This is a short story that is based on a coincidence that was waiting for a writer like me to create some mileage. At the end of this intriguing tale, it may even ignite or spark one of those ‘what if’ debates. You know, the one where you compare accomplished individuals from different eras and enter into a circular argument presenting your case as to who would have been the better or project their individual human reactions had they swapped or shared the same time period.
The greats who normally fall into this category is the Muhammad Ali verses Tyson or Pele verses Maradona. Of course, we will never know, but there are those individuals who suddenly fall into courtroom drama mode and often remain last person speaking.
I will present a Gospel music related case and pose three questions at the end. Meat for hungry debaters hopefully.
Wouldn’t be surprised if somebody came up with an App armed with complex algorithms that could super-impose and blend 2 eras and make conclusions. Sorry, that’s my scientific side.
The late and great British Gospel Artist Lavine Hudson was born in the 1960’s. Her father was a Pentecostal minister and being exposed to Christian music ( not allowed to listen to secular) she excelled in the church arena and from a very early age expressed incredible songwriting and performance ability. She signed to a Gospel label as part of a larger group and experienced minor success. In time a major record company picked up on her unique talents and a deal was signed. She remained a staunch advocate of the Gospel style despite lucrative offers to deliver secular material and change her image. Unfortunately a 6 album deal with Virgin Records came to a grinding halt at 2 albums due to ill health.
American Christian Contemporary Music (CCM)Artist Katy Hudson was born in the 1980’s. Her father was a Pentecostal minister and being exposed to Christian music ( not allowed to listen to secular) she excelled in the church arena and from a very early age expressed incredible songwriting and performance ability. She signed to a CCM label and experienced minor success. In time a major record company picked up on her unique talents and a deal was signed.
Since then a change of image followed ( Katy Hudson to Katy Perry) and lyrical output was readjusted. To onlookers her Pentecostal faith is no longer a part of her life, although she is quoted in the press as believing in a higher force. Perry went on to become one of the richest pop stars today.
1. If Lavine Hudson was offered a record contract like Perry’s lucrative post millennium deal, would she have crossed over to being a secular artist?
2. If Perry’s Gospel (CCM) album was more financially successful, would she have remained in the fold?
3. Would a British Katy Hudson have replicated the same level of success from CCM to Pop Brit Princess?
Whatever conclusion you may come to, broken down, it’s the tale of 2 gifted Christian women from Pentecostal church backgrounds who when faced with mainstream music success ,made different life changing choices.
