As usual, I plan to give you a massive dose of "TRUTH", and my solution, but before I do I want to address last month's article.
When I agreed to write these monthly articles it was with the understanding that I could write freely on any subject relating to SGM. It is my choice to cover controversial topics and I am grateful for the opportunity. I am also aware that this choice exposes me to criticism, but I'm a "big boy" and I can take it. It is indeed satisfying when my articles "stir up the pot" and provide fuel for honest and open discourse. However, I would never sacrifice my personal integrity for this purpose so I will state now that Mrs. Smith's letter is real. The facts are exactly as I stated them. She did not write to me anonymously, but when I asked if I could use her personal letter to me she requested that I not use her real name…smart Lady. Since she was writing to me in private she undoubtedly was more candid than she would have been if she thought her letter would be published in public. This is why, I suspect, that some took offense at the tone of some of her questions. I can understand the natural curiosity that some of you have voiced concerning her identity, but she has the right to her privacy and I have the right to not reveal my sources. Now all of you who doubted "Uncle Nick" say "I Believe Nick" three times, send a "love offering" to the New York Yankees, and slap your knuckles with a ruler.
This month I want to talk about:
THE TROJAN HORSE OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC
I've just finished a book by John C. Maxwell titled "The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork". One of my favorite chapters is "The Law Of The Scoreboard".
The scoreboard is a critical component of every sport. That's why it's so visible at every stadium, arena, and ball field. You can walk into any game at half time, look at the scoreboard and know pretty well what's going on. It's amazing how many people try to succeed without a scoreboard. A simple thing like a budget is a scoreboard, yet many families try to succeed without it and wonder why they can't get ahead.
THE SCOREBOARD DOESN'T LIE AND IN THE END NOBODY CAN WIN WITHOUT THE SCOREBOARD. Competing without a scoreboard is like bowling without pins, you're working real hard but you really don't know how you're doing.
The Southern Gospel Music Industry is ignoring the scoreboard. In every category across the board we are dead last, yet we absolutely refuse to admit we are losing. However, the scoreboard doesn't lie and we are losing. It seems to me we would rather keep ranting about how great SGM is ("I love SGM!..yeah man, it's the greatest!…awright!…way to go!….high five!") than to look at the scoreboard and realize that it's "crunch time".
Now back to the matter at hand…the reason SGM is in such shambles.
Years ago I met a simple country man that happened to be the number one salesman for his company. When I asked him for the secret of his success he replied, "Braggin' ain't braggin' if you back it up", implying that he could be proud of his product to deliver the promise. In SGM we do a lot of "Braggin'" but very little "Backin' up".
When SGM first came on the national scene in the mid 50's it was represented by groups like The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen. These groups were appearing on network television and were being heard by millions of people, and the truth is, they were as good or better than anyone in the secular music world. Let me repeat that since it is the crux of my article. The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen were as good or better than any singers in the secular music world. They were accepted by the world because of their talent and ability to entertain and, as a result, were given the opportunity to present the Gospel in song to the world…and the world liked it!
Almost the exact opposite is true today. Very little of the music we now present is acceptable in musical terms and therefore people don't like it and don't buy it, and we are relegated to singing to ourselves. But, if we really are sincere about ministering and abiding by Luke 14:23…who are we fooling?
We are all familiar with the story of the Trojan Horse. The Greeks attacked the city of Troy. They thought the battle would be over in a few weeks but it lasted for ten years. Finally the Greeks built the Trojan Horse and presented it as an offering to the Goddess Athena. The Trojans took the horse into the city and, late at night the Greeks who were hidden in the horse opened the city gates from the inside and the Greek army came through the gates and took the city of Troy.
THE TROJAN HORSE OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC IS RADIO PROMOTION!
This "scam" has come into our industry and opened the gates to allow access to any Tom, Dick, and Mary who can pick up a guitar. We are over-run with companies that will sign them on to do a recording and radio promotion and, before you can say "rip-off", they're sent out to radio. This is not to be confused with custom recording, which actually serves a purpose by providing product for artists to sell. But when it's tied to radio promotion…it's a "scam".
In the world of music, record companies make their money by selling recordings to the buying public. This is their main source of revenue.
In SGM we feed on ourselves. The companies of which I speak make little or no money by selling product at the retail level. They make their money by bringing in one group after another and selling them a small order of CDs and radio promotion. The only sales made are what the group sells at their appearances, which averages about 500 units per year. The companies could not survive if the flow of groups stopped, hence the continual hype directed at the artists. Because there is no attempt to reach the market place, all the revenue is derived by selling to the artists. It's a never ending cycle, and the down side is that the groups have bought into this "gobbledygook". The result is an industry that is flooded with ill-prepared, poor singing, artists, and a radio industry that is mostly comprised of low watt stations that serve as much purpose as sending our music to chicken coops and gas stations.
We could move SGM forward 20 years by stopping this foolishness, and the key to doing that is EDUCATING THE ARTISTS.
I had a part time group in my office that had three songs on the charts in one year, one in the top 12.The only sales were made by the group. In terms of benefit to the group, the result is ZIP!…ZERO!...NADA! They are still struggling.
In my opinion, the only radio promoters that are worth anything are the ones promoting artists that have exposure at the retail level.
Here is the heart of the matter. Radio Promotion, The Trojan Horse of SGM, has opened the gates to these artists and created an industry of "Mutant Ninja Singers" with a gene missing…the singing gene.
How many artists in SGM are on a par musically with the secular music world?
How many artists in SGM get up every day and work 6 to 8 hours perfecting their singing?
How many artists in SGM understand music?
How many artists in SGM can actually sing? The answer to all these questions is…very few.
The reason there is not much SGM in bookstores is that it doesn't sell. It doesn't sell because it is poorly sung, poorly produced music that appeals to a very small market.
The SGM that I cut my teeth on was wonderful. The men and women that were our pioneers were passionate about their singing. Sadly, that is no longer true. The music is still wonderful, but the new breed of "singers" that is flooding through the gate is only interested in "getting our name out there" by getting on the charts. If most of them were put on trial for singing, they wouldn't serve one day in jail. You can promote songs on the radio until the cows come home, but if you can't sing you are wasting your time and money. The real test of a song's success is retail sales. Retail sales and chart position are joined at the hip. It defies logic to have a song high on the charts that is not selling at retail. It also speaks volumes about the current state of our charts.
If your product is not going out to retail stores you have no business sending it to radio. Take the money and learn how to sing. That's how to "get your name out there".
A prime example of this is The Booth Brothers. I have been working with them for about seven years, and I am certainly not implying that I am responsible for their success, but I am proud to say that I had a hand in it. They have had very little, if any, help from radio. They have worked tirelessly on their singing. In the studio their motto is "one more time, we can get it better, please, one more time". Today they are one of the top artists in Gospel Music.
