Controversial. That is the easiest way to describe the last few years of the Martins' career. They've been called everything in the book by die hard southern gospel fans around the world (including our very own message boards).
It all happened back in 1998 when The Martins' released an album called Dream Big. They had always hinted at a much more progressive sound on other albums, like Wherever You Are and Light of the World, but Dream Big solidified it all. It had a much more middle of the road sound that many southern gospel fans were not expecting. In fact, Southern Gospel radio has all but ignored The Martins in the last few years.
Yet now, more than ever, The Martins keep pressing on and making music that they enjoy, and their fan base continues to grow. They've had crossover hits all over Inspirational radio, including a couple #1 songs. They've even had a song break the Top 10 on the CCM Adult Contemporary chart.
Joyce Martin-McCollough can only explain the success within multiple genres on The Martins' great management and record label marketing teams.
"We want to reach out in all directions, touch people from all kinds of backgrounds," Joyce says. "We don't want to be put in a box."
Much like The Statesmen in the 50's or the Imperials in the 70's, The Martins consider themselves trendsetters. They are definitely a group that is ahead of their time.
Joyce states, "Other groups will have it easier now. Blazing the trail is a concept that we are totally fine with."
Since crossing over is such an easy task for them, did The Martins have any cross over potential to the mainstream country charts?
"We don't have any plans to do that right now, but we are definitely not afraid of God doing that," responded Joyce.
In addition to blazing new trails musically, the group is also transitioning internally. The announcement was made earlier this year that Jonathan would be coming off the road, and Paul Lancaster would be taking his place.
"I never thought that I would be away from my family. It is difficult in some ways, but God's grace has made it much easier," says Joyce.
Joyce and Judy are very comfortable with Paul. When asked how they are able to pull off the transition, Joyce responds with a similar story.
"When Russ Taff left the Imperials, I thought they would never be the same. However, I managed to love The Imperials just as much when he was gone as I had before he left."
The industry could not be more supportive of this change. Everyone, from pastors to promoters, has been encouraging. The audience has been responding well.
"God made it so easy," responds Judy Martin-Hess. "We are choosing to work in unity, to be a unit."
When asked about their latest hit album, Glorify Edify Testify, the group could not be more excited. Outside of Southern Gospel music, modern worship music is booming. Obviously, The Martins took advantage of that and dove in head first.
"We have the most fun singing these songs. They are songs that are familiar to us, familiar to the church," responds Joyce. "It was just the right time to take advantage of what the listeners want to buy."
Not only has inspirational radio eaten up songs like "Lord Most High" and "You Are Holy," but Southern Gospel radio has jumped on the train as well, sending "So High" and "Standing (On the Promises)" to the upper ranks on the charts. Mixing the old with new, The Martins crafted an extremely accessible album that went on to be one of their most successful to date.
by Chris D. Unthank
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 12/01/2002
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 45
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Great article, Chris! It was very well-written and informative. You're so lucky...got to interview the Martins. (I know of one group in particular you can write about next time!)
The slow erosion of REAL southern gospel music that touches the soul to the carnal music that touches the flesh and fills the pocketbook.
teehee, there's one in every crowd.
Go Martins!
A few years ago, I think the Martins went with a more highly skilled arranger. It was then that I enjoyed their songs much, much more.
OUTSTANDING ARTICLE!!!!
The Martins are the most awesome trio right now. Their sound and harmony were not affected when Johnathon left them. I know it's hard sometimes to leave family but keep on pressing on. God know what he's doing.
YOU GO GO GO MARTINS!!!!
Make that 2 in every crowd. Good comment Jw-
What kind of comment is that? You don't like their music so you make an assumption that they aren't Christian enough for you? I pity you. I'd like to know just what Jw and Chuck do that make them so pious.
Martins, you continue to praise God through your music. The naysayers will always be around. God's praise will endure.
My, My! This article seems to touched off a few people! Unless you know them personally, I wouldn't be so quick to throw stones about "lining pocketbooks" and the "slow erosion" of Southern Gospel music. If you did know them personally, you wouldn't make such false assumptions. Maybe you sould realize that The Martins reach not only true Southern Gospel music lovers, but they do what many groups out there cannot: Reach way beyond into other musical styles and draw people into their consistent message of Christ's love. I have seen them several times over their entire history and their message is consistently clear: To share the love and joy of Jesus' love to a hurting world. To Joyce, Judy and Paul...keep plowing the way and setting the example of what a sincere ministry should be.
