Daniel
11-17-2007, 10:50 AM
She's been invoked in other threads, but I thought it might be time to give Ms. Clawson the attention she deserves. Why? She has a great voice and she's come out- so to speak- for gay persons- taking some heat for it too.
http://ecinc.org/Records/rec_fall2005.htm
Grammy and Dove Award-winning singer Cynthia Clawson answers the “angry, cruel, hateful emails” she gets for singing the gospel for gay people. Billboard Magazine called her “the most awesome voice in gospel music.” Now, to outcast gay people, her standing with Jesus alongside them is a “most awesome voice.”
Clawson says: “I am amazed that there are those who would not want me to sing for all people, especially homosexual people. I sing for divorced people and we all know what Jesus said about divorce! No one has ever e-mailed me about that! We also know that Jesus never said anything about gay people. Not one word! How important could it have been to Him if He did not mention it?” She says: “a person’s sexual orientation is between God and them. It is none of my business. I am just a gospel singing, homosexual loving, heterosexual wife of one, mother of two who is caught up in all this violence. And, yes, I do think we are treating one another violently! This fight is not homage to our Savior who is the Prince of Peace.”
Nathan posted her full statement, which was posted on her website, here:http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1000&postcount=1
I first heard her when I was a junior in college at Evangel College in Missouri, back in the stone-age, circa 1980. Still have her songbook, The Way I Feel, with her on the cover in a white turban and flowing gown, looking every inch the 'star'. After coming out, and coming back East, I forgot all about her. Fast forward a decade or two. A friend who I work with reaquainted me with her voice. In the intervening years, I had missed hearing some incredible music: Hymnsinger, Immortal, Words Will Never Do.
From a singer's standpoint, there is much to admire: the ease with different styles, great vocal range and color, as well as that inestimable ability to make one feel as though she is singing only to you- the listener. This sense of intimacy can't be taught, bought, or sold.
spwcPxux740
Strange- that I should be thinking of her- and listening to her- as I read Dsdrane's thread on questioning Soulforce's outreach to those of other faiths. She embodies all that is considered Christian. Se la vie. Beggars can't be choosers. And I beg for more voices and persons of stature like this.
Her voice almost makes this Buddha Boy believe in God. Deities aside, her voice touches me- as a voice should. To the core.
Any fans out there?
http://ecinc.org/Records/rec_fall2005.htm
Grammy and Dove Award-winning singer Cynthia Clawson answers the “angry, cruel, hateful emails” she gets for singing the gospel for gay people. Billboard Magazine called her “the most awesome voice in gospel music.” Now, to outcast gay people, her standing with Jesus alongside them is a “most awesome voice.”
Clawson says: “I am amazed that there are those who would not want me to sing for all people, especially homosexual people. I sing for divorced people and we all know what Jesus said about divorce! No one has ever e-mailed me about that! We also know that Jesus never said anything about gay people. Not one word! How important could it have been to Him if He did not mention it?” She says: “a person’s sexual orientation is between God and them. It is none of my business. I am just a gospel singing, homosexual loving, heterosexual wife of one, mother of two who is caught up in all this violence. And, yes, I do think we are treating one another violently! This fight is not homage to our Savior who is the Prince of Peace.”
Nathan posted her full statement, which was posted on her website, here:http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1000&postcount=1
I first heard her when I was a junior in college at Evangel College in Missouri, back in the stone-age, circa 1980. Still have her songbook, The Way I Feel, with her on the cover in a white turban and flowing gown, looking every inch the 'star'. After coming out, and coming back East, I forgot all about her. Fast forward a decade or two. A friend who I work with reaquainted me with her voice. In the intervening years, I had missed hearing some incredible music: Hymnsinger, Immortal, Words Will Never Do.
From a singer's standpoint, there is much to admire: the ease with different styles, great vocal range and color, as well as that inestimable ability to make one feel as though she is singing only to you- the listener. This sense of intimacy can't be taught, bought, or sold.
spwcPxux740
Strange- that I should be thinking of her- and listening to her- as I read Dsdrane's thread on questioning Soulforce's outreach to those of other faiths. She embodies all that is considered Christian. Se la vie. Beggars can't be choosers. And I beg for more voices and persons of stature like this.
Her voice almost makes this Buddha Boy believe in God. Deities aside, her voice touches me- as a voice should. To the core.
Any fans out there?