Comments on: Does sex sell in sg? http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Wed, 23 May 2012 10:15:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: John Wyrick http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-397846 John Wyrick Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:44:08 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-397846 As a veteran in the Christian Music industry with feet in both Southern Gospel and Christian Rock, I can tell you the reason why I have been an independent for 20+ years rather than fool around with a label is that looks, image, and "being a package" are very important if you want to succeed in the industry. As a young man I walked out of an executives office after he began advising me to "use" the appeal I had and the attractiveness of my position in Christ as a singer/performer. It dawned on me, I'm a minister and not a performer. I have been more interested in being a success with the Lord. The unfortunate thing at hand here is that many of those in the industry do not realize that they are sex objects. However there are equally as many who take advantage of their appeal, and the gullibility of their fans. As believers, we should pray diligently that our focus is Christ, and the Cross. As a veteran in the Christian Music industry with feet in both Southern Gospel and Christian Rock, I can tell you the reason why I have been an independent for 20+ years rather than fool around with a label is that looks, image, and “being a package” are very important if you want to succeed in the industry. As a young man I walked out of an executives office after he began advising me to “use” the appeal I had and the attractiveness of my position in Christ as a singer/performer. It dawned on me, I’m a minister and not a performer.
I have been more interested in being a success with the Lord.
The unfortunate thing at hand here is that many of those in the industry do not realize that they are sex objects. However there are equally as many who take advantage of their appeal, and the gullibility of their fans.
As believers, we should pray diligently that our focus is Christ, and the Cross.

]]> By: bd http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-224053 bd Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:51:55 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-224053 Attractive sells! Madison Avenue knows that and so do record companies. It is a fact, be it right or wrong. Attractive sells! Madison Avenue knows that and so do record companies. It is a fact, be it right or wrong.

]]> By: c smith http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-213305 c smith Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:10:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-213305 i wish i could read this website every day. Don't ya'll think that the christian music graphic artists write subliminal messages, (including the word sex) all over the place on christian CD covers, and then say..."what do you mean we try to sell christian music with sex?????? what you talkin about mr. drummond??????" (I am proud of my ability to see subliminal messages, its an acquired talent. ) Whenever I see closeup shots of an artist on a CD, i fall out with laughter. TEE HEE. Why do you think they are looking at the camera like a sick cow??? I don't really know what goes on to sell people, i just suspect a lot more goes on than we have any idea...whadda think they pay graphic artists for? This subject has interested me for YEARS. i wish i could read this website every day. Don’t ya’ll think that the christian music graphic artists write subliminal messages, (including the word sex) all over the place on christian CD covers, and then say…”what do you mean we try to sell christian music with sex?????? what you talkin about mr. drummond??????” (I am proud of my ability to see subliminal messages, its an acquired talent. ) Whenever I see closeup shots of an artist on a CD, i fall out with laughter. TEE HEE. Why do you think they are looking at the camera like a sick cow??? I don’t really know what goes on to sell people, i just suspect a lot more goes on than we have any idea…whadda think they pay graphic artists for? This subject has interested me for YEARS.

]]> By: HML http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-211786 HML Fri, 30 Nov 2007 06:05:28 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-211786 Oh, that's embarrassing - yes, I did mean piqued, thanks for the correction, TN! (My mom tried so hard to drill proper spelling into me...) Oh, that’s embarrassing - yes, I did mean piqued, thanks for the correction, TN! (My mom tried so hard to drill proper spelling into me…)

]]> By: TN http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-209400 TN Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:00:26 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-209400 HML, I would assume that you really meant to say, "...I admit to having my interest PIQUED..." (not PEEKED), didn't you...? HML, I would assume that you really meant to say, “…I admit to having my interest PIQUED…” (not PEEKED), didn’t you…?

]]> By: MelodiousTenor http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-209223 MelodiousTenor Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:59:57 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-209223 Ok! First....I agree with Monk, and Swain that was too funny....You are still as funny as in college. The point? Sex does sell, and the church is full of it; because our homes are full of it. That is why the "INDUSTRY" tolerates it. I cannot tell you the times we have sat at our booth and just watched people. I saw more cleavage, and tail shown at NQC than at my local grocery store. Of course the younger crowd sees it and thinks hey SG Artist "so-&-so" wears that to our church for a concert....think I'll wear it! I have seen it night in and night out....after spending the last 10 years in the industry. The last 2 years especially singing with a major group....It is crazy how they dress, and act...OH, BTW that is the guys and the gals!! When the dress code for alot of groups has become dress down on stage; it affects their actions off-stage!! Go to waffle house with them after the concert----been there---- it is sickening. Hey, my old basketball coach said you will dress sharp for games; because it allows you to think better of yourselves and those you are in contact with. Why else do companies have a dress code? Why do the most successful NBA teams require a Suit, and a tie on ball trips? SG needs Holy Ghost, God Fearing, conviction back in the pulpits, and buses. I know from personal experience there is alot of "JUNK" in the industry that is foolish, But don't throw out the baby with the bath water!!! God is raising up a group of singers with God's Holy conviction and standards drippin off of them!! Ok! First….I agree with Monk, and Swain that was too funny….You are still as funny as in college.