We can argue the pros and cons of improving SGM all day long (as many obviously do), but the real, rubber meets the road, TRUTH is that until we address the lack of talent that has permeated our industry, chances of improvement are "slim to none".
We can also debate the changes that are needed, but that is not my argument. I DO NOT WISH TO CHANGE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC! I LOVE THE MUSIC! I WANT TO MAKE THE MUSIC BETTER!
What I am proposing is real change in the attitude of our artists, a grass roots effort to educate our artists. In my view we have lost sight that this business is about singing.
It is not a question of changing SGM as an art form; it's about improving the music we love so it will be appealing to others. We need more real singers, arrangers, and producers that actually know what they're doing.
This is not about what SGM is, it's about what it's not…good music!
It's not about whether the music is progressive or traditional; it's about making our art form, our music, our style, musically sound.
One of the reasons the Bill Gaither homecoming tour is so successful is this: if you can't sing you will not be on that stage.
My friends, the scoreboard doesn't lie. It accurately reflects your position. Many losing teams try to convince themselves that a new stadium or arena will bring in the crowd. It will not. A winning team can draw a crowd in an open parking lot. The same is true for you. Are you selling lots of product? Are your crowds good to excellent? Is your date book full? Are you bringing in good revenue? These are the facts that are posted on your scoreboard. You can hide your head in the sand if you choose to, but that will not change the score.
Our industry is rife with companies that will try to tell you otherwise, but the one indisputable truth you can use to assess the merits of their sales pitch is this: Does the company receive its revenue by selling product at the retail level or by selling product and radio promotion to the artists?
Here is a challenge to my good friends Deon and Susan Unthank. If you want to have a chart that is light years ahead of the rest, tie your charts to retail sales. You may only have 15 artists on your chart but you will have the only accurate chart in the world of SGM.
I leave you with this thought.
If the future existence of Southern Gospel Music hinged on a one hour performance by one group to the world…which group would we send to do the job?
I know who I'd send, but let me know who you would choose. I'll reveal my choice and yours next month. You may be surprised!
As always, I welcome your comments.
God Bless You
Nick Bruno
Author: Nick Bruno
| Author's Website: http://www.nickbruno.com/
Written: 01/01/2005
| 
Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Gospel Truth
Comments: 63
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Thanks Nick for the article. Preach on brother. The radio promotion "industry" is unbelievable and you are spot on. If you don't have a distribution deal and your not singing nationally..then why in the world waste the money? Walk the dog in your area...if you are good enough...and the Lord sees fit to include you in His plan(s)then it will happen. Radio or no radio! Perfect your sound..work, work, work and listen to your singing mentors. It is more than the music. But that is the starting point. Our purpose is to bring God glory..not our group or ourselves. Some of us are more into promoting ourselves than promoting the message. We are to praise Him...Some of us are using "loud clanging cymbals" to offer that praise. Give it a rest. Stop trying so hard. Sing to your "mama and them" and leave the rest of us alone. To your question: I would send several groups to secure the future of SGM...headlined by the Gaither Vocal Band (with Mark Lowry), The Booth Bros.(I'm not sucking up) The Cathedrals, Karen Peck & New River, The Martins, Greater Vision and Lordsong! Each has there own unique style and sound which is all SGM!! I didn't include my group..we're not there..close, but not there. God Bless!
Nick,
Thanks again for hitting the nail on the head. I'll not reiterate your points, but, I agree with them all. I hope that the Unthanks will continue to allow you to write your great columns. I also hope that the right people will take them as they are meant and use them to improve the industry.
As far as groups go, I'd agree with Bart's pick and add The Hoppers, The Talley Trio and The Crabb Family
Nick,
I was just reviewing your book, then got online and saw this article. Incredible! Being in broadcasting (contemporary Christian), I long for the day that sgm stations can sound professional by playing only the great songs. I would love to manage one and see to it that it happens, but I am not aware of any that can pay me what I make now. Sad. Companies you spoke about that sell product to the groups and promise the moon with promotions should take a long hard look at how they are harming the industry in the long run, while they line their pockets. I applaud you sir, for speaking the truth and doing it in love.
I forgot to vote for the groups that I believe are "getting it done." Just to name a few - GOLD CITY, LEGACY FIVE and GREATER VISION.
I totally agree with all you've said! I will also add that these are the same sentiments I have observed on message boards presented by artists like McCray Dove and Ben Harris. Both men are passionately committed to seeing quality return to SGM.
My group of choice to represent SG would be The Dove Brothers.
Good article.. on the money. I will remember this the next time "Buck Bob and the Singing Christianaires" appear on a comp disc.
I might add... Radio needs to refuse to play these artists..and take away some of the clout that promoters have.
Chuck
http://www.sglive365.com
I enjoyed this article. I thought I was the only person who disliked half of what I hear on the local Christian music station. I often swith off the radio and turn on a CD. The only program I am assured will be quality selections is the Gaither hour.
My favorite groups include Gaither Vocal Band, Legacy Five, Signature Sound, Gold City and the Hoppers.
Great article Nick! Strive for excellence artists!! I have ticked off many a local artist in my listening area because I would not play their music that didn't come up to my picky standards. I do try to explain that I only have 3 hrs a day to bring SG music, and I don't want people to hear anything that does not reflect professionalism in SG---My choices would be Signature Sound, Mercys Mark, the Booth Bros and the Dove Bros.....
Great article. As far as what one group, that is hard to say. It seems that the Crabb Family has gone "outside the box" from a business standpoint and been successful (as far as I know-which is little). Gerald Wolf seems to be one of the better singers technically (O Holy Night comes to mind). So, what one group could be succesfull in retail sales and provide correct, technical and spiritual singing? Even though there are a lot of groups/artists I love, no one comes to mind. Let me think a while.
Nick,
I was in country radio when country wasn't cool and something major happened in that industry years later -- they realized they needed to take their industry to a higher standard with quality of music, promotions, marketing, etc. and that everyone would work together to make it happen --whatever it would take. I would suggest that the SGMA appoint a steering committee to explore those same issues. Just my two cents. I love sgm and would love to see it be around for generations to come; but I fear that unless something is done soon to improve perception of the industry, it will not grow as God could bless it.
Another great article, Nick. I appreciate your wisdom and candor in discussing the current issues facing SGM. I can only hope that enough artists will read your article and understand what you are saying. Unfortunately, I’m afraid there will be many that think you are preaching to “all of those groups” and that “our group is one good song away from making it big”. Not to be a discourager, but many groups need to take a hard look at their scoreboard (their financial books, their date book, the number of decisions for Christ, etc.) to determine where they fit into the SGM industry. I like to think of the SGM hierarchy as similar to the organization of professional baseball. Of course you’ve got the Major League, but you’ve also got AAA, AA, A, and the Rookie League. Not everyone that plays professional baseball has the talent to make it to the Majors, but they have enough talent that someone, somewhere will pay to see them play. I believe we have too many Rookie League, A, and AA groups thinking they can buy their way into the Major Leagues by signing with the right agent. Relating it back to your article, the only person benefiting from that relationship would be the agent. Only in this case, the agent would also be the team owner and the player would be paying to be on the team. I know the analogy isn’t perfect, but I hope the point is understood.
