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By J. MATTHEW COBB THE PROGRESSION of today's gospel music into newer styles and expresisons reveals the creative strength to be relevant to the times. And as Black History Month 2008 walks away from our memories, the decision to reflect on our musical influences remain crucially important to our journey. It allows us the opportunity to reminscene, to ponder and to learn from our heroes and to celebrate their contributions to the music world. We took the time out to talk with a number of today's gospel artists - some established and some up-and-coming trailblazers in the genre - to see who were their musical idols. In their own words, they reveal their admiration and deepest respects to their heroes; proving that our history shouldn't be limited to one month in a year.
PRAYZEHYMNONLINE.COM: Who is your musical idol?
PRAYZEHYMNONLINE.COM: Who is your musical idol?
PRAYZEHYMNONLINE.COM: Who is your musical idol?
PRAYZEHYMNONLINE.COM: Who is your musical idol? I’m originally from Brooklyn NY, and honestly the church I was from didn’t do much visiting. We didn’t go out much, and we didn’t have many guests come in. The only connection I had to the outside gospel music world was videotape called “Gospel”. On it were many great artists including Shirley Caesar, James Cleveland, and The Clark Sisters. However to me the highlight was the Hawkins Family. My favorite song they sang was “Victory”. The more they sang it, the better they sang! It was crazy. It wasn’t until many years later that I saw them live. They sang songs like “The Just Shall Live”, and “Thank You”, and so many more of their hits. That night I knew I wanted to write and sing gospel music. My life came full circle for me about four years ago when Youthful Praise (YP) and I had the opportunity to minister at his church. I was able to tell him and his congregation how much his music has influenced my life. Walter Hawkins is definitely a living gospel music legend. Once I realized I wanted to be in Gospel music (thanks to Walter Hawkins), I began to pursue it further. I wanted to learn who other artists were, listen to more music, and try to learn what it took to write a good gospel song. Back then I didn’t know much about GMWA or any of the other conventions, but I did have the chance to go to the Young Artist for Christ convention in Detroit. This was a convention put on by Michael Brooks of Commissioned. I saw great artists such as Witness and Yolanda Adams (this is before she became as popular as she is now, but she was awesome back then too), and many other artists. They had a convention choir and I was proud and excited to be a part of it. I remember being on the stage and a heavy-set guy walked in the room. It was like a hush of respect came in with him. It was Thomas Whitfield. Back then I didn’t know who he was, but I just remember the respect that everyone seemed to have for him. A little while later I was able to get a hold of some of his music as well. He was and is, in my opinion, the greatest gospel music writer ever! Songs like “Hallelujah Anyhow”, “I’m Encouraged”, “I Am Persuaded”, “We Need A Word From The Lord" and so many more of his songs are timeless classics. It is every writers' dream that his or her songs could be sung years after their passing and still be appreciated. Thomas Whitfield achieved that dream. Lastly, once I found a love for gospel music, I had an addiction to it. Thank God my love for the music now is because of my relationship with God and my love for him, but back then…it was just the music. I found myself trying to go to every concert to see who’s hot, and who’s not; who could sing the best, and who had the best songs. And I remember that someone told me that Hezekiah Walker from Brooklyn was going to be having a service every 4th Sunday night in Brooklyn. Back then I knew who he was, and I respected him, but I can’t honestly say that I’d ever seen them live before then. But naturally I wanted to see what was up. So some friends and I drove down to the first service. Well there were people standing outside in line and the building was already full. It was crazy. Fortunately, I knew someone at the door that not only got us in, but also found us seats on the front row. Some great artists sang including Bishop Eric McDaniel and his choir (they sung a song called “No Condemnation”, I’ll never forget it), the Bronx Mass Choir and many others. What I didn’t know was Bishop Noel Jones was preaching also. He tore the house down! However, Pastor Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (LFC) hadn’t sung yet. I was trying to figure out how would he be able to come up after that word that was just preached. But Pastor Walker and LFC shut it down as always. They sang songs such as “Send Your Spirit Down ”, “Let the Redeemed” and they ended off with “I’ll Make it”. I think I learned many things from Hezekiah Walker that night. First I learned how not to be intimidated. He was not shook in any way by the audience’s response to everyone before him. I also learned how to control the platform (I don’t want to say stage). Even though he had a great band, and great lead singers, he was in control. I’ve looked to him many times since to learn how to minister! There are so many other memories and influences in my life and love for gospel music, but those are the times that stick out. And I’m still being influenced every day!
PRAYZEHYMNONLINE.COM: Who is your musical idol? Charles Butler & Trinity are grateful for all of our past leaders within gospel who have opened so many doors for us. As we are immersed in this month of celebrating our rich history as a people we are reminded that our songs of faith are what carried our ancestors through many challenges; slavery, the Civil Rights movement, up till present day. We thank God for the gift of song that he has birthed in Gospel music artists. OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
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