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!

Ryan Chung, our Canadian Correspondent, is back with another artist he wants to highlight.

He’s actually wanted to highlight them for MONTHS, but I usually sleep on the artists he suggests until he either SCREAMS at me or I come across them myself, then I remember “oh wait… Ryan said something about them.”

He’s quite good at picking ‘em, though, and he’s doing an awesome job of telling us in the U.S. why we need to pay more attention to Canada.

So without further delay, here’s Ryan to tell us about Cheryl James & VOW…

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Cheryl James & Voices of Worship (VOW) is among the list of artists that have made a vital impact on the Canadian Gospel industry, along with Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, Paulis Sanchez and Richard J. Brown to name a few.  Her directing skills blossomed as she became head director for the Toronto-based Faith Outreach Choir.

Today, Cheryl James is an artist in her own right.  The only artist I can relate her to in the United States is Natalie Wilson & S.O.P.– the energy, the movement, the rhythm!

Her debut album, Cheryl James & VOW – LIVE, was released in 2008 under the production of Melvin Crispell (James Hall & WAP, Hezekiah Walker & LFC).  Backed by an amazing group of musicians and her 15–voice ensemble, Cheryl fulfills her calling in the gospel industry by “bringing forth the Word of God through music, to heal, mend and restore broken lives to their right standing in God.”

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Definitely piqued my interest… And, because Ryan did such a great job convincing me, I simply HAD to grab an mp3 to share with you guys.

So, I just added her track, “Let Him In,” to the PunditPlayer.  I’m enjoying it cuz it’s got a classic choir vibe (and you KNOW I’m a sucker for that).  Click here to take a listen and let me know what you think!

And say “thanks” to Ryan for me… he works hard, guys.

I liked it more than the Detroit one, but probably less than the Chicago one.  And that may all have to do with where I was born and where I currently live…  but I enjoyed it.

The New York program, hosted by Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, included Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Rev. Timothy Wright, Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Natalie Wilson, JJ Hairston and the folks at Christian Cultural Center, Times Square Church, and The Brooklyn Tabernacle.

The artists shared stories about their humble beginnings– how Timothy Wright gathered dozens of singers for the New York Fellowship Mass Choir, how Hezekiah Walker formed his first choir, how Carol Cymbala started with only a handful of choir members before arriving at the 300+ voices currently in the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  It was good.

I think I would’ve enjoyed seeing James Hall on the program.  And a little featurette or something on the Village Underground (or however else we could work Melonie Daniels into the mix).  But, all in all, I really liked it.

I dunno when it’ll be on again, but knowing the Gospel Music Channel, it’ll be very soon.  Cuz I’ll be darned if they don’t play that AARP concert every couple of days…