As for your question, limiting my choice to only one group I would have to go with the Gaither Vocal Band. I believe they already have some name recognition (via Bill Gaither) and I believe they would have some appeal to a wide audience – Bill to the more traditional Christian music crowd, David Phelps to a younger audience, and Guy Penrod to those that prefer country music. I’ve not seen them perform with Marsh Hall yet, but from what I’ve seen of him on the Gaither videos, it seems that he would also appeal to a younger audience. In addition to their individual appeal, they collectively have a great sound representative of the best of SGM.
Sorry for being so long-winded.
Scot Eaves
Mr Bruno,\
Never knew about that..unbelievable.
I'd send the Gaither Vocal Band, Chosen Few, Crossway Qt.
Woulnd't send the Crabbs though unless it was to some sort of scream-therapy.
Auke
Great article Nick. Dead on accurate. Your preachin to the choir here, but preach n brother maybe someone will begin to listen. As to group to send, thats a hard choice. But if I could send just one it would probably be Palmetto State.
Excellent and thought-provoking article, Mr. Bruno. You have made a ton of very serious points to consider. As to one group to present SGM to the world, this alone is a fascinating challenge. I know a few who I would NOT send....but here are a few of my choices;
Quartet: Kingdom Heirs, Dixie Melody Boys, Legacy Five, Dove Brothers
Trio: Mark Trammell Trio, Greater Vision, Booth Brothers
Family: Hayes Family, Whisnants, Magruders, Hoppers (and wish the Goodmans were still around!)
Keep up the tremendous articles.
Dear Nick : I have known you for a long time,I
agree with some of your spin,but not all of it.I
would send a person in Gospel music,that had a
combination of (A great singer,a Godly person that
knows Christ personally,a trustworthy,person,one
whose ministry has been blessed by God minus the
politics in Gospel music,one who sings next to the
hearts of God's people,one who knows God's Word)
that would be Squire Parsons. Nick......God's
benchmark,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I agree with the general premise of this article -- that in order for things to be better, the quality of what we do must improve. However, I want to point out a few things that tilts the scoreboard in favor of other genre that may not be in our best interest.
1. Many more people want to hear songs about unsavory things than about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many more people want to hear songs about sentimental things than want to hear about the Kingdom of God.
2. Objective musical quality is not directly proportional to CD sales. Most people, especially teenagers, by CDs more for image than for musical quality. If musical quality was the standard for CD sales, Beethoven's 9th Symphony or Handel's Messiah would be at the top of the charts instead of the drivel we hear on mainstream radio.
With these two thoughts in mind, I want to make a couple of observations about the genre some are pushing SG to be like -- CCM. The singers and musicians that make up the garage bands that dominate CCM are not any better musicians than most of the SG artists that are on the radio today. And the message of theirs songs are not spiritually challenging for either Christians or sinners. CCMs sales have skyrocketted the last few years because they have cashed in on the image-conscious youth and have watered-down the lyrics.
Is that what we want to do? I did not think so. I do agree with the article. I just don't think that the right improvements will change the scoreboard as much as we might think. Remember, when Jesus improved his quality, by preaching the tougher, true gospel, His crowds shrank.
As usual, your column was thought provoking. Having been taken advantage of by some of the so called record companies in the past, I now can see your perspective, however, many times, some quality talent gets buried on a compilation full of lesser talent.
I believe that there are many regional groups that could make it at a higher level if given the opportunity. They may need some guidance along the way like better arrangements and better material but the talent is there. I believe that is why many of these groups fall into the trap that the recording companies have sprung. Many times, these things are promised to lure you to the company. In fact, some of the great groups of the past have been known more regionally than nationally, such as the Prophets and the Rebels. Can you deny their talent or success. Those were also groups that became the talent pool for the better know groups.
I know that on average that most "local groups" are average at best but I do think that the ones who rise above the others should not be punished because they are "local". After all, technically, every group is local. Everyone is from somewhere. In NC the Hoppers, Dixie Melody
Boys, Kingsmen and Inspirations are local groups. For radio stations to refuse to play the quality regional groups is ridiculous when most of them are playing nationally known groups that are not as good.
I know that I have strayed a little from the main theme. I have heard all of my life from pastors as well as promoters the statement, "this group is not here to entertain us but to minister to us." Even though there is some truth to that statement, I feel that in order to reach the unchurched, we must strive to be entertaining in order to get their attention. The music that we choose should do the ministering. After all, it is the message in the music that separates us from the crowd.
As far as what groups to send, I would agree with the Booth Brothers, Signature Sound, Greater Vision, the Lesters, the Hoppers. All of these groups sing outside the box when it comes to arranging. There are others as well.
Brother Keith;
What you have just written is absolutely right on. BOTH of your points are hugely true, and very applicable to this discussion. Thanks for making them.
In thinking of Nick's challenge to pick one group, after considering my earlier answer of several hours ago, I neglected 2 current entries worthy of consideration; the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, and the Perrys.
However; in my 40 years of loving this music, if I had ONE group, and only one group from 4 decades to represent Christ through SGM, it would be the Couriers; Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson, and Neil Enloe. Excellent voices. Great arrangements. Neil was as good a songwriter as any of his era. And their Christian testimonies were impeccable. They literally travelled the entire world, representing their Savior, and they did it for over 30 years without a single taint of suspicion or inconsistency. They were Christians first, and everybody knew it.
Thanks for letting me say this. I admire them immensely.
Crabb Family or Mercy's Mark....but if picking only one, it would be Crabb Family. they have the retail sales.
Great article again....
As program director of southwest Missouri's largest radio station, I can verify that I too often get radio compilation cds from promotion companies that generally end up in the trash. We love the big names in sgm, but also constantly search for new, up-and-coming groups.
But, we screen all music before it goes on the air. So, even if you've been convinced to pay thousands to a promoter to get on their latest disc to radio, if it isn't quality, you won't get airplay on KWFC.
Nick's right, spend the money to 1) learn to sing, then 2) put a great project together.
As far as the one group I'd put before the world...hands down the Crabb Family. Could've gone with the Gaither Vocal Band. They've got the name recognition, fabulous sound and can do a variety of music. The Crabb Family also have a fabulous sound, variety and growing name recognition. But, there's one difference, age. The youthfulness of the Crabb Family will attract younger people to sgm whereas young adults probably don't relate as well to the vocal band.
There's my two-cents worth,
Kyle
WELL THAT IS AMAZING.
