Comments on: A return to sensationalism http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music and culture Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: James Blackwood Jr http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-222 James Blackwood Jr Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:37:29 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-222 I just noticed a mention of some recently discovered recordings by my dad but I did not understand the comment, "Oh well…I guess I will just get back to wondering what they are going to do with all those James Blackwood recordings that were believed to be “forever lost”. The recordings which were referred to were never thought to be "forever lost". We didn't know they even existed. As far as I know there are not any other undiscovered recordings of my dad. But if there were you would not have to wonder about what "they" are going to do with them. The recordings would be released with the hope that the songs of this great gospel singer would continue to be heard and appreciated. He wasn't called "Mr. Gospel Music" without good reason. He lived and breathed gospel music. He was an humble man who was used of God and was also recognized with 31 straight years as a Grammy nominee and won 9 Grammys. He also won 7 Dove awards for top male vocalist. Sorry, I just couldn't help but brag on my dad a little. I just noticed a mention of some recently discovered recordings by my dad but I did not understand the comment, “Oh well…I guess I will just get back to wondering what they are going to do with all those James Blackwood recordings that were believed to be “forever lost”. The recordings which were referred to were never thought to be “forever lost”. We didn’t know they even existed. As far as I know there are not any other undiscovered recordings of my dad. But if there were you would not have to wonder about what “they” are going to do with them. The recordings would be released with the hope that the songs of this great gospel singer would continue to be heard and appreciated. He wasn’t called “Mr. Gospel Music” without good reason. He lived and breathed gospel music. He was an humble man who was used of God and was also recognized with 31 straight years as a Grammy nominee and won 9 Grammys. He also won 7 Dove awards for top male vocalist. Sorry, I just couldn’t help but brag on my dad a little.

]]> By: Gerry http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-151 Gerry Tue, 29 Aug 2006 04:00:36 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-151 God speaks to the artists if He wants them to say something specific, even if it is only for one person to hear. But, I agree with Lewis; when something sounds rehearsed and is said in the same place in the program night after night, I begin to doubt the sincerity of the artist. Along the same lines, I wonder about some artists who selectively share details. Kirk Talley's testimony comes to mind. The Crabb remarriages come to mind. Kenny Bishop comes to mind. And there are so many wives in SG that just seem to disappear. Why don't artists step up and talk about how God is helping them through those types of situations? God speaks to the artists if He wants them to say something specific, even if it is only for one person to hear. But, I agree with Lewis; when something sounds rehearsed and is said in the same place in the program night after night, I begin to doubt the sincerity of the artist.
Along the same lines, I wonder about some artists who selectively share details. Kirk Talley’s testimony comes to mind. The Crabb remarriages come to mind. Kenny Bishop comes to mind. And there are so many wives in SG that just seem to disappear. Why don’t artists step up and talk about how God is helping them through those types of situations?

]]> By: Geno http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-136 Geno Sun, 27 Aug 2006 05:44:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-136 J. W. After twelve previous messagies, I think that you said it best. J. W. After twelve previous messagies, I think that you said it best.

]]> By: JW http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-135 JW Sat, 26 Aug 2006 03:59:29 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-135 I'd rather just hear mostly singing. But, if anyone has to "share", please keep it brief. Nothing turns me off at a concert more than a long winded sob story. Some like shared misery, but it's a turn-off to me as I think the Gospel should lift you up. I don't know the answer as there is definitely an audience for the sob stories, but I suspect it turns off just as many. Maybe some singers who like to talk a lot should sit in the audience sometimes and see how we feel. I’d rather just hear mostly singing.

But, if anyone has to “share”, please keep it brief. Nothing turns me off at a concert more than a long winded sob story. Some like shared misery, but it’s a turn-off to me as I think the Gospel should lift you up.

I don’t know the answer as there is definitely an audience for the sob stories, but I suspect it turns off just as many. Maybe some singers who like to talk a lot should sit in the audience sometimes and see how we feel.

]]> By: Dee Ann Bailey http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-133 Dee Ann Bailey Fri, 25 Aug 2006 11:43:21 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-133 My daughter and I attend concerts every weekend almost. This summer at least every other weekend we have seen the Perrys in concert. During those concerts, less than 1/4-1/3 of those have I heard Libbi even say a word from stage. The times I have heard her though, after the concert I've heard folks come to the table and thank her for sharing. Often people believe those on stage don't understand what they are going through, they see the gospel singer (pastor, preacher, etc) as the 'perfect' example and at times allowing them to see the pain and problems that God has brought them through is an encouragement to them. Testifying of God's grace and mercy isn't saying you are more deserving, it is showing that even if you aren't deserving God can still bless. If you know much about Libbi's life you know that her testimony is more about God's grace to bring her through trials than about God delivering from trials. That is something we all need, God's grace to bring us through! Libbi is someone that people talk to, she is open and receptive so she may hear a few more of the 'stories' that as some of you put it 'grab the emotions' than some other artists. She also cares about the people who talk to her so she is more likely to share their needs and prayer requests with others. The Bible says 'bear ye one another's burdens' so it seems that she is doing what it says. You may find fault with that because we are all entiitled to our opinions, but I don't think you will find scriptural fault with it and that's the only standard that really matters anyway, isn't it? My daughter and I attend concerts every weekend almost. This summer at least every other weekend we have seen the Perrys in concert.

