I'm in Thomasville, N.C., as I write this. A couple hours ago, we wrapped up a concert at the Finch Auditorium where the only group on the program was the Inspirations. The quartet has been doing this particular event for several years, and once again, a large crowd was in the auditorium.

A lot has been written about the Inspirations in their time. Like 'em or not, the fact remains the Inspirations have a large following of faithful fans. And while everyone, including me, could offer theories of why that is, no one can deny the fact that the Inspirations have never wavered from what works for them.

And it truly works. Here's why I say that: For almost the past 12 years, I've been on the road attending concerts for Singing News. For many of those years, I've been at 120 or more concerts a year, so when I say I feel like I've seen most everything that can be seen at a concert, I feel like I've got decent ground to stand on.

Here's something I've NEVER seen: a small crowd at an Inspirations concert. It doesn't matter if they are the only group on the program or part of package - if the Inspirations are on the line-up, there is a strong crowd.

Now, I'm sure somewhere along the way, there's got to be a dud of a concert for them. But I work with these guys 20-25 times a year - and multiply that times 12 years. You'd think that over the course of time, I'd encounter one. But I haven't yet. And lest you think those concerts are in just a certain area, I've worked with the Inspirations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, California, Maryland, Illinois and Michigan over the years. I've worked with them when they've had songs riding high on the charts, and I've worked with them when their chart activity was less than glorious. But the concerts had the same result every time.

Consistency of the group HAS to factor into this. People, as a rule, love consistency. They tend to stand behind things that are that way and they find comfort in that. If you listen to an Inspirations recording of the mid-1960s, it's sounds practically the same as one that was done a few weeks ago. Same thing with their stage presentation. So when any person goes to an Inspirations concert, they know what awaits them. There are no surprises.

As I said, like 'em or not, the Inspirations are a very successful group and they serve their market well. If every group had the same degree of success, we'd have a very healthy industry. If there's anything to be learned from the Inspirations, it's that consistency will go a long way in sustaining a career.

2.) The Questions

Most Southern Gospel music fans know that Singing News is in the middle of the annual Fan Awards balloting right now. Every year during this time, there are two questions that are posed to me more often than not at nearly every concert (in fact, I was asked this first question three times tonight): "Do you have a favorite group?"

I'm going to put those questions to rest.

Yes, I have favorites. Everyone who is a part of Southern Gospel music - in any shape, form or fashion - does.

No, I'm not going to say who my favorites are. (You really didn't think I would, did you? In my line of work, that's like asking a parent to name his favorite child in front of the other kids!)

Here's the real deal... Many of the people who are currently in Southern Gospel music are people that I have literally grown up with. Down through the years, we've all become close and it's just hard to look at them as anything other than friends or family. That may be a little corny to you, but it's the truth. That doesn't mean we always agree on everything or think each other is right all the time, but the friendships don't waver.

The second question is "Did you vote in the Fan Awards yourself?" Nope. Remember, only paid subscribers of Singing News can vote.

Finally, I know someone out there is wondering something about this: Do any of the other SG bloggers vote in the Fan Awards? Most of them have paid subscriptions to Singing News, so they certainly have the opportunity.

That's it for now.