Category: worship

Early CCM–Spotlight on the Imperials

This is the CCM group “The Imperials.”  The song (which was a hard choice) is “Water Grave.”  They recorded a lot of music in the 70s and 80s.  They were regarded as “golden,”  with a substantial presence in the CCM scene.

From Wikipedia–    “The Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been around for over 45 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles over the years. They would go on to win four Grammys, and be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imperials

They are unquestionably one of the leaders in early CCM. I guess if I was to choose a second song it would be “Sail On” which musically and lyrically is a tremendous song. You’ll have to look for it on YouTube yourself, but it will be worth it, I guarantee it.

Brokenbeliever’s Index of Selected Christian Music can be accessed at:

https://brokenbelievers.com/classic-christian-music-index/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCM Classic Spotlight on DeGarmo & Key

 “Long Distance Runner” by DeGarmo & Key from the album “No Turning Back:Live,” 1982, Lion & Lamb Records

 
You are a long distance runner
You can feel the pain in your side
Yet you must run on
You are a long distance runner
Keep your face in the wind
And you’ll soon be home
I can see the strain on your face
Keep your eye on the goal and you’ll win the race
 
Up from the gun – you are no sprinter
The soles of your feet are on fire
Yet you must run on
You came to run – that’s why you entered
So put one foot in front of another
‘Till your race is won
I can see the strain on your face
Keep your eye on the goal and you’ll win the race
You are a long distance runner
When others are falling away
Your race begins
You are a long distance runner
The Spirit that strengthens your soul
Will ensure that you win
 
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DeGarmo & Key was a Christian Rock group that started professionally in 1978. The primary members were Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key. Eddie played keyboards and sang background vocals (and occasionally lead), while Dana played lead guitar and did the majority of the lead vocals. Other members included Tommy Cathey on bass and Greg Morrow on drums. The group’s music was of the pop and rock genres. Their best known songs are: Destined to Win (also the title of their 1992’s early “best of” album: Destined to Win), Let the Whole World Sing, Six, Six, Six, Boycott Hell, Every Moment, and Casual Christian. Also most noted for their 1986 album “Streetlight”, their 1987 album D&K, and their 1989 album “The Pledge”. See Discography for more info Other notable musicians who have recorded and/or toured with DeGarmo & Key include:Kenny Porter(bass), Kevin Rodell (drums), Chuck Reynolds (drums), Steve Taylor (guitar) (not related to another Steve Taylor, also a popular CCM artist) and Mark Pogue (guitar).

Eddie and Dana have individually recorded solo albums.

During Spring 2007 Dana and Eddie received the ASCAP Vision Award at the 29th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards.

Dana Key and Eddie DeGarmo reunited to do a concert on October 21, 2007 at TLC Church in Cordova, Tennessee.

DeGarmo and Key played at the 2008 Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois.

Dana Key died on June 6, 2010 from complications associated with a blood clot; although he had previous health problems, his death was unexpected.

The duo has been selected for the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame, and is scheduled for induction in January 2011.

 

Internet Links:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeGarmo_%26_Key

The Unofficial DeGarmo & Key Website:  http://degarmoandkey.webs.com/

Brokenbelievers CCM Index: featuring other artists and bands of the 60s – 80s https://brokenbelievers.com/classic-christian-music-index/

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Classic CCM Spotlight on Glad

 GLAD is one of the pioneers of Christian pop/rock and a cappella music, having formed as a progressive rock group in 1972 and discovered a large audience for their a cappella music in 1988.

 Today, with over 1.5 million albums sold, they continue to perform concerts and release occasional recordings. As Contemporary Christian Music (CCM Magazine) described it, “GLAD’s elegant vocals helped set them apart from other pioneers of Contemporary Christian music. That vocal sound has since evolved into a complex, self-sustaining life form of its own…”   The GLAD sound is known for its tight harmonies and intricate arrangements with classical and jazz overtones. Some of their hits over the years have included “Be Ye Glad,” “Maker of My Heart,” “God is My Rock,” “The Easter Song,” “You Put This Love in My Heart,” and “Color Outside the Lines.

From a Wikipedia source

“Be Ye Glad” Lyrics

BE YE GLAD

Words and Music by M.K.Blanchard
© Gotz Music/Benson
(860) 673-5100

In these days of confused situations.
In these nights of a restless remorse,
When the heart and the soul of the nation,
lay wounded and cold as a corpse.
From the grave of the innocent Adam,
comes a song bringing joy to the sad.
Oh your cry has been heard and the ransom,
has been paid up in full, Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad,
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,
Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.

From the dungeon a rumor is stirring.
You have heard it again and again.
But this time the cell keys are turning,
and outside there are faces of friends.
And though your body lay weary from wasting,
and your eyes show the sorrow they’ve had.
Oh the love that your heart is now tasting
has opened the gate, Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

So be like lights on the rim of the water,
giving hope in a storm sea of night.
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter,
for these fugitives in their flight.
For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
You are winsome and young as a lad.
And there is no disease or no struggle,
that can pull you from God, Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

Great Links–

http://www.singers.com/glad.html

http://www.glad-pro.com/

 

Classic Spotlight CCM–Amy Grant

“El Shaddai” is a wonderful song.  Amy has represented our Lord God in a wonderfully sincere way.  The Church owes her a deep debt and a considerable degree of blessing.  This song was recorded in 2004, at a live concert.  “She has been referred to as “The Queen of Christian Pop”. As of 2009, Grant remains the best-selling contemporary Christian music singer ever, having sold over 30 million units worldwide.”

“Grant has won six Grammy Awards, 25 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and had the first Christian album ever to go Platinum.  Heart in Motion is her highest selling album, with over five million copies sold in the United States alone. She was honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.”

During an interview with CBN.com [in 2010,] Grant says, “…my hope is just for those songs to provide companionship, remind myself and whoever else is listening what’s important. I feel like songs have the ability to connect us to ourselves and to each other, and to our faith, to the love of Jesus, in a way that conversation doesn’t do. Songs kind of slip in and move you before you realize it.”

In 2007, Amy was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

Quotes taken from Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Grant