was just trying to say that The Dove Awards were a little disappointing. I have to say they were to me because, there should have been more Southern Gospel there, I understand that times have changed and there is a "new" style so to speak. But, to me how is that coming out and being different from the world. We are suppose to show the world that we are different, that Jesus made a change in our lives and we no longer love the things we once loved and we no longer hate the things we once hated. If we are starting to act of the world or in this situation, put lyrics to a song to a worldly tune so that it will catch the worlds eyes, how is that being different? I am an open minded person, trust me. But to me, I could hardly understand anything some of those artist were trying to get across. What happened to songs that were easily understood by artist who simply wanted to tell the world something about Jesus. My opinion, I have admiration for The Crabb Family and people of Southern Gospel who attended the ceremony. They were the lights, not the others. Not the others at all. I could have went to a Rock concert and felt more spirit than I could half felt off the majority of them. I just think its sad. I am from around the "Bible Belt" of America. And to think that my children would ever want to grow up and listen to that "new" style of music really makes me sick. Even if the words to the songs are somewhat about Jesus, its still the world. Its the worlds style. Anything to sugar coat Salvation, is what the world wants now. Not me, I'll seek the old paths and walk there in. Thats what God tells us to do. Not make paths that the world might walk down because its similar to theirs. Well, thats my thoughts on the Dove Awards. My opinion, not that it counts for sure. Thanks.
Good points Kelly! Rock Concert was what went through my mind that night. I may be old fashioned but I'm not so blind as to see who had more influence in that program. If the message of Christ was there it was sure served up in a strange way.
I'm always puzzled by SG fans who think the Dove Awards don't have enough SG performers. It's a two hour show, with awards to be presented. The Doves represent ALL of Christian music, not just SG . . . not even just SG and "CCM." It's very difficult for many SG fans to accept that other styles of expression exist, but the Dove Awards are just about as balanced as possible.
Great points David. I wonder what these narrow minded people think about Southern Gospel music at it's beginnings being sung to secular tunes. I do not listen to anything but Southern Gospel, but I am not so blind as to think that other styles of music aren't reaching others for Christ. Sometimes I think that common sense takes it's leave when Southern Gospel people start talking.
Dear Deon :
WOW! I 100% disagree withe the above post. Basically you are saying that you can't be entertained by Christian music. Okay, so then BY WHAT are we to be entertained wholesomely? Sure, I do see what you are saying that we should be able to apply the music to our lives, but I certainly don't see the big honkin deal about why you think someone is out to mess with my mind just because I tap my feet or clap my hands to a song! Some people consider clapping their hands part of their worship experience. God has blessed SO MANY individuals with musical talent and the brains to use it. I consider it encouragement when I applaude an artist. Geez, what in the world are the artists suppose to do if the audience is sitting there like zombies? One more thing then I'm done preaching... God made all of us different for a reason and it makes the world such a colorful place. Just because YOU don't like something and it doesn't MINISTER to you does NOT mean it doesn't minister to someone else. We all worship differently and I think it's SO important for everyone to realize that Jesus loves me JUST AS MUCH as He loves you...no more, no less.
Well, I can already see that I have made some enemies, ha ha. Well, all I am saying is that I could have watched a rock concert and felt more spirit than listening to that so called Christian music. I said it was my own opinion and you all are welcome to yours as well. I sing in a gospel group myself. I have stood on a stage in front of many people in a church house and sang with The Spirit because he is living in me and watched our spirits bare record with one another. I can honestly say that the only music that was made at the Doves this year that touched my own heart was Southern Gospel music. Not saying thats the only music thats right. Hey, I sing bluegrass gospel. Alot of people dont like it, but I'll tell you right now. If you are where you need to be with the Lord, you'll fill his presence no matter what. Even people who dont like our style of music will still come up and say, "I really enjoyed watching you sing with such Spirit." Honestly I didnt see any one of the artist sing up there and really sing with the Spirit except for the ones who sang words that you could comprehend. Whether it be Southern or Contemporary Christian. I dont have a specific music that I listen to personally in Gospel. If its contemporary and I can listen to it and feel the Spirit, I'll listen. But thats not very often that you find one like that. Thats all I'm saying. So, if you think I'm closed minded, thats fine. But as I said earlier, I will walk in the old paths. Whether that means I listen to Southern of Whatever? Thanks.
