Gospel Music Association rumors and problems; where does GMA go from here?

Joanne,
Thanks for the mention in your article. It's really a sign of the times, with the economy, people not buying full CDs to get their favorite song, and musicians who are christian not wanting to be associated with Christian music.

Also, organizations who try to control those they serve will not survive. It's like the wild wild west these days! Every man/woman for them self. The GMA has lost its relevancy.

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One thing that I would love to know from folks who are critical of GMA: what would you do differently? What decisions are/were "horrible"?

A lot of folks have been talking to me off the record, but no one has really been williing to go on record about their specific criticisms. So in the end, what we have are supporters of GMA and folks angry at GMA, and not a lot of discussion about how to actually resolve the problems.

Any thoughts?
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog

Unbelievable, I'm most definitely NOT criticizing Amy Grant or Michael W. Smith at all. They are strong, strong supporters of Christian music and like I said, respected legends in the industry.

You actually make my point.

If you look at the top Christian albums on the Billboard chart, you won't see anything from any of them in the auction, hence the MSW and Amy Grant items getting the most bids. If GMA wanted to really capture the attention of current Christian music fans, the ones plopping down $ to actually buy albums, they may want to consider adding some items that will draw fans of the hottest Christian music acts. Sure, there are fans who will bid on personal time with Amy Grant and MWS. But there are a whoooole lot who would also bid on studio or personal time with the industry's hottest acts, like Flyleaf and Third Day and Skillet.

If there is any criticism - and understand I'm definitely not criticizing, just suggesting - it's perhaps that the GMA didn't consider adding those types of items. I think they'd go a long way towards raising money.

Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog

Joanne, GMA 09 was the first in 25 years that I missed, and from the feedback I've received, I missed zero, except for seeing friends. Time for the honchos at GMA, whoever they may be these days, to realize that without the support of Christian radio, the attendance and most of the Dove votes, are gone. The organization isn't relevant... especially for radio...has always been too expensive even for members, and its usefulness has run its' course.
I agree that it would be a shame to lose the Doves, but they have never been able to turn a profit or get wide mainstream exposure. Just have a big dinner at Loveless, hand out the birds to the regulars, and call it a night.
See you in Orlando next year.

I'm so disappointed in a blog such as this. I can honestly say I've never stopped to make comments on anyone's blog before, but I couldn't let this slide by. I have to ask you JoAnne, have you talked to the managers and agents of the rock, hip hop, and Gospel artists you mentioned -- or any of them, for that matter? If you have, then what reasons are THEY giving for not stepping up and helping out? Everyone seems to be talking about all of the negatives, and few people seem to be doing much about it. I do not have inside knowledge on how the auction is run. But I do know that hundred of Christian music artists know the condition of GMA, and their managers know that they are trying to raise funds. So perhaps the question shouldn't be why the GMA has Amy Grant and MWS's items up for auction, but rather, why haven't some of these other artists come forwarded and offered their items, time, or suggestions? I can also tell you that I know for a fact that VERY few Christian and Gospel music artists are actual members of the GMA. This is NOT a new thing; this has been going on for decades. So here's another question. Why don't these artists, who stand in line to receive the praise and their Dove Award, not support the very entity that has to go out and purchase these statues to give to them each Spring. I can also tell you that the GMA staff has BEGGED for more involvement from the rock, hip hop, and Gospel artists. My point here is that it's easy to sit on the outside, talk to a few disgruntled people, and take stabs at artists who are stepping up and trying to help out; but all you're doing is continuing to feed this negative cycle and attack on the GMA. I will not begin to quote the many scripture that speaks to this.

It's interesting that this link was forwarded to me by a hip hop artist who himself hasn't stepped forward and offered anything.

By the way, are you or have you ever been an active, participating member of the Gospel Music Association? What's happening right now with all the rumors and stone throwing reminds me so much of church fights. The people doing all the gripping are usually the ones who show up for Easter and Christmas, drop their kids off for vacation Bible School; never volunteer to teach or help with any projects, and haven't paid a tithe since the year began with the numbers 199_!

Veldo, thanks for that input! :)

Yeah, this last GMA seemed like a ghost town, as one person put it. As media, I go to do interviews, which pretty much is the same every year. It's a great chance for me to meet new artists and connect with publicists, but other than that there's nothing for me. I would definitely miss that opportunity if GMA Week folded. I've skipped the Doves the past two years. I hate being stuck in the back press room for hours on end.

Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog

One thing about the GMA.. is if they felt you were competition to them, or to their cronies, they would lock you out and not let you play in their reindeer games.
OK, that wasn't nice.. I'm sorry.

Alex, there's no "obsession" with Todd Agnew, LOL. I just happen to think he's a great guy and he's also an excellent teacher. Trust me, he's mad interesting and he can pack a challenge in just a few words.

And even if the record sales don't have him on the top of the charts all the time, he has a very strong following. So for those reasons, I included him. :)

Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog