Thank you for the music: Favourite Christian/Gospel Songs
Jesus I Believe What You Said
(William J Gaither/1967) Evie Tornquist
Birthed in the late 1960's and combining gospel, contemporary and worship styles, Bill and Gloria Gaither's impact on Christian music of the 1970's cannot be underestimated and many of their songs have become classics that now are included in most hymnals. Songs such as "Something Beautiful", "Because He Lives" and "Let's Just Praise the Lord" have become standards the world over. This song, made popular by Evie (right), is a real statement of faith and commitment to God and reminds us to put our trust in Him no matter how bleak the circumstances. It has helped me through many a down period in my life. The song is one of Bill Gaither's earlier compositions.
Of Norwegian heritage, Evie Tornquist was the sweetheart of easy-listening contemporary Christian music during the 1970's. Her albums were the standard in soft pop and featured gentle ballads with plenty of strings and lush production. Today Evie, her husband, Pelle, and their two grown up children act as the "spokesfamily" for Dominion Sky Angel, a 24-hour Christian satellite TV and radio broadcast service.
This Little Child
(Scott Wesley Brown 1970s) Scott Wesley Brown
An underrated and under performed song about the birth of Christ and its impact and relevance in Biblical days as well as today. It focuses on the fact that Jesus was born the king of kings, and irrespective of what people may or may not think or believe, He will come again and set up his kingdom. Brown, who recorded the song during a transition period between the long-haired Christian rocker he was to the folk-oriented balladeer he became, puts in a powerful performance that punches out the message of this song with intensity and clarity. Though over 30 years old, the song is as new and fresh today as the day the words were formed and the ink was still wet on the page. Scott remains a well-known singer, songwriter, recording artist,missions mobiliser and and founder of I Care Ministries. He is also a worship pastor at a San Diego church.
Long Live Your Dreams
(Steve Grace/1992) Steve Grace
Another great song composed in 1992 by an Australian artist/songwriter. Steve (right) wrote it as an expression of his commitment to stand by his sons throughout their lives. The song has become very special to me and a dear friend of mine who needed me to stand by her through a troubled time. This song helped her to not lose sight of "her dream that her life will one day be like the vision that she saw of love and liberty". Through God's grace and love, her dream of love and liberty has become a reality.
The Power Of Your Love
(Geoff Bullock/1992) Hillsong
One of the great Christian songs of recent times by Australian composer Geoff Bullock. At the time of writing it, Geoff was feeling spiritually dry and struggling with the weaknesses he saw in himself. This song seemed to give him the answer that he needed to hear, and the answer we all need to hear as we struggle with who we are and how fall we fall short in terms of our worthiness to be called the sons and daughters of the Living God.
Thy Word
(Amy Grant/1984) Amy Grant
This pretty song has become a standard in contemporary Christian music and was one of many songs from composer/singer Amy Grant that established her as one of the most popular Christian artists of the later half of the 20th century. Based on Psalm 119 verse 105, it expresses the importance of the written word of God in our Christian walk and the importance of staying in tune to hear the voice of the Lord as he guides us through life. Amy's music career began in 1977 when, as a 16 year old, she recorded her self titled album. It introduced the world to a fresh-faced and fresh-voiced young woman with a contagious faith and engaging spirit.
Contemporary Christian music was still an undefined amalgam of gospel music, church hymns and the more provocative Jesus People movement, but somehow this new foray that seemed to combine all three elements found a quick home. Since then she has recorded no less than 16 albums, most of the songs on them having been written by her. She still records and remains as popular today as she ever was though now she is happily settled into motherhood and celebrating the comforts of home and family. "Thy Word" was first released on Amy's fifth album, Straight Ahead, in 1984.
Amazing Grace
(John Newton) Judy Collins
One of if not the greatest Christian song ever written; the rendition by folksinger Judy Collins being one of the best ever recorded. The author of the words was John Newton, an 18th century ship's captain, the self-proclaimed wretch who once was lost but then was found, saved by amazing grace. In his youth, Newton sailed on a slave ship, which took him to the coast of Sierra Leone. He then became the servant of a slave trader and was brutally abused.
Early in 1748 he was rescued by a sea captain who had known John's father. John Newton ultimately became captain of his own ship, one which plied the slave trade. On a homeward voyage, while he was attempting to steer the ship through a violent storm, he experienced what he was to refer to later as his "great deliverance." He recorded in his journal that when all seemed lost and the ship would surely sink, he exclaimed, "Lord, have mercy upon us." Later in his cabin he reflected on what he had said and began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him. Newton eventually left his life at sea, educated himself and became a minister. Newton and poet William Cowper collaborated on the writing of many hymns.
Softly and Tenderly
(Will Thompson/1880) Amy Grant
One of the grand old hymns, "Softly and Tenderly" was written by Will Thompson, a successful Chicago businessman and popular song writer. Thompson owned a couple music stores and started up his own music publishing business. His real love was composing hymns. He was remembered for his travels by horse and buggy from one small community to another throughout Ohio singing his songs to people everywhere. His business earned him a sizeable income in his lifetime, yet he was always known as a kind, quiet and unassuming Christian gentleman, greatly loved and admired by his associates. "Softly and Tenderly" was probably his most popular hymn. It was certainly the favourite of D. L. Moody who used it almost constantly as his invitation hymn. In fact, Moody, on his death bed, feebly whispered to Will Thompson, "I would rather have written "Softly and Tenderly" than anything I have been able to do in my whole life."
Amy Grant chose to sing the song on her 2002 album, Legacy ... Hymns & Faith, which celebrates her 25 years as a recording artist by honouring the great old hymns that gave her inspiration and faith in her youth. Amy's seventeenth album, it won the title of Inspirational Album of the Year at the 2003 Dove Awards. New life is breathed into this collection of traditional hymns, sung in a contemporary, country style. "Softly and Tenderly" has been slowed right down and given an atmospheric treatment that took my breath away the first time I heard it.
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There Is A Redeemer
(Keith Green/1982) Keith Green
Keith Green was simply a man of conviction who died in a plane crash on 28th July 1982 at the peak of his musical career. He once said, "I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy or to sell out more completely to Jesus". In seven short years of knowing Jesus, the Lord took Keith from concert crowds of 20 or less to stadiums of 12,000 people who came to hear only him. His recordings were chart topping and when he began to give his recordings away for whatever people could afford, some misunderstood his motives. His views were often controversial but never boring. Television and radio appearances became the norm.
Still, Keith's heart was to please the Lord and build His kingdom, not his own, an example many of today's Christian artists could do well to follow. It is to him that the world of Christian music owes such a great debt. His songs and arrangements were among the first to marry Christian faith with the contemporary style of singing and playing. "There Is A Redeemer", from his last album, Songs For The Shepherd, is Keith's most cherished song, simple and perhaps more hymn-like than any other of his compositions. It expresses so well his gratitude for everything God has done for him and for the love God has poured out upon us all.