YOU SAY EVERYONE THAT ISN'T POLITICALLY RIGHT AS THE SGM POWERSTHATBE SEE IT SHOULD STAY OUT SO THE ONLY ONES TO BE HEARD ARE THE SELFPROCLAIMED ELITE.(THE HIGHER ESCHELON OF TALENT).
BUT THEN THE VERY NAMES THAT KEEP BEING PROMOTED AS THE GROUPS TO SEND OUT IF THERE WAS THAT ONE AND ONLY EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD, ARE IN DEED THE SAME GROUPS THAT ARE BEING PROMOTED DAY IN AND DAY OUT IN THE INDUSTRY YOU SAY HAS RUN AFOUL.
IF THERE IS ONE THING I FIND DISTASTEFUL IN THIS BUSINESS IT IS THE HORN TOOTING OF ONE'S SELF AS THE SMARTEST, MOST TALENTED,ONLY ONE GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE SENSITIVE EARS OF THE LISTENING AUDIENCE, AND SELFPROCLAIMED MOST DESERVING.
TO ME THOSE ARE THE REAL DANGEROUS PEOPLE IN THIS BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT TURN PEOPLE OFF. IF THERE IS ONE THING THE WORLD DISPISES IT IS SELF SERVING EGOTISTS WHO THINK THEY SHOULD BE GOD'S ONLY CHOICE OF MINISTRY TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD.(GOOD THING GOD DOESN'T FEEL THAT WAY).
KEEP IT UP YOU FOLKS AND YOU WILL HAVE NO BUSINESS TO TOOT TO!!!
I disagree with your atricle. When The Crabb Family started they used 3 or 4 radio promoters. They have realized the importance of radio and radio promoters (but I will say that they are probably the best radio promoters at this time 
. Without radio marketing you WILL NOT get into retail. Go ahead and practice, practice, practice but I don't think that you're drawing a crowd in your living room. There are a TON of quailty groups out there doing awesome projects but keep getting overlooked, why is that? My feeling is due to a lack of radio promotions.
My main point is that The Crabb Family saw the importance of radio promoters and it paid off for them. My other point is that just because YOU don't like the music doesn't mean it's not good. I don't care for some songs but they are HUGE in some areas, because that is what that area craves. Some areas may want to hear the sounds of the "NO NAME GROUP" instead of the "CRABB FAMILY." YOU may not understand that but IT IS THE CASE!
I also find it interesting that you offer RADIO PROMOTIONS with your new company, Song Garden page 99 of The Singing News Magazine. How do you expect to sale ANY product through retail without RADIO? Also, I think the thing that turned things around for the Booth Brothers is when they started tourning with the Gaither Homecoming Tour.
Nick,
You have a really good article. There is not enough space for me to express my opinions on the future of SGM here.
As for a group, I would prefer to send out there your old boss JD. He did what you are describing.
As for a current group, I would take out the Nelons because their music got my wife's attention and she is not a SGM fan.
Nick, Nick, Nick.......... Let me just start by saying everyone responding to your article has named over 100 different artist and you want to limit the industry to only 15?!?!?! What gives, last month we were not doing enough as a whole to promote SGM this month we need to scale back the artist cause if you ain't on a BILL GAITHER video you SUCK!!! LOL .... Everybody likes to quote the Bible so here goes one " A double minded man is unstable in ALL his ways " I think this should STIR THE POT fer ya.. Good OP-ED anyways..
I'd send the Gaither Vocal Band with their full music band that appears in the Homecoming videos providing the sound . . . Williams, Burger, etc. I'd have them sing stuff like "Hide Thou Me," "I'm Gonna Sing," and "He Touched Me" . . . in other words, a mix of the classics and more recent songs they've introduced.
A very interesting article, Nick. If I could pick one artist/group to represent SG, I would pick...(drum roll, please)Hope's Call. Here are some reasons why:
1)the members of Hope's Call have unbelievable vocal chemistry; they are definitely not lacking in the talent department. 2)They make good song choices. That is SO important in the music business. Their stuff is catchy, uplifting, and powerful. 3)They have marketability. In a country where the majority of music is bought by those under 35, their age is an asset.They are also stylish, but very classy at the same time.
Itsjustmeinhere offered some valid challenges to Nick's position, IMO. No one can argue with the success of the Crabb Family. However, at the same time they came to national attention with songs like "Please Forgive Me," I could already get their products from the national distribution arm of Daywind, New Day Distribution and put them on the shelves of the retail store where I worked. It takes availability to retail to launch a new group.
Nick's point is regarding artists who go into the studio, record a full project, send one song to radio, sell 500 units to their local fans directly at a financial loss, and REPEAT THE CYCLE. The only entity benefiting from that type of arrangement is the promotion company. The recordings are made on a low budget, generally, and it shows.
It might be fine to push a song to radio if your intent is to attract the interest of a distribution company. However, many SG artists never even work that angle. They make their CDs in a rush and send songs to radio.
The Crabb Family succeeded where other groups failed because they were persistent in working hard at ALL angles of the business . . . songwriting, production quality, radio, live concert performances, retail, and even TV to some extent via Gaither and other avenues. They didn't get to where they are now by means of radio alone.
There is no magic formula to success. However, the key is choosing the right songs, getting the best possible production quality, and the best possible vocal performance. These things should come before radio or retail is pursued, but are often hampered by the rush to get a song on the radio.
I've been reading Nick for months now, and I don't believe he ever said "NEVER, EVER use radion promotion!!". He uses radio himself in his own record company. I think his message is obvious, unless you just sorta skim through them. He is saying "Don't think you can use a one time shot a radio promotion as the FOUNDATION of LONG TERM CAREER (key words) in SGM. How in the name of ABC is anyone missing his point? You don't seriously think he is telling us all to practice, practice, practice in our living rooms... are you? It's time to get serious about SGM... and here is someone who is simply trying to tell the truth.. and maybe educate some of us who are not familiar with what goes on behind the scenes.
There can't be anyone who is even slightly involved in the business side of SGM who can deny with a straight face that thousands and thousands of godly, churchgoing people who THINK they have talent (but need practice) are being duped out of thousands and thousands of dollars by unscrupulous (though well-known) "record companies" who lie to these people and tell them
that the key to success is paying for radio promotion. Nick is saying unless you have everything ELSE in place...you're wasting your money...
The Crabb Family had TALENT... as did the Booth Brothers. IT's true that MORE people know about the Booth Brothers since their affiliation with the Gaither Homecoming, but Nick Bruno had produced a few albums for them BEFORE Gaither called. Maybe Gaither liked what he heard before the rest of us heard what he liked. Is it so difficult to get the guy some credit for being a part of their success? Instead of resisting what Nick says, maybe we could consider it.
I'VE OBSERVED THAT THE ONLY PERSON WHO GETS ANGRY AND UPSET WHEN SOMEONE IS STIRRING UP THE POT IS THE PERSON WHO IS TRYING TO KEEP THE LID ON IT !!
