Musical Influences

I used to be a classical music geek.  Whilst everyone my age was listening to pop music I was elbow deep in the classics.  During my high school years (79-83) I began to get a taste of some different musical influences.  You know, the hard stuff like Journey, Chicago, Styx, and who can forget Toto?  By the way, Toto is in concert tonight in Fresno - it’s only two hours away . . .

In 1983 my musical taste underwent a major shift.  Michael W. Smith released his debut album (Project) and I was hooked.  For whatever reason his music captured me and never let go.  I have a video of him in concert.  The kids make fun of me every time I make them watch the video.  They can’t get over the hair, the clothes, the stage antics.

I own every album and find myself coming back to his music on a regular basis.  I count Michael W. Smith as my first musical influence in the world of "Contemporary" Christian music.

Friends are friends forever . . .

May 7, 2007 • Posted in: Blog Thoughts

4 Responses to “Musical Influences”

  1. Brady - May 7th, 2007

    Well, all I can say is thanks for not making us watch that video.

    Not crazy about the voice, but his songs are just fine.

  2. kdavis777 - May 7th, 2007

    Journey, Chicago, Styx, and Toto and so many more are what I would call “the classics!” Those are some great bands. That music will be around when some of this pop is long since forgotten.

    My first contemporary artist influence was Rich Mullins. My banker suggested I buy a cd and like you said, I was hooked. His music is insightful and has lots of great instrumentation. I think it’s sad that he is no longer alive to continue to write.

  3. cwinwc - May 7th, 2007

    You couldn’t pick a better place to start your love of contemporary Christian music than Michael W. Smith.

    For me, it was Keith Green who was a forerunner of Smith. Most of his songs could be preached as sermons. He was tragically killed (like Rich Mullins) in a plane crash in 1983 along with most of his family excluding his wife (Melody) and one child.

  4. Stoogelover - May 7th, 2007

    Went to a MWS concert about 6 years ago and it was excellent. But my favorite these days is Chris Tomlin … which is evident by the play list from our gig at Long Beach.

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