Brimming with details about the 100 songs that have impacted the Christian music industry most dramatically over the past 30 years, the book also provides a wealth of fascinating, fun sidebars and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Christian music, its artists and lyrics alive. Recording artist and songwriter profiles, along with thoughts and memories of other well-known artists and celebrities, help to flesh out these remarkable stories.
Tracing the history of contemporary Christian music back to the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, "100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music" explores the roots rock, folk, R&B and traditional music that was the bedrock of this new expression of faith. Many credit rocker Larry Norman with recording the first true Jesus music album, Only Visiting This Planet, back in 1972. His anthem, "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?," comes in at #75. In 1977, Dallas Holm and Praise recorded a live album included "Rise Again," which topped radio airplay charts for months and went on to win the Dove Award for Song of the Year. "Rise Again" charts at #52. Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, 2nd Chapter of Acts, First Call, POD, dc Talk and dozens of other favorites are also included in the book.
The quest for the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music was not an easy task, according to Jay Swartzendruber, editor of CCM Magazine. "Before we began sifting through thousands of potential nominees, we also had to clarify what made for one of Christian music's greatest songs. In this case, did 'great' mean excellent, innovative, popular or influential? Actually, all of the above."
The final list, wrestled over and finally agreed upon by a consortium of key industry executives and more than 2,500 Christian music fans, includes entries from every genre imaginable including pop, rock, Southern Gospel, inspirational, soul and hip-hop. Both veterans and newcomers will find a wealth of information and inspiration in the pages of 100 Greatest Songs In Christian Music.
100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music, which released on April 7, 2006, was written by Tori Taff and the editorial staff at CCM Magazine and is published by Integrity Publishers.
