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01 Aug 2004
John Lanier – “More Than Just a Gospel Singer”
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 James Hales: So, who is John Lanier and who are the people who influenced and molded you into who you are? John Lanier: I am a singer, an artist. I am a preacher, an evangelist… My first musical influence was my mother. I was raised in a Christian home with Godly parents. Gospel music was the norm at our house. Because of mom's involvement in gospel music, gospel groups were common guests in our home. I grew up surrounded by many who are considered legends today. I became a huge fan of The Goodmans, Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters, The Hinsons, The Downings, The Lanny Wolfe Trio and others. However, the group that captivated me the most as a child, both on and off stage, was the Sego Brothers & Naomi. Naomi in particular, was the one whose bold, energetic voice and spiritual influence birthed the dream in an 8-year-old boy's heart to one day become a gospel singer. I learned the virtues of gratitude and humility from Naomi and I learned more of the business aspects of this industry from Tony Gore. I think I've had some good teachers. JH: Your dream has always been to sing gospel music. How exactly did you get involved in singing and eventually becoming a soloist?
I was still singing with Naomi in 1993, when I recorded another project that actually featured several duets with my sister Angela. I ended up leaving Naomi & The Segos and hired Angela to do a six-month tour with me to promote the new album, thinking this may develop into a full-time ministry for us a duet. Just before the tour ended, Angela shared with me that she did not feel God calling her into a full-time situation and that she felt her place was at home with her family. It was during this same time that I received a phone call from long time friend, Tony Gore. Tony was forming a new group and he offered me the tenor position and I accepted and spent the next 2 years as the tenor for Tony Gore & Majesty. I really thought in my heart of hearts, that I would remain with Tony until Jesus returned. I loved the group, and I loved what I was doing. Tony was awesome to work with, the group had achieved a phenomenal success in such a short time, and well...so many other things were just "right" about the whole situation. Ironically, I found myself dissatisfied with being "just" a gospel singer. God and I began to have some intense conversations. God had truly given me the desires of my heart in ways that I never thought possible. All I ever wanted to do was sing, travel the world, live in a bus, be successful, record hit songs, sell lots of albums and make music that would win millions of adoring fans. (laughing) God had given me everything I ever wanted. So, why all of a sudden did I find myself in this place of discontentment? After a lot of prayer and many sleepless nights, I decided to resign my position with Tony Gore & Majesty and come off the road. Not really knowing what I would do next and where I would go from here, I moved back to Atlanta , my home place. As a source of income, I ventured into a business partnership with a friend and opened a family restaurant a few miles south of Atlanta . The next few months were a time of deep soul-searching, spiritual growth, spiritual renewal and self-discovery. I came to realize that my destiny was not merely based on childhood hopes and dreams, but a sure calling of God on my life. Yes, God had blessed me with all that I had ever hoped for. But my priorities were beginning to change. I was no longer content to be just a gospel singer. There was something beyond the pretty songs, the big buses, the shiny suits and the fanfare.
I thought, “That's it!! It's the anointing that makes the difference in people's lives!! It's not about me. It's the anointing that makes the difference!!” I know this is the long version of the story and there is so much more that I could share with you about what the Lord taught me during those months, and how it has changed so much about me...who and what I am, and what this ministry is. Before I realized what I was doing, I was singing again. No sound system, no bus, no product to sell...and no money and just a few music tracks and a bible. We sold the restaurant and I haven't stopped since and I still stand amazed at what God has done. JH: Do you feel in an industry that is geared mainly toward groups, that Southern Gospel Music is beginning to accept soloists more? JL: It is a VERY slow process, but perhaps so. For the first seven years of my career, I sang with two different groups. When I began the solo ministry in 1996, it was like starting all over again. My service and contribution to gospel music for the past several years seemed to be in vain. I thought I had proven myself to the "powers that be". I thought I would begin a new ministry with the same love, respect and support that I seemed to have had while singing with the groups. The first year or so as a soloist was a rude awakening. But I will forever be grateful to the Lord for that time of my life. It was a time of growth that helped me to re-evaluate my purpose and put my calling back into perspective. JH: What are your thoughts on the past of Southern Gospel Music, the present state of the industry and it's future? JL: Though I am not a fan of the traditional quartet, I do have a deep respect and appreciation for the heritage of southern gospel music and want to see it preserved. I am a bit concerned about the future of gospel music because of the present state that it is in. As a genre, we're arguing about who should be in control, ministry vs. entertainment, tracks vs. live bands, stage clothes, choreography vs. 