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« Adultery: My Genes Made Me Do It | Main | No Right to Rest for Weary Anglicans »

May 20, 2010

Christian Female Musicians, Missing in Action

What accounts for the surprising dearth of women in today's CCM scene?

Laura Leonard

Do you know Becky? If you are a Christian woman in your 30s or 40s and married with kids, you are Becky. Becky, I was fascinated to learn, is what Christian radio stations have named their ideal listener, and most everything you hear on K-LOVE, WORD FM, or your local Christian radio station is chosen to appeal to her.

Becky doesn’t seem to like other women very much, at least not when they sing. "[Women] feel threatened by and possibly jealous of a female artist," says one Christian radio executive. "My guess is that they can't even put it into words. My joke is: If the artist's name is Becky, then 'Becky' does not want to hear her on the air!"

According to Mark Geil’s article for Christianity Today on the gender balance in contemporary Christian music (CCM), exactly zero women made Billboard's lists of the past decade’s top 10 Christian songs and top 10 Christian artists. (Billboard compiles their lists based on record sales.) Only two women made the top 50, at numbers 40 (Francesca Battistelli) and 50 (Stacie Orrico). The surprising statistics highlight how difficult it can be for women in today’s Christian music industry.

That women in CCM are outnumbered 2:1, possibly even 3:1, certainly doesn't help. But this has not always been a problem. In the late 1990s and early ’00s, the time I was most in tune with CCM, I listened to a good number of female artists, many of whom I still enjoy: Sara Groves, Jennifer Knapp, Rebecca St. James, Jaci Velasquez, Kendall Payne, Sixpence None the Richer, Plumb, Point of Grace, Avalon, Amy Grant. It’s not an issue of talent; these women are not only great singers and songwriters but also genuine rockers, folk artists, and worshipers.

So why does Becky no longer want to hear women sing? Is she really just jealous, as the anonymous radio exec suggests? Geil’s article notes as a contributing factor the shift toward worship music as the dominant CCM genre. Jenny Simmons, lead singer of the otherwise all-male worship band Addison Road, says,

I can't tell you how many times I've had people come up to me after a performance and say, "I was very, very uncomfortable having a female onstage when we worshiped. I've never seen that before." There is a fear of sensuality and sexuality within the church. We don't know how to handle it. I don't think there is any way to extricate what is raw and passionate about creating music and being on stage. At least for me, there's a huge vulnerability being up there.

The most successful women of secular pop music have built their personas around their sexuality. As Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and even Miley Cyrus make up the current pop template, we have been trained to see female performers as primarily sexual creatures, and that framework influences the way we think about all of our music choices. We can enjoy these singers’ catchy hooks, but we hold them at a distance, because we can’t identify too closely without endorsing or adopting their image of femininity. It was easier to embrace female artists in the earnest years of the singer-songwriter or the raw era of alternative rock, when the aforementioned female musicians made their mark on CCM.

Or so the thinking goes. Personally, I don't feel threatened by the sexuality of Christian female singers, at least not consciously (which may be the point). I’m hungry for more female performers creating quality Christian music. The music industry’s cyclical nature offers hope that better days are ahead for Christian female musicians, for a generation of young women who grew up on the powerful female performers of the ’90s, just waiting for a chance to take the stage. And I hope we are ready to let them.

Who are some female artists you listen to now? Do you think a fear of feminine sexuality on display during worship is sidelining women in the Christian music industry?

Comments

I always wondered why there seemed to be so many more males bands and singers in the Christian world than female ones. I happen to enjoy the music of many female artists including BarlowGirl, Superchick, Britt Nicole, Addison Road, Krystal Meyers, Jessie Daniels, and Fireflight. I am aware that Superchick and Fireflight do have male band members, but their lead singers are female so I'd consider them in this category.

I have no idea what is keeping female Christian artists out of popularity, but I hope that we as Christians are able to accept them as equals to male artists. After all, "God created them male and female" and there is no biblical restriction that I'm aware of that only men can publicly worship God.

I think sexuality is probably an issue. Another one is the focus on worship music. There is a segment of the Christian population that do not believe that women should lead a church (and therefore should not lead worship).

I recognize that there is an overwhelming male dominance in the Christian music industry but I don't agree (at least for myself) that it is due to the fact that women are jealous of female artists or that they simply exude femininity and sexuality while worshipping onstage.

Whatever the reason is, if you're looking for a good Christian female artist, check out Brooke Fraser! This New Zealand/Australian singer is truly artistic, talented, and blessed. She uses her creativity to sincerely serve God and I find that to be the most impressive about her.

Here's a thought: Becky doesn't want to hear women sing because she prefers to hear MEN sing, often for less than virtuous reasons, even if she doesn't recognize it.

