What's wrong with Christian music?
Christian music is often the black sheep of the music industry. It almost never gets on the radio, never achieves mainstream popularity. Aside from a few standouts, Christian music is kind of behind the curve.
Why is this? Is it because the audience is smaller, the art form newer? I wondered if Christians music was just at an evolutionary disadvantage. I decided to investigate the roots of the Christian music industry, the vinyl days, the glory days of gospel music.
My discoveries were shocking. Truth be told, I can't figure out how Christianity made it this far. I have no idea how many records these musicians sold. It could have been a million, more likely it was 10 close relatives who felt guilty.
Why don't you just play your guitar and accordian...
Christian music is often the black sheep of the music industry. It almost never gets on the radio, never achieves mainstream popularity. Aside from a few standouts, Christian music is kind of behind the curve.
Why is this? Is it because the audience is smaller, the art form newer? I wondered if Christians music was just at an evolutionary disadvantage. I decided to investigate the roots of the Christian music industry, the vinyl days, the glory days of gospel music.
My discoveries were shocking. Truth be told, I can't figure out how Christianity made it this far. I have no idea how many records these musicians sold. It could have been a million, more likely it was 10 close relatives who felt guilty.
Well, Larry doesn't show up half the time,
and Betty is a woman. So it's still a quartet.
Why don't you just play your guitar and accordian...On second thought, go ahead and sing.
Worse. Slumber Party. Ever.
Also, worst use of apostrophe's ever.
Best. Earring. Ever.
I've got some excess Dwainage.
Who knew this guy would grow up and become "The Rock?"
Worse. Slumber Party. Ever.Also, worst use of apostrophe's ever.
Jerry the Exciting! Also doesn't know how to use apostrophe's.
But I've got to get 'God's Gonna Getcha' For That' for my iPod.
Best. Earring. Ever.
I've got some excess Dwainage.Who knew this guy would grow up and become "The Rock?"
The Coloniel's Extra Crispy Gospel Music
I'd be careful who you touch with that trumpet.
Look for Phil's follow up album, 'A Caress of Cornet'
Look at these youthes! They're already used!
Daddy keeps Bobby in the basement because he was naughty.
Bobby Grove and his traveling circus.
Wait, is Bobby singing or talking?
Anyone actually heard of any of these fine musical talents? Found these records in your grandparents' basement?
25 people say amen!:
I actually went to a Phil Driscoll concert when I was a kid! My parents were huge fans. I think he still plays as live entertainment for some Christian cruise line.
You should google Phil Driscoll. He's actually a FABULOUS musician and was pretty popular in the eighties.
Was this from your own collection? Fess up, now.
After the viewing the jacket covers, I can see now why record sales were at an all time low. Are their no Christian marketing experts?
"Are THERE no..." sorry-clicked publish to soon. (A first for me);)
I was going to comment on Phil Driscoll as still being around, but last I heard he had some trouble for tax evasion.
I also listened to Phil Driscoll back in the day... He and some other Christian artists (Twila Paris, Russ Taff, etc) did a rockin' version of Handel's Messiah, "Handel's Young Messiah" that I listened to a lot. The rest of them, nope. Nice post.
Phil Driscoll is actually pretty amazing, and probably a success in both Christian and non Christian trumpet circles. The others... well...
I stand corrected on Phil Driscoll. Just goes to show, you can't judge an album by it's cover...once in a while.
Honestly, I can't say I feel like I missed out. Maybe on a few laughs....
I generally like the old hymns.
BUT, I did come across (maybe here...I forgot where) this Christian group, 'Mercy Me' who does some pop cover tunes on youtube.
Here's their version of 'Thriller':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiuOOXe9sTo
I've seen Phil Driscoll several times (came to our church when I was a kid and then later). Never heard of that one though!
By the way, the one that should have used the apostrophe didn't. Bobby Grove was talkin' about a good time... That's the way it goes, some live in apostrophe abundance while others linger in apostrophe poverty. It's so sad.
The Masters Four are now the Masters V (does the girl still not count, maybe). We still sell some of their CDs at work. That is to say, Maybe the people with apostrophe issues were using an annoying French keyboard. I can`t even find the the apostrophe on this one (that wasn`t an apostrophe, it was an "accent grave").
