Bass Player's Testimony: Why I quit gigging

[@JermaineMorganBass]

jermainemorgan.net/product/all-gospel-bass-bundle/

[@TerryGreen-ye5ry]

As a Bass Player since 1968 playing in nite clubs, Bars and concerts in New Jersey, Philadelpha, never really attended church much until 1977 in L.A. one day I asked God one day, if you really want me to play Gospel music then give me a song to play for your people. In 1980 God gave me a song "Call Him Up" (Can't Stop Praising His Name) recorded on Savoy Records to this day 44 yrs. later this song is still getting air time and winning souls to God. So, therefore nothing can separate me from the love of God because he changed my life and I am happy to be on the Lords side. Stay in encouraged and keep on playing for the Church the Holy Ghost will reveal all things to you in due season. Gospel Bass Player.

[@KirklandWilliamsWorkout3000]

One of my favorite songs

[@vittigo]

Thank you. I needed badly to hear that in my current point in life. God bless you for putting this content out there.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

I'm a 60 yr old heavy equipment mechanic who has the privilege of playing in church team. Super blessed to play with a great group of worship leaders. Age and job have beat up my hands and hearing, but they continue to schedule me to play. My prayers to you for the success of your trucking venture. It aint easy. Thank you for your inspiration and heart. Blessings from a Dieselbass.

[@jimmymundane1084]

All valid points. Some of us find ourselves gigging at places we would not frequent as a customer, playing music that does not reflect our values, for substandard wages, for people who are watching their phones. Why put yourself through it?

[@2Evolved]

Love this conversation. Really important for the modern musician. Thanks for this great and informed perspective!

[@CraigzyRock]

I had the humbling experience of being given the opportunity to play on the worship team at the church I attended for a while. After I got married and took on the responsibilities of having a family I found that I wasn’t able to keep up with practicing with the team or by myself. In turn I couldn’t play the music and I had to step down from the worship team. It broke my heart not playing music for God anymore. I have had much growth since then. And I have learned a lot. But it was difficult and still is difficult. I am constantly overwhelmed with things but am finally having breakthrough in my life. It’s good. And getting better.

[@tbonebassman]

Amen Jermaine, giving back to God what He has given to you is true joy. You didn't quit gigging -- life itself is a gig. There's just different chapters and seasons. Traversing those seasons with eternity in mind is the main thing.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely.

[@godandgigs]

Well said!

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Thank you Brother, I needed this. May God Bless you & your family, Keep On Preaching the Good Word, God Bless.

[@BOSS-xy8op]

Man thanks for the transparency. This was so helpful to me.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙌🏽

[@mr.t382]

Great insights and wisdom Jermaine! I’m 69 - played music all my life, the 1st part professionally many years in the world - after becoming a Christian in 1981. Stopped gigging any secular gigs, did worship in churches either playing the bass, acoustic Gtr and leading worship, and wow! What a struggle that all is! I’ll say no more here but this - and I’m sure you’ll understand..“You know the difference between a church musician and a large pizza, right? A large pizza can feed a family of four! …lol I subscribed a while ago, but this video really blessed my heart. Brother, you’re totally right… I’ve got four grown kids and about four grandchildren at the moment… They’re all doing OK but that scripture has been on my heart for many years. “A good man leaves inheritance to his children’s children” Keep on keeping on and sharing your nuggets of wisdom… Seriously appreciated Blessings! MT 🙏🙏🙏

[@aaronknight9759]

Thank you for this video! My spiritual foundation is the true essence of my approach to music. Any situation, or people that don’t help my spiritual development, or life goals I stay away from.

[@jandelacerna]

Thanks for sharing your story, Jermaine! I commend you for not compromising your values in exchange for worldly success. The way of the Cross is not easy but it will be worth it in the end.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely!

[@eduardoprieto5267]

I like what you said about not looking for some kind of fame. Play for the spiritual love that music creates and brings. God bless one and all.

[@iamstan_rimp]

Absolutely right! Finances is critical. I just did a gig that wasn’t beneficial. Never again…but at 36yrs old with 2 kids…I find my self just wanting to be at home with my kids. I’ll do my Sunday morning church gig and start a business,record at home and I’m fine with that.

[@jeffguenther5212]

God Bless you! 73 years old, playing bass since I was 20. Praise the Lord, I joined the worship team at our church. Changed my life, my playing, my song writing. Stay the course, be a conduit of Grace!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

@@jeffguenther5212 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@zx11dlegend]

JM, your testimony reached me. Im a bit older than you and learning to play bass at church not for money but to give back to God. Only what we do for God will last. I needed to hear this message 🙏 continue to keep the faith

[@bassworship50]

Bruh, I stand with you and your family as God leads you. I'm a 40 plus year veteran bassist and a 42 year veteran trucker that has never gigged secularly and has many recordings etc also. God is with you and yours, continue to follow His lead.

[@BeatofHerDrum]

Wow. not a bass player but stumbled across this video and I know that it was meant for me. I have played for years for churches and now play for 2 churches. Thank you so much for sharing because I have been feelin differently about gigging. I still play also for some secular gigs but I have cut way back. No longer a hustle for me. God spoke thru you directly to me. Thank you

[@user-kz6zh5ck6b]

My brother, this video was a early morning sermon for me. When I say this was very meaningful, I really mean it. Thanks for your words of wisdom, may God continue to bless you and your family.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

@@user-kz6zh5ck6b 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@godandgigs]

Personal note: Brother, this is the natural progession of the journey you’ve been on ever since you stepped foot on a stage. As you know, I could not agree more with your reasoning - even as we help musicians and creatives stay in mainstream entertainment without sacrificing their faith - you’re still blessing the world and the kingdom, just in new ways. Please come back on the podcast for a part 2 so we can flesh this out for our community even more! - Allen C. Paul

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Yessir! We're long overdue

[@andrecolson3486]

Congrats on the Trucking Company, i just recently got back out here on the road again because i wasn't making the money locally to survive be blessed.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

💪🏾

[@saier6574]

Thank you for sharing your story Jermaine. May God bless you in your new venture.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

💪🏾🙏🏾

[@markvielhaber5055]

Thank you, Sir! I'm 66 and loving learning!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Wonderful!

[@amoswilliamsjr.]

This was good Jermaine. Thanks for sharing. I'm thankful to see you are doing well brother.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

@@amoswilliamsjr. all is well man. Great to hear from you.

[@adamzaslavsky4283]

Awesome talk , brother . Love it. You’re so right.

[@georgewilliams7227]

Bro. Jermaine. You hit me right between the eyes, with this one!!! Love and appreciate you sir!!!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙏🏾

[@Spritsailor]

I will never play in a Christian band after my experience in one. On the way home from a long drive in a car caravan one of the guitarists got a terrible stomach ache. The entire band blamed me because I didn't pray outloud with them. A stomach ache. Nuts. Never again.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Sorry for that experience, unfortunately that group does not reflect Christ. Keep seeking God 💪🏾💪🏾

[@Spritsailor]

@@JermaineMorganBass We're given the Holy Spirit at our confirmations, but still "church leaders" insist you have to follow their specific teachings and each sect has their own twist on it. The Book of Acts shows the church before it became institutionalized, e.g., no formal church, groups getting together in homes and people speaking individually to God.

[@shanemcconnell1736]

My friend was in a popular Christian band in the 80s that toured the country, he told the band he was going to have to take some time off because he had cancer, the leader fired him, and said if he was a good person, God wouldn’t have let him get cancer? I am a Christian, but some of these people who call themselves Christians, bonkers.

[@shanemcconnell1736]

After playing in rock ‘n’ roll bands from 1980 to 2010 professionally, I gave it up, but ended up doing sound at a church, eventually, I started filling in on different instruments when people didn’t show up, when I started this, I thought it’s going to be really refreshing to be in a band without egos and personality conflicts, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, that’s when I found out a musician is a musician, Christian musicians are the same as every other musician

[@Spritsailor]

@@shanemcconnell1736 They use religion as a cover to get away with narcissistic behavior that people wouldn't put up with otherwise.

[@collinbanks]

Man just what i needed to hear! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙏🏾

[@labassgroove]

Wow man this is confirmation. Thank you for sharing man. This is truly inspiring. 💯❤️

[@JermaineMorganBass]

TGBTG 🙏🏾

[@Sobin4Gsus]

This word was for me.. God bless Pastor and expand your horizons..

[@Malvo6820]

I enjoy watching your videos, Jermaine. Sorry things didn't work out for you. Better days ahead.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Thanks for watching.

