How many of you do striclky Gospel music ETC

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 26 Oct 2006 1:32 pm

I erased everything and started over here,>
My origional post didnt really come out just like i wanted it to. All i was really wanting to say is how many people are dedicated strickly to Gospel music. you can
send me a direct email if you want to respond or post here.
Thanks, Gary.[This message was edited by Gary Steele on 27 October 2006 at 12:38 PM.][This message was edited by Gary Steele on 28 October 2006 at 09:36 AM.]

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 26 Oct 2006 1:49 pm

I have for years played gospel music. Now I play some country gigs as well. I try my best to limit what is played as far as the lyrics go and where I play. I personally see no difference in playing country than going to Branson and sitting in the seats and listening to it. Too many years I have heard people preach against country music but they would go and listen to it at the Grand Ole Opry or Branson. Sounds like a double standard to me.

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 26 Oct 2006 2:00 pm

That kinda hit home. You are right on concerning what we are talking about here.
Thanks for responding.
Gary.

Larry King · Post by **Larry King** » 26 Oct 2006 2:59 pm

Gary....you have mail.

Mike Archer · Post by **Mike Archer** » 26 Oct 2006 3:08 pm

this is a very good post gary
i play gospel music and i just did a gospel cd ( steel) working in the gospel group now on our 3rd cd and played gospel
now for several years and i love god and
gospel music but i also like country music
and play it as well so far i have not
felt like the lord does not want me to do both as i am now disabled i play mabe
once a week and thats on tele
but we can be a witness wherever we go
i dont drink or smoke but that does not mean i am perfect i can asure you i am not
god knows your heart and where it is at all times ....but you must do what you feel
god wants you to do there are many gospel
steelers who are second to none
i hope this makes some sense

Thom Beeman · Post by **Thom Beeman** » 26 Oct 2006 7:40 pm

Gary, I play only Gospel now, Started out with Gospel then went to country played it for years and got completely away from Gospel. For the last 10 years I only play Gospel outside the house. But at home I still play some country with friend's. One afternoon while playing at a convelesant home, we asked for request's. A 90 year old lady said,"Play some of them cheatin' heart songs. We had to laugh.

Mike your CD, I've almost worn out, such inspired playing well done.

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thomb@steelseat.com

Desert Rose S-10, NV112, Hilton pedal

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 26 Oct 2006 7:55 pm

Well, Gary... I've done a lot of Gospel recording in the 30+ years I've done this. It's not all I've done, but it's been a good chunk of my work. I know it's His blessing that keeps me going... always has been.

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Mikey D...

Tom Campbell · Post by **Tom Campbell** » 26 Oct 2006 8:39 pm

Hello Gary

I play 90% Gospel. Also play lead guitar every Sunday in my church's Praise Team. We don't include the steel in the Praise Team every Sunday, but when we do, it gets featured and is well received.

Nic du Toit · Post by **Nic du Toit** » 27 Oct 2006 1:01 am

Hi Gary,
I can feel where you are coming from. It took me years to do a Gospel CD. I just never felt that it was the 'right' time, until recently. I guess I wanted the music to 'speak' to the listener, and not just go through the songs trying to show how great (?) a player I am. Instead I kept the playing very plain, keeping in mind the meaning, or message, of each song. My statements only reflects my personal feeling in the matter, and not meant to start a debate.
God will surely bless you for what you want to do in His name.
Regards,
Nic

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[This message was edited by Nic du Toit on 27 October 2006 at 02:02 AM.]

