08 May 07 Musical Influences Part Deux

Now that I had been introduced to this genre of CCM it was time to wade deeper into the stream and discover new artists.  Amy Grant was easily the most recognizable name at the time but it wasn’t until much later that I actually purchased any of her albums.  With a few exceptions, I seem to have an ear for male artists and wonder if that is common tendency for others based on gender.  Do I prefer the sound because of being a guy?  Is it a sign of gender prejudice?  Me?  No way, at the time I could sit and stare at - I mean listen to -  Heart, Pat Benatar, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks all day long.

I would come across others who were already immersed in the CCM stream and purchase based upon their recommendations.  Some of my early purchases were Benny Hester, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Russ Taff, Matthew Ward and Sandy Patty.  I can still see my cassette tape case and remember it growing and expanding one cassette at a time as did my appreciation, taste and discernment.

I would soon discover, however, there is such a thing as bad CCM.