1 Degree of Andy

Join me as I sit down with one of my favorite CCM artists Morgan Cryar to trace his journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the height of CCM success. We'll talk about the stories behind his iconic songs “What Sin,” “Pray in the U.S.A.,” and “See You On The Other Side" as Morgan shares how faith, loss, and calling shaped his music—and what life looks like "on the other side" of the industry.

Veteran CCM radio promoter Chris Hauser shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how songs actually make it onto the air, revealing the intense competition and industry strategy it takes to break a song. We’ll also explore the tension between art and audience, and how a great song always finds its way in the end.

From Mississippi to Nashville to New York City, Ginny's life and career have taken a myriad of paths, all leading her to the greatest joy of her life...

From the Jesus music era to the early days of CCM and beyond, Scott Wesley Brown has seen the industry and his career change. But his dedication to sharing the gospel around the world is as strong as it's ever been!

The modern worship movement officially started in the late 1990s and became the template for CCM success for most of the industry for the foreseeable future. But Jeff Deyo never saw what he was doing as revolutionary, just the natural expression of what God was doing in his life!

The Newsboys shaped the landscape of 1990s CCM as much as any artist of that era, but the price of success took its toll on John James, ultimately leading to an incredible story of redemption and a second chance to fulfill his calling.

We're talking worship on this episode with one of the OG worship artists from the early 2000s. The Robbie Seay band married vertical lyrics with stellar production, producing music that still sounds amazing today! But Robbie's greatest contribution to the worship world might be what he's doing now with Shane & Shane and The Worship Initiative...

Reed Arvin is a fascinating figure from the golden age of CCM, getting his start playing keys for Amy Grant and eventually becoming Rich Mullins' longtime producer. You want stories? Reed has stories...

Rachael Lampa has a unique story in the history of Christian music - a teen sensation in the early 2000s, a long absence to find her true calling, and a triumphant return to CCM, but not in a way you might think!

MJM has a fascinating story of working alongside Twila Paris, Gary Chapman, Michael Omartian and nearly every great artist and session player in Nashville in the 80s and 90s, but leading some of the largest churches in America in worship might be his greatest legacy.

John's legacy in the story of Christian music is a rich tapestry of writing enduring songs and being the genius behind so many great artists and albums, but the wisdom he's learned along the way is the real heart of this conversation.

From a broken home and a life of addiction, Glenn's journey through Christian music to his ministry in the inner city and prisons is truly inspiring!

I think the world of Alvin and the road he's traveled. I hope that the next hour is as life-giving to you as it was to me.

Chris has worked with them all - from Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Kristin Chenoweth and everyone in between. Lots of great behind-the-scenes stories in this episode!

It’s impossible to tell the story of modern worship music without Don Moen. And the impact he’s had on the church and Christian musicians is immeasurable, but we’ll do our best to peel back the layers of his six-decade journey.

In this final 2025 look back episode I replay some of my favorite moments with some of the greatest male vocalists in CCM history!

These iconic artists have stood the test of time, and their voices have moved us for decades! Join me in this fourth look back episode featuring the female artists who graced season 3.

It’s always a thrill to sit down with artists who shaped my journey with their music. These eight legendary CCM artists were gracious enough to share their stories with me on season 3!

In the late 1990’s Christian music began to change and it’s never looked back. These six artists were driving forces behind the modern worship movement and their stories are incredible!

Journey back with me to some amazing conversations with the producers who created the soundtracks of our lives.

Thank you to everyone who sent in questions for this episode. We’ll hit topics like how the podcast gets produced, what are the biggest regrets of my career, what’s the one song that got away, and why I’m so bad at fantasy football!

Natalie and I sit down to talk about her storied career, her marriage to her producer, and her love for worship and the church.

I’m not sure it’s possible to measure the impact the Cruse Family has had on the kingdom of God, but we’ll do our best to tell the story of Joe, Karen, Jane, John and Cindy and their legacy that continues to show no signs of slowing down!

