Since school is almost over for this year, I thought it might be educational to keep our minds sharp and focused over the summer months. Remember back in grade school when our teacher would require us to learn the spelling and dictionary meaning of a few words? Then we would have to use those words in a sentence? I've chosen three words and I've used them in a sentence. The words and their meanings follow:
Sing – to use the voice to produce words or sounds in a pleasing musical way.
Scream – to utter a loud piercing, high-pitched cry, especially in fear or pain.
Disgusting – tending to repel and sicken people; completely unacceptable or disgraceful.
Using those words in a sentence – I think it's DISGUSTING that so many of our Southern Gospel Artists SCREAM their songs instead of SINGING them.
Welcome to the SGSSWI
We've had discussions in the past about changing the name of this industry we call Southern Gospel Music. It's all been just discussion. But now I sincerely believe it's time to actually do it. In fairness to the consumers and in the interest of abiding by the Federal Full Disclosure Act, we should call ourselves “The Southern Gospel Screaming Industry.” In reality, if we renamed our industry “The Southern Gospel Screaming Soiled and Wrinkled Industry”, it would be a more accurate reflection of the sad state of affairs in the world of SGM.
The catalyst for my campaign toward a name change is that I was able to get out of the office and attend some concerts this month. I must tell you that I owe my ears an apology, and I hope my eyes don't file a lawsuit against me. I apologize to myself for putting myself through it. Much of what I heard was not “Music” and what I saw was not “pleasing to the eye”.
What I heard and saw this month gave me a “pit” in my stomach – group after group screaming at the top of their lungs from beginning to end. I saw red-faced men with veins bulging in their necks, bending over and singing to the floor. I saw ladies with looks of agony on their faces that would certainly rival anything you might see in the labor and delivery section of the maternity ward in your local hospital.
Keeping in mind that our ultimate goal in this endeavor we call Southern Gospel Music is to win the lost; I find it difficult to believe that any unbeliever would be drawn to the foot of the Cross by what I saw.
I left those concerts thinking, “How in the world did we get to this”? Based on what I heard, it is no wonder that our sales and attendance are down, and the Southern Gospel “Screaming” Industry is dead last in every category.
Before you send me your emails of protest I qualify that by saying that it's true that we do have quality artists that are as good at singing as anyone in any genre of music, but sadly, they are fast becoming the minority. Our industry has been overtaken by a new breed of “screamers” that couldn't sing their way out of a wet paper bag, even if you cut a hole in the top.
“IN STYLE” DOESN'T MEAN “INCONSIDERATE”
I was at an awards ceremony recently and saw a SG artist accept an award in an outfit that looked like he just finished changing the oil on the bus. I'm talking about filthy jeans, a wrinkled shirt, and hair that looked like the artist used a hand grenade instead of a comb. I'm not talking from the standpoint of a seasoned old-timer who is criticizing younger styles. I understand that the younger artists dress “young”. There's nothing wrong with being “in style”. I'm talking about artists who are so arrogant about their appearance that they don't feel the need to honor the audience members who took time out of their own busy lives to come to a concert. If I invited you to my home for dinner and when you arrived, I opened the door and hadn't even bothered to clean up and make myself presentable, I'm sure you would feel less than honored as a guest in my home. Artists need to remember that the audience is there because they were INVITED to be there, just like when you invite someone to your home for dinner. They need to be treated as the honored guests they actually are. It scares me that this seems to be the current trend – artists who look like homeless derelicts singing the Gospel of our Saviour. Even to identify them by using the word “artist” is an insult to those who truly are.
WHERE IS OUR PRIDE? WHERE IS OUR DIGNITY?
Our mission is to sing the Gospel in song, to minister and entertain, and through that, win the lost. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus”. Ours IS a high calling and I believe we have lost sight of that and taken our eyes off the prize. In last month's column I took the time to answer some of your questions. This month, I've got questions of my own. Maybe you can answer them.
Does it bother you when an artist or group goes on stage in dirty wrinkled clothes? Does it offend you?
As always, I welcome your comments.
God Bless You
Nick Bruno
Author: Nick Bruno
| Author's Website: http://www.nickbruno.com/
Written: 04/30/2005
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Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Gospel Truth
Comments: 94
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Wow Nicky! I can see some screaming, vein popping, agony featured people right now. The only thing is that they are not singing they are raging at you! Ha. All I can say is that if the shoe fits, wear it!
If you really dispise the industry so bad and can find nothing good in it then maybe you need to consider a mid-life changing jobs?
Yes, some of the screaming is a little much. Usually this is done when hitting a very high note, on the upper end of the range. I wonder how much of this is due to trying to sing out of range..(?). People that have the natural range can finesse those high notes without struggling, others have to belt it out to hit the note.
Polyester Suit.....seems to me Nick Bruno was just expressing his opinion, just as you did.
Hey POLYESTER SUIT,
Nick,
While I think Bruno does go a bit overboard in his description of SGM at times (I think he is trying to be the shock jock or tabloid writer of SGM, LOL!), I have to say I agree on most points. The question is, when does higher ranged powerful and possibly loud singing become screaming? I would say when it is out of control and out of the blend of the group. I catch myself pushing too hard sometimes just to get one more note in my upper range. The problem is that crowds clap for people who scream almost as much as the ones who sing high and powerful. I don't think the general public doesn't know the difference.
Nick, I have to say that I have'nt been to a concert where there was too much screaming going on. Bad singing, yes but very little screaming.
I agree with Mr. Bruno on most all his points. Recently I attended a concert with a popular mixed family group. The ladies were dressed appropriately, but the guys rolled into the concert and looked as if they simply got out of bed and walked on stage. Granted it was in a gymnasium and it was a benefit concert for a local radio station, but there was no reason for those guys to be dressed in this manner. Funny thing is, I usually like this group and their songs. I didn't appreciate the long-sleeved, untucked, unbuttoned shirts and baggy jeans with holes in the knees. Needless to say, I didn't purchase their latest CD. I wonder what Jake, Hovie, Rex, JD, Howard and Vestal would say if they saw the way some artists dress now? Yes, as artists we have to appeal to our audience, but don't do it at the risk of losing the ministry focus. As for the loudness of the singing--I felt like I was at a country music concert. This same group travels with a full band. I didn't know if I was watching a band play or back-up dancers to the singers. I've always heard that a good musician knows when NOT to play! The same holds true here. A good musician shouldn't have to be showy for people to know he's good.
I can go back many years on my recordings and hear lots of "screaming". It has been used as an effect, which, by the way, the audiences seem to enjoy, because the "screams" back when the tenor has "screamed" out his last high note indicate their approval.
Way to go Nick! I agree with you wholeheartedly!
Nick,
I must agree with Nick on a lot of these issues. The last few concerts that I have seen, there has been a lot of screaming. As a lead singer in a quartet I find it very difficult to feel the spirit moving amidst screaming. Yes, I know a lot of people like hearing the tenor scream out his last note, but when does the concern come up about how good the blend is as a group when one or two out of the group are screaming.
Does dressing the best you can before the Lord me a suit and tie? I've seen some of those jeans like Nick is talking about that cost as much as my suit.
Amen, Amen, Amen! I appreciate each article you write, Nick. I just wish I knew how to help make the changes you suggest.
When I read your column a group came to my mind immediately! They do a lot of screaming & look like they are in mortal agony most of the time. Another great article.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
I could not agree with you more. It's about time someone addressed the matter of TRADITION.
Nick,
In response to Jim Stitt, my feelings on the matter are this. As long as what you wear is fit to not draw attention to other things, you should wear your best to the honor and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.
The most important part of any Southern Gospel concert is the ministry. Does the way those involved dress make a difference? I believe so. The way the singers present themselves is a direct representation of the Lord they serve. There is a reason things used to be a certain way...i.e. Tradition. The Lord they serve hasn't changed, so why should they?
Hey Nick,
Nick;
Dan,
Nick.. Nick..
Nick,
CHICO,
All I have to say is it probably costs more to buy those "dirty jeans and wrinkled shirts" than to buy a nice three piece suit.
Wouldn't that then be our "best" since we spent so much money on it?
Just a bit of food for thought.
As for the screaming concept - I understand how undesirable it can be to sit through an entire service of that. HOWEVER, there are times when the "SCREAMING" is used for effect. Sometimes the "scream" is used in reaction to a certain style or phrase in a song.
I agree and am also not a big fan of it if it is done throughout the entire service, but done in moderation, it is perfectly acceptable in a concert setting.
