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bodaddy52 -> Gaither Vocal Band (2/18/2010 2:56:00 PM)

Have you ever wondered why every year when the nominations for the Singing News Gospel Awards are announced that probably the best all around group going never gets any recognition. For more years than I can remember, The Vocal Band has been head and shoulders above anyone else out there. Sure, there have been member changes, but the sound has always been consistently excellent. When Mike English left, no one thought he could be replaced, but he was able replaced by Buddy Mullins and Guy Penrod, and some thought they were done when Mark Lowrey left, but, again, they carried on as strong as ever. Now, they have what I consider their best line up of all time with Bill, Mark, Mike English, David Phelps and Wes Hampton. Come on Singing News!! Admit it. I love the Booth Brothers and Ernie Haas as much as the next guy, but The Vocal Band are in a class by themselves.



pastorjohn11776 -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/18/2010 3:43:47 PM)

Bodaddy -- you are right about the GVB not getting the recognition they seem to deserve. You also don't find EHSS getting much recognition in these circles. For some reason both of these groups, while extremely popular out in the general public, don't seem to be as well liked by the Singing News segment of southern gospel music fans. They tend to work in some different circles and go to some different places as well, so maybe that is part of the reason. It is ironic, though, that while both groups pack out much bigger venues and and sell a lot more product that many SG groups, they still aren't considered favorites by the "fans."



Kerrlaw -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/18/2010 5:32:59 PM)

I agree with both of you about the merits of the GVB, my favorite group.

It is my understanding that, until recently, the Singing News did not consider GVB a "full time" southern gospel group and this made them ineligible for SN fan awards. I believe that this policy has changed. Personally, I found this policy to be ridiculous, but it's their house, so they get to make the rules. They even had a "no beards" policy (cheesy mustaches were OK), which disqualified Guy Penrod, et al, from being on the cover. This policy has also changed.

I love the Singing News, but always thought it ironic that if Jesus returned, he couldn't be on the cover unless he shaved.[sm=cooltilt.gif]



pink.. -> Gaither Vocal Band (2/18/2010 5:35:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kerrlaw
I love the Singing News, but always thought it ironic that if Jesus returned, he couldn't be on the cover unless he shaved.[sm=cooltilt.gif]


That made rootbeer come out of my nose. lol!

FWIW, I really like GVB.



PaulPate -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 12:47:38 AM)

I enjoy The Gaither Vocal Band very much, and recently saw them at a Gaither concert. I agree that the current line-up is one of the best. As much as I like them, and considering myself a Southern Gospel fan, I don't really consider GVB an SG group. That is not in any way a criticism of them, I just think they're in a different category.



kingsman -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 2:48:33 AM)

SGM needs to take a big tent approach. If it gets much smaller, it may end up on the "endangered species" list.

[;)]



bodaddy52 -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 3:03:10 PM)

Glad to see all the responses, and most in agreement. To PaulPate, if they aren't Southern Gospel, what are they? The same goes for EHSS. They're doing the same type of music The Hoppers and Perrys are. Spreading their wings a bit. I remember years ago that the Oak Ridge Boys were almost excommunicated from SG because of their hair! This was at a time when they were the biggest draw in SG. Singing News even did a poll, showing different hair styles, and letting readers select what was "appropriate", purely aimed at Oak Ridge. I spent almost 2 years on the road with a very well know gospel group, and I'm here to tell you that Singing News and the National Quartet Convention are a very closed group, tightly controlled, and if you don't fit their mold exactly, they don't consider you part of the "family". Look at the covers of the magazine. The same people over and over. Look at their so called Top 100. Again, the same groups over and over. A very small handfull of people control SG, and to agree with "kingsmen", they better widen their approach and acceptance, or their audience is going to gradually die off. Been to a SG concert lately? What's the average age of attendees? But, go to a GVB or EHSS concert and what do you see? I personally still love to listen to the Rambos, the Goodmans, the Hinsons, the original Dixie Echoes and Inspirations, but music grows over time. It's time SG did the same.



robertyork -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 3:42:07 PM)

To all you NO NAME folks, you need to check the National Quartet Convention, perhaps you've been asleep in your shell for the past couple of years. Both the GVB and EHSS have been on the schedule at NQC and have had a special show case there. They are once again scheduled to appear in their own showcase this year and are both on main stage. They have also had booths at NQC the years they have been there. As far as Singing News goes maybe there aren't enough subscribers to SN that like them for them to get nomionations. As a previous post states there have always been certain requirements for groups to be nominated for SN fan awards. It doens't matter who the group is if they don't meet those requirements then they are not on the ballot.