In this entertaining and emotional episode Chris takes us on a wild look back at his career and following the “bread crumbs” that brought him where he is today

The most successful producer in Christian music history spills his studio secrets, what it was like working with some of the biggest artists in the genre, and ultimately, what this whole journey may have really been all about...

From his days as a young Memphis musician to touring the world in one the biggest rock bands to ever come out of CCM, John Cooper is not afraid to live in the lions' den and speak the truth no matter the consequences

Get your notebook ready because Matt Redman will be dropping worship theology gold as he talks about his career and unpacks the stories behind his "Heart of Worship"

From his days growing up in rural Indiana, to teaching middle school English, to meeting Gloria and writing the songs we're all still singing, Bill Gaither put his stamp on gospel music. And at 89 he's not done yet!

Wes and I reconnect to finish our conversation we started way back in season 1. This is a candid conversation about surviving cancer, growing older and discovering that God might have a few more things for us to do.

From writing and recording some of the biggest songs in the 1990s to becoming a mentor to artists and songwriters, Babbie Mason is still going strong at 70!

Lenny played with some of the most legendary figures of rock music, but his heart for writing songs about Jesus changed the course of his career forever.

Nicole reminds us that "all things work together for good" as she shares her story of God's faithfulness in her journey

Josh Havens, the lead singer of The Afters joins me to talk about life in a CCM world where everything was changing. Their rapid rise to success brought about some difficult decisions, but staying true to their faith and their calling was the easiest choice of all.

Aaron wrote and recorded one of the biggest worship songs of the 2000’s, but his love for Israel, his devotion to the Word and his yearning to make music that matters fuels one of my favorite podcast conversations to date!

Brian Mason is one of the great radio DJ's of all time. He's seen it all in the CCM world and he still hangs out with the "old dudes," making sure those voices are still being heard.

How do you interview someone that's used to asking the questions? Max and I wrestle with who's interviewing who in this lively conversation about writing books, longevity in ministry and why riding a tour bus is a skill set not everyone is born with.

Join me as singer/songwriter Michael Card and I meander through his career, dream about heaven and try to wrap our heads around the story of Jesus.

The impact John Elefante has had on CCM is immeasurable. In this engaging episode we talk about his days with the legendary band Kansas, jumping into the producer's chair for Petra and the joy that great Italian food brings.

No one can argue that Cece Winans' career has been anything but legendary. From singing with the biggest names in pop music to leading the global church in worship, Cece's journey is full of "wow!" moments that always point back to Jesus.

Making the most of his musical heritage, Dann Huff has become one of the most successful rock/pop/country producers of all time. His journey from Gaither to Whiteheart to navigating his faith in the secular music world is full of surprises, inspiration and inside industry stories!

Ask me to name the best people I've ever met in my CCM journey and I'll always put Mike Weaver near the top. Mike's journey of music, loss and faithfulness is what this podcast is all about.

Few people have seen the CCM world like John Sanders. From boy-band to industry leader, John has a roller coaster story of taking chances and dreaming big.

"I Can Only Imagine" is not just one of the great songs in CCM history, it's an accurate description of the mind blowing journey of Bart Millard.

There's never a dull moment when Matthew West is in the room, and his effortless charm and storytelling are on full display in the first of my four K-LOVE Fan Award episodes.

The CCM worship movement began and continues with Paul Baloche!

One of CCM's most recognizable voices is also one of my dearest friends. Come be a fly on the wall for the next hour!

From pop success to apologetics, Alisa's journey is one of the most unique in CCM history.

A candid conversation with one of CCM's most beloved and groundbreaking groups.

A 90s CCM artist's journey through success, failure, addiction and redemption.

Come with me as I reunite with an old friend who's seen it all - touring with Beyonce, a wild journey through CCM, and a near death experience that will move you to tears. Jason Barton is one of a kind!

The journey of Rebecca St. James and her family is one of the most remarkable in CCM history, and that journey is far from over!

If there were a Mt. Rushmore of CCM vocalists, John Schlitt's face would be front and center! Petra defined CCM rock and worship, and the man behind the microphone is as interesting and engaging as his once in a generation voice.

