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From the Grio:
Don't be surprised if the likes of Lady Gaga release a gospel album.
You may laugh, and it may even sound absurd, but according to industry executive Torrence Glenn, it is more of a possibility than you think.
"There is a lot of disagreement among our industry as to what gospel is and what it should be. Gospel can be whatever it wants to be musically," said the director of Music Development for BET Digital. "It is all about the balance. It should not be all groups, all choirs, all rhythm and blues, or all pop. It should sound like a little bit of everything as long as there are some traditional things involved."
Gospel music used to be the standard in the music industry, said Glenn. When an artist, of any genre, made their music as good as gospel they were considered to have arrived musically. Yet, that is not as much of the case today.
Today, many gospel artists are making music that sounds more urban and contemporary. Why?
Read more here.
Comments: (24)
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By: GG on 6/03/2011 12:11PM
OK I understand Ga Ga sold a million in a week when the economy is soooo bad BUT don't insult Mary Mary by using her name to sell this article!!! I thought I was about to read an excellent piece mentioning Yolanda Adams etc and Ga Ga is in the first sentence for effect. Come on BV maybe yall need to go back to hyping Beyonce and Rhianna......
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By: SAY WHAT! on 6/03/2011 12:44PM
The reason why gospel is straying away from its roots is simple.
People "generally" want to sell their music and when they don't they try to jump on the "What's current" bandwagon.
Fortunately for the music industry and unfortunately for those who decide to "sell out" their souls, Most garbage filling the airwaves today is merely a fad and like all music and fads they change with each new generation.
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By: "DimePiece" on 6/03/2011 12:37PM
In a way I like the change but, I don't like the way when some of the female Gospel Singers & Choir, cross the line by wearing, tight leggings, dresse's & skirts, low-cut tops, over the top jewlery & cake make-up, over the top hairstyles, ect... The Gospel Men, I don't have a problem as far as dress attrire. Mary Mary is good and they are both beautiful sisters but, I think they are crossin the line in the way they both dress and . As far as change in style of Gospel Music, there are some, (Kirk Franklin), that OVER DO it and I feel is unecessary. I say this, if you got a good choir, have a talented singing voice, you don't have to do all that jumpin, wild dancing, dressing a certain way, hollaring, just to get attention. I like the change but Gospel Singers are taking it to another level and crossing over with no repsect to people and to the Lord. I say this, you can still get the message out but, there is no reason to OVER DO IT! If you are going to do it like that, than Gospel is not for you and you might as well crossover permanetly to R&B, Pop, Rock, ect.. I'm just sayin?
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By: Whateva on 6/03/2011 1:08PM
Clothes don't make the person. U're focusing on the wrong thing.
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By: T Rowland on 6/04/2011 7:27AM
Clothes might not make the person but folks are looked at by the image they present and how you are dressed is part of that image, trying to tell a young woman, she's not showing respect for her self if she's showing everything God gave her, whle showing more of yourself, is not going to get your message across.
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By: pink on 6/03/2011 2:12PM
Gospel music his been singing a new tune for a looooooonnng time now. I don't get Lady GaGa...and I understand why I don't get it.. it's bc I'm old shcool. I feel sorry for this generation bc they've never experienced real music as put forth by Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, The Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha, The Shirelles, Smokey Robinson; just to name a few. What they call music today is pretty much jacked. For sure it's the sign of the times.
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By: GG on 6/03/2011 3:44PM
The reason I won't criticize my daughter's loving Lady Ga Ga is because I was in the military jammin to Madonna, Janet etc.(loved rock in the military and hs as well) while enjoying my mother's Motown. Every generation has something their parent's hated but we enjoyed as kids. I actually like Lady Ga Ga (I liked what she said this morning about kids affording her music!). I just don't think she belonged in this article.
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By: GG on 6/03/2011 2:14PM
I was through with Kirk Franklin when he went on Oprah being addicted to porn. Told me a lot for a man who can't sing a note and got famous pimping choirs!!! The entertainment industry period is corrupt and that's sad with so many talented people trying to stay true. I agree I prefer the gospel singers of my day who dressed conservatively. Some of the these prom ball gowns, hair three stories high and a poound of make-up is too much! I remember how shocked I was when I first saw Yolanda Adams in braids like the former Essence editor but I said "Lord that woman can blow!"
Who was the male gospel artist who got on my nerves with MJ dance routine gospel performances? Didn't he finally come out as gay which was NO shock to me?
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By: DH1 on 6/04/2011 7:27AM
I, like many actually applauded Kirk Franklin for his admission. I realize that he is a married man, and some women (not all) feel that a man watching porn is a violation of their relationship. When Kirk made his admission, htere was a bigger picture. He was being transparent. He helped other people by showing that if a successful gospel singer with a beautiful wife can become addicted to porn, anyone can. Kirk wasn't hurting anybody personally, and he will help other people realize that they too can be freed of a porn obsession if they wish to.
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By: BIGGNO on 6/03/2011 3:17PM
I am a gospel artist and i believe that all music is over the top when it comes to image. Music in general is not about the craft or the artistry anymore it's about who can out sale who and everyone is competing for sales. I believe this is the reason we have so many cookie cutter artist jumping on the latest transition of music whether it’s Gospel, Hip Hop, Or R@B. Personally, when i do listen to gospel music I am more concerned about the lyrical content. Just because you sing about GOD it does not mean it is gospel music or (The Good News about Christ) the teachings of Christ must be mentioned in order for it to be considered gospel music. A lot of the music we call gospel is good but i wouldn't label it gospel if Christ is turned into personal pronouns to save face with record companies and radio. If the lyrical content is more focused on GOD the creator rather than Christ the redeemer, for the bible declares there is no access to the father unless we come through the son then we must truly analyze the music to see if it is really gospel music. In essence if you are not singing about the love, redemption, and grace of Christ then you’re just an inspirational singer not a Gospel or Good News singer.
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