Michele Diane Zarges Pillar (born July 26, 1955) is an American contemporary Christian music singer. She is known for her association with Calvary Chapel's Maranatha! Music and Focus On the Family . Raised in Long Beach, California, Zarges got her start on The Maranatha Singer's 1976 release Praise II credited as Michele Takaoka. She also appeared in Praise albums III , IV , V and VI . In 1979, still a member of The Maranatha Singers, Zarges married Steve Pillar and was leading a singles ministry for several years, drawing on her marriage for examples and illustrations of a stable romantic relationship grounded in friendship and mutual respect. Also in 1979, Pillar teamed up with musician and songwriter Erick Nelson and released The Misfit , a concept album where a common thread of concept of being an “outsider” or outcast weaves its way throughout each and every song. The different topics range from faith, love, loss, doubt and more, but all with a singular focus as coming from the outside looking in. In 1981, Pillar provided backing vocals on Phil Keaggy 's release Town to Town , including a duet with Keaggy on "What a Wonder You Are." That duet brought her to the attention Christian music label executive Billy Ray Hearn and a recording contract with Sparrow Records. Pillar released her debut solo album Michele Pillar in 1982 and gave her, her first Top 10 Christian radio hit "Walk Across Heaven." Her next album, Reign On Me , brought her more hit songs like the title song and "He Rolled Away the Stone." Pillar earned her first Grammy Award nomination in 1984 for her second release. Pillar's third and final Sparrow release Look Who Loves You Now was released in the fall of 1984 and produced her first number one hit with the title song. Pillar also collaborated with Steve Camp with their duet hit "Love's Not a Feeling," for Camp's Fire and Ice album. Both her album and the duet earned her two more Grammy nominations in 1985. After Look Who Loves You Now , Pillar appeared on Camp's charity single " Do Something Now ." Pillar took a break from music, divorced Steve Pillar in 1985 and in 1987 married musician Larry Carlton. Carlton produced and performed guitar on Look Who Loves You Now . Pillar's career came to a standstill in 1988 when her husband, Carlton, was nearly killed in a random shooting in the doorway of their Los Angeles house. A year later, Pillar provided guest lead vocals on Carlton's Christmas project Christmas At My House with "Ringing the Bells of Christmas." Pillar returned to Christian music one more time with her 1991 release Love Makes All the Difference on Benson Records' Urgent label. Pillar then took another hiatus from recording. Pillar also studied acting and was represented by the William Morris Agency. Pillar was featured in commercials for Lexus, Levi Strauss, and others. She toured with The Billy Graham Association singing for massive crusades and toured up to two hundred concert dates a year. Pillar's voice was featured on The Simpsons on a number of occasions imitating the voice of Karen Carpenter and others. Pillar recorded the theme song for James Dobson's Focus On the Family radio show, wrote a children's book called The Angel Tree and was affiliated with Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program. Pillar returned to recording with her Christmas album I Hear Angels Calling in 2006, released through 335 Records. After more than 25 years of marriage, Pillar and Carlton divorced in 2013. Shortly afterward, Pillar married Matt Rettick on December 29, 2013. A year later, Pillar released a retrospective "Best of " CD entitled Forever Young independently covering her three Sparrow releases and her 1991 album Love Makes All the Difference . Pillar's most recent album, You Untangle Me , was released in 2016. Currently, Pillar and Rettick live in Franklin, Tennessee. Pillar is a speaker, writer and tours nationally with the Clothesline Women's Conferences, which is a mixture of music, talking and testimonies. More information on Michele Pillar at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Pillar Discography the solo albums: Michele Pillar  (1982)   Reign On Me  (1983) Look Who Loves You Now  (1984) Compact Favorites  (1989) (Sparrow Records compilation album) Love Makes All the Difference  (1991) I Hear Angels Calling (2006) (Christmas album) Forever Young (2014) (compilation album) You Untangle Me (2016) collaboration projects: The Misfit (1979) (with Erick Nelson) with The Maranatha Singers: Praise II (1976) (as Michele Takaoka) Praise III (1979) Praise 4: In His Time (1980) Emmanuel: A Christmas Praise Album (1980) Praise 5: It's Time to Praise the Lord (1981) Praise 6: Come and Sing Praises (1982) Praise 8 (1986) (guest solo vocalist)