From winning the Miss Florida pageant to becoming a Christian Music sensation, to having her own show in Branson, Kim Boyce found a way through the decades to reinvent her sound and her career, all while balancing family and a changing music industry. I’ve always been a fan of her pop-y 80s sound and 40 years later she’s still got it!

More than 30 years after they created one of the most beloved animated series of all time Mike Nawrocki and Kurt Heineke join me to tell us everything we’d want to know about Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato and the phenomenon that was Veggie Tales! Get ready to be have those Silliy Songs with Larry stuck in your head - you’re welcome!

This is a very special conversation with a friend that I hold in high regard. I’ve known Russ Lee for nearly 40 years - from his days in TRUTH, as a solo artist and as a long time member of Newsong. Every time we get together he blesses me with his wisdom and stories of faith. This is one of my favorite episodes so far and I’m glad you’re here to experience it with me.

Controlled chaos. That’s an accurate description of the next hour as I put seven friends around the microphone to laugh and share memories of touring together. The guys from 4HIM and the girls of Point of Grace share a unique history in christian music and I invite you along for the ride in this finale of my KLOVE cruise conversations.

On this episode I sit down with Roy Morgan - one of the most successful concert promoters in CCM history, bringing every major artist to your town for the better part of 50 years! He’s been my friend since the early 90s and he has some great stories to tell.

This is a story of healing and forgiveness, and the power of never giving up. From a broken home and a journey through dark times to becoming one of the most beloved Christian artists today, Jason Crabb has an incredible story that I know will cause you dwell on the goodness of God!

Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” That verse accurately describes my guests today - Phillips, Craig and Dean! Their vocal harmonies and catalogue will be remembered as some of the most loved in CCM history, but more than that they are some of the best men I’ve ever been around, true brothers with a common heart and vision.

My guest today had some of the biggest hits in Christian Music in the 1980s. Leaving a successful career as the lead singer for Santana, Leon Patillo became one of the most celebrated artists in CCM history. This is one of the most honest and raw conversations I’ve had to date and every minute of it is a reflection of God’s grace.

Unquestionably one of the best bands in Christian music in the 2000s was Tenth Avenue North. Their front man, Mike Donehey, is my guest today and he joins me to talk about their career and why things are much different in the music industry than they were 20 years ago. Mike has a lot to say about an artist’s calling and the necessity for deep friendship.

That voice, those songs, that musical vibe that took over Christian radio in the late 1990s. They all belong to my friend Michelle Tumes, who wrote hit songs for Point of Grace and Jaci Velasquez, just to name a few, but also carved out her own legacy as one of the most unique and beloved CCM artists of all time. It was great fun catching up with her and I'm glad you could come along for the ride.

When I hear the name Mark Lowry, like many of you, I start to laugh because he's one of the funniest people I've ever met. But Mark also has a heart that challenges me and draws me closer to Jesus every time I'm around him. On this episode of 1 Degree we'll talk about how he carved out his place in the Christian music landscape, his relationship with Bill Gaither, and whatever rabbit trail we end up following. Get ready for a really fun conversation.

It could be argued that the Blackwoods are the most important family in the history of Christian music, and Terry Blackwood’s entrance into The Imperials marked a decisive shift in the direction Christian music would take for decades to come. On this episode we’ll hear first hand accounts about Elvis and what it was like creating one of the biggest albums in the early days of CCM.

You may not know the name Mark Heimermann but I know you know his music! He’s best known for producing those iconic DC Talk albums and being involved in the careers of the biggest names in CCM from the 80s and 90s (including my band 4HIM). And just like every musician from that era he has a story to tell and legacy that is continuing to come into focus as he follows leading of God’s voice.

What do fried catfish, I Love Lucy, a “Jesus pest” and the Mississippi delta all have in common? They’re part of the incredible story of David and the Giants, one of the most important bands in the history of Christian music! David Huff is here with me to tell his remarkable story and to preach the gospel as he does it.

