Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music and culture
While I’m attending to life in the not-virtual world (and since you all seem sort of chatty lately), I thought I’d bring the open-thread concept to avfl as I’ve seen it used elsewhere. Here’s your chance to free associate, muse whimsically, let the spirit move you, … whatever.
Email this PostI just had the opportunity to hear a few of the songs off of the Crabb Family’s upcoming project “Letting Go” WOW!! I can’t wait to hear the whole thing - or for that matter to read Avery’s review. But in the meantime, run, don’t walk to your nearest Christian Bookstore next tuesday and grab the new CD from Todd Agnew - I think I had a flashback to Rich Mullins - and not just on the cover song. This open thread thing is great!
Street date on that new Crabb Family CD is September 11th.
What’s up with this? Why is a new CD comming out in September if they are retiring in August?
Or, is this CD comming from Adam and Terah, since they’re (as I remember) continuing on?
It’s just the way things go in the music world - sales are typically slow in the summer, so you don’t release a major artist like the Crabb Family has proven themselves to be during the slow months.
The 9/11 street date was probably chosen to not have to go head to head with Casting Crowns, Point of Grace, Caedmon’s Call and the 2 new Gaither Hymns projects on 8/28 and to go in as a double feature with the new Greater Vision CD “Everyday People” on 9/11.
It sounds like different combinations of vocalists were used, so I’m sure “Crabb Revival” will get good use out of this album, while still maintaining Jason’s star power so it is a bonafide Crabb Family CD.
All this is just conjecture on my part, but it makes good sense based on what little I know about marketing etc.
We just got back from Pigeon Forge and we were blessed to hear Triumphant Qt. That was the only show our son wanted to see and it was awesome. They have a great sound and their harmony is tight. I know it is different when you are “entertaining”, but, I would love to see/hear them in a church service. After the program was over, they mingled out in the lobby and talked with people. I’m sure they know alot of people that come and see them, but, I was truly blessed by them.
How was the attendance at the Triumphant concert in PG
C: Attendance was low. Maybe a 100, but, they only do morning shows accept for Sunday night which is 7:00 or 7:30. We were surprised at the attendance, but, I think there would be more people if they sang at night.
Why not have a subsitute host?
Could make a living doing it.
The subsitute host can fill in for Daniel Mount’s site from time to time.
It could be like an evangelist can says things that a local pastor wish he could say.
The evangelist does not have to stay at one place all the time to tend to the local flock.
I hope that they can continue with the PF gig.The Blackwoods are next door and attach breakfast to their show and they have very good attendence.
jb mentioned Triumphant. I just heard their new album, “Gotta Love It” for the first time. After the “Home Free” album, I continue to expect great things from them, but the last two albums have disappointed me. Anyway, they are a talented group and it bothers me that they are drawing so few at PF. I consider Scott Inman a rising star and twice the singer his Dad is.
Any of you Nashville folk catching the evening performances at Trevecca? Hope’s Call was supposed to perform tonight - somehow tied in to the Steve Hurst School of Music?
The Triumphant Show in PF is good but their name is not a draw to anyone but mainstream SG folks. That hurts when your in a big entertainment area. The Kingdom Heirs would have the same problem if they went outside Dollywood and had a free standing theatre. That free air-conditioned theatre helps crowds…Triumphant is a great group but I agree with RF–The song selection and arranging sometimes baffles me…
Scott Inman is a true gem in the SG industry. I know that he has a premier gig with a steady salary with Triumphant, but I’d love to see him branch out and sing with another group (not intended as a slight to Triumphant). Triumphant is just old school to me. Scott would have been an unbelievable addition to the Perrys, but it might have been a lateral move when you look at it (Perrys may be a group in higher prominence in the industry, but possibly less steady pay for Inman had he moved). I’m sure he enjoys singing with his dad. I just would like to see him with a group that does better material.
Gospel Music Fan, were you referring to a substitute host for Triumphant Quartet’s show, to free up their schedule, or for blogging?
What do you think of Daniel Mount and Dan Harrison going AWOL with their blogs?
I rather pick on them than Triumphant.
At least bloggers have a place to respond and okay for them to do so.
I wouldn’t expect Triumphant to respond because they are a first class organization with the focus in the right place.
It woul be in their style to stay above the fray in the blogging comunity.
Blogging!
What will the caption be over at Daniel Mount’s site when he goes to National Quartet Convention?
I can envision it now!
“Very Light,Light,Light Posting Alert”
After the NQC:
“Warning: Heavy Posting Ahead”
Subject change anyone? How about the latest on The Nelons? Is there a Nelons? Growing up, they were one of my favorite groups, but once Karen Peck left, they never really regained that sound. Kelly Benton was the closest thing, but didn’t last long. I’d be interested in hearing thoughts on this subject.
There may be The Nelons, but definitely no Nelons website. And no schedule of concerts on The Singing News. That’s really sad because I agree that they were a fantastic group in the “olden days.” I got to see them once with Stan Whitmire as pianist and then saw them a couple of times later with the great Martin Gureasko as pianist and James Gordon Freeze on bass. Man, they were just awesome! But now I wonder too if they’ve left the road or are just taking a break or what’s up.
GD: Evidently they have a new website “coming soon”. It has said that for some time now. I think it will be a hard climb back to where they use to be, but, I always enjoyed them. I really enjoy their daughter. Hope she continues to sing.
