Musical Influences IV
Just in case you’re wondering I won’t be writing from now on regarding CCM. I will only publish as many posts on CCM as there are Rocky movies. So by my count, that should be about 12 to 15 more posts.
Rich Mullins, Michael Card and Keith Green quickly reached the top of my favorites list and are my CCM comfort food.
I didn’t come across Keith Green until after he died in the plane crash. His music is full of passion and energy. I would have loved to have been in a live audience. Beth says he used to give away his music during concerts. He wanted people to be blessed by his music and giving away his music was his offering. Some time ago I read the life story of Keith Green (No Compromise) and developed a great appreciation for his body of work. His music is an example of someone struggling to find his way, using his gifts for God’s glory.
I’ve seen both Rich Mullins and Michael Card in concert before. Both in smaller venues. Both excellent. I still remember the day I heard the news that Rich Mullins was killed in an automobile accident. That Sunday morning in church (meeting at the Black Angus in Eugene, Oregon) we opened services with Step By Step.
All three of these artists feature excellent musical skills. However, it is their passion for the Lord and powerful, spirit filled message they communicate through song that strengthen my faith, refreshes my spirit and compels me to pursue the heart of God.
11 Responses to “Musical Influences IV”
I would have loved to have seen Rich Mullins in concert. I did see Chris Tomlin in concert and could only hear the bass guitarist! But you are right, some of these artists have provided a praise offering that lifts me to the throne of God. Twila Paris is one such artist for me … among many, many others.
Keith Green apparenlty did not allow anyone to video tape him for some reason. Just before his death he was at something called “Jesus West Coast.” Apparenlty someone was there to video all of the artists and Keith Green didn’t know about it. The video was called, “The Keith Green Memorial Concert.”
Church at the Black Angus…I was there! Would not trade those memories for anything.
I must admit, I am not an avid listener of CCM. Need to do much better in that respect. I love Fred Hammond’s “you are the living word”. Dated, I know.
K. Green convicted me. Still does.
I remember the day Rich Mullins died. Never saw him in concert, but I felt as if I had lost a good friend. What a great body of work he left.
I’m with Greg - I did get to go to a Twila Paris concert (Phil Keaggy and, on his rookie tour, Clay Cross). She was wonderful, Phil was phenomenal. I still love Twila’s music - if I had to choose one singer to listen to, she would be it.
My intro to CCM was Amy Grant - saw her in concert when she was 17 years old. Her, her guitar, and a small backup band in Abilene, TX. They wouldn’t let her play on the ACU campus (we could have Pure Prairie League and Michael Murphy, but not Christian instrumental music) so she played out at the fairgrounds. Great concert - bought every album since then (complete set of vinyls).
By far the best concert I ever went to was Sierra - 300 people in a small church auditorium, on the third row. It was their last concert before the lead singer left the group to start a family. What incredible harmonies.
I’m not familiar enough with the CCM artists to recognize their work by their name, but some of the songs I do know, and they are absolutely wonderful. As has already been said, they “lift me to the throne of God.”
Since you are out west now, you should try to take in the National Pastors Convention in February with us. There are always several Christian musical guest for this event and the worship times are enriching.
Peace.
John, I saw AG in concert, the year after Michael Murphy came singing WILDFIRE, I think. Could that be?
Brady, that was it. Were we at ACU at the same time? (76-80 BA, 80-83 MDiv) Ken Berry, Keith Johnson, David Foster were early roommates/ fellow Bible majors. I don’t guess I know what your last name is. I remember a Brady who was a Greek whiz kid - was that you?
Thanks, Randy, for letting us use your messaging service.
Robert: We had a couple classes together or at least sat in Practicum at the same time. Got my BA in ‘81 then went to Bogota, Colombia. Made A’s in Greek at ACU, but was never knowm as a whiz kid. Since then I’ve learned Greek two or three more times, and forgot it 3 or 4 times. Make a quick comment on my blog and I’ll email you more personal info if you desire. http://www.evendays.org
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