If you want to talk about artists who have always been ahead of the curve, you have to include Steve Taylor, one of my favorite artist from the 1980s. With lyrics like “this disco used to be a cute cathedral, where the chosen cha-cha every day of the week “ you’re going to set yourself apart from everybody else in Christian music. I’m excited to sit down today with one of the most unique and groundbreaking artists ever. But his career as a solo artist is only a small part of his incredible career.

The "1 Degree of Andy" podcast brings you stories of inspiration and hope with a walk down memory lane by reconnecting you to your favorite Christian singers and songwriters. In each episode, 4Him's Andy Chrisman will not only answer “Where are they now”, but also what they've learned through the trials they've been through since you last heard from them. Season 3 starts in Jan 2025, make sure to subsribe so you never miss an episode!

2024 has been a fantastic year for our little podcast! And even bigger things are on the way in 2025! Thank you to all of our faithful listeners. It's an honor to bring these stories to you each week.Support the showandychrisman.com

In the fabric of Christian music throughout the 80s and 90s I think it's important to tell the story of that era through multiple lenses - the producers, songwriters, label execs, etc. My good friend Blaine Bartel joins me on this episode to tell stories of his days as the star and creator of Fire By Night - a Saturday Night Live type sketch show that included some of the biggest names in christian music. But Blaine has another part to his story that I know will minister to you.Support the showandychrisman.com

Life never moves in a straight line. Many performers' and public figures' lives resemble a rollercoaster ride, from the thrill of the mountain peaks to the stomach churning drop to the bottom and all the twists and turns along the way. And that's an accurate description of the career of my friend Mike Warnke. Mike became a best selling author in the 1970s with his autobiography "The Satan Seller", the #1 Christian comedian in the world in the 1980s, and then in the early 1990s it was all over. I've had the chance to spend time with Mike over the years to hear his incredible story, but this time it hits harder than ever. This is a cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun, and the redemptive work of a faithful God.Support the showandychrisman.com

Bob Bennett is unarguably one of the greatest singer/songwriters in CCM history, and great songwriters tend to be great storytellers. And that's exactly what you're going to get in this episode - one great story after another!  I had so much fun sitting down with Bob to talk about his journey through the music industry. And like so many artists from that era, he still has a lot left in the tank.Support the showandychrisman.com

I think that one of the marks of a great artist is that you want to go back and listen to their music even decades later. Fernando Ortega's unique brand of songwriting, his soul-soothing vocals and his attention to Biblical detail definitely have something to do with it, a timeless and sometimes provocative mainstay in the history of CCM, and he's not done yet! Pro tip: Go listen to his "Crucifixion of Jesus" album as soon as you can.Support the showandychrisman.com

I've made a lot of great friends in my journey through Christian music, many of them friendships that have stood the test of time and distance. I got to know Mark and Mike Childers when we lived on the road together in TRUTH and then reunited with them for several tours during our 4HIM days. They've since gone on to play for artists like Twila Paris, Carman, Scotty McCreary and Carrie Underwood, but eventually all roads lead back to where we started - sitting around telling road stories and catching up on life. This episode, as you'll be able to tell, is very special to me.Find your real voice with the Andy Chrisman Vocal Method! Support the showandychrisman.com

The Imperials had some of the greatest vocalists of a generation ride their bus in the 1980s, including my guest today Paul Smith. Paul not only filled Russ Taff's shoes after his departure from the group, he carved out his own legacy as a singer/songwriter and gave us, in my opinion, one of the greatest solo albums of all time - Live And Learn. I love talking to my musical heroes, and this hour with Paul Smith doesn't disappoint!Support the showandychrisman.com

My guest today always makes me laugh, and that's a good way to get on the podcast! Comedian Jeff Allen has been a mainstay in Christian entertainment for decades and his unique comic delivery is timeless. From playing comedy clubs in NYC and Vegas, to his breakout opportunity with Bill Gaither to his explosion in popularity with Dry Bar Comedy, Jeff has had an amazing career. And it's not over yet - not by a long shot. Get ready for a lot of laughs and some unfiltered advice on life coming up on this episode of 1 Degree of Andy!Support the showandychrisman.com

