I know a lot people probably ask, who is this guy, James Hales? Well, truth be known, I’m just a guy…nothing all that special anyway. Well, I am to the Lord, my parents, and my wife and little girl. And truthfully that’s all that really matters to me.
This journey of life took me down the Southern Gospel trail when I was just 6 or 7 years old. Being nosy, as most kids are, I was fumbling around in the bottom of my mom and dad closet and found some old records. One group in particular piqued my interest…The Happy Goodman Family. I saw this woman with all that hair, and just had to listen to her sing. I listened to that record and fell in love with their music. Thus began this musical journey almost 30 years ago.
I was a Southern Gospel Nerd growing up. I learned all I could about anyone I could, and earned the title, “The Walking, Talking Encyclopedia for Southern Gospel Music” by my closest friends. I guess I am still that nerd, and I love this music now more than I ever did.
As I grew up, my tastes widened and now I enjoy a huge variety of styles and they are not all are encompassed within Southern Gospel Music. I have even found some CCM music that I really enjoy, which is why I gave myself the title “Progressive Traditionalist”. I love the traditional sounds, but I also have an appreciation for the progressive. I love it all. I want the message to be out front, no dilly-dallying around with the message…after all, it is GOSPEL music, right?
My personal thought is we should present the gospel the best that we possibly can. I know there are different levels of talent in this field and one’s talent certainly does not dictate how God can use them. God can and will use anything and he has every single one of us at His disposal. While life has certainly sent its fair share of blows my way, I am a blessed man. I am blessed far more than I deserve, and could not imagine my life being any other way!
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 10/01/2006
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 3
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Thanks for info. I enjoy your comments on the boards & the knowledge you have. God bless.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
This fella and his family are the sweetest folks. The highest compliment that you can pay someone in this industry is not how great they are in the eyes of their peers, but how great they are in the eyes of their family because they 'REALLY' know..
Could you please help me find a place were I could get a hold of ANYTHING by the old southern gospel group...the californians? I have run out of places to look, and frankly, I really don't know WHERE to look. My husband loves that band and they seem to have dissappered into the twilight. Please help!
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