If you listen to the words of some of the songs Joyce and Harry write, you have to realize, those words cannot be written if you don't know what you are writting about or the one you are writting about!!!
Listen again to 'Silence of the Lambs' or
'May We Never Forget', and 'Only God Knows'. There is none more traditional than I am, and that honor of tradition by remembering the roots of gospel is why the Martins are one of my favorites!!!!
This article is well done, however some of the comments are not. As someone who puts 50-60 hours a week into producing and promoting Southern Gospel music, I feel I have a vested interest. I have met the Martins just a few times. I do not know them. They do not work with my company, however, I do feel an urge to stand and say the following. Whether you like their style or their presentation, you must lift high their message. Last time I checked they are singing about Jesus! Jesus and his Love. Jesus and his Grace. Jesus and his Forgiveness and Salvation. Don't let personal hang-ups keep you from seeing that He said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself." The Martins lift up Jesus from stages all across America and until some of you judgemental Pharisee's witness to as many in a year as Southern Gospel artists do in a night, Dont Cast Stones, start breaking bread.
I can't believe JW would say such a
thing! The Martin's truly love Jesus. They come to NQC each year and never work the program. They're not there to sell product or promote themselves.
They are there to see the fans. The Isaacs are Bluegrass does that not make them a part of Southern Gospel? They are as imporatnt as Gold City and so are the Martins.
I Cor. 12:12 - For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the mebers of that one body, being many, are one body: so is Christ.
Vs 25 says - That there should be no schism in the body......
The Martins are one of us! "He that is not against us is for us."
Thank you all for the kind comments about the article and The Martins. The Martins truly are a group that is extremely humble and out to nothing more than communicate the gospel through song. I've always had a fond admiration for the group, and getting to do this article was a highlight for me as writer. I ask that everyone simply pray for The Martins. We can bicker about their style all we want, but prayer is the one thing that they can never get too much.
looking for free southern gospel sheets to the martains music
Chris, excellent article. Though I am a die hard SG fan, I still enjoy the Martins music and HIGHLY respect their ministry!
Thanks Chris!
James Hales
I have been a fan of the Martins since their HUMBLE beginning in Arkansas several years ago. They continue to write and sing songs that minister to my heart. If all of what's considered Southern Gospel was Traditional Quartet music, I would NOT be a fan of Southern Gospel...however because there are groups like the Martins who "think outside the box" I am a Southern Gospel fan who is blessed by the variety in the genre.
Labels are for retailers -- it makes it easier for them to sell product. The Martins defy labels. This makes them sellouts? Come on!
We are not instructed to lift up the name of southern gospel. We are to lift up the name of JESUS! Nobody does that better than the Martins.
Bless you Bobby. It coudn't be said any better!
Frankly, Southern Gospel music lacks for both musical quality and originality. Everybody sounds the same. There is no real effort at creativity when the projects are produced. Most of the singers are not that educated musically. And the industry intentionally waters-down the lyrics of the songs to gain more listeners, but they lose the message. However, CCM suffers from too much immaturity and trying to immitate the world of the garage band. The music does not really come close to anything resembling quality. Give me the Imperials of the 1970s and the Gaither Vocal Band of the early 1980s. They worked hard for quality and originality, at the same time keeping the message strong. It seems to me the Martins are following in those footsteps, for which I applaud them.
Yeah Martins, GO! I'm so glad y'all haven't become another Country Music sounding group. I'm so tired of so many so-called Southern Gospel Quartets sounding like Country Music singers. It didn't use to be like that. We like the good harmony and rich sound of your group and the same for quartets that still sing like 'back when.'
II think the Martin's RULE!! You've got to know these people to know they are sincere with their music and their love for God. I think God has blessed them in all areas including finances because they are faithful to him!!
I remember a time about 7 or 8 years ago that our group was struggling financially after going thru a big group change when my brother left the group. We didn't tell anyone about it, but one day our church office called us and said we needed to come and pick up a check that was sent in for us. The church secretary was instructed not to tell where it came from. Well, after a couple of days of begging and pleading our Pastor told us it was the Martins. The amount was exactly what we needed to get caught up on some things that had gotten behind. When I called The Martins to say Thanks, they said God had been laying us on their hearts for a couple of weeks and the amount was each one of their tithes for that week. They had no idea what we were going thru at the time. But they listened to God. I don't know of very many groups or indiviuals that would do what they did. I have know them since before they started in Southern Gospel Industry, when they were just young pre-teens and teens. They were the same then as they are now! They are eat up with the Love of God!!!! I love you Martins! Keep lifting the blood stained banner of Jesus Christ! Christ himself was not excepted by his own people so why should we be any different. Pleasing God is all that matters!!!