From playing keys for Frank Zappa to writing and producing some of the biggest songs in pop history (We Built This City, Everybody Wang Chung Tonight) to producing several songs for 4HIM, Peter Wolf has had a career that nearly defies description! He and his wife Lea join me on this episode to talk about his journey through the entertainment world, some wild song stories, how he and Lea reignited their faith, and what he's up to now.Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the keys to success for any artist is getting your single on the radio on the biggest stations in the country. Not only did my guest Frank Reed play 4HIM's songs on KLTY in Dallas, but he also became a lifelong friend. But Frank's story goes way beyond the boundaries of Christian music. He's a legend in the radio industry and I know you're going to love his story!Support the showandychrisman.com

I'm in the presence of CCM royalty on today's podcast because I'm sitting down with Jim Murray, one of the original members of the Imperials. To hear first hand stories about performing with Elvis and creating possibly the greatest group in Christian music history blows my mind! We also dive into the stories of some of those classic Imperials albums and - MAN! - I'm still geeking out!Support the showandychrisman.com

Big Tent Revival is one of my favorite 90s CCM bands. Their unique blend of pop, rock and folk with a Memphis twist gave us classic songs like "Two Sets of Jones" and "Choose Life". Their music left a lasting impression on those of us who listened to Christian radio in that era and their frontman Steve Wiggins is my guest on this episode. Get ready for 90 minutes of pure gold!Support the showandychrisman.com

If you're between the ages of 30-60 years old you probably know every word to Audio Adrenaline's song "Big House" or else you didn't grow up on Christian radio! Mark Stuart is with me on the podcast  to share his story and take us on an incredible journey of his career and personal life that I know will leave you believing that God is ALWAYS up to something good our lives.Support the showandychrisman.com

On this episode I'm going full on fan-boy because Ron Hemby - one of the greatest voices in music history and a member of The Imperials in the late 80's - is my guest today. If you haven't listened to The Imperials "This Years Model" in a while get it cued up cuz you're gonna want to listen to it once this episode is over, or put it on in the background like I did when I listened back through this conversation with the legend himself - Ron Hemby.Support the showandychrisman.com

"Goldie's Last Day" was a genre-bending and game-changing  album in the 1990's and made PFR one of the most beloved CCM bands of all time. On this episode I sit down with band member Joel Hanson to talk about their early days, his journey post-PFR and why we all need a Sabbath!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most distinct and dynamic voices in the history of Christian music belongs to Larnelle Harris. I had the privilege of touring and getting to know Larnelle in the 1990's and he continues to be someone I look up to and gain inspiration from to this day. The history of our industry cannot be told without this man's legacy and the songs he's etched on our souls and I know you're going to love this in-depth conversations with a CCM giant!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most beautiful voices in CCM history belongs to one of the most beautiful people I've ever met on my musical journey. Pam Thum grew up with parents who were traveling evangelists and carried their heart for seeing people meet Jesus into her solo career. It's been way too long since she and I had the chance to talk, so sit back and relax as two old friends catch up on life and careers and tell a few fun stories along the way.Support the showandychrisman.com

Let's run down this resume, shall we?- Played trumpet for The Bill Gaither Trio.- Recorded multiple fluglehorn albums.- Wrote lots of big songs for CCM artists.- Has produced tons of label acts.- And, oh yeah, started a little band called Whiteheart! Want to hear a bunch of  really cool Christian music backstories? Then sit back and enjoy my conversation with Billy Smiley.Support the showandychrisman.com

The trilogy is complete as I sit down with the guy who makes me laugh harder than anyone I've ever known! After solo conversations with 4HIM'S Mark Harris and Kirk Sullivan I was finally able to nab Marty due to his crazy schedule to talk about his joy of educating the next generation, the insane reality of touring life and a bunch of other stuff I know you're going to love.Support the showandychrisman.com

There are a handful of CCM artists that have become true peers for me, people I can call and talk about life and career anytime. Charles Billingsley is one of those artists. His career with Newsong and as a solo artist were the springboard to becoming one of the most influential worship pastors and mentors in the world! We tend to intersect with each other often and I'm a better person for knowing him. I think you'll really enjoy this conversation with one of my good CCM friends.Support the showandychrisman.com

You want to talk classic Christian artists? Well they don't get any more classic than Dallas Holm! I first sang his songs "Rise Again" and "I Saw The Lord" as a young man growing up in central Texas and to have recorded with him in the 90s and to call him my friend today is something I could never have imagined! Dallas is one of kind, humble and full of grace, and you absolutely cannot tell the story of Christian music without him.Support the showandychrisman.com

If you're going  to attempt to rank the most important artists in CCM history I'm going to bet that Twila Paris makes your top 10. In my opinion, Twila belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of female artists! Her endearing voice, her delightful personality, her groundbreaking songwriting (she has songs in the hymn book!) and her induction into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame have cemented her place in history. But doggone it if she's not one the nicest people I've ever met! And if you haven't listened to "The Warrior Is A Child" in a while....whew!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most distinctive voices in CCM history is also one of the godliest men I've ever been around. You may want to pull out your journal and take notes during this conversation! Steve shares his story of growing up a missionary kid, his "accidental" entrance into CCM, and how he spends his time now that he's not hitting the stage as much as he used to. Oh, and the dangers of moralism? Yep, we'll talk about that, too. Another great convo with another one of my heroes!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the reasons I love doing this podcast is to reunite with friends I haven't seen in ages. I've been a fan of Kathy Troccoli's voice and music since I was a teenager, and to get to tour with and get to know her in the 90s was special! Join me as I catch up with one of the great CCM artists of all time.Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the great songwriters of the golden era of CCM is my friend Billy Simon. Not only did he write songs for Amy Grant, Point of Grace and a host of other artists, he wrote some of the biggest songs in 4HIM's career - "Where There is Faith", "A Man You'd Write About", "When It's Time To Go", and "In Your Care" just to name a few! Billy's story is full of twists and turns, but nothing will prepare you for how God used a song he wrote 35 years earlier to begin to heal his heart. This is one of my favorite conversations to date!Support the showandychrisman.com

Join me for a true outdoor, whatever happens...happens episode as I sit down with Michele Pillar on the front porch of her ranch outside Nashville! Michele is one of the cornerstone artists of modern Christian music, becoming a best-selling CCM artist, a best-selling author, an in-demand speaker...and being a guest voice on The Simpsons?? Michele is truly one of the "First Ladies" of CCM and I know you're going to love her story!Support the showandychrisman.com

You cannot tell the story of Christian music without John Mays. In his nearly 40 year career, Mays discovered and signed Point Of Grace, Cindy Morgan, Matt Redman, Nichole Nordeman (just to name a few). And, oh yeah, he took a chance on a young vocalist named Lauren Daigle! This episode is full of great CCM stories and trivia, as well as an intimate look behind the scenes of many of the artists and songs you've loved down through the decades.Support the showandychrisman.com

I first met Jaci when she was 15 years old, singing with the voice of a seasoned pro! She and her mom jumped on the 4HIM bus for two different tours in the 90s and now 30 years later we sit down to talk about life as a teen CCM sensation, the roads she never thought she'd travel, and how raising a family is not at all what she thought it would be.Support the showandychrisman.com

Few people make me laugh harder than my friend, comedian Steve Geyer! But as funny as he is, his heart is just as big and I'm so glad for the time we spent on tour together. I've learned so much from Steve over the years - from learning how to improvise in difficult situations, to not taking things so seriously, to being an example of someone who loves to serve others. Get ready to laugh and walk down memory lane with me and my buddy Steve Geyer.Support the showandychrisman.com

I'm not sure there's been  anyone else in the history of CCM like John Michael Talbot! From success as a member of the rock band  Mason Profitt, to becoming one of the best selling Christian artists of all time, to becoming a Roman Catholic monk and starting a monastery - there's plenty to talk about with one of the most fascinating people I've ever met! Support the showandychrisman.com

....and we're back with more 4HIM stories! Sit back and enjoy this fun conversation with me and Mark Harris!Support the showandychrisman.com