Think about it: a good-looking and talented and (sometimes) single male artist comes along, and women go ga-ga over him. It happens all the time in the realm of secular music, and it happens in Christian music, too. They make him into a romantic idol, setting him up as this perfect (Godly! good-looking--at least on the undoubtedly airbrushed album cover!) man who becomes their celebrity crush.

I've heard stories of single Christian women coming up to single Christian male artists after concerts and trying to give him their phone number. (Fortunately, the artists I've heard about say "no"!)And married "Beckys" might simply daydream about the guys and compare their husbands to him (and hubby always loses). Problematic on several levels.

This probably isn't the entire reason for the lack of female artists in CCM, but it's a thought.

My current favorite female artists: Sara Groves, Brooke Fraser, Natalie Grant.

I once wrote fairly extensively on women's issues in the workplace. One of the biggest challenges women have faced is women not supporting other women. So yes, this probably plays a role, even if it's not only the factor of sexuality. But more than likely, there is more than one facet playing into it.

I agree with Adam that it also has to do with it being the genre of worship music and the questions many have about women's role in leadership.

But it also has to do with what the men are comfortable with, even if that isn't the radio station's target demographic. Typically older all-male-leadership in most churches regulates what what 'Becky' is accustomed to hearing and seeing in her worship music. So the men play a role as well, even if that's not the target market.

I'd venture to guess that there are multiple factors involved.

Interesting question! Thanks for the post!
All the best!
deb
P.S. I'm with Leah on the Brooke Fraser recommendation too. ;-)

This article makes great observations. Perhaps some sub-conscious over-zealous internalization of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 might have something to do with it?

When are women ever going to catch a break...Genesis 3:15a

My wife is "Becky," but she doesn't fit the stereotype that the record execs have formulated. She prefers female artists, because she (herself a singer) enjoys the feminine melodies and textures and can sing along with them. Ironically, the only radio station she listens to is K-LOVE. She has never mentioned feeling threatened by female performers.

Some of our favorites are Meredith Andrews (a worship leader at our church!), Watermark/Christy Nockels, Brooke Frasier, and Jill Phillips. But we will both agree, there is a definite dearth of female singer-songwriters in the Christian music scene. If only they were a little more folksy and less poppy. :-)

I'm a Becky, and not only do I fit that stereotype, I also prefer male singers. My preference for male singers, though, has nothing to do with sexuality because (much to my husband's occasional frustration) I never know the names of who is singing anything, much less what they look like.

I prefer all of my music to have a lower tonality, and that includes my classical music where no one is singing at all. Female singers are ok if they are more of an alto; Francesca is pleasant to listen to because she doesn't have a high pitched, thin, whiney voice like so many women who sing. She's not the only woman I like to listen to, but I can't tell you the names of the others (see above reference to my artist-knowledge handicap). That's my opinion, for what it's worth (which is nothing!).

A Christian musician friend recently created Women of Substance Radio, a bold and creative effort to spotlight this underrepresented demographic:

http://womenofsubstanceradio.webs.com/

They also have a Facebook page with about 1400 fans:

http://www.facebook.com/womenofsubstanceradio

Personally, and I don't know why, but I tend to prefer the sound of male vocals - I wonder if there is a scientific explanation (what isn't there one for, these days?) However, I love Plumb's newer songs and I do like some other female artists - Amy Grant was a favorite for years. I also often like couples or other mixed gender bands - can't beat those harmonies.

An interesting question would be what is the difference between leading in worship and performing? I know it when I see it, and the times it has felt like the latter, it was always a woman up front...and yet, I have experienced some of the best worship through music with female leaders who were totally worshipful. In both cases, the women had physical beauty, but their countenance was different, and usually their dress as well. Not advocating legalism but a humble heart is reflected in modesty outwardly as well.

I honestly never noticed such a trend.... I thought Brooke Frasier was doing really well in record sales...? I thought she even had some secular radio airtime with a couple of her songs....

I have never before considered the question of whether I prefer female to male voices, nor have I ever heard anybody state such a preference. I'm more concerned with quality. I love some female artists - Brooke Frasier, Nichole Nordeman and Michelle Tumes are my favs.

I don't really think that feminine sexuality on stage has much to do with it - I've never even seen any Christian female artists in concert before. Some of them don't even tour at all and Nordeman is usually sitting at a piano! It never crosses my mind what a female singer looks like when I listen to their music.

Sad, ain't it? I'm a lead singer for my church's worship band, and just about every single woman I've ever enjoyed listening to is no longer recording (or singing like) is no longer on the radio. But if "Becky" doesn't like what we women sing like, it's her loss, not mine. I'm going to keep singing, because that's what God made me to do.