The point? Sex does sell, and the church is full of it; because our homes are full of it. That is why the “INDUSTRY” tolerates it. I cannot tell you the times we have sat at our booth and just watched people. I saw more cleavage, and tail shown at NQC than at my local grocery store.

Of course the younger crowd sees it and thinks hey SG Artist “so-&-so” wears that to our church for a concert….think I’ll wear it! I have seen it night in and night out….after spending the last 10 years in the industry. The last 2 years especially singing with a major group….It is crazy how they dress, and act…OH, BTW that is the guys and the gals!!

When the dress code for alot of groups has become dress down on stage; it affects their actions off-stage!! Go to waffle house with them after the concert—-been there—- it is sickening.

Hey, my old basketball coach said you will dress sharp for games; because it allows you to think better of yourselves and those you are in contact with. Why else do companies have a dress code?
Why do the most successful NBA teams require a Suit, and a tie on ball trips?

SG needs Holy Ghost, God Fearing, conviction back in the pulpits, and buses. I know from personal experience there is alot of “JUNK” in the industry that is foolish, But don’t throw out the baby with the bath water!!! God is raising up a group of singers with God’s Holy conviction and standards drippin off of them!!

]]> By: HML http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-207902 HML Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:54:34 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-207902 JM, I think you really put it well. Looks do play a roll in SG music because they play a role in life - I don't think we can escape that even under the name of being "spiritual". Being in the twentyish bracket, I admit to having my interest peeked by young, good-looking groups with a sense of style...but what keeps me coming back is, as you said, "what's in the box". Likewise, I don't rule out groups who aren't as good-looking, because it's still about "what's in the box". Some people who might not have the looks sure have great personality, and that's more important to me in the long run - friends or artists. So while looks might catch my attention, there's got to be more to back it up. JM, I think you really put it well. Looks do play a roll in SG music because they play a role in life - I don’t think we can escape that even under the name of being “spiritual”. Being in the twentyish bracket, I admit to having my interest peeked by young, good-looking groups with a sense of style…but what keeps me coming back is, as you said, “what’s in the box”. Likewise, I don’t rule out groups who aren’t as good-looking, because it’s still about “what’s in the box”. Some people who might not have the looks sure have great personality, and that’s more important to me in the long run - friends or artists. So while looks might catch my attention, there’s got to be more to back it up.

]]> By: JM http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-207701 JM Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:42:40 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-207701 Interesting discussion and the top of a very slippery slope! During the 70's, I was on the road for about four years with a quartet. And while I'm sure a great number of things have changed in SGM, the undertone of sex appeal remains strong. We had a lead singer that was, to my hetro-grounded sensibility, "ugly as a mud fence!" However, his single status made him a target for many a lovely lady. Of course, he tried his best to act and dress the part and did his best to channel Elvis. Worked just well enough to get him married to a beautiful girl, fathered two children and a divorce notice for his fifth anniversery present. Are we attracted to good looking people, who just happen to sing gospel music? Sure! Do we go to a gospel concert to satisfy some perverse, lustfulness in our soul? Probably not. Do SGM fans click on the web sites of their favorite groups in the same way that they would thumb through a Victoria Secrets catalogue? Not likely. However, it is "human nature" to choose to associate with good looking people. You won't find many homely or ugly ministers pastoring large, well-to-do congregations. However, we need to accept the truth and spirit of ministry regardless of what "package" the Holy Spirit chooses to use. Some packages will be pretty and pleasing and perhaps even tempting. Some will be very plain and ordinary. However, if the Spirit wishes to use an individual for his work, the "look" becomes subordinate to the message. Pretty packages attract the masses, but it's what's in the box that counts! Interesting discussion and the top of a very slippery slope! During the 70’s, I was on the road for about four years with a quartet. And while I’m sure a great number of things have changed in SGM, the undertone of sex appeal remains strong. We had a lead singer that was, to my hetro-grounded sensibility, “ugly as a mud fence!” However, his single status made him a target for many a lovely lady. Of course, he tried his best to act and dress the part and did his best to channel Elvis. Worked just well enough to get him married to a beautiful girl, fathered two children and a divorce notice for his fifth anniversery present.
Are we attracted to good looking people, who just happen to sing gospel music? Sure! Do we go to a gospel concert to satisfy some perverse, lustfulness in our soul? Probably not. Do SGM fans click on the web sites of their favorite groups in the same way that they would thumb through a Victoria Secrets catalogue? Not likely. However, it is “human nature” to choose to associate with good looking people. You won’t find many homely or ugly ministers pastoring large, well-to-do congregations. However, we need to accept the truth and spirit of ministry regardless of what “package” the Holy Spirit chooses to use. Some packages will be pretty and pleasing and perhaps even tempting. Some will be very plain and ordinary. However, if the Spirit wishes to use an individual for his work, the “look” becomes subordinate to the message. Pretty packages attract the masses, but it’s what’s in the box that counts!

