Do you think sexism exists in the gospel music industry?

For purposes of our discussion, let’s say that sexism can be either of two things–

1. Discrimination based on a person’s gender; and
2. Enforcing attitudes and/or behavior based on what one believes to be “traditional” gender roles

I think it’s an issue in all of humanity, so I assume we would see traces of it in gospel music.

I’ve heard about it as it relates to industry professionals– I’ve heard businesswomen in gospel speak about being viewed as inferior to their male counterparts, despite being  more qualified or more experienced, in some instances.

Interestingly, though, some of the most prominent indie companies in gospel are run by women– Ignition PR, One EnTiTy, The Bellamy Group, the ND Company, Eye 4 Gospel, Black Gospel Promo, Gospel Today Magazine… and MANY others.  I wonder if any of their stories of striking out on their own include instances of sexism that they simply couldn’t take any longer.

But what about with artists?  Do female gospel artists suffer at radio?  Do female gospel artists not get booked for as many gigs?  Are they considered inferior in some way?

Or is there “reverse” sexism as it relates to artists?  Do male artists get the short end of the stick?  Are there fewer opportunities for them in gospel than for female artists?

Or is it specific to the format?  For example, there are clearly more male choir directors and ensemble leaders than females (partly why I miss Natalie Wilson & SOP so much, and one of the reasons that we loved Dr. Mattie Moss Clark)…

Maybe I’m just asking about something that is not there.  But maybe it is there.

What do you think? Have you seen things in the industry– either as it relates to the biz professionals or the artists– that look like unfair treatment based on the person’s gender?

Talk to me!

I woke up with a hankering to hear some Mattie Moss Clark.

After watching numerous YouTube videos, I landed on this one (no video– just audio) of “They Were Overcome By The Word” by The Clark Sisters featuring their mother, Mattie Moss Clark.  It’s on the Is My Living In Vain album and is probably one of my favorite cuts on that project (though, I guess they’re ALL my favorites, really).

Anyway, the chord progressions and harmonies on this song have always been incredible to me, if for no other reason than the fact that they were rather innovative for that time.  Plus, they’re simply beautiful to me.

Check it out–

How about that?!

Since we started The Prayer List a couple of weeks ago, we (as a gospel community) have gotten a lot of great feedback and participation!  I’m grateful to you guys for thinking it was a good idea and for really being committed to it.  Don’t get weary, family!  I really believe that this is making a big difference.

This week, we’re keeping The Prayer List rolling and we’re lifting up Kierra Sheard.  As you know, she’s one of the youngest vocalists in a legacy of great gospel musicians (Moss-Clark), but she’s a young woman with a unique purpose and gift for the Body of Christ.  So, we’re gonna hold our sister up.  Let’s goooooo…

Father, I thank You for the life and ministry of Kierra Sheard.  I thank You for the rich musical heritage You have given her.  I thank You for the diligence with which she has cultivated her gift, so that Your Name can be glorified by her and by those who hear her.

God, I pray that Kierra continues to experience greater levels of growth in You.  I pray that as You take her to new areas– perhaps even those that she wasn’t aware she would venture into– You would give her peace and a humble confidence as she walks into them.  I pray that You would give her an assurance of all that she’s been called to do, and that she would know that the God of all creation has equipped her, specifically and uniquely, to fulfill a Divine purpose.

Lord, I pray for Kierra’s surroundings– that her friends and family would pour into her and continue to be a blessing to her.  I pray against anything and anyone that would drain her or cause her to become discouraged about, or uncertain of, all that You’ve made her to be.  I pray that You would guide her and be her source, day-by-day and throughout her life.  I pray for Your protection, Lord, over the treasure that You have invested in Kierra.  In Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.

Pray with me for Kierra, folks, all week… starting right here and now.

Post your prayers in the comment section!!!

Classic stuff…

The scene:  Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark is ad libbing to “Center Of My Joy,” trading lines with Bishop Richard White aka ”Mr. Clean.”  Then, when she’s good and tired, Daryl Coley and Richard Smallwood take turns demolishing it before Karen Clark-Sheard tries her hand at it.  And for good measure, Dorinda Clark-Cole clobbers the song before handing the mic to Bettye Nelson to thrash it good and plenty (note: she’s wearing red, suffers from chronic asthma and has only one functioning lung)!  And FINALLY, they get the mic to Twinkie Clark so she can kill it one good time on the vocals before her solo on the organ, which she’s been playing ALL THAT TIME!!!

A bit long, and the sound is rather shabby, but it’s 10 minutes well spent.