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ORIGINAL: danielmount

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ORIGINAL: mm80

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ORIGINAL: danielmount

Let me throw this question out there:

Outside of Southern Gospel circles, just how often do you have to talk to someone to consider them a friend?

In my case, if I have a lot in common with someone--say we've been through a memorable event (i.e., tough political campaign) together, or we used to attend church with them for years--then I don't have to talk to them every day to consider them a friend.

Not a mere acquaintance, a friend.

I probably have 150-200 people I consider friends (counting all the members of big families!), and another 400-500 people I recognize and consider acquaintances.

And this isn't counting Southern Gospel artists. (By the way, there are 5 or fewer SG artists that I consider friends--not close friends/best friends, but still friends.)

According to Merriam Webster you are acquaintances.

Main Entry: ac·quain·tance
Pronunciation: &-'kwAn-t&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 a : the state of being acquainted b : personal knowledge : FAMILIARITY
2 a : the persons with whom one is acquainted <should auld acquaintance be forgot -- Robert Burns> b : a person whom one knows but who is not a particularly close friend <a casual acquaintance>

There has been so much in the way of defining "acquaintance." To me, that is such a cold, almost unhappy word. I use it for someone who I know who is not a friend.

But you know what? Nobody has bothered to pull out the dictionary and define "friend." According to the Random House dictionary:

Main entry: Friend

1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?
4. a member of the same nation, party, etc.
5. (initial capital letter) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.

And under definitions 1 through 4, I call several artists friends. The artists I call friends know my name, recognize me at concerts, and like me / do not dislike me.[:)] There are a few who know my phone number and give me a call from time to time. I initiate emails; I let them initiate calls, even though I know their phone number. And I know several who do, both local and national artists.

I think under any of the definitions except #5, for the Quakers, I am justified in calling these artists friends.

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ORIGINAL: qtman

I just don't know about that hanky. It is hard to stand up there and sing with a smile when sweat is running down your face and stinging your eyes.[:D] I rather see the hanky. And as far the little hop the beloved Glen Payne perfected it and noone complained.

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ORIGINAL: youngartist

Goldcityquartetfan it almost sounds like you're using this reasoning:

-Joseph has been promoted to a very prominent spot in SG
-Joseph is not timid onstage
Therefore,
-Joseph's ego must be inflated

This strikes a nerve because I've had a very conservative-minded woman question my humility because I moved from one side of the stage to the other when I was relaying the song "I Believe" to the audience. It really hurt because the only reason I did that was to bring out the song in a fuller, more exciting way. I was the least thing from being prideful, and it seemed like she made assumptions based on my stage movement alone...

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ORIGINAL: goldcityquartetfan

This is another shining example of why Southern Gospel is at its lowest point in history for quality. If anyone offers and opinion that isn't full of rainbows and sunshine, they are attacked. While I do not agree that we should ever attack an artist, it is justified to point out where the industry as a whole should improve. I have been a Perry's fan for awhile. I went to see them right after they brought Joseph to lead. Joseph is a good singer. He is not a great singer. His stage presence is extremlly rehearsed. Due to the status of the group, his ego is a little inflated right now. Here's what we need to remember. He is in his early twenties. He will come into his own in all of these areas as he matures. The job of the industry is to point these issues out and mentor young artists so that they do mature.
Now heres where I make people mad. Im sorry. Most southern gospel fans are not trained in vocal quality. Thats why you have so many groups that cant even sing on pitch but still sell cds. The industry is far below par in quality of singers. Most SG artists would never make it in any other genre. Why is it wrong to point out that some people are not as talented as others? That type of objective listening will help to make the whole Sg world better. I love this music but it is embarrasing to turn on the radio and hear what is being produced. I cant sing so I dont get on stage.

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ORIGINAL: youngartist

Goldcityquartetfan it almost sounds like you're using this reasoning:

-Joseph has been promoted to a very prominent spot in SG
-Joseph is not timid onstage
Therefore,
-Joseph's ego must be inflated

This strikes a nerve because I've had a very conservative-minded woman question my humility because I moved from one side of the stage to the other when I was relaying the song "I Believe" to the audience. It really hurt because the only reason I did that was to bring out the song in a fuller, more exciting way. I was the least thing from being prideful, and it seemed like she made assumptions based on my stage movement alone...

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ORIGINAL: goldcityquartetfan

This is another shining example of why Southern Gospel is at its lowest point in history for quality. If anyone offers and opinion that isn't full of rainbows and sunshine, they are attacked. While I do not agree that we should ever attack an artist, it is justified to point out where the industry as a whole should improve. I have been a Perry's fan for awhile. I went to see them right after they brought Joseph to lead. Joseph is a good singer. He is not a great singer. His stage presence is extremlly rehearsed. Due to the status of the group, his ego is a little inflated right now. Here's what we need to remember. He is in his early twenties. He will come into his own in all of these areas as he matures. The job of the industry is to point these issues out and mentor young artists so that they do mature.
Now heres where I make people mad. Im sorry. Most southern gospel fans are not trained in vocal quality. Thats why you have so many groups that cant even sing on pitch but still sell cds. The industry is far below par in quality of singers. Most SG artists would never make it in any other genre. Why is it wrong to point out that some people are not as talented as others? That type of objective listening will help to make the whole Sg world better. I love this music but it is embarrasing to turn on the radio and hear what is being produced. I cant sing so I dont get on stage.

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ORIGINAL: qtman

Gerald Wolfe has a hanky, but he only pulls it out of his pocket to wipe his forehead/face when needed then he slips it back in. Now Joseph carrying a hanky is not his problem, it is mine. I will just have to deal with it.[:D]

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To be clear, this forum is not intended for critique of the Southern Gospel music industry. Constructive criticism composed in love with the intent to help and improve is welcome, however mean-spirited criticism is not acceptable and may result in being banned from the Forum in accordance with the Terms of Service.

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ORIGINAL: goldcityquartetfan

... I love this music but it is embarrasing to turn on the radio and hear what is being produced....

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ORIGINAL: PerrysFan

OK...I had never heard of averyfineline until I read this thread so I visited his website:

I would have to say that some things I agree with him and some thing not...those opinions I will keep to myself!

In Joe's defense, he is a wonderful lead singer, and very humble young man! Everytime I have told him good job at the end of a concert, he says God bless you, or gives some other humble response. He's good man of God and is serving well in the ministry of SG music!!


God Bless you Joe in all you do, writing and singing!![:D]

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ORIGINAL: goldcityquartetfan

This is another shining example of why Southern Gospel is at its lowest point in history for quality. If anyone offers and opinion that isn't full of rainbows and sunshine, they are attacked. While I do not agree that we should ever attack an artist, it is justified to point out where the industry as a whole should improve. I have been a Perry's fan for awhile. I went to see them right after they brought Joseph to lead. Joseph is a good singer. He is not a great singer. His stage presence is extremlly rehearsed. Due to the status of the group, his ego is a little inflated right now. Here's what we need to remember. He is in his early twenties. He will come into his own in all of these areas as he matures. The job of the industry is to point these issues out and mentor young artists so that they do mature.
Now heres where I make people mad. Im sorry. Most southern gospel fans are not trained in vocal quality. Thats why you have so many groups that cant even sing on pitch but still sell cds. The industry is far below par in quality of singers. Most SG artists would never make it in any other genre. Why is it wrong to point out that some people are not as talented as others? That type of objective listening will help to make the whole Sg world better. I love this music but it is embarrasing to turn on the radio and hear what is being produced. I cant sing so I dont get on stage.