Off-Topic

In a 2012 post, I discuss the questions “Was America a Christian Nation?” and “Is America a Christian Nation?” In the context of that discussion, I offered several possible definitions of what, exactly, it means to be a “Christian nation.” The one that has the most relevance to our country’s history—the definition under which we came…

In certain other genres of Christian music, a steadily growing stream of songs focus on asking questions of God. Why did God permit a tragedy? Why must we go through a trial? Why hasn’t He come back yet? Why does He allow pain and suffering? In those circles, artist quotes like these are so commonplace…

Song Snapshots is a column featuring the stories behind new and classic Southern Gospel songs. About twelve years ago, co-writers Belinda Smith and Joel Lindsey got together for a writing session one day. They knew the Perrys were looking for songs, and Joel brought the idea for “Love Brought Me Back.” He told Belinda Smith…

Song Snapshots is a column featuring the stories behind new and classic Southern Gospel songs. When songwriter Belinda Smith was in college, she sang in a regional Southern Gospel group with her brother and her next-door neighbor. One weekend, she auditioned to be the piano player for The Rowlands. At the time, Kyla Rowland and…

“Joy Ride,” the title track to Ivan Parker’s most recent mainline release, JoyRide (2011), was co-written by Ben Storie, Barry Weeks, and Brian White. The idea came from Ben Storie: “I just loved that play on words. Life should be a joyful journey; it doesn’t always have to be happy, but it can still be…

In operatic music, the vocal performance is central. Melodies, harmonies, and lyrics find their purpose in how effectively they provide a vehicle for the vocal performance. In bluegrass music, instrumental virtuosity is central. Melodies, harmonies, and vocal performances all find their purpose in how effectively they provide a vehicle for instrumental virtuosity to shine. Then,…

Song Snapshots is a column featuring the stories behind new and classic Southern Gospel songs. One day, Gina Boe’s daughter asked her about a scar on her hand or her arm. When Gina told her daughter the story, she commented, “Oh, every scar has a story to tell.” It occurred to her that the line…

Tracy Stuffle, bass singer and emcee for The Perrys, suffered a stroke last night. Libbi Perry Stuffle posted this: [EDIT, 2/22/13: Broken link removed.] Update on my precious Sweet Tracy. He has had a stroke. It’s not from a clot but from bleeding. He has no movement on the right side. His speech you cannot understand….

The Essential Songwriter Collection series lists ten songs each from legendary songwriters that every Southern Gospel fan should add to their collections. Champion of Love (Cathedrals, Symphony of Praise, 1987). If there was ever an obvious pick, anywhere in this series, this would be the song and the rendition. Hope Has Hands (Grace Has a Face)…

Song Snapshots is a column featuring the stories behind new and classic Southern Gospel songs. Songwriter Lee Black got his start in the mid-1990s with a Brian Free & Assurance cut, “Flood the Altar.” He signed with Daywind Music Publishing for several years, and got a number of cuts with artists like Ivan Parker, the…