Don't see the words "three piece suit" anywhere in Nick's article. Do you?
Hmm. You're right. But I also don't believe that I attributed those words to him either, did I?
Uh... nope you didn't attribute those words to him. You're correct. I just thought that maybe somebody reading your post might think he DID suggest that. You used the comparison he used of dirty jeans and a wrinkled shirt... and compared it to a three piece suit... But.. you're right.. you didn't say HE said everyone should wear three piece suits.
I grew up listening to Southern Gospel and still love it today. I still love to hear and see the groups like the Inspirations and Kingsmen. I also like groups that tend to lean toward Bluegrass gospel like Jeff and Sheri Easter and the Isaacs. I also like to go see The Crabb Family. I believe there is room for all of these in Southern Gospel. I have been to see all of them this year and enjoyed them immensely. I expect the Crabb Family to be loud and dressed like the twenty-something group that they are (and like them that way!). I expect the Inspirations to be in matching suits(and I like them that way!). I expect Jeff Easter will make me laugh with joy and them make me cry with some of their songs (and I like them that way!) By introducing my lost friends to the Crabb Family (who are not as intimidating as some of the more staid groups) I have been able to lure them to see the other types of groups too. They have found them enjoyable and inevitably they hear the gospel through the songs and testimony of each of the different groups. Isn't that what it is all about? Or should be about?
Nick, good article. Correct me if I'm wrong but what I took from your article is that there needs to be balance between what the artist wants and what the audience expects from them. I grew up admiring groups like the Couriers who when you heard them you not only enjoyed the music, you were ministered to and were able to understand what they sang. I remember Neil Enloe preaching to some of us that aspired to sing SGM to make sure we enunciated our words.
I couldn't agree more! It is (or should be) all about the ministry. After all, it's called Southern Gospel Music. If there was no ministry in it, it would simply be Southern Music with no real value. Personally, I base my opinions of the songs on the message. No message, no good.
Nick again I agree with you. We have lost our direction and focus. And for the record, true Southern Gospel MUsic is not screaming to the top of your lungs out of tune. Give me people who dress reverantly and sing like they understand what singing is all about.
Can someone define "dress reverantly" for me. I can't find that one in my Bible.
Well those words are not in there Tim, but asking to find them there is parsing words anyway. It does say in all things present yourselves as living sacrifaces, wholly and acceptable unto the Lord, which is your reasonable service. I can stand in our booth at NQC and watch people walk by whose dress code I would not allow my children to wear. Southern Gospel Music should be above the world, we should not appear as if we are of the world.
Well please explain to me what exactly constitutes clothing that represents a living sacrifice, wholly and acceptable unto the Lord. Is there something special in the way that your clothing is made that makes it sacrificial and above the world? I buy my clothing at the local mall. If you can guide me to the correct place and type of clothing to buy then I will know that I am in reasonable service to the Lord.
Nick,
Tim
So if I conform to certain people's thinking I will be sacrificial, acceptable and respectful. It's ok to be in the world in certain dress and style but not others. When did robes and sandles become replaced by suits and nice dress pants and shirts as the sacrificial dress of a Christian? And who made that decision?
Why would you want to dress in a way that is controversial to many of the very audience you want to reach? I fear that in an attempt to reach the youth, we lose the primary audience of Southern Gospel. If you offer the youth something real and genuine, you won't have to dress "hip" to grasp their attention. They are very savoy when gleaning what is real and what is a fascade. A lot can be said for dressing in a way that honors your audience. Why so many are fighting those traditional values is very baffling to me. I am not saying you have to wear matching suits, but you should be aware that a very large, majority percentage of the southern gospel audience has come to expect a certain dress code. Not conforming to those traditions is very likely nothing God even begins to worry about, but I can guarantee you, your audience does.
Ben, from my understanding, the groups that are trying to dress more trendy aren't trying to reach the "typical SG audience". That would be the reasoning behind dressing in today's fashions.
Chris, let me be perfectly clear, I could care less what someone else, outside of our group, chooses to wear on stage. MY question is, "Why would anyone want to alienate virtually two thirds of their listening audience in an attempt to reach what could at best be only another 5-6% of young people who might be persuaded to listen to SGM simply by the more trendy attire of any particular group. (First off I don't believe we capture additional audience by becoming more like them. I am convinced we must offer something more for them to see.) I do believe in going after that one lost sheep, but I don't believe in forsaking the 90 and 9. Run a survey for yourself and see where this falls with the majority of SG fans. Another prominient SG publication has already done such a survey and it was overwhelming the negatives that were attached to the "new" attire. Do I think it is wrong in God's eyes? No, I do not. But is your eye offends your brother, pluck it out.