[@corytrevor9180]

Thank you Jermaine. I've taken a lot from this video. God bless you forever. 🙏

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seankent1807]

Stumbled across this video randomly & so glad I did…I’ve been going through the same thing lately. Thank you for posting this! #subscribed

[@JohnAldenDavis]

Jermaine, thank you for this, this is truly an encouragement for me. I found myself in a similar situation, and have been inactive since separating myself from gigs that caused me to drift from my walk with God. But, I’ve been able to invest in my church community more than I have before, and have found myself connecting/reconnecting with other believers in the music industry!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Awesome!

[@daddyjgroove]

Thanks for sharing! I will definitely church out your material for bass lessons for church musicians because I’m older.. I play sax but I’m absolutely want to learn the Bass guitar! Time is something I don’t have either!!

[@TheGuitarrmann]

I can appreciate your journey. Go where the Spirit leads YOU! Not someone else.

[@dwaylynholland8335]

Thank you, sir!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

You’re welcome 🙏🏾

[@CyrilleBriegel]

Playing music for a live audience is priceless. The main point of it is to make people happy and to deliver messages of joy and love through music. It's such an amazing feeling. Musicians can literally uplift people's life. I wouldn't trade that for any other job. And yes, gigging is not financially very stable. It's a lifestyle that you have to accept before starting a career as a musician. I'm sorry to hear that you need to do some other job in order to survive financially.

[@DMBCJ21]

Man this is crazy bcuz i just said this about trucking this morning to my girl. Same story. Musician/drummer/tech/engineer. I just stumbled across your video and I’m glad i did.

[@tyronelangley9055]

Amen Jermaine I m with you 💯 never been on the road but I have played with a couple of quartet groups ain't no money in it spending time with your family and getting closer to God is more important thank you for sharing your experiences keep up the great work and I am working on my relationship with God as well getting closer to him

[@luthandoheshu984]

Thank you for this video. 🙏🏽

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely

[@justinprizant1980]

Thank you for your insight Jermaine.

[@pheldonmajors2999]

Thank you for your candid comments.

[@lalogallu]

God Bless You. Thanks for everything...

[@essenceofelq]

Much respect for you. May God continue to bless you and your family....

[@JermaineMorganBass]

@@essenceofelq 🙏🏾💪🏾

[@aselma10]

I hear you man . As a keyboard player, I experienced this volatile contemporary music scene . One thing I want to say is good musicians should charge more for casual gigs , more like 500 to 600 minimum. Also writing can be beneficial. However, without my other job, which is a computer programmer (working from home) it would be really tough.

[@jacek3743]

This video is perfect because we had a conversation about this at church just recently. If we focus our skills towards God, it will be way more rewarding than a pat on a back or a good job. It’s always rewarding within itself to do the things you love and use it for His Glory!

[@scottcolburn9415]

Amen Brother!!! Thank you for this!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙏🏾

[@SimplyMikev79]

My experience is some what different my brothers in Christ told me I couldn't be a musician and serve the Lord at the same time and they actually put me on a guilt trip . So I put my guitar down walked away from music went to seminary school and started teaching the word of God in small group Bible studies . Worked as a chaplain for about 36 months and then one day the Lord spoke to my spirit and said I never told you to walk away from the gift I gave you however content can be good or evil in a song . And I do understand exactly where your coming from . Peace and Blessings !

[@stephenbender365]

Doc this was so good. God is always on time, I needed this desperately.

[@TheJayrock123]

I always told myself, I will never be a broke musician!!! Always kept a real job to support my family, and played Bass on the side. Praying God lean in your direction!!

[@VanguardSound7]

Amen Brother. I feel this message 100.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Bassic778]

Thank you for a powerful and revealing testimony!!! Thank you for keeping it real and keeping God at the center!!!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely!!

[@jimbridges3499]

Love your Testimonial Jermaine. Money can never be your Driving Force. I learned TIME IS MONEY you don't normally get back.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

“Time is infinitely more valuable than money” - Myron Golden… Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@alfadunbar6447]

Thank you very much. I needed to hear that

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VictorEzell]

Thank you for your transparency Brother. My experience is a little different. I started out as a worldly musician playing bass guitar. When I got saved I gave it all to God and He made me a better musician on anything that I touched. He did it , not me because my heart has been set on the vision He placed in me. Again thank you for your testimony and I pray that others will just not listen but move to hear the voice of The Lord guiding them in the path that they should go.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Thanks for sharing!💪🏾

[@stephenwilson6293]

I relate to what you have said. I learnt Bass for a year or two in my mid 20's and didn't pick it up again until about a year ago in my 60's now. Music is a blessing from God.

[@bfrank88]

Same as myself... 50 plus pro years... Retired 2017... Now enjoying writing arranging and sharing music...no live performances anymore.. big library of Gospel music to share 🙏🎶🎸🎤🎹📖😇

[@csharp57]

There is so much to unpack here. As an older musician I’ve seen so many sides of it all. Not just being a saved, but being a family man and pastor’s son as well. I’ll I’m going to say for any young musician is follow YOUR path. You are a musician for a reason.

[@SeanMichaelRay]

That was good stuff my brother 💯‼️

[@Gtrmanify]

Thanks for sharing . So important! All of the joy and inspiration and passion I can get and give in music is the result of Gods gracious amazing gift to us. It just makes sense that He be at the center of it for us no matter what context we find ourselves. Thanks for sharing.

[@tegknox2694]

I am so happy I found this video. Its both a confirmation and an inspiration. I walked away from a great job in secular music because as I became stronger in my faith I was really feeling conflicted. Like you I couldn't reconcile my path in Christ with the things that happen in the business. After a year I wasn't making quite the money I was before, but I found value in how much less complicated my life is. Which leaves more time to do good.

[@mikerandolph9320]

I appreciate your content. Thank you for allowing God to use you to share your experiences. God Bless

[@JermaineMorganBass]

You’re welcome

[@bassiclogic]

Amen! Awareness of the soul!

[@renvicjack628]

well.. i believe it is for me. just lost my job yesterday. and now i don't what to do. i tried to make sense of this career but it doesn't make sense

[@JermaineMorganBass]

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3 5-6

[@jalaniz9204]

Bass players are hard to find on the cheap. In the club scene, i imagine people have scaled back from going out and spending discretionary funds for food and drinks. Stay blessed

[@willreed5977]

Awesome testimony. Blessings to you!!!!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Thanks for listening

[@nadinejure8625]

May God continue to bless you, you got just the same story as myself, I share the same story to D' Marcus Walker who I am taking a class right now. Im confident God has a big project for you just like me. Stay right there, time is our best resources.

[@MatthaeusEbonah]

I feel like musicians are sometimes tied down by the need to make ends meet. You're right. We are in fact called by God to leave a legacy for our children. That is a feet within into let alone just pay the bills. But when we look at our musicianship as a means to that end we lose sight of being a worshiper. But the twist to that is sometimes we focus so much on making an income in other ways we lose sight of worship all together. The balance is the difficult part.

[@casaterris4527]

Thank you, beloved brother .

[@JayMitchellMusic]

I needed this. Praise the Lord.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

TGBTG 🙌🏽

[@anthonydavis5993]

Amen! I've been trying to express this and... itching ears. I will pass this message. You are laying it out in order and mainly of God! God Blessed you, I pray your strength!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Thanks man!

[@davidhadley370]

Well done. Very well said..

[@gwheat63]

God bless you brother! The Lord always blesses obedience!

[@Bill82759]

I was a session bassist in LA during the 80s but got totally turned off on the business. A few years back I was touring with the Motown group The Miracles. That was fun but I got tired of the road. I don’t really see any meaningful career path anymore for musicians. My own daughter I kept out of the business and she’s now a physician. I just play for fun now. I was fortunate to go to law school and became an entertainment lawyer and made my money and retired young. I live on the beach in Thailand now with my lovely wife and late in life second daughter who will not be a musician!

[@ericplummer4089]

Much thanks!

[@JermaineMorganBass]

💪🏾💪🏾

[@channelg6317]

Focus on correct priorities! Thank you 👍

[@JDeadwyler]

I stopped because I’d been doing it for over 35+ years and there were other things I wanted to do in my life.. I’m also will be retiring soon from my regular job so there’s other adventures that I’m seeking while also serving the Lord..

[@ivastewart7106]

YOU ARE RIGHT, THANK YOU BROTHER. 🕊🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕊

[@gerson7998]

So true! I've been playing for 45 years and most of it in Christian venues. But, the times I played secular gigs, usually on weekends, I felt so burdened that I started saying no to most gigs. Nowadays, I just play on P/W groups!