When people start slinging Scripture around, the way "SGM is the Best" did, I can't keep silent.
Sharwill 1.....Sharwill 1..... evidently you only read a portion of Nick's article and took that portion out of context, in much th esame way you quoted only a portion of that Scripture in James and took THAT out of context also. Concerning the verse you quoted in James 1:8 if you'll read the verse in context you'll see that Paul is admonishing us that when we are facing trials we can ask God to give us wisdom about how to face that trial..and why that trial has arrived. And it describes a "double-minded" man as someone who
asks God for wisdom yet at the same time doubts that God will give the wisdom he is asking for.
A double-minded person is someone who is doubting that God will give him the wisdom he needs to get through a fiery trial. What that has to do with Nick's article about radio promotion is a mystery.
Maybe you didn't have time to read the whole portions of Scripture, and by the way, did you have time to actually read Nick's article? There is certainly nothing double-minded about it. You might have a problem with double vision because you're seeing quotes in his article that simply are not there.
Can you tell me where in the article you read the line "if you ain't on a Bill Gaither Video you suck"? I mean, Nick didn't even HINT at that. What he actually said if "if you can't sing you will not be on that stage". He was using the Homecoming events as an example of a successful branch of SGM. And he's right. The FACTS prove that most of the top ten selling SOUTHERN GOSPEL product in 2004 was Gaither related. Does this bother you? Is there some hidden agenda you have that makes you jealous of the success of Bill Gaither. Nick didn't say "if you ain't on a Bill Gaither video you suck"...YOU DID.
Also can you tell me where you read the line where Nick says he wants to limit the industry to 15 groups. I think you took a line out of context again (hmmmm... do we see a pattern here, Sharwill? Sharon? Will?) What Nick ACTUALLY said is: If you want to have a chart that is light years ahead of the rest tie your chart to retail sales. You may only have 15 artists on your chart but you will have the only accurate chart in the world of SGM". SGM may be the only music form that does not have accurate chart reports. He's reminding us that the purpose any chart is to report POPULAR APPEAL and the surest sign of that is SALES. He was using the nubmer 15 symbolically.. not literally.
You may also want to work on your math skills at the same time your sharpen up on your reading comprehension because I don't see the 100 groups that you claim people have listed in the posts..
I've counted maybe 30 different names. Where are the other 70.
I've known Nick for years and I know him to be a straight forward, honest guy who loves SGM and wants it to be the best it can be. There is nothing false or double-minded about him.
Lindsay, you are right on! The old Couriers would have indeed been THE group to send out to the world to represent gospel music(particularly the quartet!)! In fact, they had more than one opportunity to join the world of secular music, but resisted because of their mission and purpose!
I know Nick would agree with you...the Couriers were one of HIS role models!
I don't claim to be any kind of "insider" to SGM, although I was in one of those "part time" groups for 33 years. I can understand and agree with what Nick was saying about radio promotion. I just wanted to mention something that I haven't seen in these discussions, and that is live appearances as a measure of a groups success. I form my opinion of a group and buy their product from live performances, and I believe I have lots of company. If I enjoy a group, I will drive 200 miles to hear them. If I don't enjoy them, next time I'll leave that seat to someone who does.
Several groups have been mentioned that I would agree with as the one to send if there could only be one. My top choice that has not been mentioned would be Triumphant (formerly Integrity)
MIKE, MIKE, MIKE,.......take a deep breathe and switch to decaf....it's just an opinion!!! LOLOLOLOLOL...
Ah, but "SGM is the best" your "opinion" if that is what you want to call it, was built on distortion, inaccuracies, and exaggerations! Maybe, like at CBS some people should be fired from your writing team.....
Nick, I have read with great interst your artical and the many different comments. I have been in Gospel Music all of my life, starting singing when I was 8, traveled a few years in the late 70's with three of my sons, worked in Gospel Radio now for almost 20 years, 10 of those managing a smaller FM in the Ozarks, now with a 100,000 watt station broadcasting Southern Gospel Music.
I grew up with the Blackwoods, Statesmen, Prophets, Florida Boys, Oak Ridge Boys, Blue Ridge QT, and many others which I believe were some of the best. Today we have many new goups who are doing as well, some even better, but there are also many smaller groups who will never become one of the best known groups, but are still singing, witnessing, winning souls, and I still believe that should be the bottom line of the SGM Industry. I agree that air play needs to be good quality, but as some have stated in comments, I do not believe we need to sound like the best County station in town.
I know for a fact that when I am on the air I sometimes will play a lesser known group, but the song has a good message, and I will get a call from someone telling me what a blessing that song was to them.
I attend a meeting a number of years ago of program directors from a lot of Gospel stations, and one of the things that was stated was that God gives the songs to the songwriters, lays it on the heart of a group to record it, perhaps not at one of the top studios, but yet on a good recording, unless you are trying to be a profesional critic listening only to the sound. God will use that recording to speak to hearts, and perhaps be the message someone needs to hear,to give encouragement or perhaps lead them to Chrisat, but as program directors becasuse of some pet peave, and thinking we know best what people want to hear, will keep it off air play and keep the song from being what GOD May have inteded it to be.
We need to play the top groups as they deserve it, but I am a firm believer that many of the local groups caqn be played as well, and sometimes be a greater ministry, then just always what we might call the super stars of Gospel Music.
I work with over 150 different artists in various events, and have been in concerets with many of them, and know that they are singing what they believe, and have had many comments that they sound as good as any profesional group they have listened to.
So I believe the idea to only play what we consider is the top 10 to 15% and throw the others out is wrong.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak my heart.
George Bryant
Nick,
In a private conversation we had several months ago you did make a distinction to the above, if I understood you properly.
There are groups (like ours) that have done custom recordings,trying to hit a high standard. The original cost of the tracks on our latest CD were in the area of $5000--for the tracks alone, and none of these were bought from a company selling tracks. All but one (which was part of a live recording) were custom-made in major studios. Having been a producer and engineer for many years making nationally-distributed products, I have attempted to be very careful to see to it that our recordings are the very best we can do. We have been very satisfied with the reviews they have received. Others, I'm sure, can and have done better. But, we have stayed at the microphones and at the mixing console until the work reflected the VERY BEST we could do.
Our listening public and our Savior demand no less.
But, the fact that we have made 3 custom albums in the past year and a half does not mean we do not want national distribution with a label. As we spoke about privately, we are taking steps to sign with a label in the future and have expressed to you our plans of using you as producer, if possible.
So a group like ours may be getting radio play around the country simply because we will travel more than 50,000 miles this year to some 23 states--the states where SGM is most heavily promoted and heard. We are aware that we need national distribution for our product and are taking steps to bring that about but, in the meantime, radio play can cause us to be known and recognizable to Pastors and promoters in the 1500 mile radius we travel regularly, and that in itself justifies pursuing national radio play for us--for now.
