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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
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Written: 12/01/2002 
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