Compact Favorites  is a compilation album of Christian singer Michele Pillar , released in 1989 by Sparrow Records. It is a compilation CD series of former Sparrow recording artists with select songs from their previous albums. This collection covers Pillar's three Sparrow releases Michele Pillar , Reign On Me and Look Who Loves You Now . Track listing 1. Shout It From the Rooftops ( Ava Aldridge, Lenny LeBlanc) (from Reign On Me ) -3:40 2. In Nazareth There's a Carpenter (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford) (from Michele Pillar ) -4:22 3. I Want to Make a Difference (Michele Pillar, John Laird) (from Look Who Loves You Now ) -3:31 4. Walk Across Heaven (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford) (from Michele Pillar ) -4:11 5. There He Was (Cindy Richardson) (from Reign On Me ) -2:46 6. Each Day He Gives Me (music by Larry Carlton, words by John Bettis) (from Look Who Loves You Now ) -3:43 7. More Than Just a Man (Michele Pillar, Cathy McGraw) (from Michele Pillar ) -3:34 8. To Worship You (vocal duet with Sheila Walsh) (Ava Aldridge, Lenny LeBlanc)    (from Look Who Loves You Now ) -3:32 9. Reign On Me (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford, Terry Skinner) (from Reign On Me ) -3:23 10. Just Take a Step (music by Larry Carlton, words by Bob Bennett) (from Look Who Loves You Now ) -3:45 11. You Were There All Along (Ava Aldridge, Lenny LeBlanc) (from Michele Pillar ) -3:41 12. He Rolled Away the Stone (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford, Terry Skinner) (from Reign On Me ) -4:35 Production credits J.L. Wallace -producer (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12) Lonnie Ledford -co-producer (tracks 2, 4, 7 and 12) Larry Carlton -producer (tracks 3, 6, 8 and 10) Previous release: Look Who Loves You Now  (1984) Next release: Love Makes All the Difference  (1991)

Love Makes All the Difference is the fourth studio album by Christian singer Michele Pillar . It was her first and only album on Urgent Records with distribution by Benson Music and was released in the summer of 1991. The album was produced and arranged by Pillar's then-husband Larry Carlton. Pillar returned to Christian music with her first album of new material in seven years and also marked nearly 10 years since her debut album was released. Love Makes All the Difference is characterized as a blend of "heartfelt ballads with inspiring pop influences," focusing on themes of divine and human love, transformation, and redemption. The lead single title track's lyrics emphasize a "new beginning" and the "completeness" found through faith. "Love Makes All the Difference" and "When He Sees Me" were Pillar's final Top 10 hits on the Christian AC chart. Pillar also does a cover of "Some People's Lives" written by Janis Ian and Kye Fleming and was originally recorded by American singer and actress Bette Midler in 1990. It was also the name of Midler's album that contained the Grammy Award winning hit "From a Distance." Pillar wrote the closing track "Jesus" by herself, while she co-wrote "A Song Worth Singing." Love Makes All the Difference was Pillar's first and only album of the 1990s as she took another long hiatus from recording. Pillar would not record for 15 years when she released her Christmas album I Hear Angels Calling . Love Makes All the Difference is the only studio album from Pillar's discography that is not available on digital formats. A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article. Track listing 1. Celebration Day (John Bettis, Pete Glenister) -5:00 2. Love Makes All the Difference (Dorothy Sea Gazeley, Billy LaBounty) -3:29 3. When He Sees Me (J.L. Wallace) -4:01 4. Bruising the Serpent's Head (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford) -5:04 5. Some People's Lives (Janis Ian, Kye Fleming) -3:35 6. Hallelujah (J.L. Wallace) -4:20 7. Hearts Unfailing (Steve Berg) -3:36 8. A Bruised Reed (He Will Not Break) (J.L. Wallace) -4:11 9. A Song Worth Singing (Michele Pillar, Steve Berg, Don Stalker) -4:36 10. Jesus (Michele Pillar) -3:30 Radio singles 1991 "Love Makes All the Difference" -#29 Christian CHR, -#6 Christian AC 1991 -1992 "When He Sees Me" -#6 Christian AC 1992 "Hallelujah" -#34 Christian AC 1992 -1993 "Hearts Unfailing" -#24 Christian AC Previous release: Compact Favorites  (1989) (Sparrow Records compilation album) Next release: I Hear Angels Calling  (2006) (Christmas album) Listen to the album Love Makes All the Difference  here:

Portrait is a 1986 compilation album by Scottish Christian singer - author Sheila Walsh on Sparrow Records. This collection features ten of Walsh's best songs including the track "Star Song (There Is Born A Child)." The track was only released on the U.S. version of War of Love , but is now available for the first time for the U.K. market on vinyl. The album was then reissued on CD in 1988 and was part of the Compact Favorites series featuring former artists on the Sparrow label with the same track listing. Walsh had signed with Word Records, where she is recording her next album Shadowlands . NOTE: Portrait/Compact Favorites is the only compilation album by Sheila Walsh that is available in digital formats. Track listing 1. We're All One (Bryn Haworth) (from Don't Hide Your Heart ) -3:29 2. Don't Turn Your Back on Jesus (Chris Eaton) (from Triumph in the Air ) -3:11 3. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) (Pete Seeger) (from War of Love ) -3:58 4. Somebody (Teri DeSario, Bill Purse) (from Triumph in the Air ) -4:15 5. Jesus Call Your Lambs (duet with Cliff Richard) (Teri DeSario) (from Don't Hide Your Heart ) -4:02 6. Triumph in the Air (Graham Kendrick, Craig Pruess) (from Triumph in the Air ) -4:42 7. Mystery (Dave Cooke, Paul Field) (from War of Love ) -3:27 8. Star Song (There Is Born A Child) (Scott McClurg, Kirk Allen) (from War of Love ) -3:40 9. God Put a Fighter in Me (Graham Kendrick) (from War of Love ) -5:15 10. Burn On (Graham Kendrick) (from Future Eyes ) -4:12 Production credits Craig Pruess -producer (tracks 1 -9) Cliff Richard -co-producer (tracks 3, 7 and 9) Michael Omartian and Keith Bessey -co-producers (track 1) Paul Cobbold -producer (track 10) Previous release: Don't Hide Your Heart (1985) Next release: Shadowlands (1986)

Compact Favorites is a compilation album of Christian singer - songwriter Steve Camp , released in 1988 by Sparrow Records. It is a compilation CD series of former Sparrow recording artists with select songs from their previous albums. Even though Camp was still signed with the label when this collection was released, it only contains tracks from his first three Sparrow albums Fire and Ice , Shake Me to Wake Me and One on One . Track listing 1. Upon This Rock (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier) (from Fire and Ice ) -3:41 2. Shake Me to Wake Me (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier) (from Shake Me to Wake Me ) -4:34 3. Stranger to Holiness (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier) (from Shake Me to Wake Me ) -4:23 4. One on One (duet with Margaret Becker) (Steve Camp, Margaret Becker) (from One on One ) -4:33 5. Threshing Floor (Steve Camp, Ashley Cleveland) (from One on One ) -4:54 6. Lazy Jane ( Steve Camp, Rob Frazier)  (from Shake Me to Wake Me ) -3:24 7. He Covers Me (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier, John Rosasco) (from One on One ) -4:48 8. Fire and Ice (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier) (from Fire and Ice ) -2:57 9. Cheap Grace (Steve Camp, Margaret Becker, Phil Maderia) (from One on One ) -5:12 10. Living in Laodicea (Steve Camp) (from Fire and Ice ) -4:07 Production credits Steve Camp -producer (all tracks) John Rosasco -co-producer (tracks 1, 4, 5, 7 -10) Previous release: After God's Own Heart (1987) Next release: Justice (1989)