I'm blown away by the sheet illogic of the suggestion that women don't listen to women because they're jealous. If that were the case, then women wouldn't listen to female secular singers or watch women on TV.

Women listen to what is provided on the radio. If a singer isn't featured, then she's not heard. So, who is blocking these female singers? I go with the person who said it could be the men who dominate the industry. Honestly, they need to listen to the Holy Spirit instead of their own sinful, discriminatory views.

Oops! That's "sheer illogic."

I also found this quote, which Jenny Simmons says she gets told countless times, just plain bizarre: "I was very, very uncomfortable having a female onstage when we worshiped. I've never seen that before."

Many people have seriously NEVER seen a female singer on stage at church or at a concert before??? I don't think I've ever seen a worship band WITHOUT a female singer before.... That comment just blows me away.

I think this is all because the radio execs are male. They don't REALLY know what women think, do they even understand their wives? I won a radio contest in the mid 90's (I'm female) and at the time they said I won because the Becky's at that time PREFERRED what I was doing. Have women REALLY fundamentally changed that much? From what I've heard there is ONE GUY who chooses most of what is on the Christian airways, The trend the last several years are bands have been more popular than solo artists, I believe this is another reason. I sing alto and I have women come up to me all the time and say that they LOVE my voice. I don't totally buy this argument they are presenting!

One of the most eye-opening things I saw in Asia (Mongolia, China) was to see female drummers in all male bands, like Altan Urag. I can't recall ever seeing that in a Western band. Western bands reflect Western values, where the band is either all male, or the men support the women being the front person, or in some cases all women bands. The exceptions to that are very few, though they do exist.

Maybe the female Christian singers are going into the secular music industry. This could be yet another area where the secular world treats women better than the Christian world does.

Whether we like it or not much of Evangelical leadership is still very male dominated. This certainly must apply to what Evangelicals want from their music artists. Since many artists are perceived as 'leaders' they are expected to be male. The survey about 'Beckies' shows that most of them are conservative and from Bible Belt states. Also since much of the campaign efforts to endorse sexual purity are directed towards men there no doubt will be pushes to ensure that no distractions are in front of them on Sunday morning. We've come a long way baby but we still have a ways to go.

I'm a Becky and would like to hear from more women singers. I think the lack of women in Christian music might have more to do with the fact that there are more male executives and producers and a lack of diversity in those in position to make decisions, rather than jealousy or envy on my part as a woman. My all-time favorite, male or female, continues to be Twila Paris. I wish there were more like her in terms of quality and depth of lyrics and music.

I don't know, but saying that Becky's are jealous of other woman somehow seems like an insult to women in general, makes us sound catty and immature.

I really enjoyed reading this article. It is the first time I have received this. I felt closer to my God. I enjoy hearing both men and women sing especially together. The women seem to bring out the holy spirit and you can just feel it all around you. When I was younger I used to go to alot of gospel singing and I always felt so close to God. I guess you can say I was raised on gospel music. God bless the men and women you are singing praised to our Lord.

We'll all have to remember Mr. Anonymous Radio Executive's remark about women being jealous when we see the long lines of women waiting to see the new Sex in the City movie with its predominently female cast.

Yes, "Becky" is the model target audience for the majority of Christian radio stations. Most likely aged 35-50, white, middle class, evangelical, and a stay-at-home-mom who is off to Target every other day of the week. No wonder Christian radio continues to get more and more boring, stale, and powerless in this world.

When Christian radio decides to run by a business model and target a specific audience, they basically abandon what the gospel is about. Christian radio today is nothing more than appeasement of a small audience and seems to care little more than keeping "little ears safe."

I live in Georgia and am sandwhiched inbetween two of these types of Christian radio stations and I almost cannot tell them apart! I came from Minnesota (where all those godless heathen liberals come from), and there is a Christian radio station there that doesn't have a "target audience" or caters to one particular demographic. They focus on worship. They have the right idea. Kind of makes me wonder if Christianity is stale and powerless here in the "Bible Belt."

As for women in Christian music, I am a fan of Nicole Nordeman, Twila Paris, Riki Michele, and Christine Glass. I personally don't care for most men's solo artists or groups. I do think there is something to the fear of sexuality being present in the church, especially to women who tend to be especially gifted in the area of physical beauty.

I find that many Christian female artists that I hear on the radio, sound the same, high pitched and almost whiney. There are good CCM females out there..but I dont hear them all that often on the radio. I think that assuming that we as females, are jealous or threatened by female singers is kinda lame. I do think that sometimes sexuality is an issue - I know that when I hear a woman gasping or moaning in a Christian song..somethign sounds a bit out of place there. If there were less sound alikes, the trend could change.