I have one question. Can you explain to me exactly what a pagan piano riff is?
How does music(?) really minister to one when the lyrics are delievered in such a way as to not even be understood? Paul said "I'd rather speak one word with understanding than a thousand......." Anyone who says that overtly loud music and jarbled lyrics that can't be understood (or interpeted) can minister to you, I question the foundation upon which they are trying to build. (It is a broad wide path with a lot of folks traveling it) that leads to destruction. I can see both sides of the argument and both are so far to either side that logic, reason & sensibility have left the building.
Just because YOU don't understand the lyrics doesn't mean that someone else can't. Loud music is in the ear of the beholder. What is LOUD to you may not be loud to someone else. Example: I'm hard of hearing...it's hereditary. When someone gets in my car they say "Wow LaShay that is loud!" BUT to me, it's not loud. Grant it not everybody is hard of hearing but it's all personal preference. So go ahead and question everyone's foundation just because you don't listen to the same music or you can't understand what they are able to. I think it's gonna be pretty ironic when you get to heaven and see 'em (the same one's you "questioned"). The narrow road DOES NOT just include music you can understand!
I agree with LaShay. There wasn't one performance on this year's Doves that I couldn't not understand.
>>How does music(?) really minister to one when the lyrics are delievered in such a way as to not even be understood? Paul said "I'd rather speak one word with understanding than a thousand......." <<
First of all, age has NOTHING to do with it. I'd have you to know that I am 23 yrs old and that "style" of music should interest me because that is my generation. Second, it has nothing to do with loud or soft music. Its the fact of trying to seem appealing to the world thru music that is of the world. Its like putting the words to Amazing Grace to a musical tune of Hells Bells and trying to pull people in that way. Thats my point. Its not spiritual at all. Its music that you can dance to and pat your foot to without spirit. Thats of the world. When you listen to gospel music you should be able to FIRST feel the spirit, then pat your feet and dance to. Without the spirit its ALL in vain. So age and deafness has NOTHING to do with it. Its just simply wrong in my opinion.
WOW, this is better than the boards! LOL Just because YOU (gosh I wish I had like 450 pt font!) don't feel "spiritual" does NOT mean someone else doesn't! How hard is that to understand??
I'm afraid that many have sacrificed their hearing at concerts with DB levels just under the glass breakage level! I have 22 year old children (twins) who after period of time finally admited they didn't understand the lyrics. Ask for yourself. get them to quote the lyrics to some of these songs to you.
I don't have to ask them to tell me the words, because I am a 23 year old who enjoys all style of music. I can tell you what they are saying. Give me song, I'll tell you.
I just read Kelly's post again and I have a suggestion. Why don't we all ditch the instruments and just sing acapella? That way we can't know what the tune of the song is before we hear the words and we can't tap our feet or clap our hands before we begin to feel "spiritual".
It's hard to come to an agreement on this issue because everyone is looking at it through the human perspective. We need to look at this thing through God's Spirit.
>>Its not spiritual at all. Its music that you can dance to and pat your foot to without spirit. Thats of the world. When you listen to gospel music you should be able to FIRST feel the spirit, then pat your feet and dance to<<Now we are getting so spiritual we are no earthly good. I can name numerous songs that are SG that have my feet tapping BEFORE I feel anything spiritual. I can also name numerous SG songs that I FEEL absolutely nothing spiritual period. Let's not assume that feelings have anything to do with spirituality.
>>Not any one particular style of music is either right or wrong. However, if a Christian musician is performing a particular style only because of market trends, fame, he is not good enough for secular music, or any number of other unwholesome motivations, he is not being honest with himself, his audience or God. The one thing that should set us apart from the world is honesty in our musical pursuit.<<
Quoting Dr. Clark:
THANK YOU. I just wanted to say thanks, because some of you have just proved that you have NO clue what it sounds like today. You're statements have proven that you have not heard the lyrics of contemporary music and have blatantly closed your ears, minds, and hearts to anything that is labeled "contemporary".
I AM lumping all genre of Christian music together with my statements. We are all held to two rules. First, we must follow what God puts in our hearts. Secondly, we must do everything we do as unto the Lord and not unto men.
How many Southern Gospel "news agencies" are there?
