At the BMI Trailblazers awards, Marvin Winans shared a bunch of stories about his early experiences with Andraé Crouch. They didn’t televise all of that, but it was one of the highlights of the afternoon for me.
I love hearing stories about this industry. Not for the blog or to dazzle my friends– just to know and enjoy ‘em.
The other day, I thought to myself “I wanna just go to lunch with someone and get some good gospel stories.” But I can’t figure out whose stories I wanna hear.
A big part of me wants to say Kirk Franklin. Another part wants to say Donald Lawrence. And yet another part wants to say Shirley Caesar… all three would have incredible stuff to share… I dunno.
Outta curiousity– whose stories do you wanna hear?
Which gospel artists would you wanna have lunch with???
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” – Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV)
LOL. Uhhh-okay. Anywhoo, I believe my choice would be--Shirley Caesar and/or Richard Smallwood. With Shirley Caesar, there's alot of rich history there. I would like to talk about the early days of going on the road with the late great Rev. James Cleveland. With Richard Smallwood, he's just a music genius to me.
Amen John.. Stop trying to get in witht the artist.. They are everyday people.. You people are more in to the artist themselves than GOD. Stop trying to be groupies. No one is supposed to get the glory but God Alone..
*the blankest of all stares* @ that first comment since Shirley Caesar has already been chosen, i would say any of the Clark Sisters. if i had to pick just one, it would definitely be Jacky. she'd be the funniest one and probably the least censored - lol. i'd ask about everything that happened back when they first started touring and dealing with backlash from the church and also about their mom throwing shoes at people...
So...would I be glorifying my Grandma if I wanted to hear some "back in my day" stories from her? Would I be envying my Great-Uncle who used to sing in a group back in the 60's and wanted to hear some "when I was on the road" stories from him? Am I being deceived by my producer mentor when I ask him to tell me about what certain artists were really like when he met them??? I mean...really people. You sure know how to make a mountain out of a molehill... *rolling eyes*
Now that I think about it, the people I would be most interested in speaking with have already gone on to Glory. Those include Rev. James Clevend, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Thomas Whitfield, and James Moore. :)
@ Keisha...I, too, was going to choose James Cleveland. But I'd want an "honest" discussion though (*side eye*)
@RoR your funny...id choose kirk franklin i wud wanna talk about his early days in the industry and ask him how was everything when he was at his peak... boi some of you are too much lol its funny
I'm sure every gospel artist has some stories to tell, so it's hard to say. I must say, Lexi's recent interview with Marvin Sapp was interesting. I never knew he directed a choir! Or that he had issues with drugs in his youth. Or that he prayed about gettin in Commissioned for 6 MONTHS before saying yes to Fred. Great stuff! I think Ricky Dillard might be a good lunch. I haven't really heard much of his story.
we so saved...LOL I would have to echo E.J. with D. Lawrence. Ever since Gospel music meant something to me, I've been a fan of his music!
Andrae Crouch is very special and he loves God and Jesus very much. He has some wonderful stories to tell and you should visit his church sometime to hear them. He is the best Pastor in the world and humble and loving. Anyone who writes against him is writing against someone God loves very much. Don't touch God's anointed!!! :)
One or all of the Clarks....LOL at RoR...honest discussion--*clears throat*
Israel Houghton and Kim Burrell because I'd be genuinely curious about how they approach their music ministry and their life in Christ in general. Other mentions: Vickie Winans, CeCe Winans....
Commissioned - Old and New. There music helped me transition when I first got saved.
So many that I admire...I would have to agree with those that would love to talk to the greats that have gone on...but I would have to say D. Lawrence and Richard Smallwood. I can't forget my mentor Dr. Judith McCallister! They are pure musical geniuses!
My choices would be Rance Allen, Mighty clouds of joy,Deitrick Haddon and Williams Brothers.
For me,it'd be Donald Lawrence.I have heard so much of His music,filled with great depth.But I'd like to hear more about his personal experiences and life.He's one of those private artistes who don't put out their personal life in public and apart from His musical accomplishments,there's no much you can know about him really.It's always good to inspire and encourage others.
Wow...there are so many great artist out there...If I had the opportunity to go to lunch with anyone it would be CeCe Winans (awesome spirit and I'm sure it will be very heartfelt); Others would be Donald Lawrence and Fred Hammond because their music has specifically grown up with me and pulled me out of dark places over the years.
Do most view Gospel Artist as random people???? I'm a bit confused to how we can give kudos to people like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, etc as paving the way or having a huge respect for , but when we do the same for Christian entertainers it always has to be this big thing. You'll call Michael Jordan the KING. But then it comes to the queen and its like...Shirley Caesar ain't no biggie and "It's about Jesus", blah blah blah. Give it up...lol. Their legendary and I would give anything to spend a minute in their presence.
