SG History 10101 Sep 2008
SG History 101 - Stage Appearance
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 A couple of months ago, we looked at the history of a curious phenomenon in gospel music history…namely, the unusual attraction and attention paid to the genre’s many outstanding bass singers.  The Vaughan Quartet, ca. 1920s, one of the very first popular gospel quartets, they appeared in what was to become known as the standard gospel quartet appearance style.The reason behind this had to do with the conscious awareness that the message behind the music was of paramount importance to communicate above all else. If one group member wore something a bit too distinctive, it was felt that it would distract members of the audience from taking in the gospel message described in the song lyrics. Thus, it quickly became the accepted norm for singers to dress in pleasant but otherwise nondistinctive clothing. For the early decades of professional gospel singing, those standards were the required norm, for the reasons stated above. This began to change after World War II(as did most areas of life), with the change in the gospel singing business from a publisher-driven business to a more recording and entertainment-driven business. As gospel singers became more “professional” from an entertainment standpoint, it became more of a professional entertainment career for most of its’ singers. Thus, distinctiveness became more important among gospel music artists in an attempt to separate themselves from each other, and become more widely known. One very popular quartet that formed in the 1930s and was perhaps gospel’s leading quartet until the mid 1950s, the Rangers Quartet, was a leader in this movement. Not only were they the first gospel quartet to become popular with no ties to the music publishers (along with the Chuck Wagon Gang), they used distinctive stage wear to reinforce their image. They began as the Texas Rangers in the 1930s, and they originally combined gospel songs with pop and western hits(as did many other gospel artists of that period). To show their “western” image off, they occasionally wore cowboy hats and western fashions to show their “western” authenticity. They did that for many years before going to a full gospel repertoire. Their appearance and their distinctive style indeed set them apart from the many other quartets of the day. So fashion was an instrument that could be used to establish a group’s reputation in the music business, even the gospel music business.  The Klaudt Indian Family, ca. 1960s, the appearance of this famous family gospel group reflected their American Indian heritage. From the parents to all the children, anyone watching the Klaudts would know that 1. They were great singers and musicians…2. They were God-loving and God-honoring people…and 3. They were of American Indian heritage. Those facts made them one of gospel’s most distinctive and beloved groups.  Cover of the 1963 Plainsmen LP, Lonely Street...the Plainsmen were one quartet unafraid to be a bit flamboyant in their appearance on occasion.  The Oak Ridge Boys, 1973, the Oaks were among the trendsetters in the trend toward a more youth-oriented approach in southern gospel music. That brief fad was eclipsed by groups who became more popular during the 1970s, such as the Inspirations, the Cathedral Quartet, and the Kingsmen, who brought a more traditional look and style to the genre. That tradition continued through the 1980s by those groups and others, such as Gold City, who followed faithfully in those traditions. But in recent years, there has been a more concerted attempt to get away from those older traditions, not out of disregard or disrespect for them, but as a reflection of the more casual professional look of modern times.  Signature Sound, ca. 2007, one of southern gospel's most popular current groups, they get a lot of attention for their unique appearance (they don't look so bad, do they?)So is there a right or wrong in this never ending discussion? As I said at the outset of this article, you decide. My hope is that this look back at what we did in past generations has been helpful to you in making up your mind on this issue. I want to thank Dean Adkins for graciously supplying some of the pictures you see in this article. Reader Comments
How well I remember my early years in the 1970s when the groups I helped promote included the Florida Boys in their matching PINK polyester suits, who were on the same bill with the Thrasher Brothers who wore matching FIRE ENGINE RED polyester suits. Hey, at least they all matched! And remember the Russ Taff-era imperials with their white, Saturday Night Fever disco suits complete with open necked black shirts and matching gold medallions? Ahhh ahh ahh ahh Stayin' aliiiiiiivvve!
Chris J. Becker
Hey Neil, I read that first thing in the morning before I was completely coherent ha ha. My statement was probably worded a little more harsh than it was intended. Honestly not trying to single you out. We need smiley faces or something on these things so we can convey intent
 Sorry if I jumped at ya.
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SG History 101 - Stage Appearance
 Written: 09/01/2008  Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Category:
SG History 101
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