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Mark209


01
Dec
2004
The Industry Formerly Known As Southern Gospel


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THE INDUSTRY FORMERLY KNOWN AS “SOUTHERN GOSPEL”

I'd like to begin my article this month by letting you read a letter I recently received from a person whom I'll address as Mrs. Smith. She kindly granted me permission to reprint her letter but asked me not to use her name.

Mrs. Smith is a Christian lady with some honest questions that I believe need to be addressed. She has no ax to grind, and no one to impress, and her frankness is refreshing.

I'll reserve any further comment until you've had a chance to read her letter. Here it is in its entirety.

Dear Nick,

I recently stumbled (keyword) onto the Southern Gospel News.com website and was intrigued by your articles. It seems to me that you are someone who is interested in improving your industry and so I have some questions for you. I hope you are not offended and don't mean to be sarcastic, even though my questions may sound that way, my only motive is to give you an outsiders view, so here goes.

#1 why do you call it “Southern Gospel Music”?

This is an honest question…I'm not being silly. I hear the term “Southern Gospel Music and I'm confused. Is the name a description of the TYPE of music? Is it? Then I'm more confused. Which word is the adjective “Southern” describing – The Gospel or the Music? Obviously the Gospel is not confined to the South…there is no such thing as the Gospel of the South. Jesus came for the whole world, not just the South, so evidently you are describing the MUSIC as “Southern”.

So then I wonder, what is “Southern” music?… Is it “Country”?… Is that another way of saying “Country”? Then a more accurate name might be Country Gospel Music…no? But this is even more confusing to an outsider, because the music is not actually “Country Music” either. When I think of “Country Music” I think of Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Faith Hill. There are not many quartets in Country Music…a few here and there…but, Country Music is more about soloists…so then the type of music is not Country…which leaves me confused about what it really is. Is it Bluegrass ? Barbershop? Southern Barbershop? , Or I wonder if the obvious meaning of “Southern Gospel Music” is that you must be a Southern person who loves Gospel Music in order to feel part of this group of music? Is that what it means? Southern (people who like and perform) Gospel Music. Isn't the first rule of marketing having a succinct, precise name?

This leads me to another question.

#2 Why continue to describe yourselves as something that is so exclusionary? The name is very exclusionary.

Frankly, when I go to a Christian bookstore to buy a new CD, I don't even look at “Southern Gospel”. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to buy or whom I might like, which leads me to the third question:

#3 Where are y'all hiding?

Except for Bill Gaither and what he's done, nobody in Southern Gospel Music seems to care about reaching the mass audience. I never see an advertisement anywhere…and I'm a voracious reader… magazines, books, newspapers, etc. I read lots of Christian magazines…I never see an ad for “The Sunset Five and Bobby” or any other Southern gospel groups. It's almost like you guys are hiding yourselves… like a little club…that doesn't want any new members. I'm a Christian writer, heavily involved in Christian media, someone who loves music and the Lord, but the truth is that although I've spent thousands of dollars buying music in my lifetime, I realized a few days ago that I have never purchased ONE Southern Gospel recording. It surprised me to realize this. I was reading your column and it was another world to me. I don't know any of the artists by name, and I don't know any of the songs. I'm constantly in church, listening to radio, scanning the dial for Christian music, and I never stop at a station that has quality music on it that happens to be Southern Gospel. If I'm someone who is almost completely unaware of Southern Gospel Music, what hope is there for the rest of the world?

It's like you guys are an extended family – which is great – you know each other, you know about each other, you talk about each other, but the world is not something you seem interested in inviting into your little clique. If a person is not familiar with Southern Gospel Music, chances are they (like me) can live their entire lives watching TV, buying books, reading newspapers, shopping at Wal-Mart, and not even be AWARE that an industry called “Southern Gospel Music” exists. Why is this? Isn't the whole point of the Gospel to get it “out there”? Isn't there anybody in your industry who wants NEW customers, NEW fans, NEW blood? Evidently not. I'm being completely honest here, if I had not stumbled onto the Southern Gospel News website, I wouldn't know anything about Southern Gospel Music…it would be like Russian Folk Music or Himalayan Monk Chants…I would know that somewhere people were doing this music, but I wouldn't know where or why.

