SWOT Analysis – Perrys

This week’s SWOT analysis takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Perrys.  The Perrys are one of the strongest mixed groups touring right now.

With a 30+ year career, the Perrys gained prominence in Southern Gospel music in the mid ’80′s.  The group found greater success about a decade ago when they moved from two female vocalists to just one to create more of a quartet sound.

STRENGTHS

• Power Ballads:  The Perrys have become masters at recording at least one big Southern Gospel power ballad per album.  It started with the #1 hit “I Rest My Case At The Cross”.  Others include “Calvary Answers For Me”, “He Will Hide Me”, “Holy Shore” and “If You Knew Him”.
• Libbi Stuffle:  Libbi’s power house alto style has been the vocal cornerstone of the group’s sound for at least the last 25 years.
• Joseph Habedank’s Songwriting:  Joseph has come into his own over the last several years with his songwriting.  He is fast becoming one of Southern Gospel’s sought out songwriters.
• Daywind Relationship:  There are cases in Southern Gospel music where a record label does create greater success for an artist.  Such is the case when the Perrys found a recording relationship with Daywind Records.  The majority of the group’s greatest recordings come from their Daywind years.

WEAKNESSES

• Use of Tracks:  I know, you’re tired of hearing this one, but if the shoe fits.  Now, without a full-time piano player, the group relies on total track accompaniment with stacks.  While this is the nature of today’s Southern Gospel concert experience, it would be nice to get a scale back.
• Forgetting Where They Came From:  At times it seems as though the current group forgets the impact it had in Southern Gospel music prior to the current vocal configuration.  It would be nice to get a couple of classic Perry’s songs in concert every now and again.

OPPORTUNITIES

• A Perry Reunion Recording:  With a 30 year career, it would be nice to see a Perry reunion recording honoring former members and vocal configurations.  The Perrys legacy started before the current vocal configuration.
• Another Happy Goodman Tribute Album:  The group’s Remembering The Happy Goodmans recording was well received.  Recording another would be a good idea.

THREATS

• Becoming Stale:  The group has created a specific formula in song selection that is currently working.  Sticking to that formula could become stale.  Reinventing yourself every now again is not a bad thing.
• Losing Joseph Habedank:  Joseph’s contribution to the group has become huge over the last several years.  His exit from the group would be an initial blow the group’s overall popularity.

***NEXT SWOT ANALYSIS:  GREATER VISION***