There is a Southern Gospel phenomenon that I like to call the “Brad White Syndrome.”
Just for background, Brad White was the pianist for the James Blackwood Quartet for several years. Now that James’ son Jimmy has brought the Blackwood Brothers name back, Brad is their pianist.
Now it so happens that Brad is one of the best pianists in Southern Gospel. I’ve heard Roger Bennett and Andrew Ishee in person, and they are two of the best, but Brad White’s fills and runs are equally unbelievable. He is, to speak plainly, one of the best pianists on the road in Southern Gospel today.
A while back, the Blackwood Brothers had a lineup change that left them with a vacant baritone slot. As numerous pianists have been before and since, pianist Brad White was drafted to be the quartet’s full-time baritone. He currently plays piano on only about one-third of the quartet’s songs any given night.
Now Brad is a good baritone; don’t get me wrong. But I have observed him closely while performing–both while he sings baritone and from the front row in person. While he is (just) singing baritone, there is just a look in his eyes that shows, as often as not, that his mind is at least partially elsewhere. But put him behind the piano and he just lights up, throwing everything he has into it.
Brad may be the best example of this syndrome, but he’s not the only one that comes to mind. Another good example is Joseph Habedank. He was a good baritone for the Perrys, but he seems to really have come to life since taking over the lead singer position.
Can you think of any other nominees, people who come to mind who have served in more than one position but just seem to “belong” where they are now?
