Bobby Jones and his crew converged onto the MGM Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada this week. Gospel Industry's movers and shakers were in the house. Christ was lifted up and pertinent information on the state of the gospel music industry was discussed by a panel of music industry experts on Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Bobby Jones utilized the occasion of the retreat to tape his show for the Gospel Music Channel "Let's Talk Church".
Things got fired up when the topic of traditional and contemporary gospel music surfaced and the responses from both the panel and the audience turned passionate when gospel recording artist Deitrick Haddon stated that it was not particularly necessary to say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over again in a song to make an impact on the life of the listner. After the taping I got a chance to speak with Mr. Haddon and he stated to me that he hopes folks don't get him wrong and think that he was encouraging a watered down gospel message. The point he wanted to make is that there is a listener out there that needs to hear the gospel in a way that they can relate to; and knowing what the younger generation wants, he is confident that he can deliver it in a way that they are connecting. He also stated that the older generation of gospel singers had their turn...which did not sit well with Ms. Dottie Peoples who was sitting nearby. Deitrick and his wife Damita had plenty to say about this topic and they aren't the only ones understanding this not so suttle change within the industry. Recording artists, J Moss and Mary Mary have been charted leaders in this emerging genre.
Others that took part in the panel discussion included Larry Blackwell, EMI, Alvin Williams, Gospel Music Channel, Sheilah Bell, who proclaimed that the gospel music industry was in a 911 situation both economically and spiritually. Don Jackson, President of Central City Productions, producers of the "Steller Awards" said he actually sees growth in the industry as a whole, Richard Smallwood, admonishes artists to have ownership of their publishing to promote economic foundation and stability and Willie Mae Mclver, a Gospel radio personality stated that the program directors are playing what ever they wish and it does not necessarily support the "black" gospel industry. She states that the arbitron ratings are key and those songs that make the ratings move are the ones that get major rotation.
Larry Blackwell of EMI, seemed to be going toe to toe with Dr. James Walker a industry/artist attorney regarding the money pie of a song or project and he suggested that television and artist appearances is what moves a song thereby making money for the artist. Other interesting information shared by Willie Mae Mclver, radio personality, was that the gospel radio industry is growing steadily. There are approximately 3 million gospel radio listeners. The 35+ market makes up 82% of the listeners and the 18-24 crowd is growing in numbers because of gospel hip hop. She also states that historically chiors are the foundation of the industry but their rotation and play is dropping off and the Gospel Industry as a community should not let that happen. It was suggested by the panel that a meeting take place amongst the leaders in the industry to discuss these concerns as early as the next Stellar Awards show in May. Mr. Al Hobbs a noted industry promoter summed it all up by saying, "Is the industry going to be greater that the ministry?"
Bobby Jones and his crew converged onto the MGM Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada this week. Gospel Industry's movers and shakers were in the house. Christ was lifted up and pertinent information on the state of the gospel music industry was discussed by a panel of music industry experts on Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Bobby Jones utilized the occasion of the retreat to tape his show for the Gospel Music Channel "Let's Talk Church". 
Things got fired up when the topic of traditional and contemporary gospel music surfaced and the responses from both the panel and the audience turned passionate when gospel recording artist Deitrick Haddon stated that it was not particularly necessary to say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over again in a song to make an impact on the life of the listner. After the taping I got a chance to speak with Mr. Haddon and he stated to me that he hopes folks don't get him wrong and think that he was encouraging a watered down gospel message. The point he wanted to make is that there is a listener out there that needs to hear the gospel in a way that they can relate to; and knowing what the younger generation wants, he is confident that he can deliver it in a way that they are connecting. He also stated that the older generation of gospel singers had their turn...which did not sit well with Ms. Dottie Peoples who was sitting nearby. Deitrick and his wife Damita had plenty to say about this topic and they aren't the only ones understanding this not so suttle change within the industry. Recording artists, J Moss and Mary Mary have been charted leaders in this emerging genre.
Others that took part in the panel discussion included Larry Blackwell, EMI, Alvin Williams, Gospel Music Channel, Sheilah Bell, who proclaimed that the gospel music industry was in a 911 situation both economically and spiritually. Don Jackson, President of Central City Productions, producers of the "Steller Awards" said he actually sees growth in the industry as a whole, Richard Smallwood, admonishes artists to have ownership of their publishing to promote economic foundation and stability and Willie Mae Mclver, a Gospel radio personality stated that the program directors are playing what ever they wish and it does not necessarily support the "black" gospel industry. She states that the arbitron ratings are key and those songs that make the ratings move are the ones that get major rotation. 
Larry Blackwell of EMI, seemed to be going toe to toe with Dr. James Walker a industry/artist attorney regarding the money pie of a song or project and he suggested that television and artist appearances is what moves a song thereby making money for the artist. Other interesting information shared by Willie Mae Mclver, radio personality, was that the gospel radio industry is growing steadily. There are approximately 3 million gospel radio listeners. The 35+ market makes up 82% of the listeners and the 18-24 crowd is growing in numbers because of gospel hip hop. She also states that historically chiors are the foundation of the industry but their rotation and play is dropping off and the Gospel Industry as a community should not let that happen. It was suggested by the panel that a meeting take place amongst the leaders in the industry to discuss these concerns as early as the next Stellar Awards show in May. Mr. Al Hobbs a noted industry promoter summed it all up by saying, "Is the industry going to be greater that the ministry?"
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