I knew this was gonna be the case…
Picture your favorite gospel artist… about WHAT AGE is he/she?
Between 41 and 50 – 41% (74 votes)
Between 31 and 40 – 24% (44 votes)
Between 21 and 30 – 15% (27 votes)
Over 50 – 12% (21 votes)
I don’t know/I don’t have a favorite – 7% (13 votes)
Under 21 – 1% (1 vote)
(Sidebar: I think that some of you THINK your favorite is under 50, but I am willing to bet that the folks you have in mind are older than you think.)
So, maybe it means nothing, but maybe it means everything. Maybe it’s just reflective of the fact that most of the artists in gospel are actually older than artists in other genres, or that gospel audiences are older.
But what if it means that there are not enough opportunities for young artists in gospel? What if it means that you actually have to wait until age 30-something to really “make it” in gospel music? What if it means that, at some point, the industry will, in essence, die out, leaving a bunch of not-as-appreciated artists to usher the way?
I want to hear your thoughts– do these results surprise you? Do you think they mean anything, or nothing at all?
And make sure you head over to the sidebar to cast your vote in the new survey, which asks:
What is your ideal venue size for a gospel concert?
I think that this is due to the fact that young up and coming artists such as Mali Music (just to name one) are not really being pushed to the forefront in terms of radio play and high profile performances (such as the Stellars). Why that's the case is something that's up for opinion and discussion, but it seems to be the case none the less. To further my point, what major Gospel artists are out there that can currently headline a major tour and do good gate numbers? The list will probably look like this. Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton....and then you've gotta start scratching your head. CCM on the other hand is not like that. New artists are CONSTANTLY being introduced to the mainstream, and things are allowed to stay fresh.
This does not surprise me because most people like traditional gospel,well at least the people I met. I voted 41-50 age group because my favorite singers are in that category: Karen Clark Sheard,Beverly Crawford, etc. Most people can relate because they have more experience singing and they live what they sing about. This is not to say that other age groups don`t, just proving a point.
I don't have a specific age group: I am a fan of good music, and I can honestly say that I have met people in every age group that I like. Dorinda Clark-Cole (50+), Y'Anna Crawley (Between 31 and 40), Le'Andria Johnson (Between 21 and 30). In my opinion people like artists that they can relate to, artist who you can see a realness in. I think there older artists are favored because that's what you are used to hearing: growing up all my mother would play is the Hawkins Family and Vanessa Bell Armstrong so they are all time favorites just because of the memories they evoke and thats where I am used to going to find comfort.
Well it has a lot to do with the Gospel audience being so fickle. People can say bad promotion, blah blah blah. But we stick to what we know and rarely give new artist a chance. In Gospel you have to really establish yourself. It depends on what your trying to do. A lot of people are ministry focused so their goals aren't for the big time. But if you want to get on the level of Kirk, Yolanda, Fred, BeBe and CeCe then you have to really put in work. There are labels that are willing to invest.... But I think the major problem with Gospel right now is that its so redundant. There's absolutely no variety. Every group and its lead man sounds identical. The lyrics and music are completely insynced (and not in a good way). Its Like everybody is working together... and in some cases this is true, people past around choir singers and backgrounds singers like a thrift store sales used clothes. I'm like aint that the same person in Kirk's choir singing with Kurt Carr... lol just a example. The thing about secular music is that it continues to reinvent its music and image. Gospel catches on to something and stays there for YEARS! The Praise & Worship genre was instinct about a decade ago but 10years later that's what everybody is doing after Fred did it for years. It seems like after Israel Houghton was accepted everybody wanted to jack his style. Lol... All I'm saying is the record companies and audience are choosing to stick with the same artist because its safe. Until the Gospel audience accepts all forms of music we will still be stuck in this DEPRESSION. YES I SAID IT. Lol.
I voted "Between 41-50" because Fred Hammond and Karen Clark-Sheard are both 49 years old. Soon Yolanda Adams will be turning 49 later this month. So 49 is a great number!
I voted for the older crowd because their music is my favorite. Its not to say that I don't like the younger artist because I buy their music too. The older artist have more music that stays in your spirit and ministers to your situations. Its good to have something to groove to in your car or hearing nice runs and riffs but the time spent seeking God for the ability to minister thru song really helps too. Thats what I like to hear someone that can truly reach my heart and not give me a show or performance.
@ED, m.a.e.s.t.r.o.-You are soooo right about CCM. Truth is they will except a more urban gospel artist before the actual black Gospel audience will. I think to much is expected from CCM. We cry about their acceptance of Black Gospel but we don't play their music on our radio stations or do we ever feature their artist at any of our events. But I have turned on CCM radio plenty of times and heard black Gospel artist playing. Truth is they will play our music before we play theirs. And they are much more accepting to hip-hop.
To me gospel music is about ministry and not merely entertainment so the deliverer of the message is a messenger of the gospel of Christ.....they're preaching/presenting/interpreting the gospel but through the medium of music so I personally go with the more mature gospel artists mainly because alot of them have journeyed in their walk with Christ and understant 'spiritual things' and are seasoned believers(Yes I know there are exceptions to the rule) ...I dont know too many of the younger gospel arttists who are serious about their faith and sold out for the cause of Christ...yes I'm sure there are some but its just rare to find.
I dont have a favorite age group I just like good music. Now there was a time when the older age group to me did have better music, but know the older artist are starting to sound like the younger artist. Ex. Shirley Caear rappin' and Bobby Jones The Ambassoder cd. That cd was not Bobby Jones style at all. Both if them seemed desperate, like they were trying to stay relevant to the younger generation. SMH
longevity is an issue in the gospel industry,i honestly pray that God will rise up a new generation of artists in the gospel industry