Mike Sigler · Post by **Mike Sigler** » 27 Oct 2006 5:44 am

Gary: I love the Lord, But i also love country music, As far as the bars and clubs, i am sure everyone will admit, sometimes they are not the best place to be. But even Jesus walked among the sinners.. If you do play a bar or club, doing the country music we all love, then i beleave it is how you conduct your self in such a place that the lord looks at. You may be the only beacon light in such a place for someone.
If we only keep our talents god gave us inside the church family, how could we possibly do his work and reach the others that need us? God has a path set for all of us, and i beleave none are set in the same path, so it is hard to tell you what god wants you to do.. But i think if you follow your heart and listen to it you will hear him speak to you. and then you will have the answers that Only God can give you ( NOT MAN).
I myself Love to Play Gospel Music, But then again GOD has put a place in my heart to reach others thru my Country Music..
So have Faith Brother, Set your sights and don't be swayed by man, And god we send you the direction he intends you to go!
***** Oh Lord, Help me not to get beat up over this one.***********
Mike

Larry King · Post by **Larry King** » 27 Oct 2006 6:13 am

I remember back in '66 when Jack Boles gave me his take on this question. He said "let's assume that people think it is wrong to play country music in a club....what would be the part that was wrong?" My answer was , well people cheat on their wives , they drink, etc. He said "you don't think that happens at Sears" or any factory settings? Well, he had a point. Furthermore, the apostle Paul said "we're in the world, not OF the world". He went on to say that this was his occupation before he got saved and this is how he supports his family. I can cite you many, many born again, spirit filled believers who continue their careers in country music and also their relationship with Christ.

Let me tell you one story that was told by a minister named Dick Mills. He was an invited keynote speaker at a huge charismatic conference in Italy. Without asking, he was served wine...and while he sat there wondering if he should take a sip and go against his personal conviction and teaching...OR... risk offending his host by not drinking the wine, his host (seated next to him) leaned over and asked "tell me Bro Mills, are the Americans still drinking a lot of coffee?" What's the point? well, to them our coffe consumption is just as bad as their wine consumption.

You have to decide if this is wrong for you....but do me a favor...don't bring your personal conviction and lay it on others...let God take care of that in His own good time. Many new Christians have such a zeal that they want to change the world and in their attempt, they drive people away. Just live the life....folks will notice.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 27 Oct 2006 6:52 am

I think most everyone on this Forum are aware of my gospel tab program. It is something that the Lord has laid on my heart.

Most people associate the steel guitar with honky-tonk, beer drinking, cheating music. However, they are mistaken. There are three references in the Psalms about "giving praises to the Lord on an instrument of 10 strings". What other instrument do you know of that has 10 strings other than the one we play.

I have no illusions of grandeur when it comes to my playing abilities. However, I can take an old hymnal, pick out a familiar song and write a decent tab for it. A lot of playeres are "bedroom players" and the only chance they get to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" is when asked to play in church. Hopefully, I am aiding them in being able to do this.

I used to play a lot of country music and in my younger days did play in several different groups. But these days, I strictly concentrate on the "Lord's music". He is sooooooooo good!

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 27 Oct 2006 7:44 am

Your 'etc'. opened this up a bit.

I do not play strictly Gospel music.
But I do often write with some of it's
underlying themes in the lyrics.

My current band's writer is also deeply
philisophical in his lyrics also.

When I played bluegrass in NYC,
we always ended the night with
a good gospel number.
Like Working On a Building, etc.

Gospel for some will always be,
the songs sung in the little prairie churches.
But these days it is also as diverse as
Amy Grant and the speed metal Christian bands.

Maybe getting out some version of God's overal intentions,
doesn't need to be through the traditional
musical forms of olde?
[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 28 October 2006 at 02:52 AM.]

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 27 Oct 2006 8:24 am

I'm not much into "contemporary" Christian music, or whatever you want to call it.

The old traditional gospel songs are "three minute sermons" unto themselves.

David Collins · Post by **David Collins** » 27 Oct 2006 10:16 am

Hey Guys,

I play 99.9% Christian music, divided into about 90% Gospel and 9.9% "contemporary Christian" I never play a "paying" performance. I play in Church, either my own or a neighboring Church. I also play an occasional benefit show for some poor soul who is in need.