Call me fickle, but I have quit listening to groups and buying their merch after personnel changes, simply because the sound that attracted me no longer existed; but to me, the Nelons have always been good throughout many configurations.
As to what they are doing now, I don’t know, but there must be something in the works, per their website: www.thenelons.com
It’s been coming soon for a while now, though.
Speaking of lost groups, whatever happened to the Perry Sisters?
Anybody noticed that there is like NOTHING going on in the SG news world to blog about lately?
The Nelons are scheduled to sing at Pastor Bill Bailey’s church, Happy Gospel Center, in Bradenton FL this weekend. I’ll let you know . . .
Looks like they are redoing their website. I wish there was information on dates.
http://www.thenelons.com/
My favorite version of the Nelons was more recent - when Melody Williams was with them - loved that Christmas album and her version of “My Son or My Savior” was just awesome!
Its vacation time!
The only exciting thing in the summer are the street meetings, campmeeting time and tent revivals.
GMF,
You brought back memories with your post. I remember when I lived in the midwest several summers the Speer Family would come to the Nazarene Campgrounds outside Des Moines for revival meetings, outdoors in the open-air tabernacle. I had enjoyed them in various concert hall venues for years before that but experiencing them in that setting just seemed ‘right’. And they were right at home too. Thanks.
Hello from Australia.
Your web site is excellent.
Could you please give me a brief run down on what happened to “Homeland?” I purchased many of their soundtracks in the early ’90s and found them to be of good quality.
Thank you, David L.
The Nelons are awesome! I thought they had the best sound and best arrangement of songs. Not to mention jump starting many female singers careers.
Regarding the Nelons, I, too, grew up listening to them. They were my favorite group (and still are). If they recorded something now, I would go and buy it. I emailed Kelly a few weeks ago regarding their “upcoming” new website. I asked her if that meant they would be traveling again. She said she would like to and join her in prayer about it. She and Jason both work at their church and the school. I’m assuming that traveling would take too much time away from their jobs. Kelly also sent out an email recently to those on the mailing list. It didn’t mention concert dates, but did mention the completion of their newest project. They are also working on a project with their choir to be used by other church choirs. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see them performing again. Thanks!
I forgot to list the parking lot meetings.
We even have one going on Saturday night at the K-Mart parking lot in Robertson County in Tennessee.
I saw the the VBS listed in the event before the parking lot meeting.
I wonder how many super nannies would a church need to have a VBS in a parking lot?
Add to previous post:
http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/MTCN0303/307110065/1306
Wow free shots…..
1.) Janet Paschal’s latest album, “Sounds Like Sunday” is excellent but would you classify it as SG? I had a listener rant about “Mysterious Ways” not being SG. They also hit the Hoppers new song, “Waiting For My Ride”. The intro with the effects was offensive.
2.) Why don’t the Whisnants get the respect due to a group that has seven number one songs in the last 5-6 years?
3.) SG radio is often sited as the reason for all of the problems in SG music so …..What makes a good SG radio station and who are the role models? There has to be more than just JOYFM.
Just things that are on my mind in a slow season.
David Lamb,
Homeland went “belly up” a number of years ago financially. They, at times, had a very impressive lineup. However, even having some additional investors get involved didn’t save it. The Cathedrals were the first group to sign and did several projects with them - at the time Bill Traylor was Glen Payne’s son-in-law.
On the other hand, I hear Homeland is back in operation now but I’m not sure if Bill Traylor is involved or not or how operational it is at this point.
Ben Speer and Otis Forrest were two of the main guys with Homeland. Otis’ (the gentleman sporting a ponytail who conducted the orchestra on Gaither’s Kennedy Center video) wife passed away a while back and he hasn’t done a great deal of arranging since. I don’t recall if there was a cause/effect relationship between his hiatus and the folding of the company, but it would stand to reason that, considering the caliber and quantity of work he did (including the rather extensive Homeland soundtrack series), Speer may have made the decision to hire no replacements and to instead focus his own energies on the Gaither series alone.
Regarding Homeland, I think they are making a comeback but I’ve not heard much about it. Check out: http://www.homelandentertainmentgroup.com
GospelMusicFan: why sit out in the parking lot in the heat this Saturday night when you can come sit in a nice air conditioned sanctuary and hear The Melody Boys from Little Rock, AR? lol
check my website.
Dixie Echoes and Perry’s coming soon!
hmmm..CORRECTION…Saturday the 21st! not this week. my bad.
Did anyone attend the Steve Hurst Music School in Nashville this week? I heard that Mark Trammell Trio performed there last night and I think Hope’s Call is on tonight.
Any reports/reviews?
Singing News Magazine is asking people to submit “praise report” short stories (600 words or less) testifying of God’s healing, provision, etc.
Apparently these submissions will be featured in the magazine and could become part of a soon to be published book.
I hear that NQC is planning a “50th Anniversary Celebration” for this years convention in September.
Anyone have any details on this?
