We music fans often get caught up in an artist’s professional accomplishments. They released so many albums, were part of these bands, and had x number of hits. While I enjoy talking about music history, listeners of this podcast will know that some of the best encouragement comes from the off-stage life of our musician friends. Today I’m talking with Rick Heil. You probably know Rick as the former bassist for Big Tent Revival or the lead singer for modern worship group Sonicflood. But that is a small part of Rick’s story.
Jaime Jamgochian is my guest today on the podcast. Jaime is a Berklee College of Music graduate, which means she has some mad music skills. But what is most evident about her life is her reliance on God. She is passionate about sharing her faith and telling how God is a healing, caring God. Now, Jaime has just released All Things an album about how God is working to make things beautiful. Like she states during our chat, "If it's not good yet, God is not done yet."
On today’s podcast, we have a special treat to talk to not one, but two really talented people. First, we’ve got Renee Garcia-Bliss. Renee released a couple of albums back in the late 1980s and has done background vocals both in the studio and on the road. I remember seeing Renee as one of Amy Grant's back up vocalists on several of her tours. Then we have Lang Bliss, who has a pretty impressive resume of his own. Lang has been a drummer, producer, songwriter, and live event promoter for some artists you might know... Michael W. Smith, Michael McDonald, Big Daddy Weave...
Of all the singers I’ve heard, there are a small handful of people that every time I hear their voice, I stop and just soak in the music… close my eyes and just basque in excellence. Singers like Matthew Ward, Russ Taff, and Ashley Cleveland who could sing the dictionary, and I would buy it. My shortlist of favorite vocalists also includes a pair of siblings, one of whom is my guest today. Lynda Randle is a singer who can SING! And obviously, I’m not alone in that assessment. Billy Graham, Andrae Crouch, and Bill Gaither have all asked to work with Lynda.
One of the things I love about doing this podcast is the opportunity to meet new artists. Today I get to talk with Joel Vaughn. Joel is signed to Dream Records and has just released a new EP call Louder Than the Lies. In addition to his recording career, Joel is a Worship Pastor in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted with Joel Vaughn.
On today’s podcast, I get to chat with Ayiesha Woods. Ayiesha wrote her first song when she was just 12 years old. And after releasing an independent project and touring regionally, she came to the attention of TobyMac who signed her to Gotee Records. Before long, she was nominated for Grammy and Dove awards and even had a top 10 radio hit. Then in 2009 she gave it all up to focus on her new family. While that may seem like a bad career choice, she said she wouldn’t change it for the world! Now a wife and mother of four boys, her new ministry is as a worship leader in her home church.
Today I get to chat with John Michael Talbot. John Michael and his brother Terry had a Southern Rock band in the early seventies called Mason Proffit. They were a pretty big deal! Bands like The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and John Denver were opening acts for Mason Profit! Eventually, though, John Michael and his brother left the band and rededicated their lives to Christ. John Michael went on to become a Roman Catholic monk and has released 56 solo albums in the past 4 decades!
Today’s conversation is a bit surreal for me. You see, when I was considering starting this podcast I did a lot of research by listening to a TON of podcasts. I didn’t want to do something that was already being done. And I wanted to see what a quality podcast should sound like. As you might imagine, I listened to a lot of… shall we say… unimpressive productions. But then I found The Pivot hosted by Andrew Osenga. Now here was a podcast that not only had high production values but also had a host with a tender, caring heart.
My conversation today is with Dennis Agajanian. I first met Dennis when I was in college and he performed at a youth camp where I was on staff. I remember him as a larger than life, charismatic performer who played a mean guitar. In the years since then, I’ve seen Dennis on stage with Billy Graham, at Harvest Crusades, and even saw him on the popular 80’s ABC television show That’s Incredible! But talking with Dennis you are quick to learn that he has a passion for sharing the Gospel.