'feelin' the spirit'...blah, blah, blah...while other forms of music, including other forms of Christian music have moved on and progressed without compromising their standards, their heritage or their message. You don't hear them squabbling over all that stuff. They're simply making music and taking it to the world. I have decided to do what God has called me to do the way He wants me to do it and let the chips fall where they may. But this industry really needs to get over it and get on with it. And you can quote me on that! (laughing) You know, until we eliminate the "rat race", the power struggles and the "me, me, me" attitudes that are so prevalent in this industry, come together as one to make HIS name known, we will never be any more effective than we are now. It's interesting that you pose this question to me. In a recent revival meeting, I preached a two-fold message on the importance of unity and the power of praise. Though this message is primarily directed to the church, I feel that the basic principles also apply to us as an industry. The text used for the foundation of this message is found in 2nd Chronicles 5:13, 14. The basic idea is that 'many' became as 'one', to make 'one sound' unto the Lord. The ending result is the glory of the Lord filled the house. Who are we to think that it will work any differently for us as an industry? JH: This brings me to my next question. Do you consider yourself an entertainer or a minister and how do you successfully mix the two? JL: I do not believe that it is a sin to entertain or be entertained, and I think the debate over ministry vs. entertainment is one of those 'strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel' issues. I do consider myself primarily a minister of the gospel, but there is automatically a certain element of entertainment generated, whether it's intended or not. I am sure there are some things I could do to enhance my performance on stage, and perhaps I should. But I don't "try" to mix entertainment with ministry. It just happens. My primary goal is to promote the message of the gospel through God-ordained music and preaching. If there are some folks in the audience who are entertained in the process, then fine. Either way, God's Word has gone forth, and He promised it would not return void. I do think that some fail to see that Christian entertainment in itself can be a tool of ministry. If we look to the bible, we find that music was originally created and ordained by God as a form of worship. Throughout biblical history, we find that music was also anointed by God and used in warfare on numerous occasions. Music was also used to minister healing and drive away evil spirits. If the bible is the final authority, then I can only conclude that the sole purpose for music is to glorify God and make his name known. Watching a quartet interact with one another on stage as they sing can be quite entertaining, I admit. Nevertheless, the emphasis of gospel music has always been the message in the songs. This very fact is what separates gospel music from all other genres. JH: Your current release, "Soul Desire" is quite different from your other recordings. Tell me about it. JL: Yes, it is a bit different from what the fans are used to hearing from me. I would say it is still primarily southern gospel, but with a progressive/middle of the road edge. I guess I did get 'out of the box' a little on this album, but I didn't record these songs for the style, but for the "feel" and the message. It's something I have wanted to do for a long time...heart music, soul music, ministry music. And though I will remain true to southern gospel, there WILL be more like this one to follow! JH: You have several new products coming out in the near future… JL: My latest release is a video recorded live in Ashland , Kentucky . It features songs from both the 'Soul Desire' project and the 'Lord Let Me Leave A Song' project. It includes some of my most recently requested songs like "I Went Down A Beggar" and "Dancin' In The Street." I am working on two more projects to be released in coming weeks. One of them is a collection of timeless southern gospel hits such as "The Lighthouse", "God On The Mountain", " Beulah Land " and others. The other project will be released at my 15th Anniversary Concert. It's called "The Best Of John Lanier", a collection of 20 best-loved and most requested songs, highlighting the first decade of my career. This collection was taken from previously released recordings dating from 1989-1999. JH: Speaking of your 15 th Anniversary concert. Tell me about it. JL: Oh man, I am so looking forward to this!! I don't do an annual anniversary event like many artists do. I had a 2-day event in 1999, commemorating my 10th anniversary, so it has been 5 years since the last time I have done anything like this. And I probably won't do it again until my 20th...I'm just hitting the highlights, ya know! (laughing) Anyway, this August marks the completion of 15 years of full time ministry in gospel music. It's going to be a 3-day event in Bowdon , GA with 2 dynamic worship services and 3 evenings filled with the best in Christian music. The Shadrix Trio gets it all started Thursday night with a power-packed performance, followed by the comedy of The Jeff Treece Band and the music and testimony of LuLu Roman, of Hee Haw fame. Then, on Friday morning, we're going have church with guest speaker Jeff Steele (of The Steeles and Revival America) and Dr. LaDonna Taylor will provide a very special music ministry. She has appeared on TBN and has ministered at Benny Hinn Crusades. Also, my precious mom, who got me started singing when I was just a babe, will be singing that morning. Friday night...another concert featuring The Steeles and James Perkins. Saturday morning, we meet for a little old-fashioned Campmeeting service with music by Expectation