Why I think SG radio should NOT play EHSS new single Get Away Jordan:
I just recived the Rick Hendrix comp with EHSS new single Get Away Jordan. I’m sure they must be aware that that song is a signature song for the Dove Brothers. This is one of many reasons SG radio is not getting better. I hope no one misuderstands me on this. I have nothing against EHSS. This is a classic example of something that doesn’t happen often in other genre’s, just SG. For example, Rasall Flatts hasn’t recorded “Elvira”, I’ve never heard anyone sing “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” on the radio except The Charlie Daniels Band. This is a big flaw in a lot of SG radio including XM’s Enlighen. We should never play the Midnight Cry by any one except Gold City on SG radio. I don’t care how great Billy Bob down the street sings it. Now I realize Get Away Jordan has been recorded by other artists, but no one has made it as popular as the Dove Brothers in recent years. Come on Ernie, I’m sure you’ve got some other songs you could send to radio. I’m sure there will be some varying opinions on this, I’m just telling you why I won’t be playing it.
Randy Catoe
General Manager
100.9 The Cross WSTS
www.wstsfm.com
Still on The Nelons: I drove up to Bryson City on the 30th just to hear the Nelons. I really enjoy hearing them sing. They brought along the pianist from their church and from what I understand, he travels every where with them. They opened with the Lighthouse, just them and piano. Jason sang the first verse and Amber took the lead on the Chorus just as I had figured with her being the high voice. Then the key was raised and Jason sang the second verse and then Kelly took the lead on the second chorus and Amber sang some high harmony. I guess you’d have to be there to get the full affect.They sang their version of the National Anthem, and Kelly sang the Sun’s Coming Up. They done a lot of songs with just piano such as All That Matters, they do it so worshipful!And ended their first set with We Shall Wear A Robe, and I just think that Amber puts her all into her singing, espically when she takes the lead On We Shall Wear A Robe.
Randy:
This has been a major practice in secular music, or least it was in the late 50’s and early 60’s. At one time there were two versions of the instrumental “Raunchy”–one by Bill Justis and another by Billy Vaughn on the same chart–goth in the top 10! In fact, Vaughn had many gold and platinum records by covering others’ hits. The same could be said for Pat Boone and others who covered black hits and made them “acceptable” to a white audience back in the 50’s.
Songs are songs and I enjoy hearing others renditions of them, but like you say, only Gold City does “Midnight Cry” like I like it. I imagine Ernie’s record company is pushing “Get Away,” not Ernie.
Randy, I’ll personally bring my copy of Signature Sound’s “Get AwaY Jordan” to your station and destroy it on the air when every tenor and his daddy stops singing “Oh What A Savior”, a song that Haase brought back 18 years ago and made his own. In 1990, only Ernie and Rosie were doing this song. In 2007, about 80-90% of them are trying it. I’m not going to name all of the tenors who attempt “Savior”….it would be easier listing the tenors who don’t sing it!
While I would probably enjoy “Get Away Jordan” in person, the song is way too redundant for me pesonally and my boys, who love EHSS, ask me to move it forward whenever it begins to play on the cd. If I were able to listen to quality radio play in Dallas the radio station would probably be changed when this particular song comes on and I know SG doesn’t need that.
Ransomed happens to do “Oh What A Savior”, but only because it is requested by our audiences. Because of where we are located, very little SG is played and we can do any song of our choosing and almost never have the negative feedback of “so and so” did that. What we try to do is perform no number one hits until after they are nearly out of circulation, usually three to five years as a rule. Most of what we do is non-released songs that deserve a hearing and groups or labels chose not to release them for one reason or another.
Where do I send our current projects to in order to get a hearing and see about getting with a promoter? I’m not into the contests which seem to be a way of that promoter generating revenue. I rarely hear of anybody who won a contest and is now singing even on a regional level.
On the EHSSQ thing:
True, the record company is probably pushing releasing “Get Away Jordan” to radio, but EHSSQ is currently on their “Get Away Jordan” summer tour, and they do that song every night. It probably makes the most sense for them to release that song to radio, and they still have plenty of time to release others; their next project isn’t due out till fall of 2008.
Since we’re free-associating here, I’m going to change the subject again.
I just bought a CD by a group who recorded one of my songs. This is my first song to be cut by a label artist and it sounds great! The CD released recently and the group did a really nice job on the song. It’s a great feeling to hear a song you’ve written (co-written actually) on a project with songs by top-tier writers. So without giving myself away, would everyone please go out and buy a copy of all the CDs released in May? Chances would be good you bought the CD with my song on it…
Thom, I did not hear the Mark Trammel Trio at Steve Hurst’s music school, but I heard them the next night in Greenwood, IN. Hurst wasn’t there and they sang with tracks except for a few numbers on which Dustin Sweatman accompanied on the piano.
I would say they were not well received by the crowd (?) of about 250. There is no question the audience was more enthusiastic when Sweatman was playing than when the tracks were used. The volume on the tracks was either too low (most of the time) or too loud, as is typical of track accompaniment. In addition, it sounded like they were singing at the top of their lungs on every number.
One has to ask why they bother to bring Steve Hurst or use tracks when Sweatman can accompany so well. It would be the financially most profitable way to go, and improves their sound (compared to tracks - haven’t heard them with Hurst).
A local group by the name of the Woodsman Quartet opened for them and had the crowd on their feet. I believe you will hear a lot from them, but Trammel and company put them to sleep.
**In regards to the Perry Sisters. They have retired due to Diana Gillettes health issues. She and niece Tammy are active in their church choir, to my knowlege, but don’t do any extensive traveling. They put out some great music over the years and are greatly missed.