We do not disagree with what you've said--but Rome wasn't built in a day. We seem to be growing "in layers" and, hopefully, national distribution of product (hopefully produced by you) will be one of the next things that the Lord will bring to us.
But, in keeping with the budget, we have to be very careful now not to fail to make proper payments for the radio promotion, booking services and other promotional activities that we are already committed to.
I believe I understood you to say, when we spoke, that you do not disapprove of a group's actions when they are in transition and are striving to embrace all of the moves in the proper direction.
I wish we could do it all at once. But, we will never stop pursuing all of the things that we should. By God's grace, we intend to continue perfecting our craft until He takes us home.
By the way, my choice for the one group to send for a one hour performance to the world was an easy decision for me. I'd send the Classic Couriers--some combination of Dave, Duane, Neil, Don and Phil. I'll admit I am biased, as all of them have personally and individually mentored me to some degree over the years (and you also received that treatment years ago, to some degree), but I would send them because I TRUST THEM.
They would, based on a 50 year track record, seek the Lord and best determine WHAT they should sing and WHAT they should say in the precious time allotted. The charts, authorship of songs, or the desire to tell funny stories would not override their resolve to perform the hour according to God's wishes. And, in my humble opinion, no group has ever so consistently sung with excellence or has ministered with the anointing of God at a level greater than they have.
And--you're right. The scoreboard proves it so. Thousands won to the Kingdom. Many (like you and me) influenced to pursue the Gospel Music ministry. 3 Dove awards. A concert schedule often with 320 dates a year. Incredible success at the product table and on the charts--with a Dove award for the Song of the Year in 1976.
I'd send the people I trust the most--with no apologies.
Nick:
I remember seeing you when you played piano for the Kingsmen back at the '73(?) NQC in Nashville.
I agree with your comments 1000%,'tho I don't know a lot about promotion these days. New England is kind of a Southern Gospel wasteland.
I was brought to the Lord by a local group called the T'n'T Singers back in 1969. They weren't the best group ever heard, but through them I came to know the Envoys, Speer Family and lots of others.
A lot of these groups made it sound so natural because they spent so much time learning to do it RIGHT, or came from a family history of singing.
I got away from Southern Gospel for a while, but since renewing interest have found very few of the "newer" groups who can bring it like long established groups or those who aren't singing anymore, and tio me it's because of poor musicianship. Art has to be practiced over time in order for it to mature.
Agreed! Bring back the Statesmen, the Blackwood Brothers, and the Cathedrals. So many groups heard in concert and on the radio today cheapen the faith and bring embarrassment to the industry. Southern Gospel, SAD to say, is a dying breed which can only be salvaged by quality control. All industries fail without it!
You are standing on my "Soap Box" this month.I have been preaching that same sermon for years now but you said it so well, thanks! That is one of the many reasons I got into teaching voice to SGM singers.I can't find another music industry that needs vocal training more than SGM does. Thanks for speaking out. We appreciate you.
George,
Quality standards must be in place at your radio station for ALL artists -- regardless of national or regional. The checklist would include: (1) Overall sound and production; (2) Are the vocals great? Can you understand the words? (3) Is the message clear? (4) What emotional impact does it have?, etc...etc... Don't let down your guard on OVERALL QUALITY, even if the message is good. I have turned down major artist releases before because I thought the song was a dud. The record companies will respect you if you hold a very high standard. The regional groups will realize you have a top-notch station and will eventually know that they have to meet the same standards. Just a word of encouragement to present our best to the listeners and honor God with excellence.
Nick,
Was getting ready to make a comment about groups that were big that had some horrendous concerts and lo and behold my prime example "The Kingsmen" Chip said you played for. I don't want to offend you or your ability because there was talent in this group, but they were proof according to my experience of their live performance that you could just yell through a song and be successful. I agree with your column 95% this time but feel you left something important out that it seems all genre's of music seem to have to relearn over and over again. You need talent, appeal, and marketing, BUT you also need some decent SONGS. A lot of the drek out there right now passing as Southern Gospel music stink to high heaven. Another reason why Gaither is so successful is that he writes great songs. I don't like all of them personally, but they are great.
If I were looking for a group to represent us, it would be one of the following.
The Statesmen
The Gaither Vocal Band
The Cathedrals
Possibly with the Imperials of the late 70's early 80's opening for them.
Another great article Nick, I can hardly abide some of the so called artist that are played on the radio in this area. Preach on Brother!!!
Make us better.
Who's doing it : Gaither Vocal band, Crabb Family, Gold City, Booth Brothers, Old time Gospel Hour Quartet,Hoppers, I could go on.
I love this music
God Bless us everyone
Brother Nick--
As Christians, we are to seek & receive the truth on all important matters regardless of sensitivity..Thx for speaking truth from your heart...
Many Christians enjoy singing but fewer are "Gifted & Called" to sing SGM...I believe that the SGM industry leaders should shoulder responsibility for which artists are promoted to represent SGM to our society..
Not simply promoters...The NQC is a great forum for reviewing/identifying "the best"..Perhaps a state level version of the NQC would help with labeling our "best talents" and helping them..God Bless us all..
Leon
In answer to What Andy wrote, I agree.
I do not program the music for our station, but that is what is followed. I do a couple of weekend shows now that feature local artist, but I still maintain a high standard to what is plyed.
I always believe we need to promote the best, but there are many new groups up and comming, and like I said before, they need to have a chance to have their music listened to.
I have learned through the years, that everyone does not think like I do, Sing like I do, or enjoy the same type of songs I do. So if I am trying to make everyone sound like me, I may be ruling out someone whom many others would enjoy.
We need to have high standards, but not to the point that they are so high that nobody can meet them. Look at Elvis Presley when he started out.
And like the Church who had a resume submited, for someone to serve as pastor, but when it was read they voted that he was not what they were looking for, later to find out it was made up on the Apostal Paul.
I for one appreciate the local groups, who will never get their names in the singing news, or USA Gospel News, or here on SGM.com, but are out there serving the Lord, and filling the void that is needed in our Churches and communities.
I also appreciate the top groups that are doing it right, and If I had to chose a group today that is best in my book it would be Brian Free and Assurance.
George Bryant
It seems to me the only people who have problems with what Nick says is those who feel threatened by some hypothetical reaction of the industry is "they" actually implemented Nicks views. I for one would welcome it, regardless of where it would put my own group. At least the health of our industry would be far better. And as to the number 15, I doubt seriously the chart would be that big.
I agree with your assesment. As for grps.I would send Signature Sound, Gaither Vocal Band,Booth Bros. Dove Brothers and of course have to add the Hoopers.Soloist would be Ivan Parker and Mike Bowling.
In a side by side comparison of the Christian music industries, I have heard praise and worship "I can Only Imagine" cross over to the local light rock station, Michael W. Smith has had a number of pop cross over hits, then country music, the closest secular contemporary to sgm, has not had one sgm cross over artist.
