Bryan Edward Duncan (born March 16, 1953) is an American contemporary Christian music artist. He is known for being lead singer of the group Sweet Comfort Band and his band Bryan Duncan & the NehoSoul Band, but is best known for his very successful solo career where he was a major act on the Myrrh and Word Record labels. He is the founder of online recovery shows "Radio Rehab/ Road To Redemption" while continuing as a solo artist with the 2019 Shine release. He has been the recipient of a Dove Award and was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year four times. He is also the winner of a Grammy Award for his participation of the Andraé Crouch tribute album Tribute – The Songs of Andraé Crouch . Bryan is also the host of the popular podcast "Nutshell Sermons." Duncan started his career by forming the folk/rock band Second Timothy while attending college in Florida. In 1972, Duncan moved to California and formed Sweet Comfort (later renamed as Sweet Comfort Band) which later transitioned to contemporary Christian music from the Jesus Music movement. After the band broke up in 1984 Duncan started his solo career. During this time, Duncan released several hit songs including "Traces of Heaven," "Things are Gonna Change," "United We Stand" and "Don't Look Away," all from the Slow Revival album; "Love Takes Time," "You Don't Leave Me Lonely," "Into My Heart," "When It Comes to Love" and "I'll Not Forget You," all from the Mercy album; and "A Heart Like Mine" from the various artists compilation album My Utmost for His Highest . In 2003, Duncan formed the Nehosoul Band with Ricky B. Rogers (bass player, music director, co-writer), composer and keyboardist Phil Curry, guitarist Walter Finch, and drummer Sam Matthews. The band released the album Music City Live in 2004, A Nehosoul Christmas in 2005, and Still Dancin' in 2008. In 2013, Bryan reunited with the Sweet Comfort Band. In April 2013, the Sweet Comfort Band released the album, The Waiting is Over . Duncan has sold in excess of 1 million records, released more than 12 solo albums, and appeared on several compilation projects. He has released three solo video projects and one joint tour video as well as having done the video for Left Behind: The Movie . Recently, Duncan started his own record label called Red Road Records. Duncan created a non-profit on-line radio show and podcast entitled "Radio Rehab" to encourage people in daily life. He released two books in 2010: Hog Wash , a book for bikers and Dear God...Really? (prayers You Won't Hear In Church) and 'Spoke To God...He Said' (5 second devotions). Duncan, Rogers, and Vail Johnson (of the Kenny G band) wrote together for Conversations , Duncan's first solo project since 2000's Joyride . It was released in 2012 on Red Road Records. Conversations followed with Bryan Duncan & Friends - The Live Experience and Shine . More information on Bryan Duncan at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Duncan Discography with Sweet Comfort Band: Sweet Comfort (1977) Breaking the Ice (1979) Hold on Tight (1980) Hearts of Fire (1981) Cutting Edge (1982) Perfect Timing (1984) The Waiting Is Over (2013) Solo albums: Have Yourself Committed (1985) Holy Rollin' (1986) Whistlin' In the Dark (1987) Strong Medicine (1989) Anonymous Confessions of a Lunatic Friend (1990) Mercy (1992) Slow Revival (1994) Unidos en Él (1995) (Spanish language album) The Light Years (1995) (compilation album) Christmas is Jesus (1995) My Utmost for His Highest: Quiet Prayers (1996) Blue Skies (1996) The Last Time I Was Here (1998) Love Takes Time: 17 Timeless Classics (1999) (compilation album) Joyride (2000) Twin Cities Live (2003) Conversations (2012) The Ultimate Collection (2014) (Word Records compilation album) Bryan Duncan & Friends - The Live Experience (2016) Shine (2019) with The NehoSoul Band: Music City Live (2004) A NehoSoul Christmas (2005) Still Dancin' (2009)

Strong Medicine is the fourth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Bryan Duncan. It was released in 1989 on Word Records' Modern Art label. The album is produced by Larry Brown and Chuck Barth. Three of the members of the R&B a cappella vocal sextet Take 6 provide backing vocals on the title song and "Inside Out." Duncan and producer Chuck Barth wrote seven out of the nine songs on the album, along with some co-writers and Duncan writing solo on two others. The album is more adult contemporary in some of the songs, but still has some of the blue-eyed soul pop and there's even a hip hop rap song "Don't Ya Wanna Rap." Music videos were made for "Don't Ya Wanna Rap" and further single "Stand in My Place." Both of these videos appeared on VHS released in late 1989 entitled A Dose of Strong Medicine. It also contains life on the road interview footage of Duncan. Strong Medicine peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. NOTE: after the release of Strong Medicine, future Bryan Duncan releases in the 1990s will be on Myrrh Records. Track listing All songs written by Bryan Duncan and Chuck Barth, except where noted. 1. Let Me Be Broken -4:14 2. Recognize a Lover from a Thief -4:22 3. Stand in My Place -4:20 4. Strong Medicine -5:09 5. Don't Ya Wanna Rap (Bryan Duncan, Chuck Barth, Kirk Cappello, Brad Duncan) -3:35 6. Inside Out (Bryan Duncan, Chuck Barth, Kirk Cappello, Billy Savage) -4:27 7. Lies Upon Lies (Bryan Duncan) -3:01 8. Hand It Over (Bryan Duncan) -4:16 9. Wonderful -3:53 Radio singles 1989 "Strong Medicine" -#2 Christian AC 1989 "Let Me Be Broken" -#3 Christian CHR, -#3 Christian AC 1989 "Don't Ya Wanna Rap" -#7 Christian CHR 1989 -1990 "Stand in My Place" -#5 Christian CHR, -#5 Christian AC 1990 "Wonderful" -#11 Christian CHR, -#30 Christian AC Previous release: Whistlin' in the Dark (1987) Next release: Anonymous Confessions of a Lunatic Friend (1990) Watch the long-form video A Dose of Strong Medicine here:

Rebecca Jean Fink (née Smallbone; born 26 July 1977), known professionally as Rebecca Jean or Rebecca St. James, is an Australian Christian pop rock singer, songwriter and actress. She began performing in Australia in the late 1980s and released her first full-length studio album in 1991. She was signed to ForeFront Records in 1993, releasing her major label debut the following year. St. James rose to fame in the late 1990s with her RIAA certified Gold albums God and Pray, the latter of which won a Grammy Award in 1999 for Best Rock Gospel Album, and her holiday album Christmas. The albums spawned multiple singles, including "God," "Go and Sin No More," and "Pray." Since then she has established herself as one of the most prominent musical artists in contemporary Christian music (CCM), with five additional full-length studio albums: Transform, Worship God, If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something, I Will Praise You, and Kingdom Come. Staple songs such as "Wait for Me," "Reborn," "Song of Love," "Alive," "Shine Your Glory Down" and "Battle Is the Lord's" have all been derived from these releases. She has earned nine No. 1 hits on Christian radio and has sold nearly two million albums since starting her career. St. James is also an accomplished author and actress. To date, she has released over a dozen published books, narrated a documentary, and acted in nine films (including lead roles in Sarah's Choice and A Strange Brand of Happy), the musical stage show !Hero, and a VeggieTales episode ("An Easter Carol"). She is also an outspoken sexual abstinence and anti-abortion advocate, a spokesperson for Compassion International, the sister of Joel and Luke Smallbone, who comprise the duo for KING & COUNTRY, and the wife of Foster the People's former bassist Jacob "Cubbie" Fink. More information on Rebecca St. James at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_St._James Discography Refresh My Heart (1991) Rebecca St. James (1994) Rebecca St. James: Extended Play Remixes (EP) (1995) God (1996) Christmas (1997) Pray (1998) Transform (2000) Worship God (2002) Wait for Me: The Best from Rebecca St. James (2003) (compilation) Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name (2004) If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something (2005) aLIVE in Florida (2007) (live album) The Ultimate Collection (2008) (Sparrow Records compilation) I Will Praise You (2011) Dawn (EP) (2020) Kingdom Come (2022)

Revival is the nineteenth studio album by the Christian rock band Petra. Released on November 20, 2001, it is the band's first album on Inpop Records, a label founded by Peter Furler of the Christian Australian rock band Newsboys. It is Petra's third praise album following their two Petra Praise albums of the 1990s. Revival is more modern worship oriented, especially since it is the popularity of the moment of recent albums by Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Third Day, Delirous? and upcoming Christian worship artist Chris Tomlin. This is the first Petra album to feature songs not written by founder Bob Hartman. Hartman returns from retirement since the three band members Lonnie Chapin, Pete Orta and Trent Thomason left and plays guitar on the album and joins lead singer John Schlitt and drummer Louie Weaver (this will be Weaver's final album as a drummer) and brought in guest musicians to fill in the rhythm section including fellow CCM rock artist and bassist Rick Cua. Revival is produced by Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring. This is the first Petra album not to chart. To accompany Revival, a DVD documentary about the band features interviews with key players in their history, fellow musicians and exclusive concert footage from the archives of band members. The DVD was free with purchase of the Revival CD. Track listing 1. Send Revival, Start With Me (Matt Redman) -5:30 2. The Noise We Make (Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves) -5:06 3. Oasis (John Hartley, Gary Sadler) -3:57 4. The Prodigal's Song (Paul Oakley) -4:04 5. Amazing Grace (John Hartley, Gary Sadler, Dwayne Larring) -4:17 6. Jesus, Friend of Sinners (Paul Oakley) -3:33 7. Better Is One Day (Matt Redman) -4:37 8. Meet With Me (Lamont Hiebert) -3:29 9. You Satisfy (Peter Gross, Ashlee White) -4:27 10. We Want to See Jesus Lifted High (Doug Horley) -3:03 11. How Long (Stuart Townend) -4:07 Personnel Petra: Bob Hartman -lead guitar, backing vocals John Schlitt -lead vocals, backing vocals Louie Weaver -drums additional musicians: Jason Halbert -keyboards, programming, additional backing vocals Dwayne Larring -guitars Rick Cua -bass guitar David Larring and Kevin Walt -additional musicians David Angell, Monisa Angell and John Catchings -strings on track 1 David Davidson -strings and string arrangements on track 1 Previous release: Double Take (2000) Next release: Jekyll & Hyde (2003) Watch the Revival documentary video here:

Legacy (1977 - 1988) is a compilation album by the Christian music vocal group The Imperials. Released in 1996 on Word Records, it is a 2-CD set collection of the group's best known songs and album tracks when they were on Word Records between those years with liner notes provided by the group's founder and bass singer Armond Morales giving information and behind the scenes on the songs they've sung. Featuring more than 10 years and 34 songs they recorded on the Word labels DaySpring and Myrrh. NOTE: the track "New Creation," originally taken from their live release Imperials Live on the CD version, was replaced by the studio recording of the same song, taken from their 2006 release The Lost Album for the digital version. Track listing Disc 1 1. Stand by the Power (Paul Smith, John Rocasco) (from Stand By the Power) -3:32 2. Sail On (Chris Christian) (from Sail On) -2:51 3. Finish What You Started (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, Michael Omartian) (from Priority) -4:07 4. Better Than I Know Myself (Dave Cooke, Judy MacKenzie) (from Free the Fire) -4:08 5. Bread on the Water (Bill Grine, Janny Grine) (from Sail On) -3:13 6. You're the Only Jesus (by David Will) (Gordon Jensen) (from Side by Side) -4:09 7. I'm Forgiven (Michael Omartian, Bruce Hibbard, Hadley Hockensmith) (from One More Song for You) -3:56 8. He Touched Me (Bill Gaither) (from Imperials Live) -3:53 9. Because He Lives (Bill and Gloria Gaither) (from The Imperials Sing the Classics) -4:31 10. Here On the Rock (by Paul Smith) (Paul Smith, Keith Thomas) (from Side by Side)-4:22 11. All My Life (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from One More Song for You) -3:24 12. Let Jesus Do It (Steven Ferguson) (from Heed the Call) -3:28 13. In the Promised Land (Chris Eaton) (from Let the Wind Blow) -4:15 14. Living Without Your Love (Tom Hemby) (from One More Song for You) -3:27 15. Pieces (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from Priority) -4:07 16. The Old Gospel Ship (Traditional; arranged by Armond Morales) (from Imperials Live) -3:22 17. Any Good Time At All (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from Priority)-4:05 18. Lord of the Harvest (Paul Smith, James Newton Howard) (from Stand By the Power) -4:36 Disc 2 1. The Trumpet of Jesus (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from Priority) -3:47 2. Heed the Call (Chris Christian, Paul Smith) (from Heed the Call) -3:03 3. Because of Who You Are (Billy Smiley, Bob Farrell) (from Stand By the Power) -3:33 4. New Creation (Russ Taff) (from the 2006 release The Lost Album) -5:51 5. Devoted to You (Ron Hemby, Stephen Bashaw) (from This Year's Model) -3:45 6. One More Song for You (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from One More Song for You) -4:38 7. Oh Buddha (Mark Farrow) (from Heed the Call) -3:29 8. They See God There (by Armond Morales) (Dan Keen, Jim Weber) (from Side by Side) -2:44 9. Praise the Lord (Brown Bannister, Mike Hudson) (from Heed the Call) -3:33 10. Free the Fire in Me (Michael and Stormie Omartian) (from Free the Fire) -5:13 11. Higher Power (Denny Correll) (from One More Song for You) -4:20 12. Rest in Your Arms (Ron Hemby, Tom Hemby) (from Free the Fire) -4:14 13. Eagle Song (Russ Taff, Tori Taff) (from One More Song for You) -3:13 14. Let the Wind Blow (David Martin) (from Let the Wind Blow) -5:03 15. Power of God (Ron Hemby, Tom Hemby) (from This Year's Model) -4:09 16. Not to Us, Oh Lord (Paul Smith, Michael W. Smith) (from Let the Wind Blow) -4:18 Personnel The Imperials: Armond Morales -bass, vocals (all tracks, except tracks 6 and 10 on Disc 1) David Will -baritone, vocals (all tracks, except track 10 on Disc 1 and track 8 on Disc 2) Russ Taff -vocals (Disc 1: tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14 -17; Disc 2: tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 13) Jim Murray -tenor, vocals (Disc 1: tracks 1 -3, 5, 7 -18; Disc 2: tracks 1 -4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 16) Paul Smith -vocals (Disc 1: tracks 1, 9, 10, 13 and 18; Disc 2: tracks 3, 14 and 16) Ron Hemby -vocals (Disc 1: track 4; Disc 2: tracks 5, 10, 12 and 15) Jimmie Lee Sloas -vocals (Disc 1: track 4; Disc 2: tracks 5, 10, 12 and 15) Production credits Chris Christian -producer (Disc 1: tracks 2, 5, 8, 12 and 16; Disc 2: tracks 2, 4, 7 and 9) Brown Bannister -producer (Disc 1: track 13; Disc 2: tracks 5, 14 -16) Bill Schnee -producer (Disc 1: tracks 1, 4 and 18; Disc 2: tracks 3, 10 and 12) Michael Omartian -producer (Disc 1: tracks 3, 7, 11, 14, 15 and 17; Disc 2: tracks 1, 6, 11 and 13) Armond Morales and Buddy Huey -producers (Disc 1: tracks 8 and 16) Keith Thomas -producer (Disc 1: tracks 6 and 10) Neal Joseph -producer (Disc 1: tracks 6 and 9; Disc 2: track 8) Gary S. Paxton -producer (Disc 2: track 4) Previous release: 'Til He Comes (1995) Next release: It's Still the Cross (1997)

Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter best known for his worship songs "Awesome God" and "Sometimes By Step." Three of his albums were listed in CCM Magazine's 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music and "Awesome God " was listed at number one on the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. His songs have been recorded by numerous Christian artists and groups like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Third Day, Caedmon's Call, Carolyn Arends, Jars of Clay and Hillsong United. At the time of his death in 1997, Mullins was the most beloved troubadour in CCM and probably came as close to anyone else in the field to being regarded as a "saint." Mullins was famous for his gentle demeanor, his simple lifestyle, his love for children and his overwhelming compassion for the poor. Many of his songs like "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" and "Awesome God" have already become staples in modern hymnody. Mullins had a distinctive talent both as a performer and a songwriter. His compositions showed distinction in two ways: unusual and sometimes striking instrumentation and complex lyrics that usually employed elaborate metaphors. Mullins did most of his composing and performing on piano and acoustic guitar, but he also had a prodigious talent for obscure instruments. He displayed arguably virtuoso skills on the hammered and lap dulcimers and the Irish tin whistle. More information on Rich Mullins at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Mullins Discography Behold the Man (1981) (with Zion) Rich Mullins (1986) Pictures in the Sky (1987) Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988) Never Picture Perfect (1990) The World As Best As Remember It, Volume One (1991) The World As Best As Remember It, Volume Two (1992) A Litugy, A Legacy and a Ragamuffin Band (1993) Brother's Keeper (1995) Songs (1996) (compilation album) The Jesus Record (1998) (posthumous release) Songs 2 (1999) (compilation album) Here in America (2003) (CD/DVD live concert and demos) Deep Valley (2003) (unreleased live album)

Kimberly Boyce (born on March 14, 1961 in Winter Haven, Florida) is an American Christian music singer and songwriter. She grew up in Florida and sang together with her younger sister, Tina, and her mother, Gail. After graduating as salutatorian of her high school class, Kim pursued a broadcasting degree at the University of South Florida. During college, her inner beauty and talent, accompanied by her outer beauty and grace, led to her becoming Miss Florida and placement in the Top Ten Semi-Finalists at the 1984 Miss America Pageant. In 1985, Boyce turned down a network news position and moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of a career in CCM. During the 10 years of her recording career, Boyce has achieved much success: seven Contemporary Christian albums, with several Top 10 songs, Dove Award nominations and she has authored five books. Her early career was spent pioneering the genre of Christian dance/pop music. After much commercial and critical acclaim, Kim began in 1994 to change musical styles to an adult contemporary sound with her final two albums; By Faith and As I Am. Boyce resided in Branson, Missouri, with her husband, Gary Koreiba and their two sons, Gary II and Alexander. They were both performers at Branson's Pierce Arrow Theater for many years. In 2020, Boyce began her real estate career in Branson and then moved back to Florida where she is currently a realtor in the Central Florida area. More information on Kim Boyce at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Boyce Discography Kim Boyce (1986) Time and Again (1988) Love Is You to Me (1989) This I Know (1990) Facts of Love (1992) By Faith (1994) As I Am (1997) The Definitive Collection (2007) (Word Records compilation)

Go West Young Man is the sixth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith, released on October 1, 1990 by Reunion Records. This record was his first attempt at mainstream success, as it scored a Top 10 hit with the second single "Place in This World" climbing to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the summer of 1991. Smith co-wrote the song with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Amy Grant, whose own mainstream success came earlier in 1991 with her number one Billboard Hot 100 hit "Baby Baby." The fourth single "For You" was also released as a mainstream single. "Place in This World" won a Dove Award for Song of the Year given to Smith, Grant and Kirkpatrick in 1992 at the 23 GMA Dove Awards and in 2006 was listed at number 22 by CCM Magazine in their book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. Go West Young Man topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums and made his first appearance on the Billboard 200 Albums chart climbing to number 74 by 1991, by way of Geffen Records. The album won the Dove Award for Pop/ Contemporary Album of the Year at the 22nd GMA Dove Awards and was the first recipient of the American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary New Artist and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The album was Gold certified in 1991 and Platinum certified in 2004. The praise and worship track "Agnus Dei" was first recorded by Smith on this album and later covered by the Christian rock band Third Day in 1998 on the Smith-produced various artists worship album Exodus. Third Day's version was listed at number 16 in CCM Magazine's 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Go West Young Man -4:01 2. Love Crusade -4:23 3. Place in This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:01 4. For You (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Will Owsley) -4:10 5. How Long Will Be Too Long (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:37 6. Seed to Sow -6:14 7. Cross My Heart -4:37 8. Emily -4:17 9. Agnus Dei (MIchael W. Smith) -5:09 10. 1990 (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -1:42 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1991. Platinum certified in 2004. Accolades American Music Award -Favorite Adult Contemporary New Artist Dove Award - 1991 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Go West Young Man) 1992 Song of the Year ("Place in This World" with Amy Grant and and Wayne Kirkpatrick) Radio singles 1990 "Go West Young Man" -#1 Christian CHR for 6 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1991 "Place in This World" -#6 Billboard Hot 100, -#5 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1991 "How Long Will Be Too Long" -#2 Christian CHR, -#3 Christian AC 1991 "For You" -#60 Billboard Hot 100, -#20 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 6 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1992 "Seed to Sow" -#2 Christian CHR, -#4 Christian AC 1992 "Love Crusade" -#4 Christian CHR 1992 "Cross My Heart" -#3 Christian AC Previous release: Christmas (1989) Next release: Change Your World (1992) Watch the music video of "Place in This World" here:

The Live Set is a 1987 live album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith, released by Reunion Records. This live album features songs from 1983's Michael W. Smith Project and 1986's The Big Picture plus three new songs: "Nothin' But the Blood" is a modern reworking of Robert Lowry's classic hymn "Nothing But the Blood," "I Know" is a song recorded from his Michael W. Smith - In Concert video in 1985 and was originally released as a non-album radio single in 1986 and makes its first appearance on this album and "Emily" would later receive a studio release on Smith's 1990 album Go West Young Man. The live album was recorded during The Big Picture Tour at The Civic Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa and the track "I Know" at The Civic Center Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The band included Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez, David Huff, Mark Heimmermann and Christopher Harris. A video version of the concert called The Big Picture Tour was also available commercially with additional songs not on The Live Set album. It won a Dove Award for Long Form Video of the Year in 1988. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. The Live Set is the only live release from Smith's music catalog that is not available on streaming platforms. A YouTube link to listen to the live album is posted below this article. Track listing on CD All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Nothin' But the Blood (Robert Lowry; arranged by Michael W. Smith and Christopher Harris) -3:42 2. Lamu (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -8:26 3. You're Alright (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez) -4:55 4. Could He Be the Messiah (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -5:17 5. Rocketown -6:18 6. Emily -3:51 7. I Know -4:29 8. Friends (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:05 9. Old Enough to Know -6:01 10. Pursuit of the Dream -6:02 11. Be Strong and Courageous (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:21 12. You Need a Savior (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -6:25 Accolades Dove Award -Long Form Music Video of the Year (The Big Picture Tour) Radio singles 1986 "I Know" -#1 Christian CHR for 8 weeks, -#5 Christian AC 1987 "Emily" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, #8 Christian AC 1987 -1988 "Nothin' But the Blood" -#5 Christian CHR, -#28 Christian AC 1988 "Friends" -#13 Christian CHR, -#34 Christian AC Previous release: The Big Picture (1986) Next release: i 2 (EYE) (1988) Listen to the full-length live album The Live Set here: Watch the concert video The Big Picture Tour here:

Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957) is an American musician who has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when "Place in This World" hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums. Smith is a three-time Grammy Award winner, an American Music Awards recipient and has earned 45 Dove Awards. In 1999, ASCAP awarded him with the "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting, and in 2014 they honored him as the "cornerstone of Christian music" for his significant influence on the genre. He also has recorded 31 No. 1 Hit songs, fourteen gold albums, and five platinum albums. He has also starred in two films and published 14 books including This Is Your Time, which he worked with Christian author Gary Thomas to write. Smith was born to Paul W. and Barbara Smith in Kenova, West Virginia. He has one sister named Kimberly. His father was an oil refinery worker at the Ashland Oil Refinery, in nearby Catlettsburg, Kentucky. His mother was a caterer. He inherited his love of baseball from his father, who had played in the minor leagues. As a child, he developed a love of music through his church, First Baptist Church of Kenova, where he learned piano and sang in the New Generation church choir. At the age of 10, he had "an intense spiritual experience" that led to his becoming a devout Christian. "I wore this big cross around my neck," he would recall, "It was very real to me." He became involved in Bible study and found a group of older friends who shared his faith. After his older Christian friends moved away to college, Smith began to struggle with feelings of loneliness and alienation. After graduating from high school, he gravitated toward alcohol and drugs. He attended Marshall University while developing his songwriting skills but dropped out after one semester. He also played with various local bands around Huntington, West Virginia. During that time, his friend Shane Keister, who worked as a session musician in Nashville, encouraged him to move to Nashville, the Country Music capital, and pursue a career in music. In 1978, Smith moved to Nashville, taking a job as a landscaper to support himself. He played with several local bands in the Nashville club scene. He also developed a problem with substance abuse. "I really started losing touch when I moved to Nashville, around April of '78. I was smokin' marijuana, drinking, doing some other drugs; just being crazy, you know. My mom and dad knew what I was doing. But they never hassled me; they just prayed for me. And I felt convicted by God. Every time I'd wake up I knew: This isn't me. But I couldn't change myself." After a breakdown in November 1979, Smith decided to recommit to Christianity. The next day he auditioned for a new contemporary Christian music (CCM) group, Higher Ground, as a keyboardist and got the job. His lead vocals were heard on much of CCM radio with the single, "I Am." It was on his first tour with Higher Ground, playing mostly in churches, that Smith was finally able to put the drugs and alcohol behind him. In 1981, while he was playing keyboards for Higher Ground, Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he wrote numerous gospel hits penned for artists such as Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Larnelle Harris, White Heart and Bill Gaither, to the effect that some of these popular worship songs can now be found in church hymnals. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her Age to Age tour. He became Grant's opening act and recorded his first Grammy-nominated solo album The Michael W. Smith Project (which he also produced himself) in 1983 on the Reunion Records label. This album contained the first recording of his hit "Friends," which he co-wrote with his wife Deborah. By the time Smith's second album Michael W. Smith 2 was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. Smith won his first Grammy and Dove Awards in 1985. In 1986, Smith released The Big Picture. After the release of his 1988 effort, i 2 (EYE), Smith once again collaborated with Grant for her "Lead Me On" world tour. The following year, Smith recorded his first Christmas album, simply titled Christmas (1989). In 1990, Smith released Go West Young Man, his first mainstream effort, which included the mainstream crossover hit single "Place in This World." The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in 1992, Smith won Song of the Year at the Dove Awards That same year, he released Change Your World, which included the No. 1 adult contemporary hit "I Will Be Here for You." In 1993 Smith released his first box set, The Wonder Years and his first greatest hits album, The First Decade (1983–1993). The latter also includes two new songs, "Do You Dream of Me?" and "Kentucky Rose." In 1994, Smith appeared as a guest pianist on the album Swing, Swang, Swung by Christian rock band Guardian. In 1995, Smith released his eighth album I'll Lead You Home, which combines the pop style of his secular albums with a touch of religious feel. Live the Life (1998) and This Is Your Time (1999) follow the same style. In 1998, Smith also released his second Christmas album, Christmastime. Smith collaborated with Jim Brickman on "Love of My Life," a romantic love song for Brickman's album Destiny in 1999. The song went to chart at No. 9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Also in 1999, he became the first Christian artist to receive the ASCAP "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting. Smith started a musical change in the 2000s, starting with the release of his first all-instrumental album Freedom (2000). In 2001, Smith released his first live contemporary worship album Worship on September 11. A year later, he released his follow-up album Worship Again. Both albums were big sellers during that time frame. Smith won Dove Awards for both projects and even picked up a Grammy Award for Worship Again. Worship Again also includes a song that Smith wrote called "There She Stands," inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks. He performed this song live for the 2004 Republican National Convention, saying that President George W. Bush, who he said is a fan and a family friend, had asked him to write a song about the attacks. In 2002, Smith released a live DVD titled Worship featuring songs from both projects. It was an immediate best seller. Smith released his second "greatest hits" project The Second Decade (1993-2003),which included two new tracks, "Signs" and "Raging Sea." Smith's next studio album, Healing Rain, was released in 2004 and debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The title track rose to No. 1 on the Radio & Records Christian AC and Inspo charts and a music video for the song was released. The album combines the pop style of his previous recordings with the religious feel of his two live worship albums. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. In 2006 he released Stand, which is similar to Healing Rain (2004) in style and genre but with more Christian-themed songs. Also in 2006, Smith did the score and soundtrack to the film The Second Chance, which he also starred in. He also released a single from the soundtrack album, "All in the Serve." In October 2007, he released his third Christmas album, It's a Wonderful Christmas. On June 20, 2008, Smith recorded his third live Worship album at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, titled A New Hallelujah. It was released in October 2008. That same month he began a tour with Steven Curtis Chapman. In September 2010, he released Wonder, which follows the CCM style of Healing Rain (2004) and Stand (2006). Smith's second instrumental album, Glory, was released on November 22, 2011. Unlike his first instrumental album, Freedom (2000), this album features a 65-piece orchestra recorded at AIR Studios Lyndhurst Hall in London and Wildwood Recording Studio in Nashville. The following year he released his third "greatest hits" compilation album, Decades of Worship (2012), which featured his worship-themed recordings. In 2014, Smith released three albums, Hymns, Sovereign, and The Spirit of Christmas. Hymns is Smith's first effort at doing his own rendition of traditional hymns, and it was released exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on March 24, 2014. The album sold 12,000 copies in its first week of release and debuted at No. 24 on the US Billboard 200. It was also the best-selling Christian music album for the week of April 19, 2014, and won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year. Sovereign, released on May 13, 2014, is his first studio worship album and his first album released through Capitol Records, after leaving his long-time label Reunion Records in 2013. The album sold almost 16,000 copies in its first week, and debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album in his career as of 2014. The Spirit of Christmas, officially released as Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, is Smith's first duet album. Released on September 30, 2014, it features duets with Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles and others. The album marks Smith's third new album in 2014 to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 16 as of December 2014. It also won him a Dove Award for Christmas Album of the Year. Smith released his second hymns project Hymns II - Shine On Us in January 2016. In February 2018, Smith released A Million Lights his first pop-oriented project on his independent label Rocketown, with distribution by The Fuel Group. A week later, he released Surrounded, his first live worship album in over a decade. Smith released his first children's music project Lullaby in May 2018, along with a series of children's books. Smith next released Awaken: The Surrounded Experience in February 2019. A radio single of "Waymaker," with Vanessa Campagna, climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart, Smith's first No. 1 hit in 20 years and was later his first Gold-certified single. Smith released Worship Forever to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the release of Worship (2001). Smith then released his fifth Christmas album Every Christmas in 2023. In 2025, in lieu of a new studio project, Smith has since released a series of stand-alone tracks such as "Arms Around the Sun," "Your Love Is a Flood" and "Kingdom Come" and has done a series of live concerts performing his new tracks, past hits and worship songs. More information on Michael W. Smith at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_W._Smith Discography Michael W. Smith Project (1983) MIchael W. Smith 2 (1984) The Big Picture (1986) The Live Set (1987) i 2 (EYE) (1988) Christmas (1989) Go West Young Man (1990) Change Your World (1992) The First Decade (1983-1993) (1993) (compilation album) The Wonder Years (2 CD box set) (1993) (compilation album) I'll Lead You Home (1995) Live the Life (1998) Christmastime (1998) This Is Your Time (1999) Freedom (instrumental album) (2000) Worship (2001) Worship Again (2002) The Second Decade (1993-2003) (2003) (compilation album) Healing Rain (2004) Stand (2006) It's a Wonderful Christmas (2007) A New Hallelujah (2008) Wonder (2010) Glory (instrumental album) (2011) Decades of Worship (2012) (compilation album) Hymns (2014) Sovereign (2014) The Spirit of Christmas (2014) Hymns II - Shine on Us (2016) A Million Lights (2018) Surrounded (2018) Lullabye (2018) The Hymns (2019) (compilation album) Awaken: The Surrounded Experience (2019) Still, Vol. 1 (2020) Worship Forever (2021) Christmas at Home (EP) (2022) Every Christmas (2023) Worthy Is the Lamb (EP) (2024)

Lead Me On is the eighth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Amy Grant, released on June 28, 1988 by Myrrh/Word Records and A&M Records. Lead Me On was a departure from its predecessor, the 1985 high-energy pop album Unguarded. The album was not as mainstream compatible. Although the album did really well in the Christian retail market (climbing to number one on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart), Lead Me On climbed to number 71 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. It was the first Christian album to be shipped Gold to retail in both Christian and mainstream markets. Lead Me On was named the number one album by CCM Magazine in their 2001 book The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music and the title song was ranked at number 60 in 2006's 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. Grant won both Grammy and Dove Awards for her album, in addition to winning Artist of the Year. The CD version of Lead Me On contains two bonus tracks: "Wait for the Healing" and "If You Have to Go Away." A live concert album Lead Me On Live 1989 featuring performances from the Lead Me On Tour was released in October 2023 with some tracks featuring video footage was released on social media such as YouTube and Facebook. Track listing on the CD version 1. 1974 (We Were Young) (Amy Grant, Gary Chapman, Jerry McPherson) -4:22 2. Lead Me On (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:35 3. Shadows (Amy Grant, Karen & Don Peris) -5:24 4. Saved by Love (Amy Grant, Justin Peters, Chris Smith) -4:38 5. Faithless Heart (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith) -5:10 6. What About the Love (Rhonda Fleming, Janis Ian) -5:23 7. If These Walls Could Speak (Jimmy Webb) -5:42 8. All Right (Amy Grant, Dann Huff, Phil Naish) -4:23 9. Wait for the Healing (Amy Grant, Gary Chapman, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Jerry McPherson) -5:36 10. Sure Enough (Mike Brignardello, Shane Keister, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:00 11. If You Have to Go Away (Amy Grant, Jerry McPherson) -4:01 12. Say Once More (Amy Grant, Gardner Cole) -4:54 Note: the track "Say Once More" is a different recording than the song also titled "Say Once More" that is on Grant's 1980 album Never Alone. In 2007, Grant celebrated her 30th year in music. She left Word Records, her distributor since she was 16 years old, and signed with Sparrow/EMI Records and has re-released her studio albums as remastered versions. A year later Grant, re-released Lead Me On, in honor of its 20th anniversary. The two-disc release includes the original album and a second disc with new acoustic recordings, live performances from 1989, and interviews. Grant recreated the Lead Me On tour in the fall of 2008. Most of the original tour's band reunited for the anniversary tour. Track listing on the 20th Anniversary bonus disc 1. Lead Me On -4:40 2. Introduction to "Faithless Heart" (Amy and Michael W. Smith) -0:33 3. Faithless Heart (acoustic) -3:51 4. Say Once More (acoustic) -3:49 5. Wait for the Healing (live) -6:01 6. Shadows (live) -5:26 7. All Right (live) -5:22 8. Piano intro (Michael W. Smith) -1:51 9. Lead Me On (live) -6:27 10. Quite a Change (interview) -1:41 11. The Great Balancing Act (interview) -1:46 12. Seasons (interview) -1:19 13. Wait for the Healing (interview) -1:01 14. Looking Back (interview) -0:44 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1988. Accolades Grammy Award - Best Gospel Performance, Female (Lead Me On) Dove Award -Artist of the Year Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Lead Me On) Short Form Music Video of the Year ("Lead Me On") Radio singles 1988 "Saved by Love" -#32 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 8 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 8 weeks 1988 "Lead Me On" -#96 Billboard Hot 100, -#1 Christian CHR for 6 weeks, -#5 Christian AC 1989 "1974 (We Were Young)" -#34 Billboard AC, -#2 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC 1989 "What About the Love" -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1989 "Say Once More" -#2 Christian CHR, -#8 Christian AC 1990 "Faithless Heart" -#16 Christian CHR, -#12 Christian AC Previous release: The Collection (1986) (compilation album) Next release: Heart in Motion (1991) Watch the music video of "Lead Me On" here:

What is "notability" on Wikipedia? According to Wikipedia, notability in music has to be an artist or group that is notable in a particular genre and deserves to be written in article form. (In other words, what are they famous for?) Artists and groups have to have acclaimed albums, win awards like the Grammys and chart on Billboard and Wikipedia has to have resources like where they got the information from. It has to come from secondary resources such as newspapers and magazines. But, in Christian music, information like that is limited and scarce. If I do an article in Wikipedia about an album, let's say for example, Sandi Patty's first professional recording album Sandi's Song from 1979. I did an article about this album, but unfortunately, Wikipedia would not accept the article because it was considered "not notable." Articles that are not notable will be deleted. In order for the article to be notable, Sandi's Song has to chart on the Billboard charts and win some awards. I'm afraid the people at Wikipedia do not understand how artists like Sandi Patty got their start in Christian music. Here at CCM Encyclopedia, there is no notability in the articles and especially in discographies. The articles I write will be from resources taken from Wikipedia. There will be no secondary resources either. The articles I write will be acceptable from me and to me. I don't need Wikipedia to look for those things they mentioned. Too many restrictions. Now I can write articles with ease and just take my time. I hope you enjoy reading about the Christian artists I will post and write about...but without the Wikipedia rules.