**Nelons: In my opinion, when Rex passed, the heart of the group was gone. They have had some good music since then, but they have lost that “special something” that they had been known for.
**EH&SSQ “Get Away Jordan”: Why not play it? Does anybody really realize how often groups single a song that another group has done? Right now the Booth Bros. have a Kingsmen classic, Palmetto State Quartet are riding a tune made famous by Danny Funderburk & Mercy’s Way, and Gold City’s new release is a gem from Teddy Huffam, just to name a few.
**Radio stations…where do I begin? (sigh) The biggest problem that plagues SG radio is music/programming directors. If a radio station has a “play ‘em all” attitude, well, that station will sound junky….kinda like a flea market. If you listen to any secular station, you will NEVER hear low-budget, second tier, “we-got-a-bus-so-we-must-be-good” sounding groups on those stations. Play great music by great sounding groups, and you’ll have a great radio station.
Great thought about O What A Savior. I was about to bring that up too when I read the comment about Get Away Jordan. However, I much prefer the Dove Brothers version to EHSS. Even though I agree that at least that the top tier groups should leave O What A Savior alone (unless perhaps they do a classics album or something) it does seem a bit soon for someone else to do it since
it is still one of the Doves hits and they were the ones who brought it back.
Although I wasn’t around for much of the sixties, things were worse as far as hits. Back then the industry was more song driven than artist driven. My understanding is that it wasn’t unusual at all for several groups to sing the same song at the same concert. The Oaks and Blue Ridge had I Know on the charts at the same time, the Oaks and Inspirations (I think) and Lord knows who else had Jesus Is Coming Soon. There were several more.
The closest we may have come to that was recently with Gold City, Legacy Five and The Talleys all recording Truth Is Marching On. However, I don’t know that all released it as singles at least.
Thanks, Joe — I was just wondering why all their CDs are Out of Print, but I guess without touring, there’s not a lot of point to doing radio or keeping the albums around.
I’ll admit that when I first heard SSQ do “Get Away Jordan”, I groaned out loud…it was at a concert and my friend sitting next to me heard it….LOL. I like the fact that the Signature Sound version is somewhat different, more of a black gospel sound…bass and tenor featured instead of baritone and lead. I would have released “He’s My Guide”, a much better song. “Get Away Jordan” is never going to be one of my favorites even though the Doves and SSQ both sound good doing it.
Oh wow!! I came in from a swim and found this little present. I consider Randy Catoe one of my dearest friends,we go back many years in the biz together. So, the next few lines are strictly business.
Many songs have been cut and recut over the years.
Inspirations ” I Want us to be Together” taken from Principles, and Singing Cookes. I’ll save the list-because it goes a mile long.
I am glad no one said this about the Dove Brothers when they recorded the signature song of The Statesmen which was”Get Away Jordan”- This may have been the Dove Brothers self proclaimed signature song. This song is like trying to claim “Amazing Grace” as a signature song. It has been recorded literally 70,000 times. Its a song for everyone and anyone. I guess the good question is -
WHY did we single this song?Stay with me-because it gets long. But, I promise you-when your finished reading this- “YOU too will call and request “Get Away Jordan”
WHY we singled “Get Away Jordan”?
1- “Get Away Jordan” has been taken to the masses again.And I am not here to belittle our market-I LOVE southern gospel music. I am a fan and junky of this genre.But, all of the versions recorded and released in the past 25 years, have been scratching the surface of listeners and audiences. “Get Away Jordan” is now being played in every corner of the world. The title
“Get Away Jordan” and project by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound has broken all southern gospel and quartet records by landing # 1 on all Christian Charts in Billboard Magazine, and debut # 1 on the rock,country,pop,jazz,blues music video charts above Creed, the Eagles, Metallica and MaDonna.Fans of all ages and genres of music are now singing “Get Away Jordan” So, that alone is a good enough reason. BUT, there is more.
2-Dove Brothers, Jessy Dixon, Take 6 and the list of thousands that have recorded this song, may have recorded it due to its energy, style or fun spirit. But, if any of you would go back and listen to WHY Ernie Haase recorded this song and what it means to him, you would wholeheartedly understand why this record is now receiving such smash airplay at radio. Ernie Haase recorded this song as tribute to the legendary George Younce.He didnt do it to offend anyone or to take from anyone! He recorded it because it helps him fill a void. When he looks across the stage and no longer sees George, he can sing it to the top of the rafters. Anyone that goes back and listens to Ernie Haase sincerity and admiration for George Younce passing and the real meaning of “Get Away Jordan” to him, would have released it to radio as well.
3- Even though most Americans are driven to tv and the Internet more than ever, a huge following gets their music from radio. So, radio is still an incredible vehicle to expose and offer testimonial, new fresh hot renditions of songs like this.So for the millions of you that have seen and heard “Get Away Jordan” by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound on television, I first wanna say , THANK YOU”- What you all experienced on film, the radio world has yet to hear and experience. So, for all of the people that have yet to hear or experiance this version, and its testimony to the legendary George Younce-Prepare to cry, priase the Lord, run around the room and be glad that someone looked past all of this to see you. (The hurting person that needs to be uplifted, not by a political system.Not by a boycott of a song. But, to let you feel what happened that night-when God moved “Get Away Jordan” into the millenium.