and a message by Evangelist Margie Tanner. Finally, Saturday night will be somewhat of a reunion concert for me as I am joined by Naomi & The Segos and my buddy Tony Gore. James, ya gotta be there dude! It's going to be a most memorable time for me, and I want all my friends and prayer partners to be there. After all, I could not do what I do without their prayers and support. Tickets are selling fast and seating is limited...so I hope everyone will get their tickets now. It all takes place August 26-28, 2004 at Copeland Hall in Bowdon , GA. Call my office for more information or to order tickets at 205-662-5399 or, they can log on to my website at www.johnlanier.com. JH: You have many irons in the fire don't you? JL: Yes, actually, I stay quite busy. Of course, I am busy on the road and in the office with a full-time evangelistic ministry. I am also the co-owner of Millennium Music Group, which is the umbrella for Crystal River Records, New City Records and Millennium Records. I just produced Tammy Sue Bakker's latest project for the Crystal River label. That was fun! I did a cameo appearance on the album and The Maharreys are special guests on a couple of bluegrass songs. Tammy Sue is an awesome singer, and one of my all time favorite female vocalists. I write a monthly column in The US Gospel News called, "Face The Music". I also have a web hosting business on the side as well. JH: In all your years of ministry, what is the greatest lesson you have learned? JL: Through the years I have really learned so much about God, other people and about myself. I would have to say that probably the greatest lesson I have learned is apart from Jesus Christ, I have nothing, I can do nothing; I know nothing and I am nothing. I have also learned that success in this industry is not based on how many Singing News covers I appear on, or how many times I get to sing on the main stage at NQC. Honestly, I used to think my success depended on how well I fit the typical expected perception. Boy, was I wrong. JH: So, what is God teaching you right now? JL: Actually, I am reading a book for the second time, called “Precious Gem In The Tabernacle”. This book was written by one of my pastors, Rev. B.R. Hicks. Nowhere in the Bible is there such a detailed picture of the Lord Jesus Christ than is found in the Mosaic Tabernacle. The Mosaic Tabernacle is God's blueprint of His only begotten Son in whom God put all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. By studying the types and shadows of all that God put in the first Tabernacle, and also by studying the earthly ministry of the High Priest, we gain a greater understanding of the heavenly things that are found in the Living Tabernacle of the Lord Jesus Christ, the second and more perfect Tabernacle, and His ministry. He is our spiritual High Priest, after the eternal order of Melchizedek, and He is the most Precious Gem that God ever gave to mankind. I think I'm finally getting it this time around! (laughing) JH: Ending on a lighter note, what CDs are you currently listening to? JL: One of my all-time favorite albums was one called 'Memories Made New' by The Rambos. This is a collection of Dottie's greatest songs and The Rambos' greatest hits newly recorded with modern music tracks. Of course, it's old now, but it came out in 1983. It was way ahead of its time, and I love this album. I have the LP recorded onto a CD and it rocks! (Laughing) That's the CD that is in my car stereo right now. I can't get enough of Tammy Sue's new project, “Shine.” This is truly the best I've ever heard her. Last but not least, I have several of the latest Goodman projects in my car. And in case anybody wants to know if I listen to any other types of music... well, it's a very rare occasion for me to listen to anything other than Christian music. But, when I do change the pace a little, it's usually easy listening music from Christopher Cross, (singing to himself…“when ya get caught between the moon and New York City...the best that you can do...is fall in love...”) or love songs by Richard Marx (“...wherever you go...whatever you do...I will be right here waiting for you...” ) and there is one song I LOVE that goes like this ...”I knew I loved you before I met you...” I recently heard a new country song by Reba McEntire that I thought was really pretty, called "Somebody." That's about the extent of my music tastes. I am very discretionary about what I listen to, both gospel and otherwise. JH: Anything you'd like to add that wasn't asked or covered? JL: Are you kiddin'? I think I've said enough...do you really want more? (laughing) Reader Comments |
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John Lanier – “More Than Just a Gospel Singer”
 Written: 08/01/2004  Author: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Category:
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JL: Well, I always say be careful what you pray for, God just might hear you. (laughing) Of course, it was later in my life that things really began to take off. But, never once did I lose sight of my childhood hopes and dreams. In the mid 80's, I spent about 4 1/2 years as a radio personality for 2 different Christian radio stations. In 1989, I recorded my first solo project. I had started planning my course of action to pursue a solo career when I received a phone call from Naomi's office. I was offered the opportunity to audition for the tenor position with Naomi and the Segos and I auditioned, accepted and was thrilled with the opportunity to sing with my hero. 
Then it finally hit me like a ton of bricks...#1-the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. #2-to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn. #3-to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
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