Libbi / The Perrys
Controversial? Obviously...
Humble? Absolutely...
Talented? Unequivocally so...
Anointed? Just ask those whose lives have been changed by their ministry.
Faithful? Yes. In small and great things.
Wildly successful? YES!- And therein is the reason for all this blatant, excessive and unnecessary jealousy... People are just 'plain ole' jealous of them...that's all.
I first saw the Martins on a Gaither Homecoming video, and was taken by them immediately. I love their ministry. No matter what happens in this life, I have realized that there will be some who try to hold you down, and who will judge every step of your walk as being ungodly. But, ya know what? Give God the glory, follow Him, and as Libbi said, raise that blood-stained banner. Jesus is ALIVE!!! What more is there to celebrate for? I think the Martins do that.
Chris,
Well done! I have loved the Martins long before my association with them professionally. I particularly admire the hearts of such fine individuals who have their priorities in line; God first, family, then work. How extrememly blessed they are to have the talent they have been given, and get to sing praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when they "go to work"! I DO work for their record company and I am very proud of the work they do to bring lives to the Lord... Roll on Martins! Love ya'll!
Buffi Holland
Spring Hill Radio
I truly believe that if we would humble ourselves and try to see things as Christ would see things we would not be so fast to place judgement! I've only met the Martins 1 time, but that one time was enough to feel the love of God that came from them! I love all types of music as long as it lifts up the name of Jesus. The Martins are definetly one of my favorite! Keep singing for The Lord Y'all!
Love and Prayers,
Iva / The Griffith Family
The Martins are great people! Their music is spirit-filled and inspired from God! To suggest anything other than that is just silly. Listen to the words of their songs..talk to them..they are the salt of the earth! Joyce has been a role-model for me for many years and each time I talk to her it seems that she blesses my heart. Just b/c they sing to different tunes doesn't mean that they've stopped singing for the Savior! They love Jesus and I Love them!
I am only 15 years old, but I can tell you right now that the Martins are more than just "carnal music that touches the flesh." How? Because thay have made a tremendous impact on MY life. I have only met them twice, briefly, but I can tell you that they are some of the sweetest, most godly, humble people I know of. All this could be speaking of anyone, you say? Well the real number one reason I am so sure of their sincerity is that it impacted me in such a way that it prompted me to accept Christ right there at their concert...and I did. It was the best decision I ever made. Thank you Martins!!!!!!!
P.S. I do wish, though that someone could tell me why Jonathan left the group??
Just a few words about groups such as the Martins. My Bible teaches me to "come out from among the world and be ye a separate people". Just like the Contemporary Christian groups and singers, how can we come out and be different, if we're teaching people we can hold on to God and the world at the same time? And that's exactly what these types of singers are doing. No matter what anybody says. It's really sad to think my children are being taught this stuff. Just remember, God is coming back looking for "a peculiar people". Not people that's just like the ones that'll be left behind. This is not judging either, in case people think so. The Word of God has already judged everybody.
A.A. -- God bless you!! I'm so glad to hear that you accepted Christ at one of The Martin's concerts. They truly do send out God's word through their music, and no one can tell me otherwise.
It is to my understanding that Jonathan left the group temporarily to be with his family. It will be interesting to see if he comes back... I sure hope so. I loved to see his shining, smiling face as he sang of Gods love for us.
Kev,
In what way is so called "normal" Southern Gospel music "seperate from the world," contrasted to the Martins' music? You can't say lyrics, because the Martins' music is ever bit as infused with the Gospel as other Southern Gospel songs. You can't say the music, because Southern Gospel sounds just as up to date and modern as other Christian and secular music. Your statements are based on your own personal tastes. Your personal tastes don't define God's standards.
David Bruce Murray,
AMEN! No one could have said it better. God Bless you!
I have been told that Jonathan Martin sings a song called "I've Got You Covered" on an album titled "In Honor of the Father." Does anyone know how to get a copy of that?? I love the Martins, but I had never heard of that song. I would greatly appreciate any information very much! Thank you all and God Bless!
