By stephanie (64.63.221.36) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 02:08 pm:

I hope I dont offend anyone by asking this question but since some of you are in the business you may know the answer....
Why do artists claim they get religion and then say they are not going to sing secular music and come right back to it. Some folks who come to mind are
Donna Summer
Al Green
Dion
Little Richard and others.....

Im not saying that ALL of these people have said this but I noticed after the grits incident Al Green became a minister and then several years later back to his stuff..Dion said he became born again and he was on some christian labels (some of that stuff was quite good) when I read his book he said the lord told him he could sing his old stuff...We all know the Little Richard story about Sputnik..LOL Why dont they just sing the secular stuff and admit they are christians or say they are trying to live a Christian life?

I mean none of us are perfect and we are all sinners we have all cursed or lusted or stolen or something..LOL I mean I personally dont see anything wrong with it. The ONE religious man I can think of who did secular and gospel and never apologized for it was Pat Boone!!! My props go out to Pat Boone when he did Pat Boone in a Metal Mood and showed up on the awards show in leather he was just kidding and the Christian community got outraged and wanted to take him off Christian television. He said he plays gold with
Alice Cooper and he was trying to tell people he witnesses to some of the rock stars and they are not what they appear to be. Do they come back because they need money or do they leave because they think they are pleasing God and it makes them feel at peace with themselves. I know there are some who have never come back I think Deniece Williams is more gospel now but does anyone have any perspective on this? I think they can sing secular music and still be Christians...oh my hat goes off to Mace he is one of the few hip hop artists who left to become a minister and talked about the horrible videos that are out exploting women. I dont know if he will come back to secular music but he certainly is walking the walk and talking the talk. I think Little Anthony left secular music to do gospel for a while and now he is back. Frankly I dont want to see any of them leave but if that is their calling I do respect it..
Stephanie

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 02:14 pm:

I think some of it has to do with money. There's not a lot of money being made in Gospel, as in
R & B. I believe a person can still have their religious convictions, and sing R & B. It is what is in a person's heart (motives, agenda) and God knows everyone's heart. Just my take on it.

By soulboy (80.0.251.19) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 02:29 pm:

It has to do with a reaction to the excesses of the rock and roll industry, many artists get to a stage were they grow weary of the lifestyle and want some spiritual healing, i think there is a greater need for religon among those who have perhaps indulged,sometimes it's brought on by guilt,and others genuine enlightenment.

By Horse (159.53.32.41) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 02:33 pm:

I recall that when I was doing some work with Deniece Williams on her secular material she was also releasing a gospel project. She actually used other individuals for the gospel project than the secular project. During that time, I think she was focusing more on the gospel side and the pop/r&b thing didn't have much success. I know she relocated to the pacific northwest shortly after but I'm not really sure what she has been pursuing over the past so many years. I just assume it's on the gospel side. She made quite a bit of money from writing credits for "Let's Here It For The Boy" from the movie Footloose alone and probably didn't have the pressure of cash flow. I'm just guessing.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.3.253) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 06:14 pm:

I think the Religous thing comes 2 play, when something tragic, or there is some kind of downfall. If U notice, when either of these 2 things happen, some people feel the need 2 rest their assurance on some God or Religious icon.
when all they have 2 do, is use their talent and just B decent people and live decent lives. That's Y there is so much of the so-called Gospel Lyrics being heard with secular music.
The truth is if U R an entertainer (with talent), then use your talent, but DON'T wait 'til U go down hill and then get religious.
N fact Religion has nothing 2 do with any God, it's the way we live, treat ourselves and others. Your belief should B very personal, between U & your God...but don't mix the 2.
The Yardbirds N the 60's sung a song, Turn, Turn, Turn, it's taken from the book N the Bible~
Ecclesiastes the 3rd chapter...check it out!

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 06:28 pm:

Billy Joel said it best..

"if the devil was in a business it would be the music business"

Artists, singers, writers, creators, can't co-habitate with the devil for very long....

I understand what he is saying by this..

