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Change Your Attitude, and You’ll Change Your Life”

In the Black Gospel music community, many knew Dr. Charles George Hayes, affectionately called “Father Hayes.” He often repeated his famous mantra during services at Cosmopolitan Church at Prayer. He also shared it on his weekly radio show, “Gospel Cavalcade.” We always looked ahead to hearing it while listening to gospel’s greatest hits.

One day, I was working in the church office. My then Pastor asked me to get in contact with Father Hayes. He wanted to find out if Father Hayes and the choir were available to come. Cosmo had been to the city before. In the gospel community, we know them well. My Pastor had developed a friendship with Father Hayes. Though, I didn’t know him personally, I was excited to be the one calling and inquiring about them coming. I called the church’s number. I left a message on the voicemail. I identified myself and gave my reason for calling. I mentioned who directed me to get in contact with him. I proposed the date, time, and place of the program. I also left my name and number. Finally, I said thank you for your consideration. I expressed my anticipation to hear from him at his convenience. Pretty professional I think. I was very proud of myself!

Until Father Hayes returned my call, I went from “professional Office Administrator” to “student” in no time. He quickly reminded me he was the teacher. To be clear, he was never demeaning or rude. He didn’t talk down to me. He did set me straight. What he taught me was how to change my attitude and improve my life.

During the call, he highlighted things I hadn’t considered. Who are we inviting, the choir or the church? What is this program? What do we expect from Cosmo? He encouraged me to see these questions as business matters. “This is business, not church. You need to approach this differently.” What I thought would be a quick info call turned into a thirty-minute lesson.

What does that have to do with “change your attitude…”. Ok, here it is. I changed my attitude. I stopped thinking I was doing something so big and great. Instead, I adopted the mindset of a student and listened to this teacher. As a result, I did not miss many things. He gave so many lessons for free. I would’ve never received these without attending some convention, conference, or convocation and paying $100.00 for registration. This gave me the chance not to learn any more than I knew when I showed up. I changed my stance. I put aside what I “thought” I knew to glean and gain what I did not know.

How did it change my life? Working with artists from around the world for my radio show and bookings has taught me to communicate clearly. I know what information to share, what arrangements to make, and keep a solid timeline. This experience has truly improved my life.

I want to share this: no matter your job or how long you’ve worked, there’s always someone who knows more. Stay open to learning from others. In the music business, being friendly is important since you interact with people. Your attitude really counts.

Be slow to be offended when people share something new. If you already knew, just say, “hey, thanks for sharing.” It doesn’t take anything from you to be kind to people.

Change your attitude for your own sake. Rethink how you see yourself and others, and how you approach life. Consider how you find peace and satisfaction. Take time to view yourself honestly, even if you feel you’re doing “okay.” You will discover areas for improvement. Being open to these insights can help you improve for yourself, your family, and those around you.

“Change your attitude, and you’ll change your life.”

Walt – out.

“The Music Meant to Change Lives”

In 1921, The National Baptist Convention intended to showcase the new hymnbook, “Gospel Pearls”. It would be a collection of 165 selections that were spirituals, gospel hymns, and revival songs by Black and white composers. Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, a former blues pianist and composer, and later known as the “Father of Gospel Music”, heard Rev. W. A. Nix, singing, “I Do, don’t You?” in the gathering.

Prof. Dorsey recalled the transforming experience of hearing Nix sing, and stated, “my inner-being was thrilled. My soul was a deluge of divine rapture; my emotions were aroused; my heart was inspired to become a great singer and worker in the Kingdom of the Lord – and impress people just as this great singer did that Sunday morning.”

As time went on, Prof. Dorsey wrote thousands of songs that became classics in gospel music. However, many churches in Bronzeville rejected him because they didn’t want “blues music” in their services. Those pastors aimed to distance themselves from the emotional stereotypes of southern Black church music. They wanted to change the image of Black people to fit in as acceptable middle-class individuals to white society.

By the time Prof. Dorsey met Sallie Martin, a sharp businesswoman from the South, he was making a lasting impact on church music. Another newcomer from New Orleans became his demonstrator and helped spread gospel music to unexpected places. Mahalia Jackson’s introduction to Prof. Dorsey marked a turning point for gospel music, which began to gain popularity in churches. This new sacred music, with its tribal sound, resonated deeply with the Black community.

