It’s A Mystery, Mystery Men Quarte

Oct

2008

It’s A Mystery

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(It’s A Mystery is an article written for the Southern Gospel News from The Mystery Men Quartet and straight from the horse’s mouth, “Mr. Ed”, better known as Big Ed Crawford.)

I reorganized The Singing Americans in 1978, joined the Kingsmen in 1979 and in 2002 established The Mystery Men Quartet. After 30+ years of dedicating my life to gospel music, it is an honor to write this article for SGN and to be able to voice an opinion from the artist’s perspective.

Many topics come to mind that affect our industry. Probably one of the most sensitive topics is that of egos. In my ten years with The Kingsmen, God allowed me to fulfill a life-long dream, to sing for the Lord in a major gospel quartet. I vowed then and still maintain that if I could help someone else along the way then I would do so.

The Kingsmen sang with many up and coming groups, some of which are forerunners in our business today. I find it amazing, however; that many have become so inaccessible to the fans. Some of the groups that once sang locally are now in the limelight and can’t see past the first row of seats, much less remember those who first listened to them. We all enjoy the accolades, but when are we going to stop thinking we are the stars and remember there is but one real star.

I just recently read a book entitled, “It’s Not About Me”. What a thought. It is all about Him, the author and finisher of our faith. May we not forget from whence we came, and to where we are going. There will only be one star there. Will our earthly stardom really matter then? Have we become so self-absorbed that we overlook those who may have the same dreams that we once did? Let us extend our hearts, hands, and maybe even our experience to those who are struggling. Someone can always use a word of encouragement to help them get through the day. Be it another singer, songwriter, or fan, let’s just help and not hinder.

Before I end, I would like to take this opportunity to speak briefly about The Mystery Men Quartet. The group is as strong as ever with the acquisition of some new members and the return of a former. These guys have vocal abilities that are second to none and they truly live the life they sing about. It is an honor for me to stand beside men who are dedicated and willing to be about the Father’s business. We are pleased to see our music going everywhere and the phenomenal response. But most importantly, people are coming forward for salvation, rededication, and just to lighten their load and give it to the Lord. Families are being reunited and we are seeing a mighty move of the Spirit.

We are currently planning a Florida tour and a Texas tour, so if you would like to see The Mystery Men at your church or event, contact our office. Be watching for our new single to be released to the radio stations soon. If you have not heard us lately, come visit us on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/themysterymenquartet and add us to your friends list. And be certain and see us when we are in your area and experience the Mystery.

I will leave you with a saying a coach of mine said to me. “Be nice to those you meet on the way up, for they will be the first ones you meet on the way back down.” I welcome your comments, since this is truly just one man’s opinion.

Until we meet again on the journey, let’s continue to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel together. Eph. 6:19

The Mystery Men Quartet
P.O. Box 292603
Nashville, TN 37229
Office: 615-758-9003
http://www.myspace.com/themysterymenquartet

Reader Comments

Thanks for the good reminder on humility. It's easy to get egotistical when one is good at something, especially when people are getting saved "because of me." Congratulations on your new single! I've enjoyed listening to The Mystery Men Quartet online today, and look forward to seeing you all in person some day. Keep on singing for the Lord!

Commented by On 10/16/2008

AMEN ! ! ! Great Artical Ed. Thanks for all your music over the years, and Thanks for always just being "YOU".

God Bless you and your new group....You really have a winner there. Sounds Great.
Shirley Warren

Commented by "The Voice" On 10/17/2008

Having an "ego problem" is merely a deep seated feeling of inadequacy. It causes all kinds of problems, and it's a never ending cycle -- a void never filled.
If a person is truly "in Christ", he denies himself. His hope and expectations are in Christ, and not in others' approval.
Being in the music business for several years, I've seen more egos than 'Carters got liver pills'. But I've found the majority of those that are the humblest are MONSTERS in their craft! They don't seek accolades because they are already "convinced of the fact". The issue is settled. It's not a big deal. They get on to more important things, like teamwork.
If any of you aspiring Gospel singers ever have the chance to sit in front of a MAJOR label executive, this will be the first thing he/she looks at. They'll have you figured out the first 2 minutes of your conversation, which has everything to do with whether you get another meeting or not. An ego unchecked (undisciplined) is strike 3, you're out.
Humility is stregnth. Having a realistic attitude about yourself is maturity. Being willing to step aside for one who is "more deserving" is nobility. These things are character attributes I'd like to see more of in the Gospel music world. Isn't it not what Christ would do? Isn't He the one you represent anyway?
Just food for thought. Peace.

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/20/2008

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