There was a time (late 80's, early 90's) when females dominated CCM - Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Twila Paris, Leslie Philips, Kim Hill, etc. There were many who followed on their coattails into the '90s. I agree with the previous comment that secular female artists today have to sell sexuality with their art. Female CCM artists can't replicate that trend or even their sound. Rap and metal are also very male dominated, leaving adult contemporary and country as the most likely genre for female artists today - neither of which is considered mainstream in terms of sales. CCM follows the current trends and sounds because that's what the Christian consumer buys. It's all a cycle. The style and sound that sells CDs will be different 10-15 years from now and hopefully more female artists will be there.

Honestly, as a female musician who has tried to start or join Christian music bands (none on the radio, just locally), I hear from guys all the time that they just flat out don't want to play in a group with a girl (unless they can't find a vocalist, then you're in).
It's not even a case of me auditioning and not making the cut, which I could respect. I don't even get the audition.
Meanwhile, oftentimes guys with half my experience do get the audition and the gig. It's frustrating. And it seems contrary to the nature of Christ. I'm glad guys are honest with me and don't make up excuses. Still, I have a heart and, I believe, a calling to play. What does my gender have to do with anything?
If I could find a group of girls to jam with, I would. But there just aren't many of us out there. In the meantime, I keep honing my craft and praying God would put the right people into my path.

To C. R. - If these guys don't want to perform with any women just because they're women, then something is badly wrong with their walk with Christ. You're better off without them. Always remember that God will help you.

> I've had people come up to me after a performance
> and say, 'I was very, very uncomfortable having a
> female onstage when we worshiped. I've never seen
> that before. There is a fear of sensuality and
> sexuality within the church.

One could argue that for a concert/church setting, but how can this be true for music played on a radio station?

Although most of these women may not be well known, ihop.org has a lot of female singers and musicians. They have a free online stream too!

This is an interesting article, no doubt. I don't want to assume there is no truth here, I just believe this is a by-product of the real issue. This article doesn't really tackle the real issue of CCM as a whole. The problem with CCM is they are targeting one generation, one demographic which, as stated above, is the 'Soccer mom' age 35-50. When you excluded all other demographics, you will exclude most other genres than the pre-packaged sound 'Soccer mom's' want to here. The talented female artists listed above (Brit Nicole, Krystal Myers, Superchick, Barlowgirl) have paved their own way and for the most part, do not play CCM friendly music. Therefore, their radio time is minimal at best. My genertation 18-30, has almost entirely left CCM altogether because of the reasons stated. Why would we hear the same music recycled over and over when we can build our own library of music and hit 'shuffle' from our ipods. CCM needs a major overhaul.

Thanks Aaron for reflecting what I have been thinking for a long time. Although I am 42, I still appreciate new and creative music. There are MANY Christians out there who are just flat out tired of the stale format CCM radio is putting out. Some like myself are fearful to say something fearing that we will be labeled "crabby Christians." I live in Georgia, and when I travel back to Minnesota, what do I hear? The same stuff. Sure some suit at the radio corp will say that is a good thing, but most people that I talk to say they are TIRED of it. The same 10-20 songs played over and over again for 6 months, interspersed with commercials and ads about how to keep your kids safe and their ears unoffended, and a promo about the latest family-friendly Christian music group coming to town, along with the so-unoriginal family name game.

Yes, we all know that most secular music stations operate by repetition, but that doesn't mean that their business model is a good one to follow. There is a well-known Christian radio station in the Twin Cites of Minneapolis/St. Paul that has been around for more than 50 years. They peaked in listenership and donations in the late 1990s/early 2000s and then promptly left what was good for them (reading scripture on air, ministry-orientation, for example) and went to a business-model. They lost many listeners, support and respect. Funny now that a greater-Minnesota radio station that is ministry and worship-focused is gathering a huge audience in the Twin Cities. Christians don't want gospel-lite, lets-be-nice-to-everybody, overly repetitive programming.

Again, CCM today basically caters to the white, middle-income, stay-at-home mom, who is out running errands daily, wiping her kids noses, and frustrated with her family. Repetion of most playlists ensures that "Becky" will hear the same songs over and over again while she is running around in her car between Target and soccer practice and Sunday school. CCM alienates many listeners because of these things.

And as one who loves creative music and various styles, CCM radio is NOT the place to find new styles of music.

Oh, and I forgot to mention Jill Phillips as one of my favorite artists!

I really don't have a good answer for this one, so I'm going to go with, "Because almost all programmed and formatted commercial radio stinks."

Even if it doesn't answer why there's a lack of female singers on the airwaves, it's still true, and fixing it might fix the other problems too.

