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Great Music LinksLast update May 1, 2025

This page will continue to be updated as I find time to honor those musicians who have influenced and impacted my life. Most of these musicians or bands were pioneers in what they did, communicating a message with a foundation of a Christian worldview that was not present in the commercial music industry at the time.

Keith GreenLast update May 5, 2025

Keith Green's music came into my life during my college years. I remember when he played at ORU, and at one point in the evening was under the piano - praying - as God's presence was evident, at least to me and those who had come to the event from East Texas. Seeing and hearing him offstage in a Bible Study at the Brown's home in Lindale, TX on many occasions, and having friends that were a part of his ministry team amplified his humanity and endeared him, his music and his passion for Jesus to me and many of my friends at the time. Keith's untimely death and those of the Smalley family were a shock to those of us who were a little more acquainted with Keith and Melody. But his love for Jesus was and continues to be a source of encouragement in my trust and faith in Jesus. As I've talked to those who were closer to Keith and Melody, I've learned more about the unique, sometimes flawed, yet gifted person he was. He gave a glimpse of Jesus to anyone with ears to hear in his music and his concerts. I highly encourage heading over to the ministry website that Keith and Melody started - Last Days Ministry if you have never heard of Keith Green, his music and his life or just to catch up on where the ministry is now.

Michael CardLast update May 2, 2025

Michael Card's music and books have set a foundation of Jesus Christ in our lives. His ability to ask questions in his songs that we asked about Christian beliefs, to explore the richness of Christian thought and discourse since the time that Christ lived here on earth has been a gateway to understanding the nature and extent of God's Truth for us through his music. His website links to his books and other resources that provide much to explore for years to come. What is interesting is the number of podcasts we have listened to that mention Michael Card as influential in their thinking. On his website he states that he writes articles and books on topics that captured his imagination through conversations with Bible teachers, friends and contemporaries in both Christian music and the academic community, and continues to write to this day. The music is just a small sample of the 38 albums he has produced over the years. Oh, and he has a weekly podcast if you have the time!

PetraLast update May 2, 2025

Petra captured my imagination, I listened to them often, amazed at the talent that sang truth about Jesus. This was a band that influenced me away from bands that were great music, but the lyrics and "spirit" of those musicians and bands seemed like a caustic substance to my soul and my conscience. Petra was like a refreshing shower, music that was interesting and filled that longing for something creative with sounds never heard before, but lyrics to bridge the beliefs and values within me that formed my conscience and faith in God. Crosswind may have happened without the influence of Petra, but our sense of "calling" would not have had a "map" to get to where we went with our music without them. They are on the web, and still rockin' for Jesus, which I think is great!

2nd Chapter Of ActsLast update May 15, 2025

I became aware of the 2nd Chapter of Acts in High School with their 1974 release of Easter Song. I remember listening to their music and sensing a humility and a difference that I couldn't quite understand at the time. Something at that time was communicated to me in that music that would impact me further when I moved to Texas in 1976. I met others at LeTourneau in Longview that also loved the music and songs of Annie, Nellie and Matthew. I "met" Annie, Nellie and Matthew in person at a bible study in Texas, and experienced their humility, their love for Jesus and recognized that they weren't singing to become well known, they were together playing music that was and is uplifting and memorable because of the work of God in their lives. If you know their story, you know what I'm talking about. I encourage you to read their About Us page on their website for the details. This humility, yet profound creativity with the musicians they worked with and heard in their music spoke to my heart. Their music and brief encounters with them began the process of turning my heart from wanting affirmation from audiences and people to wanting to serve God by how I relate to people. I attribute the process of recognizing my own selfishness and pride to God through their music and their lives. The music created in me a desire to seek God's leading in whatever music I played and whatever musicians I would partner with in music.

Annie came to the church I attended some years ago and I met her in one of the hallways of the church after she had arrived a few hours before the concert was scheduled to begin. This was when she was performing solo at different churches. The sense of her grace and humility was evident as before as we briefly conversed. I am thankful for their influence in the music industry, and for their faithfulness to follow God where He has led them since that time. God revealed himself to people in the special way that Annie, Nellie and Matthew used their musical giftings. I am grateful that God made a way in their lives for the richness and depth of His love to be revealed in a way that helped establish faith in God's grace and love for many of us that were aware of their music. They have a website that you can visit to find out more about them and their music.