Ben, let me be perfectly clear - just because one publication's readers say one thing does NOT mean that this the majority of what fans think. They have a very skewed audience readership (if the publication is what I'm thinking of).
Nick, to make a long story short, there are many of us who totally agree with your assessment. Good article, to the point and dead on accurate.
Everyone makes valid points. However, I think we should remember that Nick's ARTICLE IS NOT ABOUT what these posts are about.
YOu misunderstood the entire thrust, this is not about suits matching or otherwise. It is about a dress code that presents a decent image and shows honor both to our Lord and also to our audience.
Ben, You need to go back and read Deon's post. He hit the nail on the head. It's not the artists who are dressing down, society as a whole has dressed down. You need to realize that this is not the fifties anymore and the dress style accepted by the public is not the same either. The audience used to dress in suits when they went to a concert also, but they don't anymore. It is true that the groups drawing crowds today are not the ones wearing suits, but it's the ones like the Crabb Family, GVB, and the Crossway Quartet who are filling buildings.
It is true that the audience and the artists that you mention are dressing down as you say. That does not mean that I feel they dress, nor groom in a fashion I would feel comfortable with, not many of the people we come in contact with every week. I personally would never dress nor groom in that way, for in doing so I would be going against every fiber of what I have been taught, and to me it would be not honoring those we serve.
Then dressing down as you call it is just a matter of taste and not a matter of spiritual doctrine or disrespect. It may not be your idea of proper but it doesn't make it improper for anyone else. I believe this may be one of those contentious things Paul talked about in scripture.
By the way Paul said to not worry about those things but to let each do as to their own convictions.
I don't disagree with you Tim, and that was exactly what I said in my last post. I personally cannot nor will I do it, for it would offend way too many people who have come to expect a certain decoroium from our group. I said in several previous posts that as far as God is concerned this matters very little. But it does matter to OUR audience, thus we will continue to present ourselves in a way OUR audience has come to expect. And now I must go get our bus and get on the road.
OK then Ben, if this is just your feelings and your group's attitude toward it - then why do you make a big deal when other artists don't agree with your stance?
Ben,
Ben posted, I could care less what someone else, outside of our group, chooses to wear on stage. MY question is, "Why would anyone want to alienate virtually two thirds of their listening audience in an attempt to reach what could at best be only another 5-6% of young people who might be persuaded to listen to SGM simply by the more trendy attire of any particular group.
I WAS NOT the person responsible for the first use of the "dressing down" comment. I was only quoting another on this thread. The bus was fine thank you very much, packed house each concert we did.
Ben,
I'm not saying that I think screaming is good, but I did hear Luciano Pavorati say on a talk show that singing is just controlled screaming. As for how we dress, if you ever see me sing anywhere, I will probably be wearing a golf shirt or button down, nice slacks and dress shoes as that is what I normally wear. I believe dressing in a certain way to intentionally invoke a reaction from the audience, is disrespectful and distracts from the purpose at hand.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
My, My, My, I stumbled onto something ugly on here. I quit going to church long ago. But I really miss the gospel harmonies of the old groups I remember. Specifically, the Goodmans, Hinsons, Weatherfords (now that had smooth harmony as I recall!) So tonight, I was trying to find the Gaither video of the Hinsons. I stopped to read this column and I'm kinda shocked. I hope you folks can get a solution worked out soon. I bet the devil is really enjoying your opeds too. (and watching you tear each other apart)
He thanks for taking the time to beat us up a little more for having opinions. When you get down looking for your video stop back by for your hug, OK?
