|
30 Apr 2005
The “It” Factor
 Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites  [26] Comments
Looking throughout the history of pop culture, there has always been those things – whether they be musicians, authors, artists, speakers, inventions, styles, clothes, etc. – that have “it.” Explaining what “it” is is often a grueling task. No one really knows what “it” is – but they know that “it” is hot, popular, and being talked about around the water cooler at work the next day. Southern Gospel has a current “it” list as well – those artists, songwriters, producers, record labels, etc. that people seem to be talking about. Even Southern Gospel as a genre was listed by CCM Magazine as being the new “ alternative christisn music ” with help from the likes of the Crabb Family and the Gaither Vocal Band . We at SGN hear a lot of stuff. We hear who is hot, who is doing well in concert, sales, and radio. So, this is our own “It Factor” list. These are 20 things that have that “it” factor – 20 people and/or things that are making a difference in our genre. So, without further delay, here is SGN's 20 Things in SG That Have “It.”
Reader Comments
AHHHH Man!!!! I was hoping to hear the explanation for SGN's comments just ONE....more... time!!!!! I feel bad for ya Chris! I bet you didn't think you were going to stir up this much contorversy regarding a "figure of speech" now did ya???? Kelly as far as I'm concerned "acting like" & "being" are two different things! I can walk around barking like a dog but that doesn't make me a dog! I understand I left the door wide open on that comment!
 Not to mention, SGN wasn't calling them (EH&SSQ;) fools. I did NOT read "EH&SSQ;are fools" anywhere in the article! Seriously people!!!!!! By the way Kelly, the Bible also says that he/she who is without sin cast the first stone! I can tell you got one in your hand but you better think twice before you toss it!
|
Now Playing About This Article
The “It” Factor
 Written: 04/30/2005  Author:  Category:
Feature Articles
Comments: 26 Favorited:
Add this entry to Your Favorites
Favorited by:  Email this article RSS
feeds
(What's an RSS feed?) Recent FeaturesFeatures Archives |
The Isaacs – The Isaacs have always been popular, but with their recent stint on the Homecoming Tour and their signing with Gaither Music Group , the group seemed to reach even greater heights of popularity. Most people enjoy the Isaacs' unique approach to songwriting, but it's hard to deny a group with such an amazing live band as well. With fans in every genre of music, the group is bound to get even more popular. 
CrossWay – The biggest problem with this young quartet in the past was their lack of a real unique voice. When Matt McFarland joined the quartet a couple years ago, they added an edge that they had been missing. Many people are already dubbing them as “The Next Oak Ridge Boys” . If you've seen them live lately, you'll know exactly why people are saying such thing. 
Rebecca J. Peck – The 2005 SGN Music Award winner for Songwriter of the Year (Professional) beat out heavy weights like Joel Lindsey , Kevin Stokes , Zane King , and Sue C. Smith for the title. It seems lately that everyone wants a Rebecca Peck song, especially since she wrote or co-wrote two of the biggest hits of 2004 – “Even In the Valley” (Whisnants) & “His Life for Mine” (Talleys). 
Hope's Call – Very seldom does a new group hit the scene and blow everyone's expectations out of the water. Hope's Call has been able to do just that. The group has laid claim to 3 Top 10 hits on the SGN Top 40 Weekly Chart, and they are following up their critically acclaimed Bright New Day with 2 new projects this year – an a cappella album and a brand new studio project. 
Internet radio – It seems like just yesterday that there were only a handful of full-time Southern Gospel internet radio stations. Just recently, they've been cropping up all over the place. People seem to be latching on to the concept of listening to great Southern Gospel radio from home, work, or wherever. Fan favorites include 
LordSong – They've always had the “it factor”, even when they debuted on the scene more than five years ago. It seems the group has their fingers on the current pulse of music and ride along with it wherever it goes. Whether they are doing country, bluegrass, inspirational, or traditional, LordSong is always on top of their game. Then again, constantly touring with Mark Lowry can't be a bad thing. 
Booth Brothers – The 2005 SGN Music Award winner for Best Live Performer has been wowing crowds for years with their exuberant stage presence. However, their latest album for Spring Hill Music Group really set the group ahead of the pack. With harmonies reminiscent of the Gatlin Brothers or the Eagles, it's plain to see why everyone seems to adore the Booth Brothers as much as they do. 
