Anyone remember that old phrase "cut a rug"? It was an old dance phrase from the 20s describing how enthusiastic and exuberant the kids dancing the foxtrot and other popular dances of the day were. The phrase moved on over in later years to mean anyone "cutting a rug" was very enthusiastic and excited about what they were doing. I can remember hearing people say that the Statesmen had "cut a rug" tonight. The same was said about the Oak Ridge Boys, and the Speers and the Downings. These groups were all full of energy and excitement every time you watched them sing. Anybody remember hearing about Hovie Lister standing on the piano bench. How about James Blackwood standing on a seat in the front row while singing "I'll Meet You In The Morning"?
All the fuss over Ernie Haase and Signature Sound is made over how active they are on stage. While there's is a choreographed excitement, it's much the same excitement that I use to see with the Statemen and Oak Ridge Boys. There is still a call for keeping the tradition of our sound and that's fine, but I would much rather see keeping the tradition of "cutting a rug". I'd like to see Gold City hit the stage with so much energy that the audience couldn't stay in their seats. Finesse is fine, but we need excitement in our concerts. I'd like to see Brian Free and Assurance hit the stage running and not stop until their set was done.
There are some groups coming close, like the Booth Brothers and the Dove Brothers, even the Blackwood Gospel Quartet are all very lively on stage. No group that I see today is achieving the "cut a rug" status. We wonder why groups today draw 500 people and think its a really good crowd. It's not the old sound that people are yearning for. It's that old "Cut a rug" excitement that is missing.
Now before you think that all this blame goes on the artists, what about the fans? How many of the same fans will go to their kids or grandkids little league game and sit there quiet as a mouse, but when they go to church or a Gospel concert sit there like a bump on a log. No, they have found that if they get behind thier kids and encourage them, vocally, cheering, clapping, whistling, wahtever, their kids play much harder and give more of an effort. How many of you know that your preacher preaches better if there's a lot of "amening" going on.
So, I guess my question is, in this world where the Islamic religion is growing by leaps and bounds, and their people are willing to show their worship anywhere, and some are more than willing to strap on bombs to show their faith, we sit around waiting to be entertained. I say, artists - bring on the energy so contagious that the fans can't help but join in, and to the fan - bring the enthusiasim and anticipation of having a great time.
Together we can "cut a rug" in Southern Gospel Music again.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/26/2009
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Category: Editorials
Comments: 11
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I agree. We have allowed ourselves to just sit there.... and not show the enthusiasm we used to.
I totally believe it's because it's seen as "entertaining" and the pendulum has swung away from that.
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Good article. I think people need to get over the idea that a gospel concert can't be entertaining. Compared to many other sources of entertainment I would think fun entertainment would be a welcomed thing.
Signature Sound is drawing Crowds the other Groups dream about.The proof is in the Puddin.
Since the emphasis today seems to be on ministry rather than entertainment, people don't want to appear too excited, I guess. I don't understand what is wrong with Christian entertanment & with showing your approval of what you are experiencing! I can be blessed & entertained at a concert at the same time.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
I think the preceding comment nailed it down. Holding the attention of people is VERY important. If we are not excited about our own ministry, who will be? Christians have every reason to be happy, enthusiastic, excited, passionate about what we doing in pointing people toward God. We also need to have fun or perhaps a better phrase --enjoy what we do! As a pastor/singer, my delivery will have a little humor, often-times break into a song, and of course scripture. I too was once of the opinion that doing God's business needed to be very somber and solemn. My mind changed on that years ago when I realized I enjoyed being entertained as well as being minsitered to.
I went to a gospel concert near my hometown in Owensboro, KY just last week and there was excitement! Standing, clapping, lifting our hands in praise to the LORD! Mike & Kelly Bowling, Karen Peck, Jason Crabb, The Easters were all there and it was fabulous. I had a wonderful time and didn't want it to end. You could really feel the presence of the LORD in that place. If I would have had room, I may have "cut a rug" myself.
I remember about 35 or so years ago, the Thrasher Brothers used to put on an exciting program. And who can forget the Kingmen, especially during Jim Hamill's tenure. Now THERE was some rug cuttin'. But you also felt ministered to.
The last post hit it right on the head. Jim hamill was the BEST at ministry, and entertainment. And when you really loko at it. If it's christian, it's all ministry anyway.
I've been in ministry my entire life and I agree Deon with your article. Unfortunately I think many, not all southern gospel fans have became use to "not much happening" when they go to a concert except straight singing. We don't like the smoke.....we want the fire! We still serve the same Savior...he can still anoint singers to sing the song with such fervor that people can't stay in their seats. All God's servants need to fast and pray for a special anointing to touch our lives in such a way that when we stand to sing, the Glory of God comes down and those who are listening can't help but "feel" that Holy Ghost Power! It's better "felt than telt" as the ole folks use to say. We need to join together to fast and pray for a great revival in the singers!
There are a group of us here that travel to see Signature Sound and the Booth Brothers every time they are within a two hour drive. Their energy and enthusiasim is contagious. The crowds who fill whatever venue they choose walk out with smiles on their faces and an energy that I am sure our Lord appreciates. Christians should be the happiest people on earth - we have a gospel to spread that just can't be beat.
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