Earlier this week, I pointed out a question that is often asked of me. And that got me to thinking about other questions I've heard along the way. In fact, there's a question that's being asked by fans and industry alike and that question is, "Who will be the next Cathedrals?"
The answer to that question is ridiculously simple: no one. There will never be another Cathedral Quartet. Just like there's never been another Statesmen or another Happy Goodman Family, it just won't happen.
Am I saying there will be no one "good enough?" Certainly not. This industry has talent to burn. We all know that when you get right down to where the wheel meets the road, we've got the best of the best. But there won't be another Cathedral Quartet.
Now, with all I've just said in mind, consider the real point I'm trying to make. We don't need another Cathedral Quartet - but we need groups like them. In other words, we need groups with the same desire for perfection. We need groups who believe in going the extra mile to make sure their presentation was as good as it could possibly be. We need groups that don't try to copy what the other guys are doing - we need originality and we need uniqueness.
If you'll look at the all the groups who have been wildly successful in this business, you'll see example after example of artists that stand head and shoulders above the rest, due at least in part, to their uniqueness. The McKameys, the Inspirations and the Lewis Family are just three that come to my mind as I write this. PLUS - they've discovered what works for them and the audiences and they have stuck with it.
In my travels, I see young group after young group that are doing practically nothing other than imitating other groups. I cannot tell you the number times I've seen junior versions of the Crabb Family, the Hoppers, and yes, the Cathedrals. But I can tell you with absolute sureness these mimeographed copies do not work. And they never will. Don't fall into the trap of thinking "we will be the next Cathedrals," because, friend, it's not going to happen and the sooner you realize that, the better you'll be.
So, if you're planning to start a group any time soon, I plead with you to do you and everyone else a big favor: Be yourself. We don't need another Gold City. We don't need another Kingsmen. We don't need another Greater Vision. Just one more Brian Free & Assurance would be one too many.
Southern Gospel Music needs you to be you. Find those songs that are uniquely yours. Develop that presentation that creates an air of excitement around you. Create that personality that practically becomes a trademark. Begin working on YOUR legacy. No, there'll never be another Cathedral Quartet. But then again, there will never be another you.
