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.
Have you ever had a random conversation with someone at the grocery store or maybe on an airplane and you come away feeling like this is a person you would like to get to know more? Today’s conversation with Byron Chambers was that for me. The time we spent together went way too fast and I did not want our time to end. “Who is Byron Chambers?”, you might be asking. Well, you are going to want to stick around and find out! Because Byron is a guy who loves Jesus with all his heart and is using his skills to impact mainstream music with God’s love in a way few others can.
Boy, do I have a treat for you today. If you are a worship leader you are definitely going to want to stick around for today's podcast with Joel Weldon. Joel is a voice-over actor and communication coach who spent years as a worship leader working with the likes of Promise Keepers, Young Live, Harvest Crusades, and Billy Graham Crusades. Joel has a heart for worship that is very contagious. This podcast could actually be a master class on leading worship.
Smalltown Poets formed in 1996 in Atlanta, GA, and have released eight albums and a couple of Christmas projects. Their first major-label album earned a Grammy nomination. But as you hear them share their story, it isn’t about awards or album sales. They are seeking to follow God in their music careers, but also in their lives. But why am I telling you about this? Let’s let them share their story in their own words.
I got to sit down with Michael Sweet. You know, the lead singer of Stryper, part of the duo Sweet & Lynch, and solo artist Michael Sweet. Yea, that guy. For those who may not be familiar with Michael, here is a quick intro. He has released 8 solo albums. Was the lead singer for the rock band Boston for four years. And is a founding member of the band Stryper, along with his brother Robert and friend Oz Fox. Stryper has sold more than 10 million albums and was a pioneer in Christian metal when it was getting started in the 1980s.
If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know how passionate I am about living in community. And many times that community is with friends or your church. Sometimes that community is an intentional project to help others. Today on the podcast I get to chat with Jadon Lavik. Jadon is president of Better Together Ministries. One of the things that intrigued me about Jadon was his purpose statement, “We aim to transform communities both locally and globally because we are truly better together.” This is living out community in very real and tangible ways.
Mickey & Becki Moore were professional street singers in New York's Greenwich Village when they felt called to be part of the new Jesus Movement of the 1970s. In today's podcast, we hear the story behind the call God placed on them and how he provided despite industry roadblocks and people telling them that this wasn't a good career path.
Michael & Becki Moore: Website.
And of course on our page: Christian Music Archive.
Today I welcome to the husband and wife team of Steve & Annie Chapman. Christian music enthusiasts will recognize Steve and Annie as a vocal recording duo from the early eighties, but before that, they were both in the pioneering CCM group Dogwood. What many may not realize is that they have continued to record and have released around 20 albums and are seasoned authors, releasing more than 30 books between them, covering topics from marriage and parenting to hunting and character development.
Today I’m privileged to chat with Lenny LeBlanc. Lenny got his start in music back in the 70s and had a couple of Top 40 mainstream hits. He went on to write a number of worship songs like "There Is None Like You" and "Above All," for which he won a Dove Award in 2003. In addition to more than a dozen solo albums, he has been a bass player and studio musician working with the likes of Amy Grant, Ricky Skaggs, Don Moen, and Twila Paris.