Quote of the day
From a reader pondering the meaning of “lesser known”:
Email this PostIt’s ironic to me that a discussion sparked by Marty Funderburk’s lament about lesser-known songwriters being overlooked quickly devolved into a discussion which overlooked lesser-known writers. Each of the writers discussed (Marty Funderburk, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Dianne Wilkinson, Sue Smith, Belinda Smith, Phil Cross, and Squire Parsons) are the “Big Name Writers” of today, and rightfully so, in my opinion.
Marty said that “early on in (his) career” he was the faceless Ann Dothers; but he’s since earned his ticket out of obscurity. It seems to me that perhaps his comments are neither a complaint about his own current situation, nor simply a memoir of his own early struggles, but rather an attempt to help today’s fledgling songwriters.
So how about it? Who are some lesser-known songwriters today deserving mention?
Side Note: And by the way, when discussing the “Big Name Writers”, how could a writer like Woody Wright (”I’m Gonna Sing”, “More Than Amazing”) be left to put his own name on the list? Perhaps the coin has a flip side, where a remarkable writer like Woody is known only as an artist?
Bubba Smith wrote:
Woody writes?
Posted 08 May 2008 at 2:47 am ¶
Adam wrote:
Woody does write. More information on his writings can be found on his website:
http://www.woodywright.net/wouldhewrite.php
Great man. Great music. Freshly different.
Posted 08 May 2008 at 3:11 am ¶
Bryan wrote:
Barbara Huffman
Fredericktown, Missouri
Posted 08 May 2008 at 3:51 am ¶
Ocean View wrote:
First, here are some current “big name writers” (i.e. veteran professionals) who deserve to be mentioned:
Marcia Henry
Tony Wood
Twila LaBar
Posted 08 May 2008 at 4:35 am ¶
Edie wrote:
My Top Five Lesser Known Songwriters:
Jeff Silvey
Twila LaBar
Adam Kohout
Terry Wilkins
Cindi Ballard
All of them have written hit songs and seem to be on a lot of records, but never really get the attention they deserve.
Posted 08 May 2008 at 5:50 am ¶
Marty Funderburk wrote:
Thanks for reminding everyone of what I originally said. I, and the others you have mentioned, are rarely among the “Ann Dothers” these days. But while that’s true in regard to reviews and press releases, non-singing songwriters are still less likely to be recognized in most award show settings (even though their songs may be nominated) - which we totally understand because those are based on fan awareness. I was holding up the SGN Music Awards as an example of how an organization could, and I believe should, acknowledge some behind-the-scenes contributors who otherwise get passed over. There will always be new “Ann Dothers” on the horizon. With time, experience, and repeated success in the market, hopefully they too will graduate from that status.
Posted 08 May 2008 at 12:02 pm ¶
Kyle wrote:
I love his publishing company’s name - Would He Write Songs (SESAC).
Woody Wright is one of those multi-talented triple threats in SG - singer, songwriter, and producer, although he seemed to add the latter two after years as an artist (how many remember the Woody Wright Singers, or for that matter, Willie Wynn and the Tennesseeans)??
Posted 08 May 2008 at 12:30 pm ¶
Songwriter Sue wrote:
A few names to watch for…
Gina Boe, who co-wrote “Once Upon a Cross” with Marty.
Simon Hawkins, who co-wrote “Livin’ In the Rain” with Twila.
Steve Marshall, has had cuts by Christ Church Choir and Brian Free
Ed Stivers, cuts by Brian Free and The Perrys
Lee Black… You’re going to be seeing his name everywhere. Write it down.
Kenna West. She’s already had tons of cuts, but doesn’t get mentioned a lot.
Caleb Collins… another young writer who’s bound to have his name on lots of projects.
I’m sure I’m overlooking somebody…
It’s truly hilarious to me to see my name on a list of “Big Name” writers. Call it writer insecurity, but it sure doesn’t feel that way.
Posted 08 May 2008 at 2:14 pm ¶
Rod wrote:
Kyla Rowland anyone?
Posted 08 May 2008 at 2:47 pm ¶
wayne_kerr wrote:
Don’t forget to mention Rebecca Peck.