And Christian bands still haven`t figured out the naming thing. We recently got in a CD at work from a 5-member band called the Triumphant Quartet.
Also, I`m dying to know what "God`s gonna getcha for that" sounds like.
yeh, Phil Driscoll is still around as far as I know.
I have some lyrics to some "youth" diddies that come back to me every now and then - Christian songs with a "zing!" from the old days of gospel.
"Conform, conform, I simply must conform. To think that I should be myself would cause me alarm!"
that's the beginning of a real winner.
And here is a hash chorus:
"Every promise in the book is mine, every chapter every verse every line. Every promise in the book is...
mine, mine Jesus is mine. Mine when I'm weary, mine when I'm cheery, mine, mine Jesus is mine, mine all the time...
oh yes He's wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me
counselor, prince of peace, mighty God is He. Saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame, wonderful is my redeemer, praise His name...
precious name, oh how sweet, hope of earth and joy of heav'n. Precious name, oh how sweet, hope of earth and joy of heav'n.
Those were the days when I had no idea what any of it meant.
My mom and dad have some sweet albums such as these. One features...MY DAD! He was in some youth choir at his church and they recorded a couple records. They all wore matching polyester outfits on the cover. My siblings and I would get them out and play them and laugh and laugh and laugh...
This. Was. Hilarious.
Gabrielle, thank you so much for your contribution! Must. Conform. Can't. Be. Myself!
One of my friends on facebook has been posting a bunch of old images from the early days of contemporary music... lots of big bushy beards and bad clothes... but, since I was around for that doing photography for album covers etc... it was interesting to see. More than that it was a reminder of a different time before it became big business and people were excited about a new relationship with Jesus and wanted to share it with their friends. It really did start with such promise... like a bunch of urban missionaries reaching out to hippys and teenagers. It's sad to see just how bad it is now. It was interesting seeing some of the early CCM pioneers commenting on the old photos and their lives. You could tell a bunch of them were realizing that was a fruitful productive time of their lives. Several expressed a desire for God to stir their hearts up again and to serve Him.
And yes, I have some wonderfully horrible albums from back then too.
Oh man, I laughed hard at this!
I listened as a friend of mine gave a message in a coffee-shop church I was part of a few years back about how Christians (in the distant past...) used to be, and should be, at the forefront of art...not lagging behind trying to look (or sound) like secular art.
This post kind of reminded me of that.
Phil Driscoll rocks!
hey matt- after reading this in my email this morning i really had to comment...
while it may seem like a rocky start with a hit album title like "a touch of trumpet" phil driscoll went on to make a pretty big name for himself playing with the likes of joe cocker then on to a career as a solo christian act. i have run live sound for a few concerts of his awhile back and back in 1998 me and my dad picked him up from the airport for a music conference he did for my old church- he flew the plane he and his band arrived in =) but after that i havent heard anything about him... rumours do abound though.
as for the rest of this hallowed collection of holy musical ministers- i have not one clue.
but if i can find "God's gonna getcha for that" anywhere- you can be sure i'll fire an mp3 in your direction- im still laughing at that name too. and the egregious use of apostrophes' is hilarious!
and i agree 100 percent that Christian music is behind the curve. we really need to be leading, not following secular music and its many trends.
Did you ever see that "Jesus is my Friend" video of the "hip" Christian group? Hilarious!
Okay, obviously my research was lacking on Phil Driscoll. I had honestly not heard of him. I'm glad at least one of these guys did something with themselves.
Josh Conti now holds the crown of revealing my lack of research for actually having run sound for the guy who I just randomly picked for his album cover! Nice. :)
Ah, yes...the Palermo Bros. Gospel with a touch of spaghetti. I'd tell you that I actually do remember them (and they didn't sound too bad!), but I'd date myself :(
wv is loend...That really was the quality of most of those groups. They were indie before there was indie.
Hi Matt,
I'm a first time commenter after finding your blog thru Dan Millican's blog.
There is an MP3 version of "God's Gonna Getcha For That" available at Amazon.com for 99 cents. And even if you're not interested in buying it, you have to check out the Lewis Family album cover it is on. You might even have to edit this post to it.
P.S. Count me in as a new follower of this blog!
Nice photos!!! I love this. Want some cool music?
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