As I revisit some songs and voices that caught my attention when I was first learning about gospel music, I’m going to try to do something a little different from simply talking about why I liked them. I will describe as best I can my initial thought process in reaction to these clips, but then I’ll draw some conclusions from my impressions that might be of promotional use to artists who want to draw in “newbies” like I was at the time.
I can vividly remember being in my mid-teens and listening to a cassette tape of Steve Green’s For God and God Alone. I’d listen to one side, then flip it over, then start at the beginning again when it was finished, and just keep that up for hours because I simply couldn’t get enough of that voice. But through the years that followed I didn’t get much more exposure to Steve’s music than that one album. It was only around a year and a half ago that I realized just how extensive his repertoire was and began finding more of his stuff. In the process, I found out that he had sung with the Gaither Vocal Band, which surprised me because I had always thought of him as a soloist.
Something else that really impressed me here was Wes’s presence and demeanor—not merely his voice, but his presence. From the moment he came on to the moment he stepped off stage, there was not even the faintest trace of arrogance or over-confidence. He was sharp and clean-cut. He was humble and classy. He didn’t try to push himself forward in any way. He sang clearly and powerfully, but not so as to “outdo” Steve. In fact, he even went out of his way to say, “If there’s a mistake, it’s my fault.” Everything about him said, “I can’t believe I’m singing with Steve Green—what an honor!” At the same time, Steve was genuinely excited to share the stage with Wes, and he treated him like an equal. Wes in turn proved that he had the talent to meet the challenge. A young singer with that much talent could have allowed it to go to his head and behaved like a little twerp. But Wes didn’t.
Conclusions: First, it’s a very good thing for established artists to recognize and include young up-and-comers. But not only is it good for the industry, it catches the attention of the younger demographic. Second, personal appearance matters. It’s the first thing people notice about you. If you walk out on stage put-together, modest, and classy, don’t think the audience won’t take note and appreciate it. They will.
Wes is a special individual, and I guess you’d have to be to replace David Phelps as the tenor for the GVB. I remember liking him right off the bat. “Little is much” from the south Africa video comes to mind. The criticism people had for him when he started seemed basically to be “he’s not David”. It was unfair. The fact that he has had the success he has is very pleasing. We will hear more, hopefully for a long time from Wes. Also I would encourage anyone who hasn’t given “Jesus saves” from Wes’ solo cd a listen, to do so. It’s worth the price of admission, so to speak.
When I first saw this clip I was speechless. Not only because it is superb singing, but because I realized Steve Green was still singing! I remember hearing him in my teenage years and loving his voice but for some reason I lost track of him. I suddenly realized that the voice I remembered was real and not my imagination. I was thrilled!
The second reason was that I absolutely love Wes’ voice and personality. He is the real deal and I’m thrilled again to see and hear him not only singing with Steve (it’s wonderful to hear this duet also on Wes’ solo album!) but with David Phelps as well. Two vocal giants in one group … it could have been a battle but it looks like (and I’m pretty sure it is) two friends singing together. Awesome and inspiring!
Living in the Netherlands we have not been exposed too much to this music. Only these last couple of years is it becoming a bit more known … and only in small circles yet. But what a blessing it is! And how wonderful to see people writing about it and giving at least me a change to delve deeper into this amazing music.