When Mark and I sit down together I never know where things are going to go! My goal was to get as many stories behind the hit songs he's written as I could, but of course we mostly ended up laughing and chasing rabbits as we took a look back on our careers. And we talked so much I was able to get two episodes full of content! Stay tuned for PART 2 next week...Support the showandychrisman.com

Billy Sprague is one of the most important artists and writers of the golden era of CCM! I first met Billy at one of his famous "golden scoop" ice cream parties in Nashville in the early 90s, and I've been a big fan of his music and his books for as long as I can remember.  I'm excited to reconnect with Billy and share a bit of his amazing journey with you!Support the showandychrisman.com

You cannot tell the story of 4HIM without Andy Ivey! Andy was our first A&R director at Benson and was instrumental in helping us put together our first 4 albums, and in the process became a lifelong friend. If you like "behind the scenes" music industry talk  you're gonna love this episode!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most successful songwriters in modern country music is a veteran of CCM. Brian White and I go way back, in fact it's hard to find a picture of me in the early 90s without Brian somewhere in the background! From his days as the leader of  Brian White and Justice to being a hit song writing machine Brian is a fixture in the Nashville music scene. But he is, most importantly to me, my friend. And I think you're gonna love his story!Support the showandychrisman.com

Conversations like this are why I started this podcast!  I consider Gary Chapman to be one of the founding fathers of modern christian music, and I'm honored to call him my friend. His ability to tell a story that keeps you leaned in and wide eyed is one of his greatest gifts, so get ready! From his career as a songwriter, performer, talk show host,  and of course his turbulent marriage with Amy - this legendary artist is a walking time capsule for 80s & 90s CCM. It's impossible to tell the story of Christian music without Gary Chapman. Support the showandychrisman.com

It's episode #50 and who better to have on than one of the most distinctive voices and the leader of one of the most significant bands in CCM history! And he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet! Mac Powell joins me to share his journey through the music industry and how God continues to keep dropping opportunities in his path.Support the showandychrisman.com

I've had the joy of touring with some talented people in my career, and that includes my friend Tim Hawkins. He's not just a comedian, but a musician and a preacher of the gospel! Get ready to laugh and be inspired by one of the comedy greats - Tim HawkinsSupport the showandychrisman.com

I cannot tell the story of my Christian music career without Geron Davis! His songs "Holy Ground" and "Holy of Holies" were the first big songs I sang as a young artist, and I'm glad I've had the privilege to call him my friend for nearly 40 years. Geron's songs of worship and the gospel life have been recorded by countless christian and secular artists, and his stories of faith are exactly why I started this podcast! Support the showandychrisman.com

Rick Cua is one of the greatest musicians and frontmen in the history of CCM! From his early days in the secular band The Outlaws to deciding he wanted to share Jesus with as many people as possible through his music, I know you're going to love getting to know this true Christian music trailblazer.Support the showandychrisman.com

Geoff Moore is one of the best people I've ever had the chance to get to know and I'm glad I could snag him for a sit down to talk about his career. From the early days of touring in a cargo van, to his band becoming a mainstay on Christian radio and writing hits with Steven Curtis Chapman, Geoff's life has been a great adventure! And what's he's doing now to pour back into the church that supported him in those early days?  Well that's the icing on the cake! Enjoy the next hour getting reconnected with Geoff Moore!Support the showandychrisman.com

I could describe John as an authority on the history of Christian music. Getting his start in Southern California during the Jesus movement and infancy of Christian music, John was a constant figure throughout the golden era of the industry as the founder and editor of CCM Magazine. And that magazine was where so many of us were introduced to Christian artists, and as artists we knew we were "making it" when we got on the cover! This is a fascinating conversation with an industry legend - John Styll.Support the showandychrisman.com

A bunch of you posted on our Facebook page questions you'd like answered about the touring life, how we made our albums, etc.  My friend Michael Neale hops on this episode to moderate and keep me from rambling! Support the showandychrisman.com

She's one of the great comedians of all time, and she happens to be a sister in Christ and a long time friend. I toured with Chonda back in the early 2000s and  she has been one of my favