Broken Believers

Early CCM Spotlight: Don Francisco

“The Steeple Song” was one of the best songs that framed out the CCM movement in a more definite direction. Don Francisco became the master of the story– he would narrarate the word in popular songs. This happened at the perfect time, as the church in the 1970s needed that approach. You might say he was a Bible teacher who narrated his teaching with his wonderful guitar.

If (and when) we look back, Mr. Francisco will be a bright spot with his many songs. This song, in particular calls it Churchianity when the habit of church life replaces actual Christianity.

There is one other song, “I Don’t Care Where You’ve Been Sleeping” written in 1977. I’m giving you 2 for the price of 1 as I put his link down for you. As you listen, I hope it will be a deep and solid blessing to your heart.

Useful links–

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Francisco_(Christian_musician)

http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Don_Francisco_The_veteran_troubadour_with_a_winning_way_in_Bible_narrative_songs/36882/p1/

Early CCM Spotlight– Wendy & Mary, Again

*****

“Welcome Home,” Just really felt I wanted to imprint these guys on to your heart. There is value in letting music like this to saturate your heart. I must tell you, seldom has there been a duo like this, with their acoustic guitars, robust lyrics and angelic voices. I hope that YouTube will do them justice.

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.

Early CCM- Spotlight on Nancy Honeytree

*****

Another incredible blast from the past. “Rattle Me, Shake Me.” This is one of the best from one of CCMs greatest–Nancy Honeytree. I think I can date this about 1974.

Of course, I hope that it blesses, and gives you another layer to our simple faith. Honeytree was a definite force in the 70s, she ministered with a simplicity and wholeness that is a bit of an astringent to a fat and jaded faith of her day. I guess “freshness” would be the way I could describe her. But you’ll quickly pick this up as you listen to her describe herself. It is almost impossible to not like her music, and her “story.”

Honeytree is a jewel, she communicates musically on a different level. Her lyrics are simple, but she has a momentum that carries her through walls of pride and conflict. I hope that she blesses you deeply.