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 10:36 pm:

INTERESTING TOPIC STEPH!!!...I THINK SOULBOY AND MED ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO SOME EXTENT!!!...CERTAINLY...SOME PEOPLE DO HAVE AN EPITHANY ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS...AND THEN...GO WHERE THEIR HEART AND MIND LEADS THEM!!!...MANY OTHERS...HOWEVER...IN MUSIC AND THE REST OF THE WORLD...USE RELIGION FOR A "SAFE HAVEN"...SOMEWHERE TO HIDE WHEN THE LIFESTYLE...BE IT DRUGS...GAMBLING...PARTYING...SEXUAL EXCESS...DEBT...OR OTHERWISE CATCH UP WITH THEM AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN!!!...THE REAL QUESTION IS...HOW MANY OF THESE PEOPLE ARE SINCERE IN THEIR RELIGIOUS DISCOVERY...OR JUST USING IT TO KEEP PEOPLE OFF THEIR BACK!!!...LOOK AT SOME OF THE HIGH PROFILE CRIMINAL CASES...WHERE DURING THE TRIAL...CERTAIN PEOPLE HAVE "GOTTEN RELIGION"...ONLY TO REVERT TO THE SAME TYPE OF DESTRUCTIVE ACTIVITY WHEN THEY ARE AQUITTED!!!...I AM SOMEWHAT SUSPICIOUS OF PEOPLE WHO WEAR RELIGION...OR ANY OTHER SELF RIGHTOUS AFFILIATION ON THEIR SLEEVE...AND LET YOU KNOW ABOUT IT...AD NAUSIUM!!!...PROBABLY...MOST OF THESE FOLKS JUST DON'T FIT INTO ONE CATAGORY SINCE THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS!!!...STUBASS

By Greg C. (207.103.134.248) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:12 am:

I think it depends on the individual.

Life experiences and places and spaces can take a person deeply involved with God away from him, out into the world of "secular music" and then back home to him again. It's all good. It's a very personal thing between that person and his/her God.

Aretha sang some of the hardest classic soul we'll ever hear, yet she maintains her alliance with the Father. "Amazin Grace" and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" are two of her most profound works, and they're timeless.

By E (141.151.73.11) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 01:24 pm:

When Luther regains his voice and his stregnth,
will he enter the Gospel arena?

What is your take on this?

By medusa9e2003 (155.139.50.14) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:08 pm:

well, if all was going well B4 his illness, then Y should he go Gospel?? BN a Vocalsit is his given talent and I feel he should continue on with his same style...but I'm quite sure someone will try 2 put him on the guilt trip of how God brought him out...when it just wasn't time 4 him 2 depart..everybody needs somebody sometime..and if/when we want 2 call it God, then so B it. Godlinees, shouldn't B a bribe or a demand, but a will 2 except whatever works 4 an individual.

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

WELL SAID MEDUSA9E!!!...YOU KNOW THAT QUALITY MEDICAL CARE *DOES* PLAY A PART IN ALL OF THIS!!!...STUBASS

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:44 pm:

I GOTTA CHUCKLE WHEN MANY SO CALLED ATHELETES CREDIT "GOD" FOR THEIR ATHLETIC SUCCESS...LIKE "GOD" HAS NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN DRAW OUT X'S AND O'S...ALL THE WHILE SHAKING HIS "HEAVENLY" POM POM'S...ROOTING FOR THE "GODLIEST" OF ALL TEAMS!!!...STU

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:56 pm:

FINAL STUBASS TAKE ON THIS (I HOPE)!!!...WHAT I'M REFERING TO IS A GUY LIKE EVANDER HOLYFIELD RUNNING AROUND TOWN IMPREGNATING EVERY WOMAN HE CAN...THEN "HIDING" BEHIND HIS SELF PROFESSED "GODLINESS" WHEN HIS BEHAVIOR COMES INTO QUESTION!!!...RELIGION...IN MY OPINION SHOULD REMAIN A HIGHLY "PERSONAL MATTER"...WITH EACH OF US CELEBRATING "GOD" IN OUR OWN WAY...INSTEAD OF ALL THIS "GODBANGING" THAT GOES ON!!!...THATS A BIG PART OF WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD TODAY...AND LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE DYING OVER IT!!!...STU(TRUE BELIEVER)BASS

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 03:10 pm:

GEE STU,THAT'S DEEP!!

By medusa9e2003 (155.139.50.14) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

'Nuff said.......................