Kevin Stokes – Though not a strictly Southern Gospel producer, Kevin is most notably known for his work on critically acclaimed albums like the McRaes ' Traveling On , Mike Bowling 's Where I Stand , and Hope's Call 's Bright New Day . Kevin has an ear for all kinds of different styles, as well as being an extremely sought-after songwriter. He has a knack for stretching an artist's style as well as making them feel right at home in their own skin. 
Crabb Family – You can't have an “it list” in any genre of Christian music without mentioning this popular family. They've recently been seen sharing the stage with not only Southern Gospel favorites, but also other Christian artists such as Jars of Clay , Smokie Norful , and J Moss . Their annual CrabbFest continues to grow, and Crabb Jam Tour (also featuring Mike Bowling , the McRaes , and CrossWa y) is turning heads across the nation. 
Mercy's Mark Quartet – Gold City alum Garry Jones started Mercy's Mark Quartet less than two years ago, and they have done nothing but blow up bigger than anyone's imagination. The group signed with Daywind Records right off the bat, and their debut album Mercy's Mark Quartet has been a critic and fan favorite. This group became a top tier group in a matter of minutes. Also notable – the group tied for Breakthrough Artist of the Year with Christlike at the 2005 SGN Music Awards. 
Kevin Ward – Much like the other Kevin on this list, Kevin Ward has slowly but surely been making a name for himself as one of the industry's top producers. His name can be found most recently on LordSong 's Soul Food , Journeymen Quartet 's Great Reward , and Hope's Call 's Christmas album This Night . Ward has been nominated two years in a row for Producer of the Year in the 
Blogs – 
Jody Brown Indian Family – Sometimes it's difficult to watch such a talented family group like the Jody Brown Indian Family struggle its way to the top. It seems the time was well worth it for this popular family band. They've recently seen a string of hits one after the other on Southern Gospel radio, and their live performances are some of the best in the industry. It won't be long before JBIF are household names. 
The McRaes – Think about it – the McRaes are an anomaly in Southern Gospel. First of all – there are only two of them, and second, they are both girls. It's always been an uphill battle for this talented group, but they've taken it in stride – and it has paid off bountifully. This group took the industry by storm with their latest album, Traveling On . The future only looks brighter for this group. 
Song Garden Music Group – Founded last year by Nick Bruno and Old Time Gospel Hour 's Robbie Hiner , Song Garden Music Group seems to have that “it factor”, mainly due to the kind of talent that the label is signing – the aforementioned Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, the Lesters , Paid In Full , and more. The label is also starting sub-labels for developing talent and other genres. They seem off to a good start. 
Joel Lindsey – Much like Rebecca J. Peck, Joel Lindsey is one of the hottest writers on the scene today. Penning songs like “I Wish I Could Have Been There” and “I Will Find You Again”, Lindsey has become a household name in Southern Gospel. Joel has managed to have songs recorded in multiple genres like southern, bluegrass, pop, and inspirational. 
Family Music Group – Family Music Group was originally founded by the Crabb Family and has been home to artists such as the Crabbs, Hoskins Family , Mike Bowling , and the McRaes . Les Butler now leads a strong crew at the label, which is the home of artists like the Dunaways , Christlike , Soul Real , and many more. With a strong vision and steady artist roster, Family Music is currently storming the industry. 
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – To some they look like fools on stage, yet to even more, they are one of the most exciting new artists to hit the stage in years. Haase has learned from the best singing with the Cathedrals for so many years, and that experience has paid off graciously. Call them what you want, Ernie Haase & Signature is anything but a flash in the pan artist. They are here to stay. 
Mike Bowling – He's been around for years and has still managed to maintain a certain buzz about him. Gaining experience from traveling with the likes of the Hinsons and the Perrys , Mike Bowling owns the stage every time he takes it. Arguably the most popular soloist on the Southern Gospel circuit, Bowling continues to gain fans across the world with his country-tinged Southern style. 
The Perrys – The Perrys have been in the upper echelon of artists in Southern Gospel for many years, however they just recently started to dominate programs around the country. Their energetic stage techniques and undeniable vocal harmonies have impacted audiences all across the world. The Perrys are where Southern Gospel is at.
|
