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Times, They Are A Changing

By Rick A. Crigger

Throughout history, mankind has found It necessary to change or else follow civilizations such as The Aztecs.  The church has changed, Christianity has changed.  Some changes are good, some not so good.  But Jesus never changes.  His commandments have not change either.  He still commands us to “Go Into All The World”.

If change does not altar the intent and commandments of God as shown in the Bible, then change may take place in an effort to reach more with the message of God’s love and salvation.

Southern Gospel music has been around for well over a century. The distinctions of this genre of music was established around 1910, the year in which the first professional quartet was formed. This quartet was put on the road for the purpose of selling songbooks for the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company.  It is ironic that this first music endeavor was to promote business.  We must remember that this is a ministry, not a business.

Southern Gospel music has influenced many generations of people and has made a big impact on Christianity. Many people have enjoyed this style of music. But with the times changing, has this style of music become too traditional for younger people? The tastes of the music listener seems to evolve.  Music must evolve with it as long as that evolution does not change or detract from the message of God it is intended to promote.

Starting with the early twentieth century when Southern Gospel music was first breaking out as a music genre. Southern Gospel music began its wide popularity through radio and recording in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. There have been a lot of transitions in style and presentation of traditional Southern Gospel music. Typically they would wear identical suits, stand in a fixed position and sing their own parts in harmony. Sounds familiar?

Other than standing in a fixed position, Southern gospel has not changed over the years. The fans sometimes call Southern Gospel “quartet music”. This makes a lot of sense considering that originally all-male, tenor-lead-baritone-bass quartet make-up.

While men’s groups still predominate, even in the twenty first century, we are seeing more women’s groups, trios, duos and soloist then ever before. Early quartet style typically consisted of acappella or accompanied by a piano or guitar, and in some cases a piano and banjo but mostly acappella. This has changed a lot over the years.  Southern Gospel music of the past have used full bands with live instruments.  But now, for the most part, the groups sing to a prerecorded accompaniment (Sound Tracks).

For me this is a little bit of a let-down.  Live music gives so much more energy and excitement to the fans and the groups. I have noticed that there seems to be more full bands in Christian contemporary, country and blue grass music than in Southern Gospel. I wonder why that is?  Perhaps, it is the cost of traveling musicians.

 

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