The lack of respect shown by current gospel artistes for veterans has deeply hurt producer and radio announcer Delroy Lingo.
“They don’t seem to appreciate them. They will sing their songs without even giving credit. There have been instances where the artiste who performs the song is present at the show and there is a conflict because they (young artists) want to perform the song that the artiste wrote. Sometimes not even realising it is the person’s song,” he related.
Lingo is passionate about honouring gospel stalwarts who have paid their dues to the industry. He has worked as a manager for foundation gospel artistes such as Claudelle Clarke, Otis Wright (deceased), Joan Flemmings, the Schrouter Brothers, Sis Scully (deceased), Edwin Myers, Hummingbird, and Billy Joe Neil (the Black Johnny Cash), among others.
The producer posits that it is his calling, as the Lord has laid it on his heart to do what he is doing, and after working firsthand with them, he is even more committed to ensuring they get the respect they deserve.
He does his own part by recognising them at an annual awards show he hosts in Connecticut, where he resides, entitled the Caribbean Gospel Legend Music Award.
“I have seen them work; I know of their works, and so it is that when the LORD lays it on my heart to do what I am doing, it is easy for me to do it. And by nature, I am that kind of person who believes in giving the person the flower while they are still alive,” he announced.
Lingo lays part of the blame for the neglect of veterans on producers, whom he claims are not in it with the right mindset. He said they do little research about the songs they sometimes produce, and their primary focus is to make money.
DISC JOCKEYS NEED TO PLAY THE FOUNDATION MUSIC, TOO
He also called out gospel disc jockeys who concentrate on playing the music of current artistes and not giving any air time to those who paved the way, faulting them for playing ‘a certain kind of music.’
Truth be told, he said, some of today’s artistes have never heard of many of the foundation singers because their songs are not played. They would not have heard the sounds of stalwarts such as George Banton, Glen Graham, Bunny Anderson, Claudelle Clarke, and so many others.
Graham has a vast catalogue of songs that includes numbers such as Prepare To Meet Me There, Mother’s Grave, Six Men Bringing You Back, Lord Send Me A Surplus, and Get On Board. These are rarely ever heard on mainstream gospel stations.
Recently, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange called on the church to support Reggae Gospel Music. February is recognised as Reggae month. Lingo said it is equally important that support be given to foundation artistes.
Noting that many gospel events were staged last year, Lingo bemoaned the fact that there was not one foundation gospel artiste on the bill.
SECULAR ARTISTES HONOURING THEIR PREDECCESSORS
He believes secular artistes are leading by example when it comes to supporting their own.
“Look at the secular world; almost any new artiste can tell you about the foundation—Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Lt. Stichie, and Papa San—because they play the music and learn from those men. “That is why they are able to do what they do because they learn from those who came before them.” And so it is within gospel music that if they show allegiance, it would allow them to be a better individual, to be more knowledgeable as to who it is that paved the way,” Lingo stated.
Lingo, who shared that he has invested a lot in the music, said that as Christians, we should do better where foundation artistes are concerned. Again, he lauded the secular world, citing shows that actually celebrate foundation artistes, such as Stars R Us, the once-popular series Heineken Startime, and other vintage shows that are still being held.
“Where is the model in the gospel industry? They have given so much and received nothing in return,” he said emphatically.
Bunny Anderson, known for his popular song “Come See A Man” and “Kumba Here,” among others, said he feels shut out of the industry.
Anderson, who resides in May Pen, Clarendon, said he has to do other things to survive. His music career is not a part of his earnings, as the big shows will not have him on the lineup.
“No one calls, no one asks,” he lamented.