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 03:58 pm:

Stu...
...I wonder if what happens is that when someone is "born again" they fall into the same trap everyone else does when they, say, buy a new record. There is nothing else like it in the world, it is all encomposing, all powerful. After the new wears off, it becomes a part of your life. In the case of relegion, an intregal part, but one realises that it is not all consuming, and something that represents your normal life continues, with this new feeling woven into the fabric of your exsistance.
That make sense? I don't want to think of how many times I canceled this post--it's not an easy thing to express--and I'm not gonna say I went through all those steps, but it's kinda how I feel.

As to Evander, he's going to have to answer for his problems sometime or another. Maybe not in this lifetime, but....

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.166) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 04:14 pm:

I get so much "strength" that OUR Music is based on Gospel and I like both - as Gamble - Huff said "The Message is in The Music" - Rance Allen, The Winans to anme a few

John

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 04:56 pm:

HEY ALL!!!...I'VE ABOUT HAD MY SAY ON THIS TOPIC...BUT JUST A PARTING THOUGHT!!!...IF THE "BIG GUY (OR GAL) DETERMINES THE OUTCOME OF SPORTING EVENTS...HOW DID MIKE TYSON *EVER* WIN A SINGLE FIGHT...OR JOHN ROCKER *EVER* SAVE A SINGLE GAME???...HUH???...STU(NOT HOLIER THAN THOU)BASS

By stephanie (64.63.221.205) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 07:25 pm:

Daddy Angel
I believe that we are ALL sinners and GOD forgives everyone (even Hitler) but I do agree with you that some people go around tooting their own horn and their actions dont show it. If you are trying that is one thing but if you are just outright living it up with wine women and song that is another. I think that some of the athletes and music figures do it for show and some are sincere.

The Bible says "By their fruits you shall know them"..frankly one of the people in the music
industry who I think really tries to be an example is Pat Boone I mean yeah he had an affair in the past but I have never seen him tooting his horn about the lord.....but when he does he seems sincere to me. I think the one thing that sickened me the most was when Bell, Biv and Devoe won some award for DO ME and they were thanking Jesus Christ I wanted to kick the TV set in...LOL
Stephanie

A (Concerned for the hypocrites)STUBASS ANGEL

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:13 pm:

Stephanie - I don't know Bell, Biv and Devoe, but did you know most of the entertainers (at least black singers and groups) say a prayer before they perform before an audience? They pray to whomever they believe give them their strength and talent. They pray that this higher power will watch over them and grant them the blessings to deliver to the audience a great performance. And they thank the higher power in advance. Perhaps these three artist believe that if it weren't for their belief, and trust in Jesus Christ they never could have performed as well as they did. They therefore, give the credit to their higher power whom they call Jesus Christ.

Whatever and whomever you believe is your higher power within, is what you trust to carry you through the day and night.

There are messages in all music. It is the message in the song that counts. Not the religion. James Cleveland sang "Without A Song, The Day Would Never End." He didn't say without a gospel song.

I love gospel as well as soul. I loved gospel first and always will. But I do not like hip hop gospel because I do not like hip hop music.

Soul music is a form of a true gospel. That is where soul music came from. That is why Sam Cooke is one of the top soul artist. It is not a sin to sing soul music. Soul music is love. God is love. Soul and gospel music is a deep feeling and has nothing to do with any particular type of "religion."

There is some form of godliness in most music. Without that inner spiritual guidance, there would be no beautiful music. Music is art, just as any other art form. Would you say a particular artist who decided to pain a nude male committed a sin simply because his work was known with him painting flowers?

There are numerous artist who sing both gospel and R&B. They are not committing a sin within their own believe. And I agree with them. It is the message in the song, and how you carry that song/message to the audience, not the type of music it is that counts.

Peace and Love, Sis
(Excuse any errors, I'm not proof reading)

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:25 pm:

Have you ever heard the Rance Allen Group sing "Just My Salvation" which is based on Eddie Kendrick's "Just My Imagination?"

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:43 am:

Foreigner recorded - I Wanna Know What Love Is" with a gospel choir in the background. That same gospel choir released the same song as a gospel.

