An article in today’s Washington Post about the Democratic Party’s outreach to the audience of radio stations that spin Christian music is somewhat interesting in the sense that Barack Obama is making some effort to try to woo this somewhat unlikely market. But it gets really fascinating when the writer talks about what happens when gospel music collides with Hillary Clinton.
You might be surprised by one insider’s estimation that artists working under the Christian music umbrella are likely equally split as Democrats and Republicans, however, probably no one would be shocked that the same insider says “the consumer, on the other hand, is about 80-20.” Still, when Rick Hendrix, described by the Post as “a 38-year-old schmoozy North Carolinian” who is (apparently) a significant figure in Christian concert promotion, decided to go all-out for Hillary during the Democratic primaries, wackiness ensued.
“My grandmother was born the year women got the right to vote, and I was raised by a lot of strong-willed women. I just got passionate about her,” says Hendrix, who gets a strangely dreamy sound in his voice when he talks about meeting Madeleine Albright at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Hendrix has demanded that his musician clients let him stage rallies or set up informational tables for Democrats, at or near their shows, whether they like it or not. About half his artists are fine with that, he says, while the others agree somewhat reluctantly.
But how does this cultural crusade go down with fans? If Hendrix’s experience is a barometer, it may be a mixed bag. He says he staged hundreds of Clinton events at concerts before she dropped out, including Young Harmony at Ole Country Church in McDonough, Ga., and the gospel group Heirline at Victory Baptist Church in Dallas. There were repercussions. Someone tried to run over a volunteer (yes, with a car) in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Coffee was thrown in Hendrix’s face in Raleigh, N.C. A few radio stations he worked with sent back his CDs, cracked.
As someone who’s received a number of e-mails from church going acquaintances accusing Obama of being a “closet Muslim”, I’m not terribly shocked that the gospel music audience wasn’t too willing to accept even a vague pro-choice element. But running someone over with a car still seems a little excessive! I just hope the car was heading forward at the time… rear-ending a Democrat might have jarred loose the Jesus fish on the car’s back bumper.
Trying to Get Christian Music Fans to Tune To the Left [Washington Post]
Call me an atheist, but: everyone who believes in God is a fucking moron.
Unless you’re using the term “God” as shorthand for “Geddy Lee.” That’s okay, then.
@MikePo: I appreciate the nuance of your opinion.
@MikePo: If God’s an Objectivist with a croaky Katharine Hepburn voice, then Hail Satan.
“Someone tried to run over a volunteer (yes, with a car) in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Coffee was thrown in Hendrix’s face in Raleigh, N.C.”
Christian values, hard at work.
(Yes, I realize not all Christians are like this. But, I am curious as to why the majority Christians who aren’t fascists don’t take back their religion from that vocal minority who are.)
And what about the voice of Geddy Lee?
How did it get so high?
I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy?
I know him, and he does.
Then you’re my fact-checking cuz.
-Pavement
@Captain Wrong: I hear Obama’s a Christian.
(Seriously, though, there’s plenty of non-asshole Christians. Most of them don’t call attention to themselves probably because they got the whole message about tolerating others and turning the other cheek that Jesus was about.)
Music/Topic: I was surprised to learn that even 20% of Christian music consumers are Democrats.
@Poubelle: You forgot the important corollary to the “Christians are intolerant assholes” argument, which is, “unless they are black, then it’s cool.”
@natepatrin: I suddenly feel like Anton LaVey!
The old Hendrix machine at work. Too bad the coffee didnt burn his damn mouth off. Or better yet the car could have taken him out Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm it gets sweeter. One more fuckin big white toothed bag of shit to tell us how to vote.Oh yea Hendrix all the way to HELL
I guess they are afraid to post my comments………
@MikePo: What if you’re referring to Neal Peart?
I guess the real question is – what’s your favorite Christianity-bashing song. I’m torn between PIL’s “Relgiion” and The Dead Kennedy’s immortal “Religious Vomit”.
@Clevertrousers: I would also have accepted “Mick Ronson,” but, hey, feel free to worship the deity of your choosing.
Just as long as you can verify that your god is an actual person who exists or existed, not a conceptualized all-powerful invisible sky fairy who commands you to oppress homosexuals. ‘Cause, like, that would be batshit insane.
@Audif Jackson Winters III: Holy crap, I’ve never actually seen that part of the argument before (I’m kind of glad I haven’t). Well, Biden’s Christian, too, although I suppose that runs into that ridiculous “Catholics aren’t real Christians” argument.
Rick Hendrix is yet another selfish millionaire thats out of touch with reality. We already have plenty of Congressmen just like him.