On a final note- I am glad OLE man Ford didnt keep the car for himself and his circle of friends- or we would be walking!
I am glad Alexander Bell didnt just make the phone to contact his family and circle of friends- or I would have missed many conversations with my mother and friends.
And on a final note. I am glad the Dove Brothers didnt scream and fuss when Ernie Haase recorded “Get Away Jordan” because folks the wheels have just been put to the road.And the circle of fans and friends of this song- have begun to grow from a state to a country and into a world.Why? Because a few didnt claim it, own it and not let it go.
Rick Hendrix
And that’s the rest of the story!
Hats off to Rick Hendrix.
There’s a song that about to crack the Top 40, “Jesus Walks Down Main Street” written by Pauline Patterson and sung by Latter Glory. Problem is this actually a song put out in 1989 as “Up In Chicago” by a group called the Sound (Remember Them ?) and the songwriters listed is James Payne & Mike Payne. My question is doesn’t James & Mike have to be credited as songwriters ?. All Pauline did was change the title and city from Chicago to Atlanta !. The tune is the same !!!! So in all honesty James & Mike should be credited
Randall
And that’s true song stealing. That’s the direction it always seems to go. So many people worry about their newly written Gospel song being stolen and it’s almost always the Gospel music community stealing from other genres and not giving (or getting) the proper credit. You can not legally change a few words from a secular song and make it Gospel then claim you wrote it. All you did was take the original song and change a few words. That’s a different arrangement of the original song. The original writers/publishers are the ones who should be credited with it. Unless permission is sought and given from the original owners, the only time such a thing is legal is if the original song is in the public domain.
Randall, as I remember “Up In Chicago” by the Sound(and featuring Scott Fowler IIRC), the second verse talked about somebody “down in Atlanta”. In other words, the “new writer” didn’t change it much at all.
Rick, thanks for reminding me about Take 6 doing “Get Away Jordan”. Their rendition was great. I still like “He’s My Guide” better….LOL.
This is for all the DJs. I have learned to live with you guys talking over song intros. We all have bad habits…some of us smoke, some of us gossip, I tend to overeat, and most SG DJs are addicted to talking over song intros. I have learned to love and accept you folks in spite of this infirmity.
However, I WILL NOT accept any DJ stepping on the vocals! This is an insult to the artist, songwriter, and listener! The other day, a local afternoon DJ was playing “I Will Find You Again” by the Perrys and didn’t stop flapping his gums until Libbi was on the line “I know you’re some place better…” It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard that, but it was the worst it’s ever been. It took every last ounce of Christianity that I had not to punch the radio! It was also the LAST time that I’ll ever hear a DJ on that station do that. I’ll stick to CDs, cassettes, etc. in the car from now on and not bother with that station.
New topic. I heard a few cuts from Mark Bishop’s new CD on Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats today. He’s got a song on there called something like “Mean, Mean People”. The chorus sounds like James Taylor’s song that starts “Whenever I see your smiling face, I have to smile myself because I love you”……….
Rick, I understand Get Away Jordan not being any one person’s song, but it never really hit for anyone since the Statesmen (as far as I know) until the Doves. Too, the Doves version is not that old.
Of course they don’t own it, and of course Ernie has a right to record it. It is great it is getting heard places it may not have otherwise and it is great that Ernie has a great reason for wanting to sing it.
As far as Ernie’s CD doing so well, of course EHSS are popular and doing well. However, many of Gaither’s projects hit high like that and outsell mainstream artists. You want to know why? Besides the fact that many do buy the stuff, Gaither has a huge market and people will buy about anything he puts out. He is a genius businessman and there is demand for it. However, part of these selling so well is the publicity, part is his distribution and infomercials and a big part if getting DVD’s and CD’s both in packages for a very good price from Gaither himself. Even prices in Christian bookstores have come down. When started a vhs itself was $30. and CD around $16. Gaither sometimes sells new ones in double packs with 2 CD’s and 2 DVD’s for roughly $50-$60.
As good as EHSS are, their numbers would have not been near as high without Gaither. No question about it.
That is not to dismiss their talent, but to show that apples and oranges comparisons are not a great way to look at things.
“Mean, Mean People”….”Mad Mary”……Grigs raving like lunatic about DJs….
Whatever happened to “Peace In The Valley”?
Yeah, I know…he left the Kingsmen and went solo….
I recently saw Triumphant. They were excellent. Clayton looked very distinguished with his grey hair. I was wondering if Scott got married earlier this year. He was engaged at one time to be married in March 2007 but he was not wearing a wedding ring when I recently saw him.
Good post by Rick Hendrix. I appreciate you stopping by to tell us something we needed to hear.
AS for Janet Paschal’s “Sounds Like Sunday.” whether it is sg or not, it’s a wonderful album and will stay on my i-Pod for a long time. There’s nothing as timeless as the old hymns, and the fact that we have no appreciation of them worries me a lot.
Grigs,
Talking over song intros for radio DJ’s is what we like to call . . . good radio. Keeping the program moving is a good thing. In fact, in broadcast school they teach that as a technique, called posting. The perfect post has you end your comments just before the singing starts. That’s why on compilation CD’s, sometimes the time for the intro is listed.
On the other hand, talking over the vocals is as bad as talking over the intro is good - I agree with you totally there.
Speaking of EHSSQ: Has anyone heard what Roy Webb is doing now or is it still a big secret?