I've never had enough of an interest to purchase a Southern Gospel product. Could this be because there is never a moment in my daily life that anyone in Southern Gospel Music has ADVERTISED TO ME WHERE I MIGHT ACTUALLY SEE THE AD? Americans are used to being advertised to. Why do you only advertise to one another? It's worse than singing to the choir – you guys are paying to sing to the choir. Which brings me to my final perplexity…

#4 Are you interested in expanding your industry?

Maybe you aren't. Maybe you just like being a group of a few thousand people who know one another and sing to one another and advertise to one another. Some clubs want to stay small. Are you one of them? Do you honestly believe that the world is VERY excited about male quartets? Seriously, look at the media, look at TV, look at the record stores, there is a very small percentage of music being sold today by four men in matching outfits singing in harmony. Is it a sin to be a soloist? Is there something anti-scriptural about duets?

Look at the music industry. Not because we want to be like the world, but to see what the world likes. The world likes music. The world likes soloists…and duets…and on an occasion, a group. There are some POP male groups, but they don't last very long. The members soon branch out to solo careers. How many of the top selling CDs in America are four men singing harmony? Yet…Southern Gospel doesn't promote it's young soloists, or duos.

You'll be glad to know that I've read all your articles and I must compliment you on your writing. You seem to have a passion for your industry and for excellence. I pray that your peers will understand and be moved to action.

Please let me know if I can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Smith

My friends, the recent national election proved that many times the decision makers THINK they understand the masses…but they don't.

Our industry's direction is influenced by a handful of people who refuse to let go of the past. They make silly rules about who can sing and who can't. They refuse to allow new musical ideas and cater to artists that have long since passed their prime. The time has come to begin pruning our industry. Pruning causes growth. We should realize that there is a great big world out there that would love our music, especially if they heard some of our newest, brightest talent.

Mrs. Smith didn't have to take the time to write me but I'm sure glad she did. I realize that many will not agree with her, but I think it's about time we started talking about some of these things.

Perhaps it's time to re-package our grand old art form and get it out to the world.

What do you think?

I welcome your comments.

God Bless you,

Nick Bruno

Reader Comments

Think of all the Mrs. Smiths that might just LIKE this type of music if she had an incentive to check it out. Thanks Nick for your insightful articles.


Commented by Tim Beitzel On 12/03/2004
I'd like to add something to my other comment. If you look at country music of 1950 and then look at SG music of that day... SG resembled what was actually going on in the newly birthed rock and roll era. Elvis used the same format, he just changed the lyrics. Have you ever seen any of the old Statesman videos. I mean, those guys stood on piano stools, they had dance moves and it was cool. Country evolved from rhinestons. Rock evolved from the tenny bop sock hops. If you go back and review the Gaither videos from the Gospel Jubilee.... IT LOOKS THE SAME AS IT DOES TODAY! It is the same format AND the same hand gestures. (you know the one...the singer holds his hand up in front of him as if he is patting a child on the head) The music hasn't evolved into anything. I actually heard a new CD by a top quartet the other day and the funny thing was that you could have put the song on a cartoon.

Someone made a reference to Gerald Crabb. He studied the old Hinson and Goodman style singing and songwriting. He understood that lyrics are important. Hook-lines and flow are essential to great songs. The Crabb Family is also different than anyone else out there...and we wonder why the Grand Ole Opry keep asking them back? I attended a talent competition back when the Gaither Vocal Band were hot...every other male quartet had a Michael English and Terry Franklin wannabe.

In order to reach broader audiences, the producers of the format are going to have to stretch the envelope past trying to make most quartets sound like a broadway show.


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
The Gospel, whether in music form or word form is as sharp as a two edged sword to those who do not believe. Country and Rock music does not have that effect on listeners, therefore it is more widely accepted. Gospel music is a form of Worship for believers. Sadly there are more unbelievers out there than believers. I have found over the years, Christian people are so resentful of Gospel Groups making a living from their music, most seem to think it should be self supported. I once heard a Deacon in a church make the comment, "If I'm going to pay $20.00 for a ticket I'll go to a Country Concert, where I can see a star". It's that attitude that makes Southern Gospel Music struggle. Mrs. Smith - in my opinion - would be one of the many, if she saw an advertisement from a Gospel Group making a comment, "Well I knew they were just in it for the money".
I have heard this comment made over and over during my 40+ years of life and involement in SGM. People will praise the secular world for their hits, albums, stardom, but let a Southern Gospel Group use some of their methods of exposure and they are the first ones to ridicule.
If Mrs. Smith goes to her Christain Bookstore and has never seen a SG CD -- then I would have to ask just what type of "Christain Bookstore" does she frequent.
I will have to agree with some of the other opinions, she has other motives.
Our Church has Standard Hyms - Southern Gospel - Contempary music in it. Different people like different types of music. (usually by age)

