The Score Magazine - Archive August 2009 Issue | Page 44

The Score Magazine | Gospel Outflow
of record sales.
His ideals and goals are shared and supported by his
wife Cathy who is also a believer in every sense of the
word. For almost 20 years he has been in the public
eye and other than the technicalities, the fundamen-
tal tenor of his music remains unchanged. According
to him, the country and folkish flavor of his songs has
made it possible for his music to reach the common
man since it is the most preferred genre in existence
(that’s a fact!). He reckons that a good voice is a bless-
ing and music is the only tool that can transcend cul-
tures, traditions, race and color.
So can men of God hold their place in the world of
music amidst the likes of Cannibal Corpse and Marilyn
Manson? Bob for one feels that the changing trends
and next generation of music will not affect his kind
of music and irrespective of day and age, believers
will continue to be believers and music from the heart
about the love of God will continue to thrive. Stand-
ing testament to this is the fact that some of his songs
THOSE
10
THINGS
 SHUFFLE
Take My Healing to the Nation
Highest Place
The Lord Reigns
As We Pray
You are so Faithful
still continue to be in popular demand and are often
requested in radio stations – even in Chennai! Talking
about which, this is his second visit to the city and
fourth visit to the country in general. Going by his pre-
dictions, India and China are next in line to witness a
revolution in gospel music.
His long career has seen its share of ups and downs.
In fact there was a short period (2004-2006) when his
belief was challenged and for a while he gave up and
started cleaning carpets, as a profession! His faithful
wife branched out as well and took to photography.
Needless to say they found their way back shortly.
Thank God for that! Their aim right through has been
to use their music to help people around the world on
an emotional level. As a matter of fact he encourages
people to write songs, songs which you can hold on
to during tricky times. He even adds that people like
him are more like pastors than musicians and is quick
to admit with a grin that somebody is bound to argue
that point.
His latest album Restore (2008) is all about getting
back to nature or in other words – going green. Be it
his first or last album, he has a select audience who
remain faithful. Kudos to him for standing tall among
hypocrites and nay sayers in the music world and con-
tinuing to be a believer, in thought and music, for the
last two decades and hopefully for more to come.
Ranjith
 Compiled By Sonali Shenoy
Talented, humble and versatile are the adjectives that come to mind while
in conversation with Ranjith. With hits like Dol Dol and Jalsa this crooner
has made his presence felt in the South Indian music industry. Score found
ten things about the personality behind the music. And here is it, direct and
uncut from the man himself.
- If music didn’t keep my life full I would love to review gadgets .
- I’m a complete shopaholic . Fashion is important because when I look
good, I feel good. I enjoy an occasional shopping splurge.
- I don’t believe in stereotyping people but bad vibes turn me off.
- My musical career turned around the day I met Mani Sharma .
- My favourite show was the Unity of Light World tour with AR Rahman. It
was an experience to see a foreign audience enjoying Indian music.
- I don’t believe reality shows give you the kind of break that a lot of people
expect.
- Once I messed up the tune while singing at a temple concert. My most
embarrassing moment ever!
- I definitely say a prayer before every show i do.
- Singing is 40% from the heart, 40% from the head & 20% from the throat.
Get your heart in the right place.
- My favourite person in the world is my dad . I can only wish that one day I
could be as good a father!
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