During those concerts, less than 1/4-1/3 of those have I heard Libbi even say a word from stage. The times I have heard her though, after the concert I’ve heard folks come to the table and thank her for sharing.

Often people believe those on stage don’t understand what they are going through, they see the gospel singer (pastor, preacher, etc) as the ‘perfect’ example and at times allowing them to see the pain and problems that God has brought them through is an encouragement to them.

Testifying of God’s grace and mercy isn’t saying you are more deserving, it is showing that even if you aren’t deserving God can still bless. If you know much about Libbi’s life you know that her testimony is more about God’s grace to bring her through trials than about God delivering from trials. That is something we all need, God’s grace to bring us through!

Libbi is someone that people talk to, she is open and receptive so she may hear a few more of the ’stories’ that as some of you put it ‘grab the emotions’ than some other artists. She also cares about the people who talk to her so she is more likely to share their needs and prayer requests with others.

The Bible says ‘bear ye one another’s burdens’ so it seems that she is doing what it says. You may find fault with that because we are all entiitled to our opinions, but I don’t think you will find scriptural fault with it and that’s the only standard that really matters anyway, isn’t it?

]]> By: Michael http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-119 Michael Sun, 20 Aug 2006 17:17:07 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-119 Debbie, I have been a fan of you and your families ministry for many year. But your comment to judge someones salvations was out of line. Since all this is done in writing you do not know the person that wrote this, since this country is made of different people with different beliefs he is entitled to think what he wants. You my sister were out of line by saying he was a disgrace to the Christian race and you would pray he would get saved. Debbie,
I have been a fan of you and your families ministry for many year. But your comment to judge someones salvations was out of line. Since all this is done in writing you do not know the person that wrote this, since this country is made of different people with different beliefs he is entitled to think what he wants. You my sister were out of line by saying he was a disgrace to the Christian race and you would pray he would get saved.

]]> By: Jo Jo http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-117 Jo Jo Sun, 20 Aug 2006 05:00:10 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-117 Although I will leave it to a higher power to decided what is or isn't Christian, I think I agree with Mr. Ezell. My family has experienced more tragedy that most any I know, but we don't choose to share it with a lot of people unsolicited as a demonstration of our faith or to gain a sympathetic ear. Actually, we are known in both our church and our community for the good things that we do and not the hardships that we have endured. To any group, I say do what you do best and what we are paying to see you do, sing. Although I will leave it to a higher power to decided what is or isn’t Christian, I think I agree with Mr. Ezell. My family has experienced more tragedy that most any I know, but we don’t choose to share it with a lot of people unsolicited as a demonstration of our faith or to gain a sympathetic ear. Actually, we are known in both our church and our community for the good things that we do and not the hardships that we have endured.

To any group, I say do what you do best and what we are paying to see you do, sing.

]]> By: Bert http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-116 Bert Fri, 18 Aug 2006 18:12:31 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-116 Publish them! I would be interested in what they have to say. Her sister didn't mind talkin', so why would Libbi? Publish them! I would be interested in what they have to say. Her sister didn’t mind talkin’, so why would Libbi?

]]> By: Debra Perry DeLong http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-113 Debra Perry DeLong Fri, 18 Aug 2006 17:45:37 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-113 In my comment when I said I guess Jesus was just trying to "GRAB" our emotions when he hung on the cross, bled, died and rose again so that we may have a better way. I guess for all the people who participate in Easter plays are doing it because they want to "GRAB" peoples emotions. If we didn't have emotions, we'd be like robots. Maybe you are a robot or maybe you go to a church where the praise and adoration of God is prohibited! In my comment when I said I guess Jesus
was just trying to “GRAB” our emotions when he hung on the cross, bled, died and rose again so that we may have a better way. I guess for all the people who participate in Easter plays are doing it because they want to “GRAB” peoples emotions. If we didn’t have emotions, we’d
be like robots. Maybe you are a robot or maybe you go to a church where the praise and adoration of God is prohibited!