I acually prefer female artists due to better melodies and stonger song construction. But I'm also a die hard Dream Theater and Rush fan who rarely listens to Christian radio. So take that for what it's worth.

Interesting perspectives. It does sound like CCM in general needs an overhaul. Frankly, like Brad, I'm a die-hard Christian who rarely listens to CCM because it's just so saccarine.

Male or female does not matter: I appreciate musical artists who push the envelope with their musical creativity and spiritual and emotional honesty.

Fav Female Artist Ever is Twila Paris. Her heart for God is genuine and it is reflected in the lyrics of her songs. (And if you have ever seen her in concert, you know it is also reflected in her persona.)

Lately I've enjoyed Ayeisha Woods,Sarah Groves, and Super Chick. Also, DC Talk, Toby Mac, Jeremy Camp, and Rush of Fools. Their music encourages me and challenges me to grow deeper in my faith, and isn't that what it's all about?!!?

What an interesting article. As a caucasian and educated Christian woman in her 40's who's been listening to KLOVE for nearly 20 years, I've never experienced jealousy or resentment towards female Christian singers. "Becky" is not going to listen to or purchase an album from a female Christian artist? Really? I have noticed and questioned, however, why there aren't more ethnic minority Christian singers. As far as I'm concerned, that's an even more important topic to discuss than listener preference for white male vs. white female Christian singers.

Oh, and I also forgot Crystal Lewis, Michelle Tumes, Sarah Masen, Sara Groves, and Susan Ashton.

I am not sure why the record exec thinks "Becky" doesn't want to purchase recordings of female musicians, but I also have a very hard time believing that it is because of jealousy. And I have many some Christian female friends who DO listen to female musicians such as Nicole C. Mullen and Sara Renner.

I guess I am Becky. Here's the thing: I prefer STRONG, WELL-TRAINED, WELL-SUPPORTED voices, be they male or female. Just anyone with a guitar and a half-decent voice doesn't cut it for me. My all-time favorite female voice is Martina McBride (country singer). There are male CCM voices that I dislike, such as Michael W. Smith. Female voices, I really like BarlowGirl Franscesca Battistelli, Jenny Simmons (Addison Road), etc. Honestly, I think it would do some CCM vocalists and would-be worship leaders some good to invest in a few voice lessons.

Oops. If Becky is who DAN describes, I'm not her. I'm not a stay-at-home mom; I'm marginally evangelical; I don't shop that much; I'm not in his age range; and I live on the West Coast. :-)

Its already hard enough to be female in the church. This is just another slap in the face.

The double-standard in the church is as strong as it is in the world. The world at least allows women to claim some small amount of power and influence through their looks. The church robs women of positions of power, suppresses any chance of influence through looks or sexuality, and then is critical of whatever remains (for example, what is the ratio of sermons time devoted to "submission" over "loving your wife like Christ loves the church?).

Where are people's concerns about men doing something that has a sensual effect on women when it comes to churches? Why is the concern only the other way around?

Its just absolutely exhausting. This is a very depressing article and situation.

Oh puleeze, Rachel. I hope that you are joking. Whiny females absolutely annoy me to the max. I suggest you read the Feminist Mistake by Mary A. Kassian. Certainly as females we have more to be concerned about in this world than the ratio of male singers to female. And for sure you have other things in this sad world to be depressed over than this article and situation.

Hmm. Some of the "science" of this seems suspect. Where, for instance, is Carrie Underwood in all this? She's been a dominant force since winning American Idol, and she self-identifies as a Christian. Her "Jesus Take the Wheel" was all over the airwaves, both secular and Christian. Is the fact that chooses to identify primarily as a country music star the limiting factor? It would be interesting to factor in Christian women musicians who are not primarily linked to CCM to see how that reality changes the "facts."

Also, sex appeal isn't the issue here. CCM was dominated by women in the '80s and early '90s, and sex appeal was just as rampant back then as today. Instead, I would offer that a number of high profile divorces, affairs, and scandals among female singers took a toll that has not been worked through yet.

Well, I wouldn't know because I have not listened to music radio in years (Christian or otherwise). I prefer good songwriters -- whether that is Carolyn Arends or Rich Mullins or Bob Bennett or Keith Green or Michelle Tumes -- who will tell me something in a song that I had never considered before or tell it to me in a new way to make me reconsider what I thought I knew. The best singer/songwriter currently writing in any genre is Carolyn Arends, and it is neither here nor there to me that she is a woman.

I can see how there's a lack of women in this field, especially when female artists receive comments like the one Simmon's received. As worship leaders and Christian artists, we hope (at least I hope that this is our hope) is to bring others closer to the Father, to a deeper understanding of our God, through music. If all people hear is only the music, and if all that people see is the person, then I can totally see why someone would not want to continue. The whole meaning of the profession is lost if the only affirmation or complaint you get is bc of your sexuality.

