Comments on: Songwriting vs “songwriting”

By: Ken Hughey

Ken Hughey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:41:33 +0000

Tonight, I came into this room for the first time. I couldn’t believe the bickering going back and forth about song writing. I have been active in all phases of Southern Gospel Music since 1955. I also know Jim Brady and Mike & Ronnie Booth very well. There is absolutely no reason to debase the character of Jim Brady. The most that needs to be said about any song (regardless of who writes or sings it) is that it either does or doesn’t honor and glorify the name of Jesus. The holy Spirit inspired the writings of our Bible. Likewise, it inspires the writing of the great songs of our trade. “Nuf said.

Ken Hughey

By: cynical one

cynical one — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:53:49 +0000

Sadie, I took Jonathan’s remarks directly the opposite: That most in our industry DO write for the right reasons, and with the right heart, but not everyone who watches from a distance understands that.

I think there are a lot of fans that think sg songwriting is a lucrative business. FAR from the truth, and you alluded.

By: Sadie Sidewalker

Sadie Sidewalker — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:35:35 +0000

Jonathan, my life revolves around working with songwriters who do what they do, tirelessly, for little (and sometimes no) money. For the most part, they receive very little recognition for their work so for you to imply that they DON’T write their songs for the right reasons is really unfair.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:12:29 +0000

When people come to realize it’s about doing the right thing with the right heart and for the right reason, we would be in a whole lot better shape.

By: Wade

Wade — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:23:58 +0000

lollol… cynical1… you are too funny!!

By: cynical one

cynical one — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:55:52 +0000

But He doesn’t root for one over the other. If both of my kids are running a marathon, I’m not going to hope one will beat the other. I KNOW one will beat the other, but I’m going to be proud of both, if they both do their best. I’d like to think God is the same way: He’s proud of all writers who are truly doing what He wants them to do, whether they receive the accolades or not.

I really think he’d want us to remember that these trophies are temporal, and that they really don’t matter, in the eternal. And that maybe they shouldn’t matter as much here, either.

I suspect some of the writers in question understand that better than most the rest of us.

And to be honest, they matter to a much smaller group of people than many performers, writers, executives, etc, would like to believe. Otherwise, you’d be able to watch SN Fan Awards on NBC or CBS, or at least CMT, instead of a really lousy internet feed.

By: Wade

Wade — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:43:20 +0000

Cynical1…we are all God’s Children… he’s is our GREAT BIG SUPERNATURAL DADDY!!! He ROOTS for all of us just like you do your kids if you have any!!!

By: cynical one

cynical one — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:12:19 +0000

Maybe the writers understand these awards have no eternal value, so it really doesn’t matter, in the over all scheme of things.

I hope no one thinks God sits on His throne, rooting for one writer or artist over another, when the little trophies are passed out.

By: Sadie Sidewalker

Sadie Sidewalker — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:45:32 +0000

It seems to me that, in the naming of names, Casual Observer’s very valid points have been lost: It doesn’t matter how much Jim Brady did or didn’t write on the songs….the point is that the only songs of his that have had any true recognition are the songs written with Barry Weaks and Tony Wood. So, in other words, he’s getting songwriting awards because he’s an artist, not because he’s a songwriter.

Am I wrong?

By: Casual Observer

Casual Observer — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:19:43 +0000

Barry - of course I don’t know the level Jim’s participation in the songs you guys have cowritten - but that was not really my point. My point was, and is…the “Jim Brady’s” of our industry benefit greatly from writing with the “Tony Wood’s” and “Barry Weeks” of our business. And yet, you and Tony remain relatively unnoticed by the fan base. As I said earlier, that’s not really Jim’s fault. It just goes with the turf. But I do think that the NQC could help remedy this inequity by creating 2 separate songwriter awards (performer and non-performer), or by basing the songwriter awards on the Song of the Year authors. I’m sure Jim is a talented writer, but I don’t think you can begin to compare him to someone like Tony Wood who spends every day of his life writing songs.

By: Barry Weeks

Barry Weeks — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:38:43 +0000

Casual Observer, I don;t know who you are, but trust me. Jim Brady is a brilliant writer. Many of the ideas of the songs we’ve written together we’re Jim’s ideas. And, he has a big part in all of the songs. I just spoke to Tony about this and he says and feels exactly the same way. Sorry to bust your bubble “Who ever you are” but next time maybe try to not speak as such an authority about something you know nothing about.

By: chuck stevens

chuck stevens — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:20:15 +0000

One of my duties at Cox Radio here in Tulsa is hosting a Gospel show on Sunday mornings. Joel, thank you for so many great songs. I am a fan. I always look to see who the wirter is. And i mention it most times on the air. Your music can be fun and quartet like and the next cut so deep. Thank you for quality songs. We need more writers like Joel. Keep the great songs coming, and thank you for checking in here.

By: Wade

Wade — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:05:51 +0000

DBM… if there is something I thought I could sell I would!! If get a gig I am working on selling Health Insurance to Self Employed PPl we might be in biz… but then i would miss… YOUR AD HERE!! ;-)))

Thanks DBM for not being as thinned skinned as many of these ppl!!

By: David Bruce Murray

David Bruce Murray — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:02:31 +0000

Wade,
You know…you could buy my ad space, and then you wouldn’t have to look at it. :o)

Regarding the Songwriter category of the Fan Awards, I have said for several years that those nominees should be determined by the votes in the Song category. If fans had a push in the right direction, a non-artist might have a chance at winning.

By: Bones

Bones — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:55:56 +0000

Remember J.D. said “if God gave you that song, you need to give it back.”