The gentlemen of song, the Dixie Hummingbirds, backed Paul Simon in "She Loves Me Like a Rock." The Dixie Hummingbirds released that same recording for themselves as "He Loves Me Like a Rock."

Marvin Gaye sang "The Lord's Prayer" in one of his dvd's. He relied upon his faith in God to carry on his soul music, which he performed not to long after singing that song in a church.

I'll think of more later.

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:12 am:

I DON'T KNOW SIS!!!...I'VE NEVER HEARD "GOD" SING A HIGH NOTE OR PLAY A SERIES OF SUSTAINED TREMELOS ON A GUITAR...BUT I WONDER IF "GOD" HAS AN OPINION ON "WHO WAS THE GREATEST SOUL SINGER OF ALL TIME"???...WHILE YOU AND I MAY CARE ABOUT IT...I SOMEHOW DOUBT THAT "GOD" SPENDS MUCH TIME THINKING ABOUT ALL THAT (THEN HE'D ALSO HAVE TO CLASSIFY COUNTRY ARTISTS...SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRAS AND COMPOSERS...I DON'T KNOW IF "GOD" IS GOOD ON JAZZ...AND EVERY OTHER THING OUT THERE IN THE WORLD)!!!...HOPEFULLY...GOD IS NOT THE LEAST CONCERNED WITH LIFE'S EXTRA CURRICULARS...AND IS SPENDING *FULL TIME* ON THINGS LIKE WORLD PEACE...FEEDING STARVING BABIES...HEALING THE SICK...AND SAVING THE PLANET!!!...TRUTHFULLY...I HAVE SEEN AND BEEN A PART OF GROUP (BOTH IN MUSIC AND SPORTS) INSPIRATIONAL GET TOGETHERS...AND USUALLY...IT;S JUST A FORM OF GROUP UNITY IN MY OPINION...SOMETHING TO RALLY AROUND...JUST LIKE A FOOTBALL TEAM ALL CLAPS IN UNISON WHEN THEY COME OUT OF A HUDDLE...OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT...BECAUSE I'VE SEEN TOO MANY "CATS" WHO HAVE NO BUSINESS ASKING "GOD" TO HELP THEM SING WELL...KNOWING WHAT SOME OF THEM ARE PLANNING TO DO ONCE THE SHOW IS OVER!!!...NOT ALL...NOT EVEN NECESSARILY MOST...BUT DEFINITLY SOME...AND WHO IS REAL...AND WHO ARE THE PHONY'S???...THATS WHY I SAY THAT RELIGION SHOULD BE A HIGHLY PERSONAL MATTER!!!...IT IS GOOD TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES...BUT MARKETING IT IN PUBLIC...IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE TO A "TRUE BELIEVER"...IN MY HUMBLE OPINION!!!...STU

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 04:34 am:

Hello everyone...not TOTALLY on the subject, but did anyone hear that comedian when he talked about how on DMX's album, tracks 1-13, he uses so much profanity, vulgarity, and references to violence...and then track 14 is a prayer thanking God...LOL...

Also, speaking of musicians torn between 2 worlds, has anyone else noticed the similarities between Marvin Gaye and R. Kelly?? Although both were/are the King of popular R&b in their time, with a HEAVY emphasis on sex/lovemaking (Let's Get it On, Sexual Healing/ 90% of R. Kelly's music), they both have a deeply religious side as well. Even some of their music sounds alike (if you listen to the song "You got (Girl you knock me out)" on R. Kelly's current Chocolate Factory CD, I swear it sounds just like something Marvin Gaye could have made!
Also, not trying to be funny or anything, but with all this trouble R. Kelly is getting into for his alleged escapades with a 14 year old girl, if I recall "Divided Soul" (story of Marvin Gaye's life) correctly, wasn't his second wife Janis only 16 years old when Marvin (well into his 30's) met and fell in love with her?

By Dr. E. (151.197.34.9) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:11 am:

Quite an analogy, indeed.
Sometimes those who over emphasize sex in their songs ala Marvin and R. Kelly fall short in that area in their personal lives and for some reason
they are confused in the religion department and sometimes equate one with the other and ultimately meet an untimely demise or suffer from some sort of mental hangup..

