I have heard several emcees use those same lines that we have all heard, but the idea that it might be a reference to a gay lifestyle has never crossed my mind. Get rid of the jokes because they aren’t funny, not because of hypersensitivity.

It’s the third comment and easy to find.
He has some great insights as a pro SG tenor.
PJ

PLEASE do not try to pass off a story as true if it is just an illustration because you will forfeit your credibility if you are found out. When I found out the goat on the bus and the Michael Jackson on the bus stories weren’t true, I quit believing any of the stories a certain bass singer told. I loved to hear him sing and I loved to hear the pianist play but I tuned them out when they talked.

Sorry if I offended anyone by my reference to the deceased but facts is facts, the truth is the truth and they did not always tell it.

I don’t mind the “sister tenor” cracks. I’m sure that most who get to hear SGM on a regular basis are tired of it. Those of us who aren’t so blessed seldom hear it.

Here’s an interesting bit I heard from a friend of mine. He knew a fella involved with Kenny Rogers’ tour that got him backstage passes to a Kenny Rogers concert. As kenny emcee’d, the fella recited with Kenny, every line that Kenny would say for the night…. He said he would even chuckle when Kenny chuckled. So, it’s not just SGM.

The problem is, there are those who never heard the jokes and would love them as well as some who want their friends to hear something they had heard and thought was funny. It can be hard to find a compromise.

Roger Bennett was great at jokes. Mark Lowry can be (although at times he tried too hard maybe) and Roy Webb does well.

I have a relative whose mother has her seeing “gay” in the most harmless things. It can be from them wearing a purple or pink shirt to when Roger Bennett, Scott Fowler or someone kissed one of the guys on the forehead.

Now, I believe practicing homosexuality is wrong and against God’s will and making fun of someone implying that is not good and can be damaging. It would be one thing for two close friends to joke with each other about that (if neither is offended), but to do so on stage with several people watching and who may think the worst is another.

I am not concerned over offending the homosexuals as much as I am in someone getting the wrong idea or hurting someone’s feelings.

It was funny when the Kingsmen did it during the Ernie Phillips days. Hammill would burn Ernie all night long. Then, during the group intros, Hammill would order Phillips to introduce him. Ernie would walk up to the mic and say: “Ladies and gentlemen……BOSS HOGG!!!”

Well, I thought it was funny….

I also liked SSQ’s variation. Ernie is introducing Lynda Randle…

Ernie: I love to hear this lady sing even though she sings lower than I do!

Roy: That’s no big deal! My little boy sings lower than you do, Ernie!

Yeah, the jokes are old and I wouldn’t use them if I had a group, but I think you’re making a mountain out of a mole hill. The tenor jokes are no worse than Mark Lowry making fun of Gaither cupping his hear when he is going for low notes or the Kingsmen poking fun at Ray Reese when he does the same thing.

Of course, there are some tenor jokes with no sexual connotation whatsoever…

“After that last high note, every garage door in the county went up!”

“Pray for our tenor. He was practicing his high notes at home the other night. He stepped outside for a breath of fresh air and got attacked by every dog in the neighborhood.”

“He sings so high sometimes that I get dizzy!”

“I always get worried when we’re singing in a church with chandelirs and feature our tenor.”

“Now I’d like to introduce our tenor screamer (dirty look from tenor) Uh…I mean singer…”

For some reason, this reminds me of something that happened at NQC a few years ago. I saw a few friends at a table in the food court and approached them.

“What are you guys up to?” I asked.

“Discussing southern gospel. Who has the highest bass and lowest tenor,” was the reply.

“Don’t you mean lowest bass and highest tenor?” I said, thinking my friend had misspoke.

“Oh, we’re not talking about singing!” my friend said as an evil smile spread across his face.