I am finally home and another season of American Idol is finished. Many of you can get a sneak peak and hear the mixed studio version of Taylors first single hitting the street June 12th at http://www.rickhendrix.com. Over the past several years my company has handled a portion of the radio and press placement for the Idol finalist. I have enjoyed watching common everyday folks rise to the top of the American Entertainment food chain. But, as I watch folks literally fall and loose based on a single performance, I think it must have been like someone turned on a light in their life and then someone shut off the power.
Idol is like an incubator. You audition, you're accepted, you're in Hollywood, you're exposed to 40 million people in a matter of weeks, you have stylists, interviews, limos, jets, press, stardom, fame and major pressure. These kids find themselves standing in a line full of hopes and dreams one day, and the next they are fighting for their lives and a seat in the finale.
It's equivalent to running for President. If I were a teen I would certainly love the roller coaster ride Idol brings. I have watched our industry (Southern Gospel) raise its head high enough to catch moments of success, moments of real notoriety, though I don't see our genre ever having mass appeal like Idol and Fox. Sure we all would like for it to. But, reality and history has shown otherwise. I hear from artists everyday. They need more dates, more units to move, better flats and hotter airplay. As a manger, promoter and fan of Southern Gospel I think it's fair to pinpoint a line of reality. First, there is only one Elvis.
No matter how many names you attach to yourself, no matter how many bookstores carry your product, no matter how many stations agree to play and chart your music, you're still singing GOSPEL music. And your biggest records in Southern aren't going to scan much over 50,000 units. The average major artist in Southern Gospel is moving under 10,000 units a year. So, I ask myself- Why the egos? Why the demands? Why all the pressure?
I love helping my artist see the reality of the business, know what to expect, grow and learn, get quality dates not quantity, get solid airplay, and only place your product in stores when it will actually sell. You don't have to be an American Idol to do this work. You don't have to have a limo, the newest bus to reach the people that may not even have a good car. Whether you're called to do Southern Gospel, or just have a desire to sing, be a good steward with your talent. Don't carry an ego, don't stay angry at the fellow artists and companies for their successes, lift up as many as you can on your way up, and I promise you the ride will be much sweeter and faster.
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com
Author: RickBHendrix
| Author's Website: http://www.rickhendrix.com
Written: 06/01/2006
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Category: Leave No Stone Unturned
Comments: 37
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All that I can say is that you are the bomb! Thanks for sharing all of your intelligence with us. Now if anyone ask me questions about the 'business side' of the ministry I can just always refer to what you have written (and of course let them think that it is my brain at work, not yours...lol)
Great article. And very true!!
How exciting I wish I could have been at idol. I have noticed the Southern Gospel groups are very arrogant.
I have had groups in Southern Gospel throw a cd at me. Once they find out I am in radio they back track. Our station had a long list of no play artists.
A lot of currently "hot" Southern Gospel artists don't realize how short their career can be. Today's hot group is tomorrow's "Scenicland Boys."
In SG, we have to look forward and backward at the same time. We have to honore the pioneering efforts of talents like Harold Lane, Frank Stamps, James Blackwood, Dad Speer, and Conner Hall, but, at the same time, shake things up and make it sound new. That doesn't mean we go CCM, we just make Southern Gospel relevant for our time. We're not trying to sell Stamps-Baxter songbooks anymore, so we should stop singing like that's our goal.
Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA
I Love Taylor's single. They play it on our local stations. Mr.Hendrix, I respect the fact that your company promotes American Idols & other Genre artists to Southern Gospel. I too think people should stop complaining and just be thankful for what these artists bring and add to SG.
The whole American Idol thing and wanting to be a star is fool's gold anyway. It's vanity and vexation of the soul to pursue those things.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Good article Rick on keeping things in perspective. You are right - there is only one Elvis.
Rick,
Great article. I had a group and we tried to always treat the people right. I stopped trying the whole big concert gig- Too much stress. The big groups would trash us to keep us off the dates. I figured if they gotta sin to keep it, then I dont need it.
Wow, I've been in this for nearly 40 years and I've NEVER heard or seen any "big" groups trashing "up and coming groups" to keep them off dates. I've seen a lot of things, but never "big" groups who were so insecure that they had to trash up and coming groups. I have seen a lot of "big" groups who loved having "little" groups on the program, because they made the "big" groups looks so good.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
I think that Rick's statement that we should remember that we are singing Gospel music and that it will never be as big as secular music is an important point to study. Even if what we do is of superior quality to secular music, it will never sell as much simply because there are fewer people interested in Christian living as compared to what is espoused in most secular songs. The ratio of people who are interested in sex, drugs and rock and roll to those who are interested in righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit is probable something like 1000 to 1 or worse. For this reason alone it is foolish to judge our music by the same numbers -- radio airplay, CD sales, etc, -- as the secular industry. It is also just as foolish to seek star status or fame.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
IDOLS, thats crazy. God doesnt find favor in these songs. The Bible speaks against idols and Gods before him.he doesnt even listen when these people sing.