Prof. Dorsey simply described gospel music as “the good news in song.” He didn’t aim to create a competitive genre or make stars out of singers and musicians. Instead, he combined what he knew from the blues with the help of Arizona Dranes, a blind Pentecostal musician, to create music that would touch people’s hearts, remind them of Jesus’ words, and encourage them.

Through the years, gospel artists have sought recognition in secular music, but we weren’t meant to compete with it. Gospel music is meant to change and uplift lives, just like the Word of God. It should speak to everyone—men, women, and children worldwide. This powerful music has even reached secular charts, with songs like “Sunshine” by the Clark Sisters, “I Belong to You” by The Rance Allen Group, and the 1973 hit “Ride to the Mountain Top” by The Beautiful Zion Church Choir of Chicago. The key to gospel music lies in its words—their meaning and the audience they touch.

I share this with gospel artists everywhere: it’s perfectly fine to earn a living from your music ministry, to win awards, and to elevate your ministry, as long as it’s done in moderation.

But always remember, it’s not our music for personal fame or attention. If we are true to ourselves and our beliefs, this music is about love, inspiration, and the divine.

This is “Life Changing Music”.

Walt – out.

“Where is Gospel Music?”

With over 50 years in gospel music, I proudly reflect on my beginnings, tuning into the late-night broadcasts of the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago on WCFL. Anthems like “Let Mt Zion Rejoice,” along with powerful songs such as “He Calmed the Ocean,” “Anybody Here,” and “Throw Out the Lifeline,” profoundly shaped my journey. As I progressed, I was inspired by Rev. Evans and Fellowship, transitioning to influential shows like Jubilee Showcase and Bobby Jones, and now enjoying local church services via cable and social media. Indeed, a lot has changed—not just the format, but the very essence of gospel music. I’m not merely referring to the music itself (the vocals, band, leads, etc.), but rather the “feel” of gospel music. As Prof. Thomas Dorsey articulated and Rev. James Cleveland echoed, it embodies the “goodness of Jesus through music.” Regardless of the burdens you carry or the mistreatment from the world, there’s a moment when your mother would play an album on the record player (yes, I’m dating myself) and the lightning-fast words of Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes would uplift your spirit, or the melodic resonance of Clara Ward and the Ward Singers would fill your heart, or the bluesy energy of Baby Sis Ruth Davis and the Davis Sisters would ignite your soul. Think of Alex Bradford and the Bradford Singers, Leon Luft with the Gospel Clefs, Raymond Rasberry and the Rasberry Singers, and up to the legendary Hawkins, Andre Crouch, Rance Allen, and beyond. There was a unique “texture” in that music that brushed against your soul, a seasoning that didn’t overpower but perfectly complemented, leaving you humming long after that first note.

Gospel music “felt” like soul food in your spirit. It went through (as the old people would say), “the very joints and marrow of your bones”.

Where’s THAT Gospel Music? Please know that I am not implying that today’s music lacks significance. Music is a living organism that naturally grows and evolves to reflect our current times. However, gospel music was never intended to be merely sweet and comforting. In times of hardship, we didn’t just seek a warm embrace and a hot cup of cocoa; we needed someone to gently shake us and remind us, “Look here! Yes, things are tough, but in WHOM have we placed our trust? Whose Word do we cherish and rely on? Whose child are we? It was a reassurance of our identity as Children of the Most High God. That, my friends, is the essence of the Good News!

Am I pining for the old days? No, not at all! But I do pine for the days of gospel music when becoming a star, winning an award, getting more streams, taking pics at events with gospel music “stars” and having that be the main thing.

Gospel Music must, MUST be different because it comes form a different place. The Blues sing of my baby leaving, Gospel sings of One Who will NEVER leave. We’re built different because even though our lyrics have personal experience, they are rooted in the Word.

Sometimes, during rehearsals, I have to remind my choir, now wait, this song isn’t cute. I need you to bring out Bigmama’s old black cast iron skillet, get some of the lard out of the coffee can on back of the stove, grab that Lawry’s Season Salt and go to work!!

