Can an ageing white boy from Wisconsin sing southern black gospel? You bet! No apologies or explanations necessary. As long as you feel what you sing, go ahead. Can black folks sing white gospel. Sure enough. The guys in my otherthan me black gospel quartet love to sing Angel Band and other "White" gospel. And yeah, even Lutherans can sing the blues and black gospel. Having been a Lutheran most of my life.

A few years ago, my quartet was asked to repesent African-Americans at a United Nations Day. I found myself in the strange position of being a spokesman of sorts, for us African Americans. I told the gathered group of many nationalities, that we are all African-American if we trace out roots back far enough. I'm African-Danish-American, myself. That whole idea didn't go over too well. Of course, I have nothing "African" in me. I wrote a letter to one of my sons when he moved away and was struggling to be one his own. I told him not to let anyone else define who he is, and not to define himself in a way that limits him from becoming who he is to become.

My gospel quartet has sung (upon request) at a Jewish Memorial service. So, where are the boundaries? Who sets 'em? Who cares?

I ain't afraid a no boundaries.

Jerry

And no, Elton John is not a "bluesman." But I bet he's had the blues..