Good looks...how important are they to a (gospel) music career?

[phatstrings]

 In the secular music business, we know that (in most caes) you must look certain ways and be of certain sizes to be considered a music 'star'.My question is, is this (even if remotely) the case in the gospel arena?
 

[vtguy84]

Yes.

[themidiroom]

Good looks seem to be an advantage in all areas.  It's sad but true.

[SisterT]

Yes.

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

[LaylaMonroe]

I dunno... good question, though.

I guess remotely that may be the case, but certainly not overwhelmingly... and most certainly not to the degree that it matters in a secular music career.

I think that consumers of gospel music are more interested in the sound, the music, the lyrics, the ability of the music to minister, and the overall product than in the appearance.  I could give COUNTLESS examples of gospel artists who are extremely popular right now, but are not in the least bit attractive.  I just don't want to say something that may be deemed offensive, so I won't call names.  But, some of the hottest artists out there right now are obese, short, funny-looking, or have bad teeth or bad complexions, and other flaws that just would NOT fly over in the secular world.  

Basically what I'm saying is that in gospel, it's more about "CAN YOU BLOW?" and "ARE YOUR CDs BLAZIN?" than it is about how hot and sexy you are.

[jlewis]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

cosign.

I think in the gospel world,   it still pays to have good looks,  but singing ability will trump  looks EVERY time in the gospel arena.

This is definitely not true in the  secular arena.

Jlewis

[LaylaMonroe]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

Awwwww.... 

[under13]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

I was thinking the same thing but I wasnt gonna name names. You never know whose lurking this site.
and exhibit B is kinda cute, and when you got runs like that who cares?!!
Exhibit C when you play the organ like that who cares?!!

To me the cutest gospel artist is Casandra O'neal I might have visit LA one day soon

[changedman]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

But when your daddy is a big-name Bishop (plus you have an awesome skill), it's easier to get started.  When you have the influence of certain people (hence, "it's all in who you know") it's a lot easier.

A rookie (like yours truly) who only registers about a 6 on the good looks scale has a HARD time getting started.  Especially when they don't know any "Brand Name" people in the industry who owes them a favor or two.

But ONCE I (not IF I) shed about 20 pounds and do a few more "quick changes" to my overall look, getting top billing in the industry will be no problem!  I don't plan to go to the extreme, but I know that a brutha gotta look good if he wanna sell a album...real talk.  Sad talk...but real.

[vtguy84]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

I think Kim and Twinkie look great.  Maybe I'm by myself.

[SirTJ]

I think Kim and Twinkie look great.  Maybe I'm by myself.

I agree, myself.

[themidiroom]

But ONCE I (not IF I) shed about 20 pounds and do a few more "quick changes" to my overall look,

So does this mean you'll be converting to turkey chilli?   

[Redy2bUsed]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

Theres always a few exceptions...

[SisterT]

Kim and Twinkie are not ugly, however, because of weight issues they do not have "the look " by the secular standards.

I gave my sincere opinion, regardless if they are here on LGM or not. I think the stars all know what they look like. The topic is about having "a look".

Another is Fred Hammond. The brother is anointed. The brother don't have the look.

The gospel industry is much different than secular. "The look" in the secular is all about the physical. "The look" for gospel artist is all about the anointing. In the gospel arena, the fans aren't looking to see if you can dance good or if you are a certain size. Gospel arena focuses on your ministry and anointing.

Fred, Twinkie, Tye, & Kim most likely wouldn't make it in the secular world. But in the gospel world they are awesome.

Case and point---Rueben Studdard. He didn't do well in the secular world, but his gospel album did very well.

[sjonathan02]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
Exhibit B - Kim Burrell
Exhibit C - Twinkie Clark
 

COSIGN!!

[themidiroom]

....because of weight issues they do not have "the look " by the secular standards.

This is somewhat ironic because the body is supposed to be a temple but you see some of the biggest folks in church.

[LaylaMonroe]

Wow.  Interesting stuff.

[under13]

Kim and Twinkie are not ugly, however, because of weight issues they do not have "the look " by the secular standards.

I gave my sincere opinion, regardless if they are here on LGM or not. I think the stars all know what they look like. The topic is about having "a look".

Another is Fred Hammond. The brother is anointed. The brother don't have the look.

The gospel industry is much different than secular. "The look" in the secular is all about the physical. "The look" for gospel artist is all about the anointing. In the gospel arena, the fans aren't looking to see if you can dance good or if you are a certain size. Gospel arena focuses on your ministry and anointing.

Fred, Twinkie, Tye, & Kim most likely wouldn't make it in the secular world. But in the gospel world they are awesome.

Case and point---Rueben Studdard. He didn't do well in the secular world, but his gospel album did very well.

Look at Luther VAndross, Kelly Price, Biggie smalls, Fat Pun, Fat joe, Sean kingston, Heavy D, Aretha Franklin all them was FAT,

I think that Heavy people are accepted more by the black music world as oposed to mainstream pop,

[phatstrings]

I'd disagree---
Exihibit A - Tye Tribbett
 

 But Tye's backups are cute. Plus some people like his teeth (seriously)

[SisterT]

This is somewhat ironic because the body is supposed to be a temple but you see some of the biggest folks in church.

This is true...Gluttoney is a sin. That tells us that some of these artist, and other Christians have "big" issues too. However, we tend to only want to address homosexuality, substance abuse, adultery and fornication. Sin is sin. We can't dismiss the fact that the artists are humans who sin.

But back to the issue at hand, it's the gospel industry that embraces and artist regardless of their look. THe secular industry wants you to be superficial. People rather take the risk of being in the world for exposure, and money just to get the temporal things. Spreading the gospel has eternal rewards.