Andrew_Stephens -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 3:43:04 PM)

In fact, GVB doesn't fit the eligibility for the Favorite Male Quartet award anymore (the one for which they've been most consistently nominated). Maybe with the Dove Awards accepting Mike English back in the realms of Gospel music, the fans will feel the same way and allow Mike to return to the SN Fan Awards.



servants -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 4:05:50 PM)

I have never been much on the GVB but I have always thought Mike English was one of the most talented people ever in SGM.



PaulPate -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/19/2010 6:06:43 PM)

To bodaddy52, no need to go on the defensive about this. I clearly stated that I like GVB and was not being critical. As to "what are they?" I would say they're more contemporary than anything, if they must have a label. I do believe that SG has changed greatly as to styles that are embraced. Although the "old quartet style" is my favorite, I'm not so narrow minded as to believe that is the only style included in Southern Gospel. The definition of Southern Gospel is pretty much in the "eye of the beholder" so to speak and as such is very broad. I merely stated my opinion. As for the age statement, I was at a SG concert the night before I went to the Gaither event, and didn't see any difference in the apparent average age of the two groups. Again, my opinion, but as one who traveled for 33 years with a Southern Gospel group.



kingsman -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/20/2010 3:37:11 AM)

I appreciate Bill Gaither for his efforts on behalf of the SGM artists and fans. I shutter to think where this community would be without him and the Homecoming Friends. May God keep him around until the LORD returns and may He increase Bill's yield tenfold.



DesireMore -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/20/2010 5:10:09 PM)

quote:

I appreciate Bill Gaither for his efforts on behalf of the SGM artists and fans. I shutter to think where this community would be without him and the Homecoming Friends. May God keep him around until the LORD returns and may He increase Bill's yield tenfold.


AMEN!!



JustaFan -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/21/2010 1:38:34 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bodaddy52

Have you ever wondered why every year when the nominations for the Singing News Gospel Awards are announced that probably the best all around group going never gets any recognition. For more years than I can remember, The Vocal Band has been head and shoulders above anyone else out there. Sure, there have been member changes, but the sound has always been consistently excellent. When Mike English left, no one thought he could be replaced, but he was able replaced by Buddy Mullins and Guy Penrod, and some thought they were done when Mark Lowrey left, but, again, they carried on as strong as ever. Now, they have what I consider their best line up of all time with Bill, Mark, Mike English, David Phelps and Wes Hampton. Come on Singing News!! Admit it. I love the Booth Brothers and Ernie Haas as much as the next guy, but The Vocal Band are in a class by themselves.


Well, best is a matter of personal opinion. People who don't share your tastes wouldn't agree that the GVB is "head and shoulders above anyone else." I no longer count myself as a GVB fan, though I used to like them a lot. I've never cared for David Phelps or Michael English's singing styles.

In any case, it doesn't matter, because the Singing News fan awards are for "favorite." Apparently they are not enough voters favorite to win the awards.



JustaFan -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/22/2010 9:52:18 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kerrlaw

I agree with both of you about the merits of the GVB, my favorite group.

It is my understanding that, until recently, the Singing News did not consider GVB a "full time" southern gospel group and this made them ineligible for SN fan awards. I believe that this policy has changed. Personally, I found this policy to be ridiculous, but it's their house, so they get to make the rules. They even had a "no beards" policy (cheesy mustaches were OK), which disqualified Guy Penrod, et al, from being on the cover. This policy has also changed.

I love the Singing News, but always thought it ironic that if Jesus returned, he couldn't be on the cover unless he shaved.[sm=cooltilt.gif]


Was this theory that the GVB was denied being nominated because they weren't full time ever confirmed. I remember somebody putting this theory out there, but I don't remember the Singing News ever saying this. (I do remember the no facial hair policy when Maurice Templeton was the owner.) I'm almost positive that I remember some members of the GVB being nominated, particularly in the preliminary rounds of the voting some years. And, I'm positive they had a song nominated a few years ago.



robertyork -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/22/2010 10:43:40 AM)

I remember once when Daniel Riley had to shave his beard so Gold City could be on the cover of Singing News. Some of those restrictions have been relaxed now but there are certain rules that are published in SN as to who can and who can't be nominated for awards. SN is one of the few publications that allow fans to nominate and vote on the awards. Most of the other awards are nominated and voted on by a group of people. Some allow fans to vote but the nominations are closed.



DesireMore -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/22/2010 5:59:00 PM)

I LOVE the Gaither Vocal Band and attend all concerts that I can get to including the Gatlinburg Family Fest and the Gaither Fest in Myrtle Beach. They are my all-time favorite group no matter who the members are at any particular time. And I kinda have a feeling that it doesn't bother Bill two-hoots about awards and stuff like that. He sincerely writes songs to praise the Lord, and just happens to be the best writer (along with Gloria) of all time. He doesn't do it for the money or awards.



JustaFan -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/22/2010 9:06:33 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaulPate

I enjoy The Gaither Vocal Band very much, and recently saw them at a Gaither concert. I agree that the current line-up is one of the best. As much as I like them, and considering myself a Southern Gospel fan, I don't really consider GVB an SG group. That is not in any way a criticism of them, I just think they're in a different category.


I agree with this. I think they are a contemporary group. I don't say that in any negative way at all. They are definitely very talented, just not SG.



DesireMore -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/22/2010 10:11:33 PM)

I think the GVB has the ability to sing Southern Gospel as good as any group and then turn around sing a song kinda close to contemporary just as well as any group. They are amazing. I love how Bill is able to go from one genre to another and seems to love and enjoy them all. I also love how he follows the leading of the Lord in live concerts and will just start an old hymn whenever he feels the leading. You can tell by the reactions of Kevin and Gordon that they weren't prepared, but they always immediately follow Bill. And he can lead thousands of people to sing one of those old "Red Hymnal" songs together in unison and in true worship. Many times I have seen tears of joy running down his face and I know it is not an act.

I have never seen another group, quartet, trio or soloist that can do what Bill Gaither can do with a crowd.



Newbs -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/24/2010 11:18:54 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: CollingsworthFan

In fact, GVB doesn't fit the eligibility for the Favorite Male Quartet award anymore (the one for which they've been most consistently nominated).


That is ridiculous! Can't Singing News count? Clearly there are 4 great vocalists on stage now, instead of 3 like before.... [:D]



DesireMore -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/24/2010 5:08:00 PM)

quote:

That is ridiculous! Can't Singing News count? Clearly there are 4 great vocalists on stage now, instead of 3 like before....


Are you insinuating that Bill can't sing?? [:D]

Hey! I'd like to make the money that he makes doing something that I'm not capable of doing!! [:)]



Newbs -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/25/2010 8:29:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesireMore

quote:

That is ridiculous! Can't Singing News count? Clearly there are 4 great vocalists on stage now, instead of 3 like before....


Are you insinuating that Bill can't sing?? [:D]

Hey! I'd like to make the money that he makes doing something that I'm not capable of doing!! [:)]


I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'...... [;)] He's OK as a soloist, but to call him a bass in the SG quartet style is quite laughable. But hey, Bill can do whatever he wants to do, it's his group. [:)] I can't knock that.



Kerrlaw -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/25/2010 1:44:35 PM)

Bill Gaither's solo album is one of my favorites. An unexpected blessing.

Every bass singer doesn't have to sound like J.D. Sumner. In college, Guy Penrod sang bass.



PaulPate -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/25/2010 3:16:48 PM)

I recently attended a Gaither event and during the Vocal Band segment, I noticed some low bass sounds. Then on one song Gene McDonald came out and joined them. Coincidence?



JustaFan -> RE: Gaither Vocal Band (2/25/2010 4:35:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kingsman

SGM needs to take a big tent approach. If it gets much smaller, it may end up on the "endangered species" list.

[;)]


I couldn't disagree more. Country music tried the big umbrella thing. Back when country was really popular about 15 years ago everybody started jumping on the band wagon, calling themselves country, even though they were really folk or soft rock. Alan Jackson even wrote a song "Gone Country" about it. The whole thing backfired on them because they alienated the fans of traditional country music, who turned off their radios and didn't buy the products of new country. What passes for country now does not compare to the quality of what was around a few years back.

This will happen to SG too, if they try to force feed more contemporary sounds on SG fans. You are not going to make an Inspirations fan appreciate contemporary Christian music simply by calling it SG.

We attend a SG singing each year that always has one group that is contemporary. One of the singers in the group is related to the promoter. He is a very nice guy, but his music doesn't fit. More than half the audience gets up to hit the food stand, the potty, or the product tables when this group comes on stage. I feel very badly for them because they are really sincere men, but obviously the crowd doesn't want their music.

You can't force feed new styles on people who don't want it. I think that is where Bill Gaither may have alienated some of the traditional SG fans. He said in one of his books or in an interview that he aimed to introduce new styles of music so that folks would broaden their horizons. The problem is some people don't want their horizons broadened. Personally, I like a lot of sytles of music from the Primitive Qt. all the way to Bach. Even so, when I turn on Solid Gospel radio I want to hear real SG, not contemporary masquerading as SG.



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