]]> By: Debra Perry DeLong http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-112 Debra Perry DeLong Fri, 18 Aug 2006 17:40:02 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-112 This is to Mr. Ezell: I am Libbi Perry Stuffle's older sister, Debra. I want you to know that I think you are a shame to the the Christian race. How dare you slam my sister for sharing about things she's been through. People handle things in their own way. You don't know what she's been through and you never will. Sometimes we need to have our emotions "GRABBED" because we are full of dead mens bones! My sister has never used the stage to promote her loss but to share and to be an encouragement to others. Now, if you're offended, take it up with the Master!!!!! I guess Jesus shouldn't have shared his sorrows with people either. I guess HE was just trying to "GRAB" our emotions. People are jealous for the success that Libbi and the groups have had and I dare to say, you could walk a mile in her shoes. I'll remember you tonight when I pray and hope that you get save. Please don't ever let me meet you in person because I don't think you would be man enough to say those things to me, Libbi or Tracy face to face This is to Mr. Ezell: I am Libbi Perry Stuffle’s older sister, Debra. I want you to know that I think you are a shame to the the Christian race. How dare you slam my sister for sharing about things she’s been through. People handle things in their own way. You don’t know what she’s been through and you never will. Sometimes we need to have our emotions “GRABBED” because we are full of dead mens bones! My sister has never used the stage to promote her loss but to share and to be an encouragement to others. Now, if you’re offended, take it up with the Master!!!!! I guess Jesus shouldn’t have shared his sorrows with people either.
I guess HE was just trying to “GRAB” our emotions. People are jealous for the success that Libbi and the groups have had and I dare to say, you could walk a mile in her shoes. I’ll remember you tonight when I pray and hope that you get save. Please don’t ever let me meet you in person because I don’t think you would be man enough to say those things to me, Libbi or Tracy face to face

]]> By: Faith http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-95 Faith Fri, 11 Aug 2006 01:44:32 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-95 Where is Avery? I miss the old days of his nearly-daily writing. Where is Avery? I miss the old days of his nearly-daily writing.

]]> By: RF http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-76 RF Sat, 05 Aug 2006 23:15:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-76 This is one of the characteristics of the southern protestant church. Miracles and good things that happen to individuals are glorified and "all because of the Lord." I guess it's better to dwell on the good that the bad thing that happened that led to the "miracle," right? It all reminds me of a re-run of Little House on the Prarie, though. Bad things happen, but it all ends well. Church people like those stories, but I'd rather hear the music. JMO. This is one of the characteristics of the southern protestant church. Miracles and good things that happen to individuals are glorified and “all because of the Lord.” I guess it’s better to dwell on the good that the bad thing that happened that led to the “miracle,” right?

It all reminds me of a re-run of Little House on the Prarie, though. Bad things happen, but it all ends well. Church people like those stories, but I’d rather hear the music. JMO.

]]> By: Lewis http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-75 Lewis Sat, 05 Aug 2006 22:27:45 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-75 I hope that I'm not way too off topic here. But, I am a bit annoyed by people who cry and testify, the same testimony, at the very same point of the very same song at every concert. It's like it's rehearsed. I just don't like that. I hope that I’m not way too off topic here. But, I am a bit annoyed by people who cry and testify, the same testimony, at the very same point of the very same song at every concert. It’s like it’s rehearsed. I just don’t like that.

]]> By: Glenn Ezell http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-73 Glenn Ezell Sat, 05 Aug 2006 15:41:41 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-73 Obviously, I meant Libby Stuffle. Obviously, I meant Libby Stuffle.

]]> By: Glenn Ezell http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-71 Glenn Ezell Sat, 05 Aug 2006 02:39:18 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-71 Boy did you hit a chord with me. I actually think that their stories of how they were healed from cancer or how they were personally looked upon by God as being deserving, have to make those in the audience who were not so blessed feel badly. Like, "why wasn't my husband healed from his cancer, he was a God-loving christian man." Actually, Tracy Stuffle is one of the worst I have encountered over a lot of years, and I attend a siginificant number of concerts. I have never heard one of their concerts that she did not have a story that I guess is supposed to "grab your emotions". When she has received Singing News awards, she has done the same. One year it was her father, and one year it was some dying girl that she had contact with. I'm not saying that she is not sincere, I am just saying why not let your music be your ministry and speak for itself. One of my pet peeves is that most groups treat their audiences like they have never "known the Lord" before. 99.9% percent of these people are there because they are in fact rejoicing in the fact that they "know the Lord" and love that expressed through music. I love your perspective as I have told you once in the past. Boy did you hit a chord with me. I actually think that their stories of how they were healed from cancer or how they were personally looked upon by God as being deserving, have to make those in the audience who were not so blessed feel badly. Like, “why wasn’t my husband healed from his cancer, he was a God-loving christian man.”

Actually, Tracy Stuffle is one of the worst I have encountered over a lot of years, and I attend a siginificant number of concerts. I have never heard one of their concerts that she did not have a story that I guess is supposed to “grab your emotions”. When she has received Singing News awards, she has done the same. One year it was her father, and one year it was some dying girl that she had contact with. I’m not saying that she is not sincere, I am just saying why not let your music be your ministry and speak for itself.

One of my pet peeves is that most groups treat their audiences like they have never “known the Lord” before. 99.9% percent of these people are there because they are in fact rejoicing in the fact that they “know the Lord” and love that expressed through music.

I love your perspective as I have told you once in the past.

]]> By: Barb http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-67 Barb Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:06:57 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/03/a-return-to-sensationalism/#comment-67 You sure have a warped way of looking at things. I'm glad there are very few who are as thankless as you are. I'll never be back to this site. You sure have a warped way of looking at things. I’m glad there are very few who are as thankless as you are. I’ll never be back to this site.

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