]]> By: ST http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205998 ST Sat, 24 Nov 2007 18:41:04 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205998 This thread reminded me of a story I heard a long while ago. A promoter wanted to book the Mckameys so he asked the booking agent what the flat was. When he found out he said this. "My Lord, for that much money is Peg going to take her clothes off?" This thread reminded me of a story I heard a long while ago. A promoter wanted to book the Mckameys so he asked the booking agent what the flat was. When he found out he said this. “My Lord, for that much money is Peg going to take her clothes off?”

]]> By: singer57 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205925 singer57 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:10:41 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205925 You people need to get a life! You people need to get a life!

]]> By: TLN http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205560 TLN Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:14:23 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205560 I must confess, when I was a younger SG performer, I tried to imitate the current "hot" male SG singers, both in my fashion and vocally. Why? To help me minister especially ro the female audience! It was just my target audience. I firmly believed at that time that it was my definite calling! LOL Further confession time ensues. Why did I go see the Nelons, the Hemphills, A. Grant and later the Martins every chance I got (late 70's - 80's)? Yep, you got it! Amy and certain members of the SG groups mentioned were certainly "selling the message of the gospel" to me...and I was surely buyin' it! Lol Please don't take me wrong...the afore-mentioned singers were only using their God-given talents (and yes, their natural attractiveness) to minister! Their respective ministries just always seemed to tug on MY heartsrings in a very special way! T'll always thank God for calling them to the ministry! Disclaimer: A large percentage of the above post was tongue-in-cheek...fun intended! I must confess, when I was a younger SG performer, I tried to imitate the current “hot” male SG singers, both in my fashion and vocally. Why? To help me minister especially ro the female audience! It was just my target audience. I firmly believed at that time that it was my definite calling! LOL

Further confession time ensues. Why did I go see the Nelons, the Hemphills, A. Grant and later the Martins every chance I got (late 70’s - 80’s)? Yep, you got it! Amy and certain members of the SG groups mentioned were certainly “selling the message of the gospel” to me…and I was surely buyin’ it! Lol Please don’t take me wrong…the afore-mentioned singers were only using their God-given talents (and yes, their natural attractiveness) to minister! Their respective ministries just always seemed to tug on MY heartsrings in a very special way! T’ll always thank God for calling them to the ministry!

Disclaimer: A large percentage of the above post was tongue-in-cheek…fun intended!

]]> By: David http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205359 David Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:01:29 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-205359 It must not be popular in Florence, SC-I just got back from Family Christian Stores & Get Away Jordan is in the clearance bin for 50% off! BTW, what is sexual choas, Dave? Wait, don't answer that-I don't think I want to know. It must not be popular in Florence, SC-I just got back from Family Christian Stores & Get Away Jordan is in the clearance bin for 50% off!

BTW, what is sexual choas, Dave? Wait, don’t answer that-I don’t think I want to know.

]]> By: Dave http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-204819 Dave Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:14:15 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-204819 Yea that's right, when Peg kicks that show off on the stage , or Hamill took off his coat and threw it across the stage, that sent people into sexual choas! LOL Yea that’s right, when Peg kicks that show off on the stage , or Hamill took off his coat and threw it across the stage, that sent people into sexual choas! LOL

]]> By: CG http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-204308 CG Fri, 23 Nov 2007 02:25:55 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-204308 What about those of us...um, I mean those who are attractive AND talented? Do think that's a curse we, I mean they, really wanted to be born with? ;-) What about those of us…um, I mean those who are attractive AND talented? Do think that’s a curse we, I mean they, really wanted to be born with? ;-)

]]> By: GT http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-203115 GT Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:12:25 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/20/does-sex-sell-in-sg/#comment-203115 ((guys)) I need a professional spelling examination. ((guys)) I need a professional spelling examination.

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