I find the biggest problem with Southern Gospel Music is: A vast majority of proclaimed Christains will not support it. They prefer being at the Country or Rock Concert paying triple the costs for their tickets, than support the Gospel Minsitry.
Just as Mrs. Smith stated: She has never bought a Southern Gospel CD --- by her letter I would think her curoisty would grant at least 1 CD.

I also wonder, as a Christian, why she is attacking Southern Gospel Music. I have been involved with Music since I was 7 and started taking piano lessons, joing the band etc. Music as always been classified into groups.
Waltz's -- Country - Western - Rock - Classical - Standard or Traditional Gospel - Southern Gospel - Contemporary Christain - Christain Rock - Hip Hop - Rap - Easy Listening - Ragae - Rock & Roll - Big Band Sound - Broadway - Opera - etc.
If other music can have their names, why can't we. Yet another attack on the Gospel Ministry in my opinion.
Our Bible tells us we will know them by their works. Letters could be defined as works.
There are so many different sounds of Gospel Music out there and so many different groups, there is something for everyone. Let the people who like SGM such as me, enjoy SGM attacking out tastes. To each his own.
Why is someone so persistant on attacking a name?
If Mrs. Smith is a Christian and so "read" - but has never heard of SGM -- I would have to question just have "read" she is and where has she been, and just what type of music is she buying from this "Christian Bookstore"?

Southern Gospel Fan all the way!


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
In a way you are comparing apples to oranges. You said,

I find the biggest problem with Southern Gospel Music is: A vast majority of proclaimed Christains will not support it. They prefer being at the Country or Rock Concert paying triple the costs for their tickets, than support the Gospel Minsitry.

Country Gospel music has a bigger following than Southern Gospel. Contemporary even has a bigger following. I think one of the reasons people on the outside of SG don't support it is because they have 4 guys in thier own church who can sing better than most ppl on the radio.

This what I am about to say is the truth... You called SG music, worship music. 75% of the SG artist refer to what they are doing as a business. Most promoters will tell you, they don't want preachers on their stages, they want singers. SG is full of legalism to the fullest. The artists are molded into robots and not allowed to step out and explore what really ministers to people.

SG music had a better sound quality and overall appreance during the mid 1980's. WHY? Look at the Kingsmen of that day... They were different even though they were a quartet. Gold City was different. Heaven Bound sang harder than anyone and wrote great songs. The Hinsons stepped out there with Mercy Built a Bridge and to people of that day, it sounded contemporary.

The middle 80's was horrifying to the country world. Then in the late 80's a couple of guys like, Alan Jackson, Clint Black and an unknown at the time Garth Brooks practically changed the whole genre of music. When producers, writers and artits stop trying to pump out a "project" every 6 months and work on an album...SG music might be a force to reckon with.

This will be my final post about this issue unless my name is called.


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
Someone said If Mrs. Smith goes to her Christain Bookstore and has never seen a SG CD -- then I would have to ask just what type of "Christain Bookstore" does she frequent. Well, I think she shops in mine because the only SG music they sell is Gaither and I know I am not alone. I have visited family who have the same problem in their Christian Bookstore. Wal-Mart is a little better but even that is extremely limited. I also think she listens to the same radio station we have. They play music that sounds like grandpa jones and the wash-tub band and if they do play anything decent it is and old Blackwoods recording.

Mrs. Smith made some valid arguments. It's a shame that everyone doesn't have great radio and bookstores that carry good music, but it is reality.