Posted 08 May 2008 at 3:16 pm ¶
Casual Observer wrote:
And, of course there’s Gina Vera, Dee Gaskin, John Lemonis, Kevin Stokes, and Chris Binion…
Posted 08 May 2008 at 3:38 pm ¶
DJ Russ wrote:
Marty Funderburk- do you have a way that you can be reached for business purposes? e-mail?
Thanks-
Posted 08 May 2008 at 5:01 pm ¶
Marty Funderburk wrote:
DJ - you can reach me through Daywind Music Publishing or leave a way for me to reach you at my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/martyfunderburk
Posted 08 May 2008 at 7:45 pm ¶
Joe wrote:
Greatest songwriter of any era who rarely, if ever, has gotten mentioned?
Gordon Jensen.
His songs are simply a phenomenal collection from a brilliant mind, and a spiritual heart.
He Only Sees The Blood
Come Into The Ark
Jesus Will Outshine Them All
Redemption Draweth Nigh
It Made News In Heaven
Will You Be Among The Missing?
Written In Red
Don’t Go To Heaven Alone
Bigger Than Any Mountain
A Song To Sing At Midnight
…and literally dozens of others. He wrote Redemption Draweth Nigh when he was 18 years old.
His songs are consistently excellent, and it has always mystified me that he is mentioned so infrequently. He’s a genius.
Posted 09 May 2008 at 12:30 am ¶
Tele D. Trooth wrote:
Patti Hawkins
Posted 09 May 2008 at 1:00 am ¶
Adam wrote:
John Darin Rowsey
Posted 09 May 2008 at 4:31 am ¶
Jim E. Davis wrote:
Here’s a couple of writers that deserve to be recognized more often…
Daryl Williams and John Darin Rowsey
By the way, I’ve been amazed at the revival of Ronnie Hinson. Connecting with Daywind was a very smart move for him and seems to be working out wonderfully. Another heavy hitter that hasn’t been mentioned is Aaron Wilburn. He has consistently penned great songs for over thirty years.
Posted 09 May 2008 at 7:48 am ¶
quartet-man wrote:
One of the hymnals I was looking in yesterday DID have an author index, but they are seemingly rare.
Posted 09 May 2008 at 11:38 am ¶
Realistic wrote:
It’s ironic (and generous) that Jim E. Davis mentioned two other writers. This morning I happened to hear “Preach the Word,” the powerful radio single for Gold City, and had already decided to mention Jim as a writer to watch!
Posted 09 May 2008 at 2:29 pm ¶
brad wrote:
Preach The Word is a great song.
Mr Davis wrote a great song.
Posted 09 May 2008 at 7:31 pm ¶
rngfreckles wrote:
I agree that Adam Kohout and Terry Wilkins don’t get enough credit. But another name that should be mentioned - Lori Kelley Woods (”Quitting Never Crossed My Mind,” “At The End Of My Hope”). Both the Dixie Melody Boys and the Ruppes have used some of her songs. But I’m sure there are others.
Posted 13 May 2008 at 9:34 am ¶
not a grammarian wrote:
One I expected to see on Songwriter Sue’s list (because she definitely Writes about Jesus) was Lyn Rowell - co-wrote “Never Give Up, Never Give In” on EHSSQ upcoming CD/DVD (with Twila LaBar). Lyn has co-written several cuts with Wayne Haun and was Dove nominated (2008) with Caleb Collins for the Lewis Family song “Key to Heaven”
Posted 13 May 2008 at 6:38 pm ¶
SGlover wrote:
How could Larry Petree not be mentioned. Though his doctrinal and political stances may be questioned, he is by far one of the greatest writers of southern gospel..
“When dust shall sing”
“lazarus come forth”(bishops)
I’m gonna move” (isaacs)
“He means the world to me”(phill cross)
Just to name a few.
Posted 22 May 2008 at 1:03 pm ¶
mp3guy wrote:
He was probably too busy cussing Pamela Furr (#23)
Posted 22 May 2008 at 4:11 pm ¶