Thanks Nick,
Nick, Great article!! This entire discussion on dress is one of the most controversial, not just in SG, but in churches as well. I've been to many concerts over the years and I can truly say I've never one time been upset or offended by anything that an "artist" has worn. Some of them have worn things I did not like, but that is a matter of taste more than anything. Heres the thing, take a look at two extremes. Let's say, for example, the Crabb family and the Inspirations. These two groups are at opposite ends of the spectrum both in musical style as well as in personal appearance. (BTW, I enjoy the music of both groups.) The Inspirations are going to reach and minister to folks that the Crabb Family never will, and vice versa. I do understand the idea of looking your best and being "seperate" from the world. But how far is seperate??? If we really wanted to LOOK different as Christians we'd adopt some universal, indentifiable look for ourselves that no one else has. When I go to Wal-mart to buy groceries I would have a really hard time picking out Believers versus Non-believers just by LOOKING. I think that this has more to do with our conduct and our countenance(having the joy of the Lord) than anything. Truth be told, I'd take a sloppily dressed teenager from our youth group that has a smile on his face before a well-dressed, sour-faced deacon that wouldn't show the Love of Christ to Jesus Himself any day of the week.
Mike, that is the best perspective I have seen in all these posts yet! Great response, brother!
I certainly respect everyone's right to have an opinion, and I don't think it's non-Christian to disagree with one another.
Ditto : Nick....Bobby Clark
ryter, nick says that he isn't saying this from a seasoned old timer criticizing the younger styles but that is what he is doing. he says that people are wearing wrinkled shirts and dirty pants when that's how my kids buy them off the rack. the style is for many shirts to have a wrinkled look and jeans to have a brown wash making them look dirty when they buy them. to my kids nick is a cranky old timer complaining about the way they and some of the young talents are dressing.
So true. Your comments are right on target.
Nick, maybe we are "seasoned old timers", but there should be a touch of class that surrounds all types of Gospel music that edifies not the performer or even the audience, but edifies the one we sing about. I wonder if Jesus were in the sudience physically (even though He is present in spirit) if maybe some of us would do things a little differently? Oh for the less controversial times at Maranatha Park Camp.
I think we WOULD dress differently if Jesus was physically in the audience, but I don't think Jesus would care how we were dressed unless we were being indecent or immoral.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I wonder, just how would we dress differently if Jesus were going to be there. Do we really believe that are family? Do you go get dressed in your best suit when family is coming over? Keith is right on this one. Jesus wouldn't care how we were dressed, but our neighbors, outside the family might. My second and third cousins might care, but my immediate family isn't going to care, they'll just be glad that I am there. We are the only ones who care how others dress in SGM. To be honest, the sinner doesn't care how we dress when we perform. Even those outside of SGM don't care how we dress when we perform. Only amongst ourselves do we want to judge one another on how we dress.
Deon, I don't see in my post where I specifically mentioned dress. I just believe that everything we do when we minister should edify Christ.
If Jesus were in the audience (and he is), he would look past our classiness or proper dress and see whether we are simply white-washed sepulchers full of dead mens' bones. Most of the time, the audience, and especially sinners, can see it, too. We need to look past the outward appearance and get to the heart of the matter.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Nick, 65% here agreed with you while 35% were negative to the article. Count me in with that majority of 65%.
Well Ben, don't count me in as being negative to the article. What a strange way to look at it. 65% agree and 35% are negative? Why not say 35% disagreed in some way. Since when is disagreement always negative. I agreed with much of his article. I disagreed with some of the posters, including and especially you. Perhaps you think that 65% agreement helps you to feel right.
Nick,
Since when is someone appointing himself as "judge and jury" just because he writes a column that contains his personal opinions? Isn't that what a columnist is supposed to do?
Dear Nick, Thank you for an honest and insightful look at what really happens at times in our industry. I am a weekend warrior who loves to sing southern gospel music. I can remember when I first did a recording project I was given the greatest advise I can ever remember and that was, "never sing a song out of your natural range because it will always be weakness" and that came from a professional in the industry. I have witnessed in person many times some of the things you have mentioned in your article and I do agree that singers need to sing and not scream.
Dave,
I would imagine that when we are "before the Lord," he does not see what clothes we are wearing. He sees what we are inside. I am sure Jesus would prefer a righteous and honest heart dressed in jeans and a t-shirt over an evil and dishonest heart dressed in a three-piece suit -- even when we are performing Christian music in public.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I don't think Nick's issue is the STYLE of clothing... but the CONDITION of the clothing he saw. It's possible the person wearing the clothing was wearing a STYLE that Nick interpreted as DIRTY... and it wasn't actually that way.....