The remaining 0.1% is in a local studio where I do some pedal steel and dobro for radio spots. For these I usually get paid a nominal fee. My paid playing probably wouldn't cover a years worth of strings. (no pity for me, I have other ways of making a living)

I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT! Not saying that I'm looking down my nose at folks who play for pay, or play in bars, this is just MY preference and where I feel led to go.

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David Collins
www.alpinesoap.com

Thom Beeman · Post by **Thom Beeman** » 27 Oct 2006 10:47 am

Mike, No one can beat you up for your personal convictions. You stated perfectly my views and I'm sure other's on this subject. The Word says to give 10% of all you do to the Lord, so if you play 10 secular songs play one good ol' country gospel number. Looking forward to seeing you in Mesa come Jan.

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thomb@steelseat.com

Desert Rose S-10, NV112, Hilton pedal

David Collins · Post by **David Collins** » 27 Oct 2006 11:59 am

And by the way, I agree with Mike in every respect.

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David Collins
www.alpinesoap.com

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 27 Oct 2006 1:15 pm

I echo portions and can relate to each & every post I have just read. I started out playing my accordion in church and doing trumpet duets with another youngster my age. We then had to be "bribed" with Honda Trail 90's etc to play at the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul while our mothers sang lead/harmony, yes for those less fortunate. (many drunks/wino's) Do not judge, lest ye be judged or something similar

Although I love playing country music and grew up on it, it is so refreshing to do gospel. Much of what we do on our praise & worship group is the new contemporary however. I just throw some non-typical steel effects into the mix and it works out just fine. We had a true "southern gospel" Sunday & had a couple quartets brought in (along with Paula Dunn) who is sister-in-law to our worship coordiantor and was that a blast!!
You can still be a witness & testimony to those when playing the clubs & bars & may be the only way that someone will be touched.
BTW- I still love all kinds of C&W along with the Matchbox20, Counting Crows, Black Crowes Hootie stuff this other group I sit in with on occaision does! Cities97 as it would be referred to here in the Twin Cites.
Music Music Music

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 27 Oct 2006 2:42 pm

Plleeaassee dont beat me up on this either ! I have been asked to play country music in clubs and told that i can make some good money there . But for ''ME'' i just can't do it and feel like i'm doing God a favor and yes i am a witness wherever i go ! Years ago i played bass for a country group and quite frankly was hooked on it . But what i saw there wasn't healthy for me and anyone else in ''MY'' opinion . I might add that i'm a mature Born Again Christian and able to stand on my own two feet with the temptations . I respect all the replys and do realize we all don't drive fords or chevys ,if that make s any sense to you . Best regards and God bless . Gary .

Billy Joe Bailey · Post by **Billy Joe Bailey** » 27 Oct 2006 7:24 pm

Gary I Know where you were coming from in your post.
theres alot of folks that would like to get the stones out of the highway
continue on with what you fill led. God bless

Tom Diemer · Post by **Tom Diemer** » 27 Oct 2006 8:12 pm

I may not be the best player by a long shot, but I'm one of the luckiest.

My daughters are great singers, they do that kind of harmony singing only sisters can do. They grown into terrific adult Christian women.

We are a 7 piece group with drums, bass, steel, electric and acoustic guitar, and the 3 girls singing. I double on guitar and steel.

My father was a gospel singer / musician all his adult life. When he was dying of cancer, he asked me to keep his music going. I'm trying to, but he left the bar pretty high.

We play mostly classic southern gospel and gospelbilly (that isn't a word but it should be!), and some original arrangements and medleys made up of classic hymns and southern gospel songs.

My oldest daughter is battling cancer herself, doing well for the moment. I can't tell you how powerful her testimony is. Life is so short...

I feel so blessed to be able to do this with them.

