From the headline of this blog post, you probably assumed I’d be saying that the Gospel Music Association (GMA) needs to do a better job of representing “our” gospel music industry at the Dove Awards and throughout its organization. And, in part, that’s true– the GMA is perpetually faced with the challenge of effectively representing all facets of Gospel/Christian music.
But I do not believe that the responsibility for such a task rests solely on the GMA. I think we also have a responsibility to ensure that we are represented by participating in the GMA.
I often hear questions about why the Dove Awards don’t do a better job of including “us.” To that, I’d ask why “we” haven’t joined the organization to make a difference.
Since relocating from NYC to Nashville, I’ve had the opportunity to witness, first-hand, how intentional the GMA often is about inclusion– of all genres under the Gospel/Christian umbrella. And, I’ve witnessed how disinterested we, as a community, are in return… until nominations come around each year and we scream “who’s deciding this, anyway?!” Not you– and that’s the problem.
But there’s hope. EMI Gospel VP/General Manager Larry Blackwell is the Chair of the GMA Membership Committee. He’s drafted an awesome OPEN LETTER TO THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY, explaining the GMA’s efforts, why it’s important to join, and how easy it is to do so. Click here to read it!!!
And make sure you visit the GMA’s membership page to learn more, and to join. You do not have to be a professional recording artist to do so, and there are even student memberships.
Who’s already a member? Who plans to join? Who will NOT join, and why?
Talk to me!
You know, EJ, I been calling for so long to have diversity in Christian music. I been calling on gospel radio and CCM radio both to be "good neighbors" and be open to each other's sounds. The secular world has been accepting each other's music, but why don't the christian community? But you know, this problem goes back to a deep seeded problem--it is the body of Christ's fault, you, mines and everyone else's because of nonacceptance of musical styles (Blacks do not accept CCM, whites does not accept gospel/hip hop, the "Fish Format", the gospel music format and so on and so on) and the indifference of those in the body, both black and white. For example, the recent Kirk Franklin project in which some was questioning the inclusion of artists which are not gospel, Jeremy Camp and Natalie Grant--now both do not sing gospel (Natalie has a backround in gospel music), but I thought it was a step in a right direction to include those two in the project. However some was referring them as "those two white artists, which to me was very, very ignorant. But I'm saying that because I have been a long time fan of Camp because his ministry has been birthed in Southern California and he was a young widow who was dealing with various issues after his wife's death. But at the same time, Michael W. Smith also included "Black artists" in his project too. Say what you will about TBN, but TBN has been the leader in diversity too. Once upon a time, the channel was lily white but to make a long story short, many of the artists of color are finding their way there. The woman with the "purple hair" and her husband are doing some things right. But it is a shame when some of the gospel artists who were deserving of the top honors should have won. One example was Marvin Sapp, who should have deserved the win for "Best Male Artists," but the "Fish" radio people won that one with their artists. And the reason why us folk will not join that organization, but instead join those organizations they are familiar with like the Stellars. (I'm black, but I also want Jason Crabb to win too this year male artist of the year) EJ, I think I will join the GMA and hoping other gospel folk do the same. It would make a difference, believe me.
I am a member. I actually learned about GMA through Marvin Sapp some years ago on Myspace. He said it would be a good place to start and learn the business and network. I was apprehensive at first because I felt the organization was geared towards the CCM music mostly (forgive me for my ignorance at the time). But after attending a few of the conferences I can honestly say that it is a very beneficial opportunity not just to get "black gospel" recognized but an opportunity to learn from each other, bond with each other, and grow. I'm not sure how many people know what GMC is and I thank you EJ for opening the door and presenting the opportunity to learn about it. @Gayle, I have to agree with you 100%. There are so many secular stations that play a mixture of rock, r&b, pop, & hip hop, but I really cannot name one gospel/ccm station that plays both. I'm down for starting a mixture just need a radio station channel and a mic. I think I have enough cds and downloads to get us started...lol.
i'll be honest...i'm one of those who believe that my voice or vote doesn't always matter. it's like, why join - as if i could make a difference alone? i really did think that members only voted for award shows. after reading this perspective, i will make a commitment to seriously consider becoming a member. this also gives me an excuse to explore CCM further.