Anyone that knows anything about me knows that the Martins have and will always be my favorite group/artists in the whole world...PERIOD. Many great and valid points have already been stated above, as well as opinions voiced. I don't like most of Southern Gospel...I personally feel that most sound too country (singing through their noses with a twang), and while there are many groups and individuals out there, QUALITY is a rare thing (PLEASE do not throw sticks, stones, etc...JUST MY OPINION). I do not like contemporary...I feel that they are trying to sound like the adult contemp. pop groups out there, and a lot of times their message is so watered down that they just sound like "positive adult pop." THESE GALS (& GUY LOL) JUST SOUND DIFFERENT...'nuff said. I have seen them 5 times..every time was a wonderful worship experience where the Lord was lifted high and exalted, people were blessed, and I dare say more lives than just mine were changed. YES they have talent...some people will always be jealous of their neighbor or brethren who have more. I don't care...I LOVE THEM!!! KEEP IT UP ya'll...YOU ARE THE BOMB!!!
AMEN TERESA!!!! I have seen the Mrtins 3 times in concert, and like I said was saved @ one of those, and have met them twice. I do like some Southern gospel, some contemperary, a little of just about everything! But the Martins will ALWAYS be my absolute favorite, b/c, as u said, they just sound different! Keep up the GREAT work, Joyce, Judy, and Paul! ( and Jonathan!)
Joyce,Judy&Paul; keep on sining for the Lord.I truly enjoy listening to you're misc,there is nothing like listening to good ole gospel music no matter who sings it.Cause there are people out there that it still touches in some way.
Hi! My Name Is Brooke! & I LOVE The Martins!! I Have Listened to them since I was 12 I'm 20 now & I don't entend to stop!! LOL! Joyce & Judy Have Both Been Big Role Models in my life. Their Music has as well. You can tell that they love the Lord & Are Commited To His Calling! I LOVE their syte in music I Can't Wait until their new album comes out ! All though I'm sad to Jonathan Leave I Think Paul Was the best replacement ever! (I still Miss you though Jonathan!) They are all very nice to talk with & GREAT to see in concert!! OK OK I'll Stop now Because I could go on all Day About The Martins!!
Thanks For Reading!! Joyce,Judy & Paul you guys ROCK!! May God continue to bless your life as your work for Him!!! Love ya!!
Brooke
ps: any "Martin Fans" Who Wants To E-mail Me go ahead!
JUDY YOU ARE THE BEST.SO IS JOYCE PAUL JUDY YOU HAVE PRETTY KIDS LIKE YOU.JAKE SHOULD BE BLESSED TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU.YOU THREE ARE ALLWAYS IN MY HEART AND PRAYS.
I miss Jonathan!
Jonathan has a website at http://www.JonathanMartin.org if that helps anyone. God Bless. GED
I miss Jonathan too!
My life has been touched from these spirit filled people. In high school, I almost commited suicide and their song "Wherever You Are" spoke to me. Anyone with talents like these not only to sing powerfully, but to write songs such as this, has the right to sing whatever and however they want as long as they continue to touch lives like they have mine. And, I have met them many times and had many conversations with them... All I can say is they are VERRRRRY real and I look up to their ministry as I try to build mine.
God Bless
I read a couple of weeks ago that The Martins have cancelled their tours. Is this true & if so can you tell us why? :cry: :cry:
Yes they have cancelled their tours for at least a year. Judy wanted to take a year off to be home with her family. Joyce is going to do a solo project. I guess Jonathan has been touring for over a year as a soloist already. http://www.jonathanmartin.org Hope this helps
I love The Martins and You cant get a better song than "The Promise".
Go Martins! :thumbsup:
Those who are criticizing the "sound" of today's artists, seem to forget "that sound" you seem to think is somehow more effective for God, is largely based off of the quartet styles of the 1930's-1950's. Even during that time period the music evolved. The "sound" was based on what was popular and what individual groups felt would provide the best opportunity to minister.
Since then Gospel Music has been through numerous evolutions. As an 8 year old saved at a "contemporary" concert by the then-controversial Imperials, I can assure you God works through contemporary "sounds" as much and as well as "old time" sounding music.
Our singing group, The Arrows (found online at http://www.thearrows.org) has been heavily influenced by The Martins. Their music has touched so many hearts, including my own. I praise God for people like Joyce, Judy and Paul who are willing to stand and SING for Him!!!
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