Country stations, in markets 35 and up, have: a higher review standard, more listeners, and more money. Country music has more revenue and more sales. I’m sure we have all listened to more country music collectively than we have sgm. Yes Nick, there really is a scoreboards for sgm, and yes we are loosing.
I think SG has more raw talent than other genres. It is one of the few styles of music that is focused more on the music than the visuals.
Whenever I read these Nick Bruno rants, I can't figure out if he's wanting to bring SG up to the level of country and pop, which primarily use slick visuals (read: sex), or he wants to figure out a way to market what we have. . . maybe increase the audience size.
At any rate, I think there has to be a grass roots demand for the style. Blue Grass Gospel has this going for it, while traditional SG seems to be losing ground. Why? Possibly because we've tried to change SG and make it something it's not hence losing much of the purity and honesty that made it a unique style of expression. If you end up singing gospel music that sounds like country music, you may sound good, but country fans will still prefer country artists, and you'll end up sounding watered down despite the $20K tab for Nashville's best musicians...
In the end, if SG ever enjoys wide appeal it will be because artist attract new fans to a different style of music as opposed to artist who try to sound like other styles in order to appeal to fans of different genres..
IMO, of course
I can't help but agree with Steve that our Industry must attract new people to our style of music. But, our music must be done well, or those "taking a look" at our genre will get the wrong impression. It is incumbent upon each artist to properly portray our music to those who "wander by" to take a look.
I know I'm preaching to the choir when responding to Steve's post. Steve is an excellent piano player. I am aware of his work with several different groups, over the years, and their recordings and performances are, and have been, top-notch.
If all local groups sang at the level of the groups Steve has been with, much of purpose of this discussion would be moot, IMHO
I am amused that some would agree with Nick and then offer as "the group" they would send to represent SGM, an artist who is country gospel rather than SG. Does the audience really not know the difference or is it that the music has changed to the point I don't recognize it anymore? Granted I am not a country style fan, but for the life of me I don't understand the lack of understanding of what SG really is. Sure other forms have been grafted in thru the years, but for the purist, most of it is a long way from SGM.
Cliff, you made my day, man. Thanks so much for your kind words! BTW, I checked your web site, and your new project is great. I tend to be a traditionalist when it comes to SG, but I found the different styles on your project delightful!
Nick is much more in tune with the business end of things, which sometimes I really do not relate to. But his articles are always interesting, and always stir up a good discussion.
Nick, thanks for taking your valuable time to give us the straight talk. too many times we listen to the sugar-coated stuff and believe it. we all need to work hard at getting better, every day.
my votes for group? Gaither Vocal Band and Signature Sound.
Thanks again, Nick and God BLess!
Nick,
This is an excellant article, right on target!.
May God, continue to Bless You Abundantly........
"They were accepted by the world because of their talent and ability to entertain and, as a result, were given the opportunity to present the Gospel in song to the world…and the world liked it!Almost the exact opposite is true today. Very little of the music we now present is acceptable in musical terms and therefore people don't like it and don't buy it, and we are relegated to singing to ourselves."
Many people and to me, it seems to be a majority, who are successful in secular music are there because of their image,physique,and music videos(the sleazier, the better) not their ability. I hear a lot of well packaged, but very bad music whenever I hear pop,rock, and country.
Southern Gospel needs to improve in some areas, but not because there's a huge amount of quality in the secular field.
As usual, great article Nick. I remember now one of the reasons I got out of 'Christian' radio. I loved Southern Gospel music and most product I received from record companies was GARBAGE!....Without a doubt the most talented, professional, entertaining and dare I say 'spiritual' group today is the Gaither Vocal Band. David Phelps and Guy Penrod can hold their own with ANY singers in any form of music!
Oh, so true. Honesty and truth can be painful
but so can a shot of penicillin. If I had to pick
one group to represent Southern Gospel to the secular market, it would be "CROSSWAY", based on
their latest recording.
So many comments...I hope you don't mind me coming back for a second helping. The reason I enjoyed the Kingsmen was that they could light up an audience really fast, and that despite the fact they came across as a "snort and stomp" type of group they had to know what they were doing as well as some of the more "polished" groups. Their personna was part of the presentation, tho' Nick, you know better than I. I never had the privilege of getting to know them at that time.
My favorite groups: Kingsmen of the "Big And Live" era, Speer Family, especially when they were doing "convention" songs. Current favorite is probably the Gaither Vocal Band, tho' as a bass siinger Bill Gaither is a wonderful songwriter, and any group who sings it without losing track of where the music comes from, both spiritually and as a genre.
Nick, your article is right on the mark! I grew up in South Carolina and my parents would take me to concerts all over the area. We would go see groups like The Happy Goodmans, The Kingsmen, Inspirations, Dixie Melody Boys and the Florida Boys. As I grew up, I continued to listen to SGM. I now live in Central Florida and the only SGM we have here is a local church affiliated AM station. The church station refuses to play current SGM of any group other than the Inspirations and one Greater Vision song. So in order to fill my hunger for SGM I have to visit bookstores and concerts. The Hoppers are in town 01/29/05 and there is a Gaither Homecoming Tour concert in Orlando the same night. The Gaither Tour comes pretty close to filling up the TD Waterhouse Center in Orlando (18,000) with NO RADIO AT ALL in the area. We need it bad in Central FL.
I just couldn't pick one group to represent, I would choose: The Hoppers, The Kingsmen, Greater Vision and Gold City.
Having read most of the posts I have come to a strong conclusion: "As some have stated, many do not even know what Southern Gospel is anymore." To list the Crabb Family as one of the best is ludicrous! They aren't even Southern Gospel and are a very bad representation of good music. At best they are a bad country/pop group with some gospel words. Oh yes, they have had big songs and made a lot of money, but that doesn't make them the highest quality or a good representation of the godly part of Southern Gospel music. I wouldn't list the Gaither Vocal Band as SG either though they do sing some SG songs. They are a true mixture of "whatever goes".
The facts are that Southern Gospel has become so fashioned like the world that we have lost the purpose and meaning in many cases. It is NOT about money! It is about truth, right and souls. Thank God for the groups that are not trying to sound like the country, pop or rock music of our day! Southern Gospel is special and needs to be kept that way. We do not need it to sound like the rest. We need it to be what it is - Southern Gospel. Let's get the quality up, both in the singers and musician's abilities and in the songs that are being sung.
If a group wants to change SG then I would politely ask them to go start their own genre and stop trying to call it SG music.
Actually, your article is what is wrong with SGM. I agree with you about the "scam" radio promotion companies put out and I agree that not every "Tom, and Mary who can pick up a guitar" should be sending music to radio. But there are a couple quality independent groups out there are making it but the industry will not accept them. I know a group that is selling close to 30,000 units a year in churches alone. They have no bookstore sells, they are not with a label, and they struggle to make the Top 40. But in the areas where radio actually plays them they are extremely popular. Radio will not play them because they are not known as a "popular" group. Record labels do not want to deal with them because they are not "popular" enough! Yet when they sing with "popular" groups, they sing circles around them and out sell them at the product table.
You made a statement in your article, "If your product is not going out to retail stores you have no business sending it to radio." This is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard. If your music is not being played on the radio there is no reason for retail stores to try to sell your music. Labels will not touch a group unless they sell a certain number of units first. So how are you suppose to make it? That's easy, from your advice, a new group can't (unless they once sang for the Cathedrals or used to play piano for Goldcity.) So what do we get, the same old boring groups. And by the way, there are a lot of "popular" groups out there in retail stores that shouldn't. Their CDs sit forever on the shelf until somebody buys' their Grandma her favorite old song (at which point she wouldn't care if it was the Soggy Bottom Boys doing the singing). I was at Quartet Convention this year. I saw the number of people that were there. And most of the people that were there were there for a handful of groups. When one "Popular" quartet got up to sing it looked like the Israelites leaving Egypt.
My point is, something has got to change. The SGM industry is dying and it is because SGM is choking the life out of itself.
On the flip side, remember that many a famous secular artists CAN'T SING! Much of their success stems from their physical appearance, sexual influences, and behavior. It's sad, but true. We don't need to go too far in trying to "appeal to the masses."
I would like very much to have the words and music to the song "I forgive you" I can't find it anywhere. Thank's so much.
Richard L. Hudson
A very intersting and compelling article. First of all, from radio's perspective you are so correct. Certain "promotional compilations" get a "OH NO!" response and zero attention, other than to see if you can hit the big trash can from ten feet away. They can be aerodynamic.
Seriously, I have actually suffered through listening to some of them. It hurts to think of the money these folks have paid to be on the thing. On the other hand, I have enjoyed finding some "GEMS" literally diamonds in the rough. Congrats to Les Butler and the new Family Music Group label. There are some good songs on the new compilation, especially from Eric Hinson and Johnny Minick.
The real issue here how a song or a group becomes accepted as a hit worthy of national airplay. Or should I say mandated airplay? Exactly how are the charts derived? I cut my teeth in top 40 radio, where the station had its own top 30 derived from retail sales, juke box inputs, and listener requests. This station reported the chart weekly to a national chart, who compiled their's from those recieved from across the country.
Is this the system in Southern Gospel Music? Hmmm. Many people believe the system to be fixed. In other words, no matter how good you are, how well produced your CD's are, no matter how many dates you play to enthuisiastic audience's, your name will never appear on the coveted "Chart". Even the most talented sometimes have a hard time being blessed with chart recognition. I love The Lesters, and some of their best barely cracked the top 50. Yet my listeners love every song from them I play. Charting is a complex issue. By the way, I first played a Crabb Family song when they first appeared on the Zion label.
Being in what is considered small market radio, and then just a Sunday only program, I am on the outside fringe of the industry. Yes, we broadcast 50,000 watts and enjoy the top listenership in southwest Arkansas, but I have a hard time staying on the mailing list of the top labels.
This article correctly states that some compilations prey on groups that wish for national distribution. A new group on Daywind or Springhill will get airplay due to the label. By the way, do those labels pay the artists to release their songs to radio, or do the artists on those labels pay just like the indie's?
We do our best to play local groups who get themselves a new CD done, but like it has already been stated, there must be a standard of quality.
One issue I would like to add is the direction that some artists and labels are trying to force through, and that is a more "contemporary" sound.
Excuse me, but it is called Southern Gospel because of the style. I refuse to play a song produced and force fed to radio if it strays too far and sounds odd when played back to back with songs from The Cathedrals, Gold City, etc. I believe that Southern Gospel music will survive and prosper in its own way due to it being part of God's will to spread his message, even though it is not the only format God uses for his purpose. To non industry folks, how a station is programmed is a decision made by a person, who makes a judgement on what music selections, programs, and presentation methods work best for their perception of what they want theier "sound" to be. That is the way it works, no matter what the format. Problem is, the main motovator is always money. You have to pay the bills, and revenue is from advertising. I love areas of the country that support full time Gospel Radio.
When I lived in St. Louis, I spoke with the Manager of a contemporary christian station about performing a Southern Gospel show at no charge to him on Sundays, and share 50% of the ad revenue's with the station. He laughed at me, and said thanks, but no thanks while showing me the door. Gone to a "Christian Retailer" lately? What is the percentage of contemporary vs SGM on the shelf for sale?
People who love our kind of music need to show it by actually buying it. If they don't have it, ORDER IT. Buy it from an artist directly, such as a website store. If you love the music, BUY IT. By all means support local concerts, and let any radio station playing SGM know that you love it.
SGM needs radio promotion, and radio needs the partnership of promotion from record companies. It may be a flawed system, but it the only way to get the job done. There is always room for newcomers, and programmers need to keep an open ear and mind to their product. In the long run, it will always be the public that decides who makes it and who doesn't, but the public will not get the chance to get to know a groups music if it does not get to radio, and have it played.
Of course concert and church appearences are a big factor, especially in area's not served by radio.
In his service,
Miles
I have worked off and on in southern gospel radio since 1982. At present I am operating internet station wjwradio.com. During my early days in southern gospel radio there were few stations playing that format and few groups reaching the Singing News Chart. For all the criticizm I am hearing about the quality of music being released, I wonder if anyone really wants to return to where the industry was 20 to 30 years ago. The station I worked at played 30 minutes of southern gospel per day and that was more than you would find at any other station in the area. Today there is a full time 50,000 watt southern gospel station in my area and it has been very successful. In addition there is also a satellite service called Solid Gospel heard at several stations throughout the country. Another station I love to listen to when I travel through the Knoxville TN area is 96.3 WJBZ which is all southern gospel. As program director for wjwradio.com, I get several compilation cds and preview every song. There are songs I am unable to use, yet it is surprizing how many good songs I find in the midst of the bad cuts. Sadly, most will never chart simply because the groups do not have the name recognition. While southern gospel music does have it's problems, it has grown a lot over the last 20 plus years. One thing I believe would help this format to gain a nation-wide fan base would be for it to be added to xm and sirius satellite radio. I have been trying to get xm to include southern gospel in their satellite service (they already have 2 contemporary Christian stations), but so far to no avail, although they do have a channel called enlighten on the internet now. If more people would request this be added to their satellite service and support xm when they add it I believe the fan base would greatly increase which in turn would boost sales of southern gospel cds. As far as favorite groups, my personal favorite is the Whisnants. I also like the McKameys, Crossway, Legacy Five, Lordsong, Gold City, the Crabb Family, Poet Voices and just about anything southern gospel. I do not agree with those who want to put southern gospel in a box and would say if you are not a traditional quartet you are not real southern gospel. It is the variety of all these styles that I enjoy.
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