@john i. and so: What are you two talking about? It is my pet peeve to read comments with scriptures that do not relate to the topic. You can not just loosely throw the word of God around with no explanation of what you are discussing because it immediately goes in the category "Out of Context!" Everyone has someone that they admire and would enjoy a discussion over lunch with that person. When I met Kierra Sheard after a concert, she was excited about the opportunity to come to a convention for the youth. If people are using talent to glorify God, during a discussion you could learn more about ways that God is blessing his people and receive encouragement. To all who want to experience meeting a gospel artist, I hope that the Lord will bless you to continue in your endeavors to meet optimistic and inspiring individuals who sound soooooo good! LOL
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE LUNCH AND TALK TO TREMAINE HAWKINS OR WALTER OR EDWIN HAWKINS. OR EVEN MARVIN WINANS I KNOW THAT HTEY ALL HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF STORIES I HAVE HEARD A FEW OF THEM. ALL OF THEM ARE JUST TO FUNNY WITH SOME OF THE STORIES THEY HAVE MENTIONED
@DianelG: That Tremaine Hawkins is amazing. I would love to hear her explain what she was thinking about while singing "Changed". I think that is the title. Ever since I heard her sing that, I just could not get over the expression of pure joy and gratitude presented to the Lord. It was so beautiful. I would love to have the opportunity just to tell her that. Wouldn't it be nice to sit and discuss how God could bless someone to capture the essence of your feelings in a song. I was able to sit down with a gospel artist who told me to get the musicians to follow me. That was one of the best forms of advice. I have been doing much better ever since.
lol yall are so funny.. on this board. U all are more in to the people than Jesus Him Self
Mannnnnn, I would love to have a conversation with Twinkie Clark. Just to hear her stories would make my day. Also, some honorable mentions are John P. Kee and Ricky Dillard.
Call me crazy, but I would want to have lunch with background singers. If you want stories, I bet they have the unedited versions! Lol. So I would have lunch with daniel johnson, jerard woods, melonie daniels, brandon winbush, candy west, Nikki Ross...
There are so many, I'd have to make a weekly schedule to get a lunch in with everyone! But the three that come to mind at the top are: 1. CeCe Winans - for all the reasons mentioned above, and I'd love to talk to someone who has had success in the gospel, CCM, and mainstream worlds. 2. Deleon Richards-Sheffield - I feel like I grew up with her. I've listened to her CDs growing up as a kid, to a teen, and now an adult, and I'd love to hear her stories. 3. Darwin Hobbs - I know he has much to tell. I'd also love to hear his, and CeCe's advice on leading worship. And, I believe Darwin would have a lot to tell from a BGV perspective, too!
@So: Have you read any comment on this page that states that the person would rather be with an artist than Jesus? SO .......where did that thought come from? ??????????? God gives us pure, clean thoughts and he is not the author of confusion. Also, I have read that we should not forsake the assembly of ourselves together in the bible. There is also another scripture that reminds us to study to show ourselves approved by God to avoid shame. If you enjoy listening to a person and you support their productions, why wouldn't you want to meet them for a discussion or to show appreciation. That is kind of weird and ungrateful to take that approach. The fountain of wisdom is waiting for you. Go and be blessed!
Without a doubt I would choose CeCe Winans. She has so much wisdom that a young woman such as myself could use in life. Or I'd choose Kirk Franklin because he seems so real and funny. Shirley Caesar would be an amazing experience as well.
@v4c Thank you, my sentiments exactly! I would love to talk with my faves, Fred Hammond, Israel, some of the great song writers D. Lawrence, Thomas Whitfield, Hawkins (any one), oh and Aaron Lindsey too. I would love to hear the stories/ testimonies behind some of the best lyrics in gospel.
EJ, this is a good question. Probably Twinkie or Karen from the Clark Sisters....also probably Marvin Winans....these people voices and passion captivate me...I'm sure they have some stories to tell LOL!
I would love to share lunch with Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton & Fred Hammond - I believe their ministries have been highly impacted by their experiences and their testimonies. It is for this purpose that we share our testimonies with others to tell how we GOT OVER... @ John I & @ SO: The point of this discussion was to get people to actively think about the Ministers we look up to and are inspired by. We listen to Gospel Music to affirm the greatness of the gospel. These Ministers of music affirm the word and have experiences and testimonies that relate to our walk with God. Some of us may have contemplated suicide or thought to do wrong but the Lord stepped in with one of THESE ARTISTS songs TO MINISTER TO OUR SOULS in a TIME OF DESPAIR...HIS WORD IS TRUE AND IT IS A LIGHT UNTO OUR PATHWAY... You may not agree with that, but that's okay, God IS still AWESOME!!!