David Bruce Murray
Diana Brantley
Kyle Boreing
Phil on Southern Gospel
Steve Eaton
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***
Well, I know that EHSS isn’t your favorite group, but they’re gonna be one of the few artists not to have dependence on tracks as a weakness.
Whatever gave you that idea? I try to make it a point not to play favorites on my blog. I really haven’t (at least intentionally) given my personal thoughts on favorite and non-favorite artists. If you really want those thoughts I could give them.
Well I didn’t say I thought you didn’t like them, I just have a hunch they wouldn’t be at the top for you. However, I did see that you gave their latest a good review.
“Look No Further” can’t really be matched, stylewise. “Almost Morning” had a better sound, but the arrangements, ect. weren’t as strong.
I didn’t buy “Blue Skies Comming”. The radio singles hadn’t caught my attention enough to make me want the CD. From what I’ve heard, the sound isn’t as good as “Almost Morning”, and the songs aren’t as good as either “Look No Further” or “Almost Morning”.
They need the next CD to be something that meets or exceeds the standards set by “Look No Further” and “Almost Morning”.