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 12:39 pm:

Just because someone over in the USA debated and decided that a certain age limit was against the law to have sex, does not make it a sin as far as all types of religions are concerned. In the Great mother continent, Africa, younger girls under 16 are getting married and having babies. Some females become woman physically at age 9. It does not mean that 9 year old is mature enough to make her own decisions. That's why her parents make decisions for her, even to whom she is to marry. In most countries and religions, it is the fathers who agree and give their daughters away to marry.

The USA does not determine before God's eyes what is a sin. But at least one book, the bible says to follow the laws of the land. To have evil intent in any manner, even in the mind, is a sin. There is evil which the USA does not concern itself with. If there is a God, he would not just worry about world affairs as a whole, he would pay attention to a mere human being.

Stubass - If God did not concern itself with me, then why should I concern myself with a God, or a religion for that matter. It is a personal decision how you are to cope with the trials and tribulations of your life time, and how your parents raised you. You know ceratain aspects of what your parents taught you as far as practicing a religion is concerned. Well, perhaps my parents taught me to practice in a different form.

We all know, no matter what religion or higher power, or non-believers, that lying, using vulgarity, degrading and sexually explicit words and actions upon an unwilling or objecting individual is faulty, disrespectful, distastful, and insulting, and therefore a sin.

As far as R. Kelly, the manner of the act he committed upon this 15/16 year old, was the sin. It was the USA who determined that being 16 years old is the crime. I don't know if R. Kelly forced this upon the child, or whether she was a willing participant, but it would have been just as horrible, (sinful, with the afformentioned adjectives) if it was forced upon a 21 year old female.

So, singing beautiful music (real music) is godly, whether it is soul, blues, or gospel. Singing the blues or soul from the heart is not a sin.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 12:47 pm:

Stepanie - I'm sure everone agree that "Silent Night" is a religious Christian song. Dennis Edwards, along with the Temptations, recorded it and made it a gospel song. Dennis sang that song from his heart. But he may not necessarily be a christian. The Temptations do not sing religious songs. Did they committ a sin when they recorded that religious christian song?

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 12:48 pm:

BTW: The Temptations say a religious prayer before they go on stage to sing secular songs.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:01 pm:

JoB - Regarding DMX (whoever he is) that is a total disrespect upon any person, or religion. Since religion is good, and personal, any disrespect is a sin. To have profanity, vulgarity, and references to violence, and in the next breath thank God. That was truly a major error. But then what God are they referring to? Are they speaking to the record company or their producer who gave them the opportunity? This is a unique generation, and I just don't understand their reasoning.

I guess it's time for me to sit in my rocking chair and hum old hymns.

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:25 pm:

SIS!!!...I CAN SAY FOR SURE THAT IF EVERYONE IN THE WORLD BELIEVED AND PRACTICED AS YOU DO...THE WORLD WOULD BE A MUCH BETTER PLACE!!!...OF COURSE...IF THE BIBLE SAYS TO RESPECT ALL THE LAWS OF THE LAND IN WHICH YOU LIVE...THEN I GUESS THAT WOULD MAKE THE CIVIL RIGHTS DISOBEDIENCE OF THE 50'S AND 60'S WRONG IN GODS EYES???...OR WERE THE GERMAN PEOPLE RIGHT IN FOLLOWING HITLERS LAWS???...I WOULD HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH WHATEVER PART OF THE BIBLE THAT SAYS THAT!!!...AS FOR R KELLY!!!...HE'S A "PUNK"...AND HAS APPARENTLY CHOSEN TO IGNORE COMMON AND SOCIETAL DECENCY FOR HIS OWN PERVERSE SEXUAL GRATIFICATION!!!...THAT'S THE PROBLEM...TOO MANY PEOPLE I KNOW...MANY OF THEM...ONE COMES TO MIND IMMEDIATLY...WHO IS AFFILIATED IN A HIGH POSITION WITH ONE OF THIS COUNTRY'S MOST REVERED RELIGIOUS LEADERS...AND IS THE BIGGEST "SNAKE" AND HYPOCRITE THAT I'VE EVER MET...ALL THE WHILE...HIDING BEHIND HIS SO CALLED...SELF PROFESSED...RELIGIOUS VIRTUOSITY!!!...STU

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:51 pm:

Stubass - You are right. I do not belong to any religious affiliation. But I still love good old fashion gospel singing, particularly quartets. I guess that was passed on to me.