Look Who Loves You Now is the third studio album by Christian singer Michele Pillar . It was released by Sparrow Records on October 10, 1984. The album was produced and arranged by jazz guitarist (and Pillar's future second husband) Larry Carlton. Look Who Loves You Now marked a stylistic shift toward a stylish synth-pop and some album-oriented rock (AOR) sound, but retaining some of the AC sounds of her first two albums. This was Pillar's first time working with Carlton. Carlton is best known for playing solo guitar on Mike Post's "Theme From Hill Street Blues " from the television series of the same name. The title song was released as the lead single and gave Pillar her first, and only, number one song on the Christian music chart where it stayed for 13 weeks. Other singles released include "Each Day He Gives Me" and "To Worship You." "To Worship You" is a vocal duet with Scottish Christian singer Sheila Walsh . Other Christian artists contributed songs on the album like Steve Taylor and Bob Bennett . Look Who Loves You Now charted and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart by February 1985. In 1985, Pillar earned her third and final Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance, Female for the album and was nominated for a Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. This was Pillar's final album on Sparrow Records and her final album of the 1980s as she would not record another for seven years. Pillar took a break from recording as she divorced her first husband Steve Pillar in 1985 and in 1987 married Carlton. During her hiatus, she participated in Steve Camp 's charity single " Do Something Now " for Compassion International. Track listing 1. Each Day He Gives Me (music by Larry Carlton, words by John Bettis) -3:41 2. Look Who Loves You Now (Steve Stone) -3:22 3. He'll Shine His Light On You (music by Jay Gruska, words by Michele Pillar and Marie Cain) -3:15 4. Just Take a Step (music by Larry Carlton, words by Bob Bennett) -3:46 5. Emotions Wound Us So (music by Larry Carlton, words by Steve Taylor) -3:18 6. Wandering the Night (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford) -4:29 7. To Worship You (vocal duet with Sheila Walsh) (Ava Aldridge, Lenny LeBlanc) -3:31 8. Here We Go (J.L. Wallace, Lonnie Ledford) -3:56 9. One Day Like Him (Bill Batstone, Phil Kristianson) -3:25 10. I Want to Make a Difference (Michele Pillar, John Laird) -3:29 Radio singles 1984 -1985 "Look Who Loves You Now" -#1 Christian AC/CHR for 13 weeks 1985 "Each Day He Gives Me" -#12 Christian CHR, -#23 Christian AC 1985 "To Worship You" with Sheila Walsh -#34 Christian AC Previous release: Reign On Me  (1983)   Next release: Compact Favorites  (1989) (Sparrow Records compilation album)

The Misfit is a collaboration album by Erick Nelson and Michele Pillar . Released around October 1979 by Maranatha! Music's A&S label, The Misfit is a concept album where a common thread of concept of being an “outsider” or outcast weaves its way throughout each and every song. The different topics range from faith, love, loss, doubt and more, but all with a singular focus as coming from the outside looking in. Guests and musicians on the album include Kelly Willard, Hadley Hockensmith, Denny Correll, John Wickham (Phil Wickham's father), Keith Edwards and Alex MacDougall among others. The album was produced by Nelson and Jonathan David Brown. Nelson at this point had a very good and lengthy Jesus Music career going as both a solo artist and as members of popular bands like Good News. Pillar was an up and coming and much talked about new female vocalist on the precipice of a wonderful career in the 1980’s.  Her sweet and smooth Karen Carpenter (ballads) or Kiki Dee (pop) like voice matched Nelson’s more soulful and, at times, rocky voice perfectly and the blend just worked. It shocked many at the time that this would be their only album together. Both Nelson and Pillar were associated with Maranatha! Music, particularly as members of The Maranatha Singers at the time. The title song sets the tone for the entire project as we are introduced to "the misfit." Here the main character admits his distrust of those in his life, especially those who claim the name of Christ. Friends have deserted him and he's looking for hope somewhere, somehow. The pop piano hook is juxtaposed against a dark and longing lyric. Song highlights include "Carry Me Along," "Stand," "Take Me to the Light" and a cover of the Boudleaux Bryant composition "Love Hurts." Also included is the Randy Stonehill cover "First Prayer." The closing track "Martyr Song" was written about those that have gone before us to secure and build the Church. The freedom "the misfit" was longing for and searching out is found in Christ and helps one overcome all obstacles and challenges. The Misfit debuted in April 1980 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart peaking at number 29. It was reissued on CD by Spare Room Productions in 2002. The album is not available on digital platforms. However, four selected tracks are available on digital platforms on Nelson's 1980 compilation release Picking Up the Pieces . A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article. Track listing All songs written by Erick Nelson, except where noted. 1. The Misfit -3:34 2. Carry Me Along -3:30 3. Stand -3:58 4. Sail On (Don Stalker, Steve Berg) -2:37 5. Can't Find My Way Home -3:19 6. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (Jimmy Webb) -2:00 7. He's Asleep (Tommy Wolf) -3:17 8. Hurting People (Kelly Willard) -3:42 9. Take Me to the Light -4:01 10. First Prayer (Randy Stonehill) -3:08 11. Love Hurts ( Boudleaux Bryant) -2:52 12. He Gave Me Love -2:51 13. Martyr Song -3:39 Erick Nelson: Previous release: Flow River Flow (1976) Next release: Picking Up the Pieces (1980) (compilation album) Michele Pillar: Next release: Michele Pillar (1982) Listen to the album The Misfit by Erick Nelson and Michele Pillar here:

25 Songs of Christmas, Volume II  is a compilation Christmas double album released in 1985 on Sparrow Record's Birdwing label. A sequel to the 1982 compilation album 25 Songs of Christmas , this collection once more contains some previously released songs and some new recordings by participating artists like Sheila Walsh , Steve Green , Michael Card , Michele Pillar , John Michael Talbot and many others. 25 Songs of Christmas, Volume II was issued in 1989 on CD. On the CD version, the tracks "O Thou That Tellest" by The London Philharmonic Choir and "Hallelujah Jesus Is Born" by Scott Wesley Brown were omitted due to time constraints. The two tracks are now restored in a new YouTube playlist in its sequence order posted below. Track listing 1. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Michele Pillar) (Edmond Sears, Richard Storrs Willis/Charles Wesley, George Whitefield) -3:03 2. Joseph's Song (Michael Card) (Michael Card) -4:20 3. He Shall Be Born (Wendy and Mary) (Wendy Talbot) -3:19 4. Carol of the Bells (O.D. Hall) (traditional; arranged by O.D. Hall) -1:30 5. O Thou That Tellest (The London Philharmonic Choir) (Georg Friedrich Händel) -6:21 6. Magnificat: Prelude of Faith/Holy Is His Name (John Michael Talbot) (John Michael Talbot) -5:02 7. O Come All Ye Faithful (Debby Boone) (Rich Mullins) -4:07 8. He Became a Man (Steve Fry) (Steve Fry) -4:40 9. What Child Is This/O Come Let Us Adore Him (Michele Pillar) (William Chatterton Dix/John Francis Wade) -3:33 10. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Phil Perkins) (traditional; arranged by Phil Perkins) -3:25 11. Bethlehem (Sandie Hall Brooks) (O.D. Hall) -3:55 12. Season to Rejoice (Sheila Walsh) (Chris Eaton) -4:52 13. Hallelujah Jesus is Born (Scott Wesley Brown) (Anna-Mari Kaskinen, Pekka Simojoki) -5:06 14. Glory to God in the Highest (Wendy and Mary) (Mary Rice Hopkins) -2:16 15. Once in Royal David's City (O.D. Hall) (Henry J. Gaunlett) -3:11 16. Angels from the Realms of Glory (Phil Perkins) (traditional; arranged by Phil Perkins) -3:11 17. The Birthday of a King (Stephen Amerson) (William H. Neidlinger) -3:12 18. O Holy Night (Steve Green) (Adolphe Adam, John Sullivan Dwight) -4:46 19. Do You Hear What I Hear? (Connie Scott) (Noël Regney, Gloria Shayne) -4:25 20. Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light (O.D. Hall) (Johann Sebastian Bach) -1:32 21. Angels We Have Heard On High (Michele Pillar) (Edward S. Barnes) -3:19 22. Forever Will I Sing (Psalm 89) (John Michael Talbot) (John Michael Talbot) -2:25 23. Come Unto Him (The London Philharmonic Choir) (Georg Friedrich Händel) -6:03 Listen to the complete version of 25 Songs of Christmas, Volume II here:

Fire and Ice is the fourth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Steve Camp . It is his first album on Sparrow Records released in the spring of 1984 and his first album in nearly three years since Camp left Word Records. Fire and Ice would solidify Camp as one of the most popular artists in Christian music in the mid 1980s. Mixing some pop songs, like the duet "Love's Not a Feeling" featuring Sparrow label mate Michele Pillar , which became a Christian radio hit, with rock songs like the title song and "Squeeze." "Living in Laodicea" became a radio and fan favorite. The album was ranked at number 96 from CCM Magazine in their 2001 book The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music . Camp co-wrote seven songs with fellow CCM singer - songwriter and friend Rob Frazier. Camp makes his first chart appearance on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart as Fire and Ice peaked at number 14. The track "Light Your Candle" was originally recorded for his final Myrrh Records album It's a Dying World , which was released later in 1984. For this album, Camp added the line "Let it burn bright in the face of the devil" in the chorus. Fire and Ice is produced by Camp and John Rosasco. Camp earned his first, and only, Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group for "Love's Not a Feeling" with Pillar (her second Grammy nomination). On March 28, 2025, Fire and Ice was reissued and remastered on CD by Girder Music and licensed by Capitol Christian Music Group. It comes with a CD sleeve, a collector card and a 12-page booklet with lyrics and photos. It is currently selling for a limited time with only 500 on hand. Track listing All songs written by Steve Camp and Rob Frazier, except where noted. 1. Upon This Rock -3:40 2. It is Good (Steve Camp, Rob Frazier, John Rosasco) -3:45 3. Love's Not a Feeling (duet with Michele Pillar) -4:19 4. Heart of Stone -4:12 5. Living in Laodicea (Steve Camp) -4:07 6. Squeeze -5:00 7. Fire and Ice -2:57 8. Light Your Candle (Steve Camp) -3:51 9. What Would the Devil Say -3:01 10. Where Are the Heroes (Steve Camp) -4:44 Radio singles 1984 "Love's Not a Feeling" with Michele Pillar -#4 Christian AC/CHR 1984 "Living in Laodicea" -#13 Christian AC/CHR Previous release: Only the Very Best (1983) (compilation album) Next release: It's a Dying World (1984)

Town to Town  is the sixth solo album by Christian singer/songwriter/guitarist Phil Keaggy . It was released in late October 1981 and is his second album on Sparrow Records. Keaggy co-produced the album with Bob Cotton. Town to Town opens with a new wave type rocker "Wished You Were There," in which Keaggy dedicated the track to his fellow Glass Harp members John Sferra and Daniel Pecchio. Christian vocalist Michele Pillar provides backing vocals on "Full Circle" and sings a duet with Keaggy on the track "What a Wonder You Are." The final track "Let Everything Else Go" is a fine ballad with inspired lyrics. It has also become a concert favorite. Keaggy has written and arranged the entire album. Town to Town was reissued in 1991 by Myrrh/Word Records, along with Ph'lip Side and Play Thru Me on 2 CDs. It's on "This Disc" (Disc 1) but with a different track listing. In 2022, the album was reissued solo with its original track listing order and digitally remastered by Strobie Records. In 1982, Town to Town peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart. Track listing All songs written by Phil Keaggy, except where noted. 1. Wished You Were There -3:06 2. Full Circle -4:20 3. Life, Love and You -4:26 4. Town to Town -6:52 5. What a Wonder You Are (duet with Michele Pillar) -4:06 6. In Between -3:06 7. Our Lives -5:31 8. Rise Up O Men of God (traditional hymn; music and arranged by Phil Keaggy) -4:14 9. Let Everything Else Go -4:56 Radio singles 1982 "Let Everything Else Go" -#8 Christian CHR Previous release: Ph'lip Side  (1980) Next release: Play Thru Me  (1982)