I am 45, female and have 3 children (23,19 and 14.) I love to rock. I don't care if the lead is male or female, I just want a strong voice who can carry the song. We need more strong Christian female vocalists in the industry. I loved the mid 90's and early 00's when Christian music had a large number of female vocalists. My older daughter looked up to many of them and would sing their songs in church and in school. If your are a female vocalists keep trying, don't give up!!! WE NEED YOU!!! Right know my youngest daughter is in love with the cast from Glee, Kristian Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Young girls look up to female singers because, they believe if she can make it, so can I.

As long as it is totally focused on God and people don't try to draw attention to themselves, it doesnt matter whether men or women lead worship.I really enjoy Brooke Fraser's music. She has a beautiful voice and the words are inspiring.

Believe it or not radio listeners do not have to the opportunity to choose the new artist they want to hear. White male radio executives pick the (predominately) white male artist to play and therefore that is all we have the opportunity to listen to on the radio. We purchase cd's and support these white male artist because this is all we are given exposure to.
When have you had the opportunity to tell your local radio station you want them to play a certain new female artist and they actually did it?
Don't believe that jealousy lie!

Is it that female artists are being prevented from joining the industry in larger numbers or that they aren't trying as much in the first place?

* Let's face it -- life on the road is insane. You ladies are smarter than us men, in that you recognize sooner that hitting yourself in the head with a hammer is something that YOU can control, and so you stop LONG before we do. ;-)

* More practically, but the same general idea, if an artist is married with kids, it is generally easier for the kids to stay at home with mom than with dad. So it wouldn't be at all surprising that there are more fathers than mothers in the industry.

* Men much more often define themselves by what they do. So a sub-talented guy will keep trying to break into the industry long after a similar lady would've gotten realistic. The sub-talented guy thinks (at least subconsciously) that he will cease existing if he hangs up his guitar strap. The pseudo-plus-side to this is that, by sheer volume of stupid attempts, some of those guys will break into the industry, simply because an exec sees them, mentally adds some AutoTune and lots of hair gel, and thinks he may have the next hit.

* Ladies, more often than men, want some measure of security and/or stability. An ice salesman in Alaska has more job security than a Christian musician.

* Perhaps most importantly, isn't all Christian music now legally required to sound like MercyMe in order to get played on the radio? It's much easier for a guy to sound like Bart Millard than a lady. (BTW, that's a dig on the industry, not MM or Bart.)

While I somewhat understand CR's predicament (guys not wanting to have a woman in their band), P's reaction/summation ("something is badly wrong with their walk") is over-the-top and -- frankly -- insensitive.

* Their reasoning may mean that something is VERY RIGHT with their walk. If a guy knows that he is prone to sexual temptation, even in just his heart (which Jesus said is as bad as the "real" thing), and he wants to avoid it, more power to him. Being prone to a particular temptation has nothing to do with your walk. P's reaction seems to say that if they were REALLY right with God, they'd go out and seek temptation, just to stand up against it.

* On a lighter note, having done some time in an indie band of all guys, it's a boys club -- and I very specifically mean "boys". When a girl comes into the band, you have to start acting your age -- you can't make fart jokes anymore.

@ Dan: "I am white, middle class, evangelical, and a stay-at-home-mom who is off to Target every other day of the week." But I am 26, not "35-50" ;P I would not describe my taste in music or my contribution to the body of Christ as "boring, stale, and powerless." I have been listening to Christian music for almost 4 years now. Check out Air1! It targets young believers who enjoy alternative rock, hip hop, dance/electronica, emo, new folk, the list goes on and on. The music is diverse and their ministry goes way beyond radio, as they are partnered with groups like Teen Challenge and artists who fight human trafficking and raise resources for clean water in the 3rd world.

@motherofpearls: Thanks! I don't think Air1 is available here in western Georgia, but it is in the Twin Cities. Just for the record, I do like a lot of CCM songs, but it is the formatting of some Christian radio stations that is boring, stale, and flat (in my opinion). Frankly, unlike alot of peole who are tired of CCM RADIO, I actually think most CCM musicians are doing a really good job in their music. But I do continue to think that CCM music overall is not entirely creative.

Brendt - you've read a lot into my comment that is not there. What I said was that if a band does not want a woman just because she is a woman, then their walk with Christ is bad because there are many Christians who look down on women. Neither my comment nor C. R.'s comment mentions temptation.

