As often is the case with man's overall outlook on life, we tend to always find the negative or the bad points of something. Southern Gospel music has not escaped this - in fact, sometimes finding discussions about the good things of Southern Gospel is as hard to find as a soundtrack without stacked vocals.
Over the past few days I've been thinking about the things that are right about Southern Gospel music. Here are a few of the things that came to my mind.
There is an open door for young talent.While I've not pulled out the calculator and conducted a scientific survey, the average age of the current Southern Gospel performer is younger than that of the average age of the current Southern Gospel concert attendee (I believe that people like to see young people on stage just as much as they like to see legends at work). Organizations like Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music and the Steve Hurst School of Music have helped to foster this, as well as the efforts of people like Claude Hopper, Glen Payne, George Younce, Eldridge Fox, Rex Nelon and many others. Just think of all the people who are still active in Southern Gospel because those individuals saw young talent that deserved an outlet. In other words, think Roger and Debra Talley, Gerald Wolfe, Scott Fowler, Karen Peck Gooch, Arthur Rice and so on. And as time rolls on, those "kids" are fostering the love of Southern Gospel within today's younger generation.
Southern Gospel is appearing in venues of all form and fashion.Our music can be heard in churches (many people can remember a time when the thought of having a Southern Gospel group in a church would result in a near mutiny by the deacon board). More promoters are using quality civic auditoriums than relying on the ol' high school gym as much. Fairs have Southern Gospel stages. Ministry retreats are using Southern Gospel groups more than in the past. Southern Gospel music is on cruise ships (have you noticed lately the increasing number Gospel music cruises?). It's in theme parks (Dollywood and Silver Dollar City have entire weeks and months built around Southern Gospel music). And yes, events are still taking place in the ol' high school gym.
Southern Gospel music has a presence on TV, satellite radio, internet and traditional radio.I concede there is work to be done here, but the fact remains that Southern Gospel
is there. The Homecoming Videos, local television programs, XM Satellite Radio's "enLighten" channel, the ever-increasing number of internet radio programs, Paul Heil's "The Gospel Greats," Bill Gaither's "Homecoming Radio," the Solid Gospel Radio Network and those dedicated DJs on the AM and FM dials combine to give Southern Gospel music exposure every day, every hour. What would happen if all of those things suddenly went away?
There is a high spirit of cooperation among Southern Gospel music artists.Maybe I've noticed more lately or maybe it's growing, but nonetheless, Southern Gospel music artists are working hard for each other these days. I cannot count the number of times an artist has helped another artist fill a date, filled in for a missing vocalist or musician, supported the on-group stage from the audience, passed on recording a song because they felt it would be perfect for someone else and made sure that song got into that artist's hands...and on and on.
And, on a more personal level, when one artist stands in need of prayer or falls into troubled times, more and more artists are there to lend a hand and a shoulder. One current perfect example of that is Sheri Easter. Get her to tell you about the acts of kindness she's witnessed in the past few weeks.
The message of Southern Gospel music is still life-changing and encouraging.Let's be honest about it: the lyrics of Southern Gospel music carry the greatest story that's ever been told. It has the potential - and through God, the power - to make an eternal difference in someone's life for the better. And we all know that there are plenty of songs (from other genres) out there that are not exactly the kind of thing you'd want your mother or pastor to hear. There is genuine substance to be found in our songs, not always just a grouping of catchy hook lines and plays on words.
What about you? What are you seeing that is right about Southern Gospel music? I'd love to hear from you, so send me an e-mail. Next week, I'll share here on Danny's Diary the thoughts you send.