Reality isn't always fun. It's good to see that you knowt hat and help your artists face it.
Idol is about being a performer. Singing Gospel music is about praising our Lord and winning some lost soul to Jesus, Or helping the christian that is really low. Gospel singing soothes the soul. We have to keep things in there proper order. Reality ? Can an Idol star use their win to promote Jesus? I say yes if they want to. Look at Carrie Underwoods last two singles, Jesus take the wheel and Remember me. I heard more teens say quote" oh I love that song Jesus take the wheel" these kids may never see Sunday School, but they are getting a message.
Wait on the Lord. Be open to his voice. and remember today is the first day of the rest of your life, so live it to the fullest. God has a plan just listen and hear his voice.
Thats all good and fine If you listen to the other songs on Carrie Underwoods cd. I noticed Mr Hendrix promoted her also. We have plenty of gospel songs without the worlds songs.
I forgot to mention-Carries CD is sexy and provocative.
Maybe I spoke out of turn. I have not purchased the Cd's of any of the Idols releases. I've only heard them played on the radio and on TV on(The Country Music Awards). At $14.00 to $18.00 a Cd, I'd much rather purchase a project of The Greenes or The Isaacs. In truth I feel that God is pleased when we support our fellow Christians. I don't feel like he would be pleased for me to purchase or promote any secular performer. I hope this does not portray me as being double minded. The Lord has placed an appreciation for all kinds of music that lifts up his name, beautiful music, anointed music, you know the kind that sends chills up your spine. Underwood has a beautiful voice and she does a good job on the two songs that I have heard. But Lula, you are correct: there is enough gospel music out there with out having to cross over to the secular music.
Wait on the Lord. Be open to his voice. and remember today is the first day of the rest of your life, so live it to the fullest. God has a plan just listen and hear his voice.
I think we need to be careful in judging people-I think "Jesus,Take The Wheel" is a very good witness of song, remember people might hear this who may never tune into Southern Gospel Radio! I think we need to keep the term "Idols" in perspective here- I don't take it as something I bow down and worship in this case!!!I like Taylor Hicks and " Do I Make You Proud" is a postive song! And I am a fan of Southern Gospel music!!
Uh, excuse me, but I keep hearing the Someone named 'Jesus' who keeps being mentioned in Southern Gospel songs, but I notice He wasn't mentioned in Mr. Hendrix' article. Interesting . . .
mr hendrix is always pushing the envelope. i just looked at his web site
the artist are getting ridiculus the crazy hair with Crabb Family and Ernie Haase the low cut blouse just make me sick GOD did NOT say look like the world he SAID SET YOURSELF APART
Paula, God didn't say set yourself apart by not spiking your hair. Surely you don't think that a little gel in a singer's hair has God displeased. I think He is much more displease by the judgmental attitudes of Christians. I think we set oursleves apart from this world by our actions, not by our hair styles.
Thank goodness Mr Hendrix pushes the envelope. If people in our industry don't push the envelope, we will grow stagnant and the genre will dry up and die.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
On 06/16/2006 iluvaceo wrote:
Uh, excuse me, but I keep hearing the Someone named 'Jesus' who keeps being mentioned in Southern Gospel songs, but I notice He wasn't mentioned in Mr. Hendrix' article. Interesting . . .
Oh, pleeeeease. You do realize that the song "Amazing Grace" does not mention Jesus. Now isn't that interesting.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
What I find interesting is that SG music claims to promote Christ, yet people in the industry shrink or even cringe at the mention of His Name or the slightest hint of anything spiritual. I reiterate a point I've made here before: IT'S A BUSINESS, FOLKS; the bottom line is the bottom line; a fact of which both Mr. Hendrix and Mr. Unthank are living proof. If effeminate-looking men spike their hair and look as though they were dressed by the cast of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", who cares as long as the bucks roll in? "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." I'll be surprised if you allow my comments to stand, as the truth seems to be as controversial and taboo as spirituality, as far as you're concerned. But some of us will not towe the line or march with the status quo. Deal with it.
iluv, what I find interesting is the legalistic attitude that you have about ministry. Of course there's a business aspect. If you don't think that every church in this nation doesn't have a business side, then you are totally blind.
