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Mencer, White, and Cheney, the name reminds me of a law firm, but it's not. It is one of the best up and coming groups in the Southern Gospel industry. Sheldon Mencer, Jonathan White, and Steve Cheney are not only great singers, but they are awesome songwriters as well. Their blend is especially outstanding considering they have only been singing together as a group for a little over two years.

Taking a lighter approach to this interview, we had a lot of fun talking with this delightful group. The now, fully grown men, had no trouble fondly remembering who their childhood super heroes were. As a matter of fact it was just like those heroes were still living today. Heroes such as the Lone Ranger, stick ponies, lunch boxes, imaginary friends, Johnny West and Tonka trucks made the list. I wondered how a Tonka truck could be super hero, but that's the answer they gave me.

I was curious as to what was in their CD players and they admitted to having Brian Free and Assurance, Jeff Nelson, a Praise and Worship artist, and Karen Peck and New River.

Stylistically, Mencer, White and Cheney describe themselves as Progressive Southern Gospel, and I would tend to agree with their description. The music they write helps to define their style as well. With all three members songwriters there is no end to the wealth of song material they have.

Many of their songs are inspired straight form the Word of God, but there are lots of ways they arrive at those songs. For instance, "I'm A Whosoever" came from something that they saw on a T-shirt. Many of their ideas come from their life experiences, conversations, book titles, and other things from everyday life. Of all the songs they have written and performed, the song, "I Talked To Someone About You Today," writen by Sheldon Mencer seems to really touch people as they minister.

Then I had one last question about songwriting that I had to ask. "What was it like the first time you heard someone else sing your song?" Interestingly, Steve and Sheldon went to see the Kingsmen sing one of their songs and they watched this little lady confined to a wheelchair, singing their song with the Kingsmen. They were so touched by watching the little handicapped lady being blessed by their song, that they don't even remember the Kingsmen singing it.

I asked them if there was any place that they would like to sing that they haven't already. They replied, "Africa." Now that is a lofty goal, to minister in a real mission field.

This is an outstanding group, and you should be hearing a lot more from them. Be listening for their current release, "I Just Can't Wait," and be sure to drop by Smryna, TN, Friday, July 30, 2004 as they will be one of the artists performing at the 2004 SoGospelNews Convention.

[url=http://www.mencerwhiteandcheney.com]http://www.mencerwhiteandcheney.com[/url]

Reader Comments

I am always confused by those who tend to see things in a negative light.

To clarify the term "Progressive Southern Gospel" let's define progressive.

According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary:
a : of, relating to, or characterized by progress
b : making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities
c : of, relating to, or constituting an educational theory marked by emphasis on the individual child, informality of classroom procedure, and encouragement of self-expression

I think it is pretty logical to assume that "Progressive Southern Gospel" makes use of new ideas in music that aren't always found in the more "Traditional" sounds. This certainly does not make it better or worse than anything, it just makes is "progressive."

Jim, the term "Progressive Southern Gospel has beeen around for many years. Our awards even have a Progressive Southern Gospel category. There is nothing negative about being "Progressive". Susan is correct in her definition of Progessive ?southern Gospel.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys…  Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs -  Author Unknown

We have gone to many of Jonathan's concerts and he is a great singer,...we recently were privileged to hear this awesome group sing......we plan to attend every concert that is in our area...God bless you all and keep up the good work.....
Linda and Carl Buchner

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