So when we have a position come open we are looking within first. That doesn’t mean we are only going for convenience because if there is no one internally that can do the job and do it well, then we will look outside.

But if we do have someone internally that is a win/win situation, they already know the company and our policies. They have a step on the other folks that might fill that position. But again, that isn’t our only criteria.

The same could be said for Troy, he is there, they already travel together (that alone is a HUGE asset, you how you will get along on the bus), AND HE IS INCREDIBLY TALENTED!

So do you take the guy who is there and already proved he can fill the shoes (he filled in when Nick took time off to get married), he travels well with everyone, and it cuts down on the extra expense.

Or do you venture into the unknown.

From a business stand point it is a no brainer you go from within UNLESS there is no one there that can fill the need. There was someone who could fill it and fill it well. From a ministry stand point, Troy has been with excellent groups before and understand what is needed on stage, needed emotionally, physically and the work ethic it takes to make it happen.

“With the economic situation
right now going on in not only gospel music but the whole country, we feel like
this is the thing to do, this is not taking away from the fact that Troy is a
great singer and we have traveled with him and we know his life.”

Troy is a great guy and has a Hot Wife!!!

Y’all pray for Troy and The Perry’s and be a little more supportive.

Y’all need prayer!!!

One of the realities we seem to forget (and has been stated previously) is that folks change jobs. Whether it’s s/g or the real world, people change jobs. Sure, there are people who stay with a group for decades, but even they will make a change at some point, either through retirement or passing away, or changing jobs.

It’s nothing new.

We all tend to think a particular group will never get over the loss of the singer who was most special to us. But the last great example of a group not getting over the loss of a key singer was probably when Big Chief died. The Statesmen were never quite the same after that — they never quite captured the glory years after that. They were still great, but not the same greatness.

Well, ok, maybe another good example is the Kingsmen losing Jim Hammell. His stage presence was unique.

Anyway, life goes on. The music goes on. The ministry goes on.

And so should we.

I wish Nick the Lord’s blessings, and pray God will continue to use the Perrys in a mighty way.

No one except those on a bus knows what goes on there but I doubt very seriously that this move took anyone totally by surprise. If I’m correct on that, I’d also bet there was time to pray about the correct move and I trust that Tracy and Libbi followed the Lord’s direction after that prayer.

As for Troy’s qualities - smooth again is a subjective description in many cases. He blends with the group well - I’ve heard him with them twice and he does bring power and stage presence to the position. If you listen to the Perrys over the years that is what they do - they have powerful vocals that are used to convene even more powerful songs.