I don't think I am understanding the whole "looking to the world for a higher standard" as far as musicianship goes. So what are we as Christians supposed to do... play everything with G, C, D, and A chords?? Hey, we might could throw an Em in there too! Let's splurge a little bit! Seriously, I listen to both SG and CCM and I see the standard rising. But I'll just stick with SG in this discussion. There are some GREAT musicians in SG and I KNOW they strive for excellence and practice their fingers off on a daily basis to better themselves. Keith, you said << If we are desiring to do music like the world does it, are we lowering our standard? On the other hand, if we continue to do music the way we are now, whether Southern of Contemporary, are we really meeting the standard of Christ which is high excellence?>>
LaShay, you're putting words in my mouth......
Clarence,
OK. So you guys are equating music as being worldly? Am I correct? It is funny how no one has responded to David Murray's extremely thoughtful post about it not being the music that is of the world, but the lyrics and heart behind the music that makes it worldly.
Sorry Clarence, guess I misunderstood your post. Like I said in one of the other posts...if "music" is wordly we need to get rid of the instruments. Great example about "He Looked Beyond My Faults". Absolutely one of my favorite songs...but yeah I knew about the whole "Danny Boy" thing...doesn't change the fact I like the song and what it means to me.
LaShay, don't worry about it....
Uh, I thought Cece SOUNDED BETTER....
Clarence, I personally do see how some people who are less tolerant of CCM feel that another genre of music is being shoved down their throat. I didn't see it, because I am more open to other styles of gospel. (That doesn't make me a better person!)
Quote: "I do feel that the reports on GMA/Dove Awards on this site contained too many editorial comments trying to push different genres of music on people who aren't interested. I'm sure that wasn't the intention of the writers, but that's how it came across to me."
The greatest western musician of all time was Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a very devout Christian. He essentially invented what is known as tonal music. Before his day, the music was of the style of Gregorian chant. Bach had little before him to build upon. He had very little to listen to. But with the inspiration of God, his music became the building blocks of all we do today in music. He depended on the creator of the universe for his inspiration. Yet the depth of his melodic and harmonic ability far exceeds anything we do today.
I look at it this way...I may not like a lot of CCM...but I accept it as a genre of music that God uses to minister to people that other styles may not. We are ALL in this together, laboring vigorously in the vineyard of lost souls trying to bring them in. It really doesn't matter what style you sing. Numbers is not the bottom line...but rather, are you making an impact on the Kingdom? If 10,000 people came to hear you sing, did you make an eternal difference in their lives. That's what matters, and I feel CCM does a great job reaching those, as does SGM, and any other genre...polka gospel and whatever else maybe out there!
Dear Whoever :
>>Not one of these articles that have been written since mine has addressed the Word of God ,for the answer, concerning the Dove Awards.<<
I understand the history lesson on Bach, BUT why do we have to say that secular music is what Christian artists are copying? Why can't it be the other way around...they are copying Christian artists when it comes to musicianship? And the word "doctrine" overcooks my grits. Oh how I DO NOT like that word! "Biblically sound" lyrics is what I am looking for...NOT "doctrinally sound". One more thing...I too would LOVE to know what a "pagan piano riff" is.
<<The point of my history lesson is this: apparently some think that it is impossible to learn how to do great music unless you listen to secular artists for inspiration; still others do not want to grow at all. Why do we look to that which is corrupt to inspire and direct our music?>>My first question to you is this. Who exactly has stated that it is impossible to learn how to do great music unless you listen to secular artists for inspiration? And even if they do listen for inspiration I do not think that makes them less spiritual or bad. We all use "secular" things all the time for inspiration. Secular does not equate with less talented. Please, let's not be so pious that we think only Christians can be talented and inspired artisically. Now I would be concerned if people were looking to non-Christians for their spiritual inspiration. I happen to love cooking and would have loved to be a chef, should I have only studied under Christian chefs or looked only to Christian chefs for inspiration in cooking great dishes? We use the word secular as if it is a nasty word.
I will agree with Dr. Clark that the Bible is the final authority. The Bible speaks about music in numerous passages . . . "play skillfully, etc." Percussion, stringed, and wind instruments are mentioned quite a bit.