Make Gospel Music God’s Again.

Walt – Out

“Real Church Hurt”

I’ve worked in the church for decades and, like life, I’ve faced challenges along the way. Some were due to my own immaturity and arrogance, while others came from my mistakes. However, I’ve also had some of my worst experiences with church people. I’m not pointing to any specific denomination or role, but rather to a group of Believers gathered for worship.

I don’t hate the church or its people; this isn’t about grudges I’ve held for over 50 years. It’s about how the church makes people feel. Life isn’t perfect, and there’s no guarantee it will be. However, I believe there are places, like the church, where we should feel safe and protected from the troubles of the outside world, even if just for an hour.

Jesus cleansed the Temple in Matthew 21:12-13, driving out the money changers and people selling doves, declaring “…my house shall be called the house of prayer… but you have made it a den of thieves.” I believe this passage illustrates a broader principle. The individuals Jesus expelled were called thieves because they turned God’s House into a place of deceit and profit. It wasn’t just about money; it was about the Temple’s integrity and the sincerity of those coming to pray. Sadly, the church often seems exclusive, attracting only the elite and self-righteous. It sometimes feels like if you don’t fit the established “mold” or meet certain expectations, you aren’t welcome.

Those from the streets seeking salvation often don’t look like the typical good Christians. They might not smell pleasant and are judged for their appearance, often feeling isolated even in church. Some may have cigarettes in their pockets or the scent of alcohol on their breath. Yet, they come every Sunday, hoping for a message that can help them change. Unfortunately, they struggle to connect because of the judgmental looks, whispers, and forced smiles they encounter, as it’s what “good Christians do.”

And after a while, people seeking a life-changing experience in Christ are encountering negative, condescending attitudes from “Christians.” Imagine going to a hospital where the staff refuses to help you because you’re sick. How strange would that be? You would expect the medical staff to assist you since it’s their job and they are trained to do so, especially if your illness is what they specialize in, right?

Part 2 – On the whiteboard as we type.

“Real Church Hurt – Part 2

When unchurched or unsaved individuals come to church, they should be met with love, compassion, patience, and humility. Jesus welcomed us into the family without criticism for our past. In Matthew 11:28, He invites, “Come unto me… all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” offering relief from the burdens of the Law. However, this is where the church can sometimes fall short.

I’ve heard different people and various pastors disavow “Church Hurt” and denigrate those who declare it as an actual occurrence. Statements like, people hurt you at the bar and you don’t stop going, people hurt you at Walmart and you don’t stop going, etc. But there’s no such thing as Bar Hurt or Walmart Hurt. There’s the point. Unchurched or unsaved people don’t go to those places looking for God. Yes, God is everywhere, but I’ve never, ever heard any sinner or unchurched person say, “man, I know I’m not living right. I have to get back to Walmart.” Or, man, when I was little, my grandmother used to take me to the club and she taught me the drink menu. I need to get back close to the bartender and get my life back on track.

So, when those same people come to the church, greeted with smiles and hugs, imagine the sinking feeling they get after the New Member honeymoon ends and certain members start getting in their ear about Sis. Dee or Bro. Moe. They take them out to dinner to “get to know them,” and soon enough, conversations make it back to the church group, leading the new convert to wonder why others are staring or avoiding them. As much as I wish it were hypothetical, these are real actions by real people, and it hurts because that person wasn’t expecting it from the CHURCH! We don’t care what people at the bar or club think; we’re there to drink and have a good time.

“I am meek (quiet, gentle) and lowly (humble) in heart. If we are followers of Christ, shouldn’t this be the attitude and behavior of one who follows Christ? Meek and lowly people don’t do that to others of the faith. So, why wouldn’t the unchurched or the unsaved be hurt, when they find that the very people who shout and sing and declare Jesus as their Savior, turn and do the exact opposite.

Yes, Church Hurt is real. It’s not just a phrase or feeling. Christians are called to be “meek and lowly” like Christ, so we must be mindful of how we treat everyone, especially those coming to Christ. We should remember Galatians 5:22-23, which talks about the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Also, John 13:35 says, “By this shall they know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”