A Reason to Live is the second studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Cindy Morgan , released on August 10, 1993 by Word Records. The album was produced by Mark Hammond. A Reason to Live continues the success of her debut album Real Life with more dance pop, R&B and now incorporating some adult contemporary tracks like "Reaching In" and "I Will Be Free." "I Will Be Free" is a ballad and immensely personal to Morgan as well as a signature song and in 1995 won the Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year. Despite its Dove win, its impact has been felt by people who are affected by this song. "I Will Be Free" was named as one of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music by CCM Magazine in 2006 at number 89. The album also garnered Morgan three more number one songs on the Christian CHR chart with "Picture Me in Paradise," "We Can Live Together" and "The Days of Innocence." The title song climbed up to number two on the Christian AC chart. Morgan co-wrote four tracks and wrote four tracks by herself showcasing her songwriting skills. A Reason to Live peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Track listing 1. Picture Me in Paradise (Mark Hammond, Grant Cunningham) -5:35 2. The Days of Innocence (Cindy Morgan, Mark Hammond) -4:35 3. Storybook (Cindy Morgan, Mark Hammond, Grant Cunningham) -4:10 4. Reaching In (Cindy Morgan) -4:27 5. We Can Live Together (Cindy Morgan, Mark Hammond) -5:16 6. Love's Still Love (Mark Hammond, Grant Cunningham) -4:09 7. A Reason to Live (Cindy Morgan) -5:31 8. Let Somebody Love You (Cindy Morgan, Mark Hammond) -3:40 9. Someone Believes in You (Cindy Morgan) -4:47 10. I Will Be Free (Cindy Morgan) -4:55 Accolades Dove Award -Short Form Music Video of the Year ("I Will Be Free") Radio singles 1993 "A Reason to Live" -#14 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1993 -1994 "Storybook" -#4 Christian CHR 1993 -1994 "Reaching In" -#21 Christian AC 1994 "Picture Me in Paradise" -#1 Christian CHR 1994 "I Will Be Free" -#17 Christian AC 1994 "We Can Live Together" -#1 Christian CHR for 3 weeks, -#25 Christian AC 1994 "The Days of Innocence" -#1 Christian CHR Previous release: Real Live (1992) Next release: Under the Waterfall (1995) Watch the music video of "I Will Be Free" here:

Gregory Alan Long (born December 12, 1966) is an American Contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter from South Dakota. Long was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He began singing at his father's revivals when he was a child. Long grew up in a strict Christian home where he listened to mainly Christian and Gospel artists, although he sometimes listens to some secular acts. Long's parents had a traveling evangelistic ministry that he jokingly refer to as "a sort-of Christian Partridge Family." Later on, Long was singing and making recordings with the family group. Long attended Bible College where he played football and founded a male vocal trio. He embarked on a Christian music career upon graduation and received early assistance from John and Dino Elefante, best known for producing Petra 's albums since the mid 1980s. Long signed with Word Records and released his debut album Cross My Heart in 1994. The album was released on the Elefante brothers label Pakaderm Records, a subsidiary label of Myrrh Records. His debut single "How Long" (a duet with Margaret Becker ) was his first Top 5 hit. Other songs followed with "Think About Jesus," "What a Friend" and "All Is Well." His second album Days of Grace was released in 1996 with another hit, the 70s disco-fueled "Love the Lord." Long released three more albums in the lates 1990s and into the 2000s: Jesus Saves (1998), Now (2001) and Born Again (2004). On May 13, 2000, Long married Avalon member Janna Potter. Long joined Avalon in 2003 replacing member Michael Passons. Long made his recording debut with Avalon with The Creed in 2004. Long, currently still with Avalon (now Avalon Worship), along with his wife Janna and their three daughters live in Allen, Texas (in the Dallas area) where Greg is a worship leader at Cottonwood Creek Church. Before that, Long was a worship leader at Woodlands Church in the Houston, Texas area. More information on Greg Long at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Long_(singer) Discography the solo albums: Cross My Heart (1994) Days of Grace  (1996) Jesus Saves (1998) Now (2001) Born Again  (2004) The Definitive Collection  (2007) (Word Records compilation album) with Avalon: The Creed  (2004)   Stand  (2006) Faith: A Hymns Collection  (2006) Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics  (2008) The Greatest Hits  (2009) (compilation album)   Reborn  (2009) Called  (2020) Avalon Worship  (2022) (as Avalon Worship)