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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


01
Dec
2002
The Martins


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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

Reader Comments

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!)


Commented by On 12/02/2002
The slow erosion of REAL southern gospel music that touches the soul to the carnal music that touches the flesh and fills the pocketbook.


Commented by On 12/03/2002
teehee, there's one in every crowd.

Go Martins!


Commented by On 12/03/2002
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.


Commented by On 12/03/2002
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!!!!


Commented by On 12/04/2002
Make that 2 in every crowd. Good comment Jw-


Commented by On 12/04/2002
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.


Commented by On 12/04/2002
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.


Commented by On 12/04/2002
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!!!!


Commented by On 12/04/2002
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.


Commented by Adam Knight On 12/05/2002
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