I don't understand how people can be so closed minded to things of this nature. If the lyrics are not opposed to Christianity, what difference does it make what the music sounds like. Who is to say that "Southern Gospel" music is the most Godly music? I love SG and am a big fan of it, but I am absolutley NOT a fan of this judgemental attitude. I'm not a big quartet fan, but does that make quartet music ungodly?? I think we need to take a long hard look at this issue and ask ourselves exactly what we're basing our opinions on. I haven't really heard anyone give a good sound answer as to what is Biblically wrong with ANY type of Christian music. There are lots of different music styles to appeal to lots of different people. It just so happens that the majority of Christians do not prefer SG. I HOPE that's because it is not their style of music and not because they think it's too Pharasitical. I commend groups like the Crabb Family and the Martins who are willing to take a stand against the attitude of "If it ain't Southern, it ain't Gospel".
I agree with Loyal's statement of "If it ain't Southern, it ain't Gospel." That's what the majority of our community feels like. I love southern gospel, and it's great to work with, and to be able to minister to people with.. but it's not the only type of music that can minister to people. I love the Dove awards, and have been watching them since I was 10. I love the variety that they show. I think they should have a wider variety of southern gospel, but there's so many different kinds of christian music that have a great ministry as well.. if not to those who enjoy southern gospel, but maybe others who don't enjoy southern gospel. I used to be one who was very firm in the "gospel music only" until I went to an Acquire the Fire back in '99, and saw gang members come up to the front, lay down knives and chains and crying like babies and wanting to know how to be saved. I didn't approve of the music they were playing before the speaker, and the speaker seemed a little harsh to a little country girl who's been in church the majority of her life, but it did reach people. It didn't touch my heart, but God used it to touch others.
My, oh my! how the fur does fly.
A quick comment on the idea that we're supposed to be listening to music that doesn't "sound like the world's music".
Who told the sun where to stand in the morning. And Who told the ocean you can only go so far? And Who told the moon where to hid till evening? Who's words alone can catch a falling star?
sorry - type- o ha ha ha- Job 38, not 39..slip of the finger. Please forgive me everyone!!!
This is quite a discussion. I suppose, coming from the Classical Music world, that I have strong feelings as well as to what constitutes quality music and quality lyrics. And yes, I was taken to task in a holiness church once for playing "blues" chords. But that was OK, they loved me and just wanted to be sure I was not missing God's will for my music (I wasn't). Having said all that, I was working at the Billy Graham Mission in San Diego last week. On youth night, Saturday, with Kirk Franklin and DC Talk, TobyMAC and TAIT, hardly SG fare, 4550 people of all ages made decisions for Christ and there were at least 74,000 people there, breaking the attendance record held by the Super Bowl. On Sunday night, about 3000 decisions were recorded and the main group was GVB. So, I'm willing to leave all this to the Holy Spirit. He blows where He wills, and we just can't explain it. And that's comforting because it means that God has better ideas than mine.
First of all I will start out by saying I love SG music. I"ve sung and listened to it all my life. But let me say second of all I love CCM as well. Sure there are genres of music that aren't "my cup of tea" but please let's don't generalize by saying SG is more Godly or better than CCM or vice versa. This discussion has prompted me to write because I feel that most of these "quote" discussions, seems to have been given out with very little love and compassion, but instead with hate and contempt for those on either side of the issue. Jesus say's that He looks at what's inside not on the outside. Can we do this? Can we simply judge by what we see and hear? Or should we look at the fruits that should be displayed by those artists living for Jesus, wether singing SG or CCM.
God meets you where you are. You don't have to improve yourself, if that is possible, in order to be accepted by him. You don't have to be listening to a certain kind of music or reading your Bible every day in order to be saved. In fact, as I understand it, man was made in God's image and as I see it, God made EVERYTHING we see and don't see, hear and don't hear, feel and can't feel, but one thing... disobedience, also known as sin. Because we were made in His image, I believe He gave us the ability to create that ourselves. That being said, how can anything we do be pagan unless we choose not to do it for God's glory? He created music, for us to enjoy ourselves and for Himself to receive praise. If you don't believe it just go back and read the Psalms and Song of Solomon. In the former, you quite often hear of songs being sung for pure joy. Those songs are a collection of works that either asked questions of God or praised God. And Song of Solomon has a major portion of it given over to love songs, and I am not necessarily talking about love songs to sing to our Saviour and God.
<<<Because we were made in His image, I believe He gave us the ability to create that ourselves. >>>
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