You could probably spend a day and a half relating stories about some religious leaders. (LOL) And the hundredgs of young boys who were malested in church. Poor babies. My heart cries for them.

And as far as the artist leaving and coming back. They just go on a hiadus(sp).

By Sis (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:52 pm:

*hundreds

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:04 pm:

I would love to hear Bobby Bland sing gospel songs.

By stephanie (64.63.221.191) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:58 pm:

Sisdetroit
I really like some of your views..I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and God. No matter what religion you are I think God is to be respected in all things...

I never will forget 15 years ago I was watching Entertainment Tonight on ABC and they had a segment called "Strippers for Jesus"..these girls were working in a strip bar and kept part of the money for themselves and the rest they said they gave to the Church and these girls didnt do a Marilyn Monroe strip I mean they got naked!!!! I couldnt believe my eyes and ears. Now if they are putting themselves through school or just want the money or men rubbing on them then they should say so. I dont think its right but I cant condemn them but its not right to affiliate Gods name with something like that ..I dont know what is wrong with this generation I really dont..
Stephanie
A (keeping the faith)STUBASS angel

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 04:32 pm:

Gang:
Being raised in a religious family (Dad was Reverend Goins or "RevGo" to you!), I was raised to view all people with an open mind and an open heart.
To answer the initial question that was raised - why do artists turn to religion? The answer varies for it depends on what experience brought them to that "holy place". Al Green felt torn between doing love songs & church songs for years until the late 1970s, when he finally gave the pop stuff up for God. I guess when he had that hit with Eurytmics' Annie Lennox (the cover of "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" from the movie "Scrooged")he realized that he can balance both pop & faith and not feel that he has sinned.

As for Donna Summer, when she embraced Christianity and allegedly expoused her views at a concert in the early 1980s, her audience (keep in mind that the majority of DS fans were from the gay community) weren't too thrilled to hear the rhetoric and stopped buying her records. I guess with the passage of time being the healer Donna was able to return to pop music with success.

I feel that all of us are children of God and each of us have a special gift that God has given us. If that gift is used responsibly, there will be rewards when it is time to "go home". While I may not dig the hoochie/hoodlum image many of these artists use, they are still God's children and needs some kind of guidance to do the right things in their lives.

Sermon over. If I go any further I would need to reprint one of Dad's homilies!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By stephanie (64.63.221.41) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 05:35 pm:

Kevgo
It must have been hard being the son of a preacher man..LOL At least you had a good upbringing. You are right all of us are Gods kids and he will deal with all of us accordingly...
Stephanie
A (KevGo) Angel (ohoh here comes STUBASS I have to put those wings back on)

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

Stephanie:
It wasn't that hard being a son-of-a-preacher-man. If anything, Dusty Springfield helped raise our cache thanks to her hit!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 05:51 pm:

KevGo - I don't know how you feel about female preachers, but my father's sister was a minister, as was their father. I didn't know my grandfather, but my aunt lived here, and I sure heard from her. She held me to strict rules. I think that's why I didn't get to have as much fun as the other kids because Aunt Winnie wanted to take me to church all the time. She was big like Mahalia Jackson and sang like Mahalia.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 07:02 pm:

SisDetroit:
I don't care if the preacher is a man or woman - if you were called to the ministry to deliver God's word, then you are a preacher/minister.
Kevin Goins - KevGo
(PS - Dad felt the same way, too)

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.5.194) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 07:02 am:

Bobby Bland could really do one heck of a gospel song, many N fact.
I was really disappointed with Beau Williams. He used 2 sing with his brothers(can't recall their name), but then he went out on his own and that guy could really sing. Oneday i was flipping the channels and there he was..WOW!..then all of a sudden he started talking about hs life, next came the gospel. I don't have anything against gospel, but it's 4 the gospel singers. 2 me, secular music is 4 those secular singers and songsters. He recorded (not 2 many), but a few songs I really liked,he has a great voice. my favorite was 'There's Just Something About You'..and not 2 offend anyone, but I really don't believe EVERYONE is called 2 the ministry..I hate 2 say this, but it would B very
boring~~~~and most of our favorite (secular) music performers, producers, musicians wouldn't exist, and again, it would B very boring...and
P L E A S E> DON'T jump all over me becuase of my opinion...everyone has one, no offense...