2 things:
A friend of mine, Jim Buckner, hosted a radio program,(”Gospel Memories with Jim Buckner”) on Christian radio station in Canton, Ohio. (unfortunatelly, WTOF is gone now and he is out of that job.)
He played all the great Southern Gospel groups from the 1940’s through the 1970’s.
Jim was THE PERFECT example to radio DJ’s, PEROID ! He kept the program flowing smoothly, yet always took time to introduce EVERY song, sometimes at the beginning and the end. Jim gave info about what year a song was recorded, what radio station program or record the song was cut on, and even who was singing with the group on each cut.
Jim put every DJ today to shame.
Also, last night I was listening to a station comming home from one of the long weekends that we singers are acustomed to. The DJ played “If God Be For Us” from Gold City, then “Remember Who He Is” by Mark Bishop, then played a GREAT song from Martina McBride called “Anyway”. That is 10 times the song that “Jesus Take The Weel” was, and “Long Black Train” dosen’t even belong in a list with this song. (The LBT should have NEVER been in existence in the first place,but I’ve heard every yo-yo that can’t carry a tune singing it, so I HATE IT!! Is it just me, or do others think that this is a stupid song????)
To get back on track,,,,, I was mezmorized by the production quallity of “Anyway”. The pro SG material played minutes before sounded awfull in comparison, and after “Anyway”, they went back to the usuall junk found on SG radio.
My point, where has the desire for quality radio gone?
Hey, did y’all hear the big news? Jeanette Cooke’s mailman’s grandfather stubbed his pinky toe. The press release is up on sogospelnoose.com.
They say these come in threes.
Does anyone know what is up with “Three Bridges?” It was reported that 2 of them had quit and only Elliott McCoy was left. On the BSA website it still shows them carrying on a full schedule.
Are they off or on?
Three Bridges hired Eddy Bolton for one of the spots - don’t know about the other.
thom,
Check out avery’s post and subsequent comments from June 12th - that should clarify or muddy things for you.
Mr Hendrix,
I commend you for your civility in this post and of course you will be reluctant to bite the hand that feeds you. Otherwise I’ll limit my comments to a “yeah, right” and leave it at that.
QN,
The desire for good SG radio is still out there - I think we’ve lowered our expectations in an attempt to keep from being further disappointed.
There is a rash of “positive country” out there with very questionable theology ie. “One Wing in the Fire” “Me and God” “Love You this Much” — but that’s not their job now, is it?
Doug,
We’re spiraling out of control! Help!
just throwin it off topic again….but i saw the crabbs this past weekend and they are selling pre release copies of their new cd. No art work, just a cd with a sleeve….its good….very diverse musically. Even better, it has the band instrumental
Ellis just stuck another pencil in the ceiling.
Anybody been reading songwriter Joel Lindsey’s blog lately? It’s about the best thing on the web right now. Great stuff.
Eddy Bolton from the former Calvary Construction Company? SOunds like a good choice to me. He’s a great singer. Who fills the 3rd slot?
Hi guys,
Just a few comments on several previous posts. First, I disagree with the poster who hoped Scotty would “move up” to a group like the Perrys. Who made Top 5 Group of the Year this year? Yup, Triumphant. Who didn’t? Yup, the Perrys. hmmm….
“Get Away Jordan’s” being released to radio? I mean no disrespect but I really can’t stand their version. It’s also already gotten its bang with the Dove Brothers not so long ago. When are they gonna single “Didn’t It Rain…?”
what is the web site for Joel Lindsey’s blog?
To post #71. I agree with you on your comment’s to R.Hendrix..”Yeah Right”….that is exactly my feelings regarding his comment as to EH and his sentimental blatherings about G.Younce. I could go on but there really is no point in it, I do appreciate RH’s loyalty to his client, and of course the hand that helps to feed him.
Yes, Eddy Bolton from the Calvary Construction Company. No word on the lead spot yet.
SG radio could be greatly improved if it paid anything. Once again, listeners and artists want to hear jocks that are every bit as good as they hear on secular radio, but they want to pay them minimum wage.
That’s not the only problem with SG radio, of course, but it would be a great first step. From there, bring quality music to the table. Great sounding radio stations don’t play every artist who puts out a song. If you listen to a country or rock station, the rotation is very limited. They play what’s new, what’s hot and what’s an absolute listener must have. Most SG stations play just about everything.
Raise the standards and you’ll get the quality.
Joel Lindsey’s blog is found at: http://thistlelane.spaces.live.com/
It’s amazing how tales get told so many times that the people telling those said tale actually begin to believe them.
Salty #82…Meaning What Exactly?
Is salty talking about Rick Hendrix? or sg radio…or maybe—–Young Harmony?
Topic change in “OPEN THREAD”
“Avery”,
Do you or have you ever done any trading? As in stocks, commodities, the Russell or the S&P?
RE: Post #80 by FormerDJ and the whole conversation about SG radio:
I’ve read the complaints about SG radio and some of the reasons for its sorry state, along with some of the suggestions offered to try and improve it. Most of them make sense, at least in the context in which they’ve been put forth. But the reasons why SG radio is suffering are deeper and more systemic. As someone who’s worked in radio, the music business and television (both Christian and secular, though not SG specifically) since the late 70’s, I’d like to share a couple of thoughts.
First, the entire nature of radio has evolved greatly in the last 15 years. Yes, it’s still, regardless of format, about communicating with listeners one person at a time and the basic rules of good programming still apply, but two larger forces are at work: first, radio listenership is down overall, for many reasons; second, the business of radio has changed dramatically.
Taking the second thought first, there used to be a lot of medium and small-market stations that were viable because costs were relatively low, there was little competition for the listener’s ear and ad dollars (in the case of commercial stations) were not that hard to come by. Most stations were privately owned or parts of very small group owners. They knew their communities and ‘localism’ was natural. The quality of announcers and programming varied of course, but overall, it wasn’t an insurmountable task to get a station on the air and keep it running.
With the growth of consolidation trends since the early 90’s along with the lack of new FM frequencies being allocated by the FCC, the small-town station is becoming a rarity. The large group owners, having consumed the best signals in the major markets, are now targeting medium-size markets, even small markets in some cases. Granted some, like Clear Channel, have recently divested some of their properties in order to meet shareholder demands for greater profits, but the damage has been done. The landscape of radio has been altered and it will never return to the way it used to be. Salem Communications, which is a publicly-traded Christian-based media company, owns about 100 stations. They’re into print, internet content and operate a nationally-syndicated news network (SRN). None of their stations offer a SG format even though they own properties in markets that would demographically be receptive to that programming. Do they do a good job? They make money. But ask most industry people (or even consumers) what they think of the changes they’ve made in CCM Magazine and the response is generally negative. It remains to be seen what they’ll do with Singing News.
My point on that is that the business environment is so different these days than how it used to be, that it’s hardly economically viable to operate a good quality, profitable SG station. FormerDJ is correct in his assertion that one of the biggest hinderances is the lack of competitive salaries in the field. In my work in Christian radio (again, not SG specifically but I know the norms are the same) there has only been one instance in which I was paid a salary competitive with our secular counterparts in the market. The notion, which is often sincere but sincerely misguided, is that the staff is “doing it for the Lord”, thereby through some twisted logic I fail to understand, low salaries, substandard equipment and subpar performance expectations are the norm. Ironic isn’t it? Could some pay more? Sure. Could most? No.
If you look at the non-commercial Christian networks and formats, they sometimes pay better salaries and sometimes are more developed in their programming and facilities, but even they are subject to the whims of a fickle audience that votes with their dollars every time there is a fundraising event. Commercial or non-commercial, radio is a hard business to get into or operate successfully these days.
My first point, that listenership is down, is a function of societal changes. Years ago radio was a viable entertainment option alongside television. With the growth of the internet in the 90’s, along with, first Walkmans, then the iPod and now webcasting and music downloading, radio’s share of the listener market has seen a significant reduction. Sure, there will always be people who listen; but fewer younger people (the most desirable demographic from a sales standpoint) are growing up listening to radio; the boomers are fiddling with their iPods; and the older listener (in Arbitron terms, 45+), which would be SG’s biggest potential audience, has tuned out. They don’t like AC or CHR Christian radio; even inspirational formats for dying for lack of good product to play. The industry is drowning in a sea of marginal, sound-alike P&W music. I read this week of a station that brought in 15 listeners for an initial focus group meeting and in the course of getting acquainted, 4 of the women indicated they only listen online at their offices. They don’t even own radios in their homes, not even a clock radio.
So what will it take for SG radio to get better? First let me say, I’m not sure it will. I’m certainly no expert. But anyone who reads this blog and who works in the industry, either as an artist, writer, publisher, media person, label exec, whatever - knows the problems are multi-layered and complex. Money? Absolutely. But even if God dropped $10 million dollars in the hands of a SG station owner, they’d have to know what to do with it to build a better radio station. And sadly, I don’t think most do. Not because they don’t want it; but because, unlike their secular counterparts, they’ve never had to be truly competitive, thus their mindset tends to run in the ‘we’ve always done it this way’ vein. There are sincere people working in SG radio; but some of them are sincerely awful at what they do. In a way, it’s not their fault; the performance standards are often lower than in secular radio and as FormerDJ said, the low pay makes talented Christians look elsewhere for employment. And if you don’t have a station that is fully digital, with top-flight production racks, automation and integration systems, forget it.
Good people on-air, in production and promotions and marketing are essential. You have to have management with a vision and experience; a program director and/or operations manager who can see the big picture and yet have attention to the dozens of details that are required every day, not only for programming and staffing but in areas of FCC regulation, compliance and engineering.
I haven’t mentioned the product yet. I’ve been a SG fan for 36 years; I know the ups and downs of the business and the cycles that companies and groups go through. In many ways, I don’t think the quality of writing or production has ever been better (even allowing for nostalgic relative comparisons, say the best of 1977 vs. the best of 2007). There are as many or more groups out as ever before and certainly no lack of product. But having said that, is there enough good product to warrant airplay even 18 hours a day (allowing 6 hours for Brother Billy Bob and The Holy Gunrack Baptist Church broadcasts, etc.)? I don’t think so. Take the top acts - there are probably 30-40 core artists that could be programmed. There would be another 15-25 that would be secondary artists. Mix together the current songs along with recurrents, some oldies for flavor and the occasional country-crossover cut and you’re going to be stretching to create enough hours of viable, saleable programming. 168 hours a week doesn’t sound like a lot of time to fill but good programming isn’t about filling time; it’s about creating a musical tapestry that meets the goals of building cume and time-spent-listening. Good programming resonates, relates and creates a response.