Nick,
I personally liked the article. I don't fully agree with it but I liked it. I have been to a few SGM concerts and I have enjoyed all of them. I didn't see a whole lot of screaming...and the dress thing...well I'm 28 yrs old so to me that is "the style". 3 piece suits is a turn off for me..when I see it I think "too structured for me" lol...but that is a personal preferrence. But I guess on the other hand that is as jugemental as someone seeing the faded/torn jeans and crumbled shirt and thinking...they dont care about what they look like so they must not care what they sound like. And like Chris Unthank said in a previous post..that stuff can cost more than the 3 piece suits. I think it all goes back to...if you hear them on the radio or on a CD..don't go to a concert expecting them to be totally different. Such as...look at the Crabb Family CD cover and inside insert...you can see the style has changed somewhat and when you listen to the CD you will hear that it has changed..so don't go to the concert thinking they are exactly how they were 5 yrs ago. It just won't happen.
I agree with Nick. I also hate it, when groups have their music louder than their singing. Gold City is a case in point. Godd men and great singers. I just don't understand why they want their music so loud, that many times the words to the songs can not be understood. My wife and I walked out, when the Crabb family was on stage in Chattanooga. Honestly, it sounded like a night club. Whatever happened to actually being able to understand the words of a song? I mean no harm to anyone, but may we please get back to some sanctified sanity?
YOUR ABSOULUTLEY POSTIVLEY CORRECT!
I am a young sg artist myself an although many my age will disagree with me I absolutely think that the pride has gone way downhill. I know that Jesus Christd looks at the heart but shouldn't we give Him our best in return for His unwavering love for us? I think that it has become more of a fashion show and a race than what it really is, A MINISTRY! As far as the screaming goes I really think that most people think they are actually hitting a note when it's nothing more than a high frequency. But what can you say to them? It's almost like they think that if it sounds bad just turn it up to deafen the people so they can't hear it!lol. I hope that God keeps His had on this industry though. There's nothing better than good ole' godpel music!
First allow me to start by saying I am a contemporary gospel artist. I to have the same issues and find myself wondering if the ministry is being lost by the yelling and screaming. When I sing, I make it a point to take my time and effectively minister each lyrical word to ensure the audience understands my message. What good have you done as an artist if the listeners don't at least hear the message. But what I have found is that people like to hear a lot of noise and are moved by emotion. And, that is why we have a host of christians who never learn anything. I will be honest, when I first began my walk, I used to ask God why people stare at me when I sing vs. the other reactions the screamers may get...and I have now learned it is because they are listening and God gave my voice that ability! For that I am now grateful. So your comments really hit home with me...we need to go back to teaching and not entertaining. God is using us to plant seeds. What good is your planting if nobody hears it? I pray this helps someone..http://www.hope-askew.com
Dear Nick : Gospel singing use to be called a
Someone was asking earlier for Ben Harris' "stats" that the majority of SG fans don't like the new look. Here goes: a few weeks ago, Singing News did an online survey and found that of people liked traditional SG better than the newer SG - just liking the new look and sound. If that isn't evidence that mainstream SG artists are turned off by ratty jeans with holes in them while their singing in a church on Sunday night in the presence of the Lord, then I don't know what is!
TJ, let's be more accurate with those stats. Where can we verify them at? Produce a link source or page source in the magazine. How many were polled? What was the average age of those entering the poll?
Amen, Nick! Of course I have to admit that back in the day, Hovie Lister and the Statesmen had a certain flamboyance, but there was usually enough substance mixed in with it to make you forget the nonsense. Much of what we see in the SG Industry today is not much different than some church services -- a production that would rival anything on Broadway, complete with loud music, strobe lights, well-rehearsed choreography, and so on. When 'ministers' (singers or preachers)don't have the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people, they try to compensate with a good show. The entertainment draws them for a time, but the starving usually leave, once they see that the buffet is merely hot dogs and baloney.
I agree with the original comments posted here and the majority of the "explanations". Several years ago I posted the same similar comments and boy,did I get blasted! Apparently, there are a few more people that are seeing a "trend" since the negative replies are less in number. Of course, it could be, those people left after turning a deaf ear.
My personal view is this. I speak out of the viewpoint of being an actual singer. There is a right and a wrong way to scream. These southern gospel singers have no doubt devoted alot of time and effort to technically learning how to scream properly. I'll Have u know that screaming can sound a lot more blood curdling as in metal music.
Hi,
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