By fayette (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 08:03 am:

i think sometimes hard times such as sinning
brings people back to religion.it's a safe
haven. once cleaned up and maybe thinking
they can handle being out there in a different
state of mind they think they can handle it.
if you notice the artist that have made
that change had to in order to stand today.
i think luther will do both. he will
certainly thank god for bringing him back
for he has some unfinished business on
earth. i've met a particular group that
we have discussed in this forum, particular
eli is aquainted with(will not call names).
that they were kindest nicest people you ever
wanted to meet until they rose to the top.
a few of them became arrogant and wasn't
what they should have been with the fans.
i heard one became religious. i hope he did
make that change. but anyway.you can believe
in god and make all types of music. so after
all god is love

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:10 am:

Most of the singers never left the church or whatever. They still practice their religions while having employment as an artist. Everyone falls by the wayside periodically no matter what your employment.

I just cannot separate making secular music from making gospel music, rather, I cannot see any distinction in singing songs if they are respectful and decent lyrics. The lyrics "I love you baby with all my heart, body and soul" are decent words.

"Yesterday my life was filled with saddness. I had little hope of ever finding gladdness. All my roads were closed and dark was never never more. I had accepted my life to be just a bore. All I did, was sit at home and watch and search for tomorrow, and was the only thing from life that I thought I could just borrow. But now my life has changed, and the world's turns, its rearranged, cause I found sunshine, yes I did, that shown over the dark hills. I'm so glad I feel for you. Thank you baby, cause you knew just what to do. All I want to do is do for you baby, whatever you want me to, oh you know I'll do for you baby. I want to thank you baby cause you knew what to do. (some words may be incorrect)

Soul and blues are expressions of love from the heart.

By Sis (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:11 am:

(KevGo - Aunt Winnie passed this morning)

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.8.244) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:42 am:

Fayette & SisDetroit,
I think U both spelled it out and expressed more than I could say...Thanx!

By medusa (66.73.8.244) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:44 am:

KevGo,

Heartfelt sympathy goes out 2 U & your family!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 11:08 am:

Medusa:
Thanks for the sentiment yet Aunt Winnie is related to SisDetroit.

Sis - condolences to Aunt Winnie's family from yours truly.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 11:21 am:

LOL Thanks KevGo and Medusa. I'm happy she ws in my thoughts last night. Aunt Winnie was tired. She used to dance a good dance, had a booming voice with authority and everybody listented when she spoke. :o) She will be missed.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 11:24 am:

And I start a sentence with "and" quite often. It is an attention getter. :o) If we do it long enough, it will be published in the english books as being correct. USA updates it's books quite often.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.5.84) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 02:26 pm:

OMG SisDetroit,

...As I said 2 KevGo, My condolences go out 2 U & your family, although I didn't really know her, but I know the hearts feeling when we loose someone dear 2 us...Sooooooooooo KevGo, U just have a heart big enuff 4 everyone huh?
U're a great guy Kev.
Sis, U hang N there and try 2 'Let Not Your Heart B troubled' Aunt Winnie's mansion was ready and she was called home 2 furnish it and live N it, with no more pain, suffering & sorrow, and it is well.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:03 pm:

Medusa - Thanks once again. You know how those old downhome sanctified women were. That was Aunt Winnie. But she was in no pain. Her heart just stopped. I tell you, my heart is not troubled because Aunt Winnie was a Jesus faithful. She also loved gospel music. She knew every gospel singer, bishop and preacher in Detroit. (LOL) As I got older, of course I was still subordinate to her and gave her all due respect, even if I wanted to go and see the Temptations. However, no way could she keep me from going to see the Mighty Clouds. :o)

KevGo - You can tell Jack Ashford that prior to this morning, he had competition on the Tambourine.