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
This is a post to Janelle. I have found Janelle if you go to the owner of this store and request items they will start stocking. Most stores, whether clothing, grocery or whatever try to stock what they have a market for. Be heard!!!!
If you can't do it, start a campaign with people of your same tastes. If that doesn't work, tell them you'll just spend your money on Ebay, Half.com or check out the websites of the SGM Groups. Just some suggestions to help you guys get what you are looking for!

PS A lot of the songs you can listen in part to on the groups websites or half.com to get a sample of what you will be getting.

Good Luck and God Bless


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
Let's review some things about "Mrs. Smith"
1- She stumbled on to the sogospelnews website and before writing to Nick she had been reading his columns? Isn't that what she says? Her letter TO NICK was in response to some issues HE had rasied in his previous columns. THAT IS THE MOTIVE FOR HER WRITING. Do we have to be so offended so easily and look for deep, dark hidden motives? Nick encourages all of us to let him know what we think and it seems to me that in HER LETTER TO NICK, she was simply saying, "These are my observations"

2- She isn't writing anonymously. She wrote a letter TO NICK. She didn't write a column to all of us she wrote a PRIVATE letter to Nick. Evidently NICK felt that what she said to him in private should be read by all. If you have a problem with the content of her letter remember that Nick felt it needed to be heard by all, not Mrs. Smith. She agreed to let him publish her letter to HIM not us and chose not to have her name exposed. After seeing the anger directed at her by some of the previous posts, I'd have to say she used wisdom.

3- She seems genuinely perplexed that someone like herself who is in church a great deal is not familiar with a whole genre of gospel music.

4- She didn't criticize the name Southern Gospel Music but was giving a PRIVATE, PERSONAL opinion to Nick because HE ASKED FOR IT. I don't think she has a bias against things Southern, but was simply reminding us that 3/4 of the United States is NOT SOUTHERN. Wasn't she TELLING NICK something like, "calling yourselves Southern anything COULD BE making non-Southerners feel unwelcomed when she said "the name is very exclusionary".

5- She wasn't criticizing male quartets (or anyone for that matter) but in HER LETTER TO NICK she points out that most people don't choose male quartets as a favorite music. She seems astute enough to understand that WHAT YOU CALL YOURSELF is important. This could be why in one of the previous posts, the man in Washington state -THE NORTHWEST - couldn't get people interested in SOUTHERN gospel.

6- Her LETTER TO NICK was a polite way of saying IN RESPONSE TO HIS COLUMNS.. that maybe your industry needs to do a better job of getting your message out because if you're not reaching someone like ME and I'm a Christian who loves Christian music and is in church a high percentage of the time, then you need to change your tactics. She didn't say change your music, your heritage or the gospel. The genius of Bill Gaither is that he has found a way to get the music to the masses without changing the style, the message, the gospel or the people singing them music without having to label it anything but music that glorifies the Lord.

I cannot believe how close minded so many of us are. And I think we need to remember that she was writing a personal letter to a public colunist who asks for these letters.

Lighten up people. Lighten up.


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
One last thing. She didn't say she couldn't FIND SGM in her bookstore. She said that our industry was not creating enough of an interest in SGM for her to consider it WHEN she goes in to her Christian bookstore.

Read the letter people. Slowly. Read the actual words in the actual letter. She ISN'T attacking us. Only DEFENSIVE people feel attacked when someone offers an honest opinion.


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
Just a thought, I see A LOT of sgm groups expanding their opportunities by going with the Gaither Homecoming troop...... It is still their choice and a good one at that, talk about a awesome way to get known. in other words they are not hiding.

By the way everybody, its okay to have your own opinion as long as it agrees with mine! LOL (Kidding)


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
I think that Mrs. Lawrence is correct. I wonder what this poor woman, (if she is a woman) is thinking about the way we are attacking her. And some of us even doubting her existence.

Nick Bruno writes very straightforwardly on his own. So why would he make up a letter?
The best in my opinion comes from bigfan who says: The truth is, if we are 'ministers of the gospel', then what are we accomplishing evangelically if we can't reach the hurting people who need to hear it most? Luke 14:23 says that we are to "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled". If that means stepping out of my comfort zone for me, then so be it! Count me in


Commented by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/03/2004
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The Industry Formerly Known As Southern Gospel
Written: 12/01/2004
Author: Nick Bruno
Category: Monthly Articles , The Gospel Truth
Comments: 135
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