[@neilbassgroover1451]

Amen brother , I play in a band out playing at the weekends , found Christ 6 years ago , over the last year got baptised and am trying to build a relationship with Christ, that bit about who you are and who you say you are rang so true to me, I be am hoping to get connected with the church band and help some of the younger musicians produce their music on logic, just don’t feel like playing out in the pubs and clubs is where god wants me as it has never bear fruit

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Totally understand. We are called to be a light in the darkness, but as you said, if we’re not really bearing fruit then what are we really doing?. ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭

[@jazzkelley]

This was really good!

[@Review_Realmz]

Good for you, brother! God is more important than anything in this life. We gotta make it to heaven, my friend.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely!

[@enocholawumi1358]

Ya know I appreciate this so much. I’m a musician who wants new and different opportunities but I think for now I really just need to put God first and be a better steward of the things I have. My pastor just preached on Colossians 3:23 and you mentioned it here. I think God is tryna hammer that in my brain. A lack of opportunities can be discouraging but God knows best.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Absolutely !

[@charlieburns1385]

Wonderful journey 🙏🏼❤️

[@patrickpaolicelli8808]

Well Bro Jermaine I believe your testimony is on the pulse of why we have been given the talent to play music which is to Glorify God.

[@tommyhunter9641]

Great to share.

[@TRCPBANDONE]

Amen my brother thank God you didn't run into P Diddy 🙏

[@GregoryBowmanprofile1]

I always am directed, corrected and revived by God's truth; thank you Jermaine.

[@byronturnbow2189]

It’s a very heavy feeling being on stage Sunday morning leading worship after playing in the club all night. The Lord will let you know

[@timmyashe7067]

This was a great message.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

🙏🏾

[@plee1906]

Very interesting presentation.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Thanks for watching!

[@KJones-lp5nr]

Amen Brother!!!

[@cccalll]

🤔I was one of Atlanta’s top Bass Players from 1990 to about 2000. I got the chance to play for couple of mega churches,many choirs and known Gospel Singers! I also stopped gigging around 2000 because of spiritual reasons! Not that I was in mess but seeing a lot of mess in church but growing in Christ at the same time! It’s worth the discussion! I remember playing for Donnie McClurkin in 96 for(For Sisters Only) and watched a keyboard player cuss him out because…it’s worth the discussion!🤷‍♂️

[@JLP59]

Thanks for your honesty and for putting Jesus first. At 65, I still play live, on the road etc and have my faith , but it can be very hard at certain times, both financially, and as far as being able to be an effective witness for Christ. God bless!

[@pagevaaelua4473]

So much respect I have a similar story like yours sir I did a degree in music production and make a living off logistics I own two trucks and do music part time. Yesssss sir I’m not alone 😅.

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Similar indeed! 👊🏾😎

[@dwalk764]

Hey Jermaine could you do a course on how to be a good music director?

[@JermaineMorganBass]

Might have to look into that

[@juliusa4583]

I recently had a stroke and I could not play keyboard with my left hand because of the stroke. I’ve Played music since I was 11 and I had the stroke at 63. Before the stroke, I used to turn down gigs because it wasn’t paying enough money or I didn’t like the venue or I didn’t like the other musicians or this or that, etc. After the stroke, I realized that God gave me a gift to be able to play an instrument well Enough to put a smile on a face or allow an individual to forget about their troubles and their pains and struggles while they were listening to me and I denied that gift to others because I thought I was too good. I was being selfish. My left hand is coming back. It’s getting stronger and I promise you I am not turning down anymore gigs if I am available and capable to play it. On keys before the stroke: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4e0Z2qsr6miqJo

After I discovered the ego's in a band. Then the music industry and all the evil stuff they are all into. I was done. Sold $10 grand worth of equipment. Guitars, bass, drums, synth. Sold it all. Spiritual conflict was part of it.

[@PatrickLovell-jt6iu]

I'm on the same path as you. Everything you mentioned I have experienced other than trucking. I've been a Professional Sound Engineer for 40 years in Hawaii and my No.1 reason for leaving my craft was doing events that was full of sin and wickedness that I could not be part of because of my beliefs in Jesus Christ. I could no longer say to myself it was OK. Thank you for your testimony.