An Example of the Financial State of Southern Gospel

As it says in the header of this blog, I am a weekend warrior (ie; hold a full time job and sing on the weekends) Southern Gospel singer. I do not take this calling on my life lightly and I don't want this article to diminish the importance of this great music for our society. We need Jesus. Southern Gospel and other Christian music touches the soul of believers and non-believers alike. It is a great avenue for non-believers to learn the hope, love, and truth of Jesus Christ.
I've written for years of the sad financial state of Southern Gospel Music. Like the oil and energy crisis in our country, no one wants to talk about it. When bringing up this topic most want to say, "the Lord will provide". This goes without saying. What most who say this don't understand is that the Lord provides through them, the fans.
Recently a story was brought to my attention by Averyfineline . It seems that Kasey Kemp and Judson Horner, who sing (or did sing) with gospel music legend Naomi Sego, not only put in their resignations to leave Naomi, but also (after resigning) filed an article of organization to create a limited liability company called "The Segos LLC". In other words they were going to steal Naomi's name, use it as their own, and she would no longer be able to use it. You can read the letter that Kemp and Horner released. The letter implies that they were "helping" Naomi out and also plugs their new CD duplication company (don't be looking for my business).
This not only shows that Kemp and Horner apparently were not raised to respect their elders, value Christian principles ("ill-gotten treasures are of no value"), or even respect themselves. It also shows how far the financial state of Southern Gospel can push individuals to make a living. In no way does this dilute the wrong that has been done (and now wants to be taken back, bottom of page) by Kemp and Horner, but it shows how desperate the financial situation of Southern Gospel is. Even honest individuals who have been responsible for bringing many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Southern Gospel "elite", are poor and struggle to make a living. Add rising fuel costs and it even makes it harder for groups to make a living. This is sad to me. I have to keep reminding myself that God is bigger than the oil situation and He is in control. He also gives us common sense. Groups should use this common sense to make sound business decisions concerning their ministry and fans should use this common sense to realize that they can be used to help groups minister.