I am an award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician, who is also female. I have been a Christian for a long time, and have worked with some of the best out there. I WRITE, ARRANGE, and PRODUCE my own material, playing several different instruments (piano, guitar, percussion, with a few other instruments on the side). I've been told that I am rare among female artists; some calling me a Christian version of Yanni. I have been hearing full orchestrations in my mind since I was a little girl.

Even with these credentials, I must share that it has been very difficult as an artist to receive the support that I truly need from the church (male or female). There is a spirit of competition that is prevalent amoung musicians in the church, that grieves my heart. Most of the pain that I have ever experienced has come from other female artists (competitive stuff) in the church. I will also add that most of my biggest challenges have come from having to constantly prove myself musically among men over the years.

Our passion as a whole should be to create for the glory of the One who created us. We should want to see as many as we can come to know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the gift of music. We should be instruments, spreading healing and hope throughout the land. Whether that be through a male or a female's voice. Isn't that what it's all about?!

Ok, wow...so this Becky actually loves to hear Christian female artisits!

Fascinating topic. Like Aaron posted earlier, I abandoned CCM a number of years ago, and due to my removal I'm a bit shocked to hear of the dearth of female CCM artists. I didn't know it was so bleak. I think we all know what the radio exec said about women not liking female artists because they get jealous is a load of junk. No one is buying that and it's insulting to assume so. Perhaps he is unintentionally sexist, but sexist regardless.

Couple that attitude with scores of churches who don't support female leadership, the marketing of worship music over christian pop, or whatever genre, and it's a perfect storm of aging men leading CCM to its grave.

If women aren't being played on CCM radio, then they aren't being given many recording contracts either. It's a cycle. It's not for a lack of talent; I think American Idol is proof of that. What's happening is those artists are going to the secular market. There's a whole host of reasons for that though, beyond just sexism. There is a lot of hypocrisy in the christian music market, which is mainly why I don't participate much in it these days. I do still support and buy from artists I like, it's just most of them have moved on from CCM or even indie Christian labels. It used to be you could be a big fish in a small pond but now there's no future there.

As a 21-year-old male college student at the University of Minnesota and freelance singer, songwriter and bassist, I am gravely concerned that very little Christian music programming reaches out to me. In case you're wondering, I am quite leftist (except on issues like abortion and gay marriage); a Catholic who personally believes that priests should be allowed to marry and women should be allowed to receive ordination; and a resident of Minnesota. My personal CCM library consists almost exclusively of artists that either are older, peaked before 2000 or both. My favourite CCM artist ever--male or female, older or newer--is Twila Paris. I've never been to any of her concerts, but I would like her to come to the Twin Cities if possible. I am awestruck by her music, partially because she was the very first CCM artist I ever appreciated significantly and partially because she writes almost all her songs by herself and truly lives for God. I am also a big fan of other females like Point of Grace, Margaret Becker, Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Sara Groves, Susan Ashton and Out of the Grey's Christine Dente (not necessarily in that order). In addition, I like older male CCM artists and bands like Petra, White Heart, DeGarmo and Key, Resurrection Band, Steve Green, tobyMac and Steven Curtis Chapman.

As for my secular music interests, my faves are Pink Floyd, Kansas, Styx, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeth and other older rock/metal artists. I wish CCM radio would reach out to fans of such bands and artists as I like, not just middle-aged, stay-at-home, evangelical Protestant married women with children. I used to listen to KTIS-FM in the Twin Cities--the station Dan alluded to in his posts--when it was good, but now it just sucks because they don't play any older or female artists.

KNOF-FM--the other station Dan alluded to--has gained considerable favour from me. It doesn't play the same 20 songs over and over again; rather, it plays at least 40 songs from its collection. It doesn't make a big deal about keeping little ears unoffended or about what acts are family-friendly that are coming to town. Rather, it sponsors artists who have a true passion for ministry. Finally, there are no ill-conceived promotions like KTIS' family name game. KNOF is completely ministry-focused and has done well financially in recent years, even during the recession. In fact, two former KTIS DJs have since taken up jobs at KNOF.

As for more obscure artists, I would recommend a fellow Minnesota Catholic of mine in Jeanne Cotter. She is an epic piano genius; I know this because I went to one of her concerts and she autographed my "scouting report." Even if you're Protestant, you should check out her albums, especially those involving just piano and no vocals. Like I often say, she has encouraged me to be a musician; Twila Paris has encouraged me to be a composer; and Heather Payne, formerly of Point of Grace, encouraged me to give in song a summa of my beliefs.

This seems rather insane. Amy Grant is arguably the FIRST big CCM artist. She paved the way. These kinds of things give Christianity a bad name, and fuel those who literally hate even the mention of God. Sad..

Continuing my pronouncement on the sad state of CCM radio...