Sidney Ralph Penton · Post by **Sidney Ralph Penton** » 27 Oct 2006 8:33 pm

a couple years ago i was looking at some web site that had featured all the brands of steel guitars. and on each site it had 60 seconds of sample music. the very first one i played was amazing grace. i never heard anything so bueatiful in my life. it was so moving. and that was the time i decided i am going to do this. so i got me a carter starter and started learning. i am self tought what little i do know. for going on three years now i have played in churches spoke at some and i feel on fire for the lord with my steel. i thought like this if i am featured at a church it might have someone come that normally don't come to church. well it happened last dec to a family member. my nephew, he is a good man and i love him dearly. he has a bueatiful wife and a awesome daughter. well they all wanted to hear me play something saturday night i said nope come to church in the morning and they did just for the purpose to hear me play. well one thing led to another and today he and his family attend regularly. my plan worked. i like country music but thats too hard to play with all those licks and all. but sometimes i go to a little club down by lake of the ozarks and watch my friend scotty henderson pick a little. he is good and i enjoy watching him play. it is just so rewarding to hear people enjoy the praise songs i play. yes i am playing for their enjoyment but i am also at the same time playing for the lord. i don't feel that there is anything wrong with country music i like it and some of it is enjoyable to listen to. i don't feel that the lord condems us for listening to it. nor do i feel that he condems anyone for having a drink as long as its controlled. jesus said its not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man but what comes out of it. i guess thats enough for now. doc

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zum SD10 peavy session 400 peavy XR600G
if its not a zum steel it isn't real
just trying to steel for the Lord>

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 27 Oct 2006 10:36 pm

i play in a praise band at church. I have 2 gospel CD's recorded. One is a vocal cd of the old style gospel music, the other a steel album of old style gospel favorites. So i play as much gospel music as anyone else, maybe more. But i enjoy almost all styles of music, and i try to play all styles. If you play only gospel music, it sure better be because you enjoy only gospel music, because if you play it to be a saved christian, or you think you are setting a better example because you only play gospel, then my friend you are playing it for the wrong reason. God bless's every song i play, now he may not like how i play it, but i told him, i'm working on it. The bible says make a joyful noise unto the lord. He didn't say as long as it's gospel. And as far as where you play. If you can't go into a club, or a lounge at a bowling alley, or a resturant lounge, play country music, and come out of there a christian. Then buddy boy, guess what? you were never a christian to begin with. Not preaching,just giving my take on it. Yep...i play in a club on saturday night, and on an alter on sunday morning. And i know a lot of players here on this forum that also do. We are one of christ choosen few, just the same as anyone who only plays gospel music only in church. God Bless Brothers.
Edited Fer Speling

[This message was edited by George Redmon on 27 October 2006 at 11:50 PM.]

Ernie Pollock · Post by **Ernie Pollock** » 28 Oct 2006 4:46 am

Gary, count me in, I play almost all gospel music anymore, although I do take some outside country gigs in the summertime, no barroom scene for me anymore, did it for years but now I owe the Lord so much that I just have to do gospel. I recently took the organ players place at our Methodist Church, we used tracks, steel guitar and had the congregation sing, it was a wonderful moving experience for me. I play every couple of weeks or when anyone asks me to back them on a song. I don't play much contemparary music, mostly old country style gospel music.

Ernie Pollock

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Charles Tilley · Post by **Charles Tilley** » 28 Oct 2006 5:02 am

My first love is to play Gospel music. I play sometimes all day at home and never get into country that I was raised up with and love. I do play country and love to do so, but I select where I play. It has to be a place that has no environment that would allow my personal witness be slandered. NO BARS and CLUBS for me. Gospel and Country seemed to originate from the same place and I don't see anything wrong with the mix. Home, Oprys, Senior Events, Church and jams are my thing. Money is not the issue with me-----pleasure is.

A comment on Mike Archer's GOSPEL CD---- it is very well done and contains excellent selections. One should be in your collection. I play it here at home and in the car. VERY GOOD CD. Smooth player.

My 2 cents.