You are so consumed by the physical aspects of SG that you have no idea of what happens spiritually.
I am curious as to the way you dress. Are you wearing the clothes of Biblical times or are you wearing modern clothes? Are you wearing a hair cut of Biblical nature, or is your hair cut in some form of todays style. Are you needing to get the mote out of your eye before you get the speck out of mine and Mr. Hendrix.
I made the same point that you made. I assume that you meant that Mr. Hendrix could have a Gospel massage with his article just as "Amazing Grace" does without directly using the name of Jesus. That is what you meant isn't it? Surely you weren't being judgmental with your remarks.
As you see, your remarks remain, because we are not afraid of the truth of spirituality. We recognize that truth and spirituality are more than just the way a person combs their hair. Truth and spirituality are more prevelant in the actions of Christians toward one another.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Well, it is a business. And whether you like it or not. My son wears his hair high and stylish clothes and that doesn't make him a "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" contestant. Maybe your side of Heaven will be exactly how you would like it. But, my idea of heaven would be a place for everyone.
Further comments that question the Christianity or spirituality of either Mr. Hendrix, Mr. Unthank or anyone else will be deleted and the poster subject to being banned from future posting.
Thanks Dale I hadn't even been on today. This is stuff I enjoy reading. I DO NOT enjoy the segregation some Christians try. And does that mean women that talk deep or guys that talk soft are all gay or girly. I am kinda glad the singers I go see aren't wearing flannel and a mullet.
The comments here have gotten caught up in the appearance of one little word in the title and it have overshadowed to message of this article. Rick's questions are good: "Why the egos? Why the demands? Why all the pressure?" His answer is a good one, too: "You don't have to be an American Idol to do this work. You don't have to have a limo, the newest bus to reach the people that may not even have a good car. Whether you're called to do Southern Gospel, or just have a desire to sing, be a good steward with your talent. Don't carry an ego, don't stay angry at the fellow artists and companies for their successes, lift up as many as you can on your way up, and I promise you the ride will be much sweeter and faster." While we are nitpicking over short words and peoples' appearance, Jesus is calling us to preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith/Deon
Paula,
Do you have any idea what a Gospel singer is making today? There are no riches to be found in Gospel music. Now, yes, if I were younger I'd spike my hair, just like I wore my hair combed over my ears in the 70s when it was stylish. Acting the fool? Have you never watched the really entertaining preachers preach? So, yes, if you want to call it acting the fool, I'll act the fool if I can reach more people for Christ. The sad thing is, the only ones calling it acting like a fool are Christians. The sinners see it as entertaining, and are listening and watching the message of the Gospel, because it isn't looking so overly pious and self righteous.
When did we have to become a stuffy bunch of boring people in order to be Christians?
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
All I know is that I do well to take care of myself. I certainly cannot judge someone else's spirituality - righteousness or unrighteousness - based on their outward appearance. All the energy we spend judging things that we are not qualified to judge could be spent setting the captives free and bringing hope to those who have none. (See 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.)
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I sit here and read many of these blogs, trying to figure out why on earth so many people get caught up on the hair and dress issue. I sing for a well known group, and yes, I where my hair "crazy". This year, we have seen over 100 people saved, most of them kids. Was it the hair that saved them? absolutely not! But I feel that unchurched people and kids despise "church looking" people and will not listen to them because the mounds of ridicule and years of exclusion they've faced from us "Christians." I'm tired of playing the game. I'm not in the ministry to be polite and please the "suits", I'm in it to save souls. Because one day when I was 18 years old, Jesus saw me for the sinner I was and loved me anyway. Now He sees my heart through my hair and clothes... why can't you!
Speaking of crazy hair - check out some pictures of Vestal Goodman (one of my all time favorites) from the 70's, or some of the perms the men were sporting from that time. Fashion comes and goes. We will all look goofy to our kids 20 years from now so don't get hung up on external appearances.
Hair is just hair- It doesnt have a thing to do about the soul of a man or woman.
I understand that people have different views on "separation" but we have to realize that there are so many "gray" areas! The Bible also tells women not to wear that which pertains to a man and they were not to wear jewelry or fix up their hair for attention. If you go to a concert a dwell on the way a person is dressed or the way their hair is styled, you are missing the most important part of the evening - glorifying the Lord and making His name known to the nations. It is sad when our attitudes toward other Christians cause the world to shake their heads at us. We make issues out of nothing!
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