I’d love nothing more than to see a viable SG radio station or even network be developed; one that had the resources to do things the right way; using best industry practices, hiring good people, paying them well and developing meaningful, entertaining programming. (By the way, don’t kid yourself. It isn’t about evangelism; that only happens as a tangental side-effect of the programming, which is entertainment and ‘ministry’ to believers.) But there are a lot of factors working against that happening. I don’t agree with those who say SG radio is an “embarrassment” or something to apolgize for. I just think a lot of it is not very good.
Sorry to hog the mic…
Re: Scott Inman
I agree with Tyler (post 76). A move for Scott Inman from Triumphant to the Perry’s might be a move over, but it would not be a move up.
I don’t think it’s so much due to Fan Awards nominations, though.
The advantage of being a member of Triumphant is the steady work they have at home.
Would you rather sing 20-25 dates per month with eight nights spent away from home each month as Triumphant typically does, or would you prefer to spend virtually EVERY weekend out of town with four nights being the typical minimum per week away from your own bed?
Exactly. Thanks David.
Changing the subject again..
Does anyone here know the reasons why Jake Hess left his group, the Imperials??
I’ve always wondered why he left the Statesmen in the first place to form a group that he eventually left.
Speaking of The Crabbs,….weren’t they just doing a farewell tour? Have they already begun reunion tours? I love the Crabbs but doesn’t this smack just a bit of the George Foreman, Michael Jordan, insert athlete name here, mentality of I don’t know what else to do so I will go back to what I do best. That is okay but don’t tell everybody you are doing a farewell tour to get the numbers up and then decide the numbers are so good I’ll continue doing what I am doing. It really seems a bit disingenuous.
Excuse me while I go put up my thrown stone barracade…
I Just listened to the debut project from the “original” Signature Sound with Shane Dunlap and Garry Jones that I picked up at a second hand store. What a GREAT CD!
The original lineup was fantastic, and the Garry Jones production work is excellent. Good song selection, great harmony. This is one of the best debut projects I’ve ever heard.
It’s a shame this lineup did not last.
Does anoyone know what happened between Ernie Haase, Garry Jones, and Shane Dunlap?
I don’t think Garry and Shane liked to dance…
Jake Hess left the Imperials at his doctor’s recommendation. His heart problems began to surface at that time.
Lee,
Actually, Crabb Revival is the name of the group made up of Adam and Terah and 2 draft picks to be named later - the Crabb Family farewell tour is ongoing, I believe up to or through August.
This is pretty much what was announced at NQC last year, so your criticism is pretty unfounded - or I’m clueless as to some new development this week. No stones, just information.
Is anyone in SGM familiar with VALOR. I recently came across their website, purchased their 2 CDs. Thier music is strongly influenced by SG with a distinct GVB familiarity. Yet there is very little info available on them, including their own tour dates webage(http://www.valormusic.net/tour.html) that has been empty for nearly a year.
Perhaps the incestuous nature of the industry has blocked them out; maybe they’ve directed their marketing to the wrong audience. Whatever the case, I’m sure interested in why a solid group can’t seem to find an audience but other “can’t hit the right note” groups seem to hang in their forever.
To Whalen: Maybe it’s because they lip sink in concert. Either that or people just don’t like hearing about 20 vocal stacks per singer. I personally look for artists who don’t use stacks or are at least cutting back on them, i.e., Melody Boys, Kingdom Heirs, Hayes Family, Henry Family, Kingsmen (for the most part). It’s what I like to call REAL SG. Don’t get me wrong - stacks help the sound of certain songs. But a good group with a good blend doesn’t need them.
In my opinion, there’s a big difference between light stacks on a recording (which I endorse), and heavy stacks in live performances. I like a full sound on a recording, but it irks me when the singers are lip-synching in a live setting…
Thank you, Chris. You have made the same points I have made about stacks in the past. Look out, though, I have been accused of putting down a ministry because I prefer less rather than more. Like you said, some songs are good to have stacks when they are used an an enhancement, but to have everything stacked to the hilt just turns me off personally.
Anyone who has heard our trio can tell you that we don’t use stacks. Occasionally, because we are a trio, we will add a line to the track to complete the chord, but we don’t need stacks. We have had a fuller sounding some venues than some quartets. Goes back to the mastering of the tracks, the mixing of the tracks and vocals and the vocal abilities of our guys.
Anyone who doesn’t think this possible needs to come and take a listen sometime.
We don’t use stacks either in our performances. Granted, most of our music is a capella though so it’d be hard to do stacks. lol
Tyler,
We also do acapella as well. Both of our projects end with an acapella. Our guys especially enjoy taking a non-acapella arrangement and making it acapella. Gives the song a whole new unique sound.
Exactly. 
Avery’s readers seem to like this open thread concept.
www.southerngospelblog.com » Blog Archive » Hendrix on Signature Sound “Get Away Jordan” single on 16 Jul 2007 at 10:18 am
[…] To those who’ve been wondering why Signature Sound sent “Get Away Jordan” to radio after other groups have made it popular within Southern Gospel, check out a comment by their radio promoter, Rick Hendrix, on Averyfineline here. […]