Peace & Love

By stephanie (64.63.221.146) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:05 pm:

Sisdetroit
Im sorry for your loss you have my prayers with you. Im sure she is in a better place now. Again you have my condolences
Stephanie
your sister angel

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:18 pm:

PLEASE ADD MY CONDOLENCES AS WELL SIS!!!...HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED!!!...STU

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 09:47 pm:

Stephanie and Stubass - Thank you so much.
It was just a coincident that I posted about Aunt Winnie, and several hours later she was gone. So, you see, she had an affect on my upbringing. :o) My two gospel running buddies are gone now. Daddy and Aunt Winnie.

Stephanie - I'm not going to be satisfied just hanging with Mr. Wendal, listening to the secular music. :o) (Just playing with you Stepanie.) (LOL)

Thanks again. Peace!!!!!!!!

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.136.170) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:31 am:

the church is a great training ground for singers,
i cant sing myself ,but one day in church in southampton the holy spirit entered me and i sang so well my girlfreind was shocked ,so was i ,i wonder if this what happens to pro songers like
laura lee, etc
as for the other side of the business your dealing with some right sharks ,dodgy promoters ,shady record label owners, money grabbing lowlifes etc .
then if you dont do what they want ,they kick you to the ground, no wonder some great artistes go
of the rails ,the church is always there to help them and find there way back to real life.
remember we are all human and you have to look inside yourself to find god.

By medusa9e (66.73.6.32) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 05:40 pm:

...right, because U R the Temple, U have the church N U...
the building made by man (wood,stone etc.) is just a place 2 fellowship, U R the Church.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.3.122) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 10:08 pm:

On one of the threads, I read that The Brothers Johnson R N the Church scene now....

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 10:43 pm:

BrianDay...I know what you mean about singing so well on "one" occasion. I did that, but I credited that to the great sound system. When I sang the first sentence, I could hear how I sounded, crystal clear, and smooth. The voice and melody was perfect. That encouraged me. I stopped shaking, and sang the rest of the song. It may have been the spirit, because I did ask for help. (LOL) I attributed it to the Microphone. I have called for help since then, but have not sounded great since then. :o) Perhaps it's because I'm giving credit to the wrong cause.

By 1wicked (24.126.64.120) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 12:34 am:

Medusa...some years ago Louis Johnson was in a Christian group with his wife (at that time) called Passage. They had only one release (to my knowledge) and I have no idea what happened to Passage after that. **It was REAL nasty between the brothers at one time...but they have reformed as the Brothers Johnson and are touring once again.

** Louis a/k/a Thunder Thumbs is the real star of the duo...and actually played many of the guitar licks heard on the albums, though they were credited to George.

By john c (12.2.233.107) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 03:24 pm:

Back to the original question ...

For an artist to leave secular music for gospel and then return makes perfect sense to me. When someone commits their life to Jesus Christ they are committing to following Him. Which means to live as He would live. The most practical thing to do at first then would be to rid your environment of the things that cause you to stumble, which the secular music business could well be. As you grow in the Lord, He will give you strength to live a life for Him even in a less than ideal environment. Indeed, if you follow Jesus's example you will live and perform in the real world among the sinners, godly, rich and poor. So returning to the secular music field, would not seem strange if that's where the Lord wanted that person to be.

A musician I really admire for his faith more than his chops, even though he is a fantastic musician, is John Pattitucci.

John

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 03:45 pm:

It's the message in the music the matters. If you give a loving message, a beautiful positive message, sing about everyday life, as long as it is a clean and positive message, it is a gospel according to the good. Beautiful music, sounds, and notes, are good for the soul. It is uplifting. Ask Mike why he listens to classical music. It eases his mind and relaxes his spirit.

By medua9e2003 (66.73.13.225) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 04:16 pm:

I agree with what U R saying, but there's no way we can live like Jesus the Christ, If U really look at it, Jesus the Christ we are taught to believe in, never had a place to lay his head, he was born in a Barn with animals, no Home, no Chariot, no Silver and/or Gold, no fine Linens or Sandles, he didn't even own a church synagoge, Masjid(?), Temple not even a Tent. He never collected an Offerings or Taxes. Most of the time, he spoke his sermons by the water, so his voice could carry...he is Lord. My point is, as soon as some people get a little fame & fortune, what is the first thing they buy??? Something that Jesus the Christ never had...We need to live by what he preached, practice our spiritual belief. We are human beings with talents use them best we can as long as we can.
Afterall, Talent is God~given!