As I mentioned in my first post, I listen to a lot of classic rock and metal. The way I see it, if any progress is to be made for women in CCM, we must consider that CCM radio discriminates against not only women, but also older artists. For years, I have circulated among my friends and family a desire for a classic CCM station or stations. These would cover artists--both male and female, of course--from the '70s, '80s and '90s. The establishment running the radio stations that exist in CCM has no argument against the wide variety a classic CCM station would offer save for money; even then, I'm sure that people would happily support such stations.

My plan to make it work is to start with a certain amount of advertising on the classic station, which would be combined with donations. As the donations grow, I would phase out the ads until it is entirely listener-supported. Of course, even in that phase, there would be room for contributions from local small businesses and firms. That way, fans of, say, Petra would get their daily dose of their favourite older artists.

What's funny about the praise and worship explanation is that arguably, the biggest Christian praise and worship leader of the last 10 years (Darlene Zschech) is a woman.

Yet in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches there is a slightly more open attitude toward female worship leaders, and this explains why females who have actually majored in praise and worship including Zschech, Jobe, Edwards etc have been affiliated with those kinds of denominations.

Christy Nockels is a great vocalist but as an album artist she had to be placed into a duo with her husband (who produced and didn't sing) and now she has to be flanked by Redman and Tomlin. Actually MAYBE I could understand why you might want to do that with married women but there is no excuse for the unmarrieds.

Oh, Forgot Kim Walker (Jesus Culture)

You close with, "Do you think a fear of feminine sexuality on display during worship is sidelining women in the Christian music industry?"

Short answer: yes

How do we correct it, I wish I had the answer to that one. Nice post, by the way.

Well, let's not forget that charismatic and pentecostalism was largely brought to it's popularity in the early 1920's by Aimee Semple McPherson, who ran off with a married man and pretended to be kidnapped. She is a modern heroine to people in those churches, despite her escapades, so it's no wonder that women are more accepted. It's too bad that people don't more carefully study the origin of the churches they belong to. Yeast doesn't bring forth unleavened bread (true teachings).

Speaking as a woman here, I just don't think I've heard any female CCM speakers that sing as well as mixed groups or all-male groups. For example, I love Rebecca St. James' music, but on all her CDs about half the songs are unlistenable because her voice is so strained and off-key. In comparison, I have half a dozen Newsboys CDs at home and I can't think of but a few songs where the singing is rough.

Stacie Orrico is fun, but her music tends to be very pop-y and shallow. It can't be compared to the depth and richness of, say, Third Day. Good for bouncing around to in the car, but not something I take seriously.

Of course, as other commenters have mentioned, Amy Grant is the undisputed ruler of the CCM genre. I get misty-eyed listening to her Christmas CD every year.

Also, anyone else still listen to Sandy Patty?

So maybe my preference for male groups is a preference for a more serious, sober style of music? One that's less 'pop' and more 'worship.' That's why Amy Grant's "El Shaddai" and Sandy Patty's "Via Dolorosa" have gone on to become such enduring classics, but Rebecca St. James' music won't.

I have been singing since the age of three.It was revealed to me that I should be singing Christian music in 2008.After being away from God for a long while,Father God was gracious to lead me back to Jesus.I got myself into a Bible group in March of '09.
The next step was recording a CD. I had no original material at that time other than country music that I had written in the '90's.I did a CD of secular cover songs familiar to me which was practice for my most important CD-my upcoming 16 song all original Christian CD"A Heart Light As Air"which will be marketed by the Tate Music Group this fall.

I have made a lot of mistakes in my life,but God through His Son Jesus Christ has brought me full circle.This is the most important thing that I have done in my life.
It would be an honor if you would take the time to listen to the work He has done in me when the CD is out,even if you don't purchase the CD.They allow you(3) songs as samplers to listen to on the site.I am waiting for my graphics right now,but it should be this fall

You can hear one of the song which will be featured,"Thank You For Waiting For Me" ,on reverbnation on my last CD.Search Cindy Lee Alden.This particular song was written by Sterling Spell of Annapolis,MD.My writing credits are on 14 of the 16 songs.

Jesus appeared to me on Jan 14th of this year and was singing a song to me,which I've entitled"Everyday".The music on the verses and some of the lyrics are from Him to us.
I am definitely not a "young" person in age,so maybe I will appeal to Becky! LOL!

God Bless and enjoy the music He has given us through so many talented artists,male and female.

Cindy Lee Alden

it is disgusting that a radio executive could say that women would inevitably be jealous of a female singer, and that they wouldn't be aware of this feeling.

Dana...sounds like you totally misunderstood that line. Are you aware of ALL your faults and motives? You need to read the article over. I am honestly baffled at your statement.

-K

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