Category: worship

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

CCM Spotlight–Jamie Owens Collins

 

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” by Jamie Owens Collins

Jamie Owens Collins carried a neat anointing whenever she sang.  Furthermore she had a strong influence on later generation female vocalists, like Amy Grant and Twila Paris.

Unfortunately, few if any any videos of her ministering can be found.  I chose this song as its her voice (which was stellar) and the lyrics can be read while you listen in.

“No one will be able to oppose you successfully as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never neglect you or abandon you.”

Joshua 1:5

Don’t believe the liar nor his lies! =)~

“Hard Times” by Jamie Owens Collins

Another classic, around 1975 I think.

Interesting link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Love:_a_Historic_Gathering_of_Jesus_Music_Pioneers

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CCM Spotlight on Kelly Willard

Her music has always blessed.  She has a voice of an angel.  She was with the Maranatha Singers.  Two albums I can vouch for–the first “Blame It On the One I Love.”  The other being “Willing Heart.”  They are both pretty old though so not sure you can find them.

Kelly Willard, 1978

Her website: http://www.kellywillard.com/

A BrokenBelievers post of an interview she gave a few years ago.

https://brokenbelievers.com/2009/12/10/kelly-willard-more-than-life-interview/

Early CCM- Spotlight on Wendy & Mary

“If I Could Love You Better”

One of the early and blessed CCM duets was Wendy & Mary.  They were together just 5-6  years but cranked out 5 or 6 albums.  Their music operated off of relatively simple melodies, but their lyrics were often quite piercing and evocative.  They very quickly became one of my personal favorites.

I chose this song, even though 3 or 4 could fit in this post quite adequately.  I only hope that this selection would inspire you, and give you hope.  If this connects with your heart, check out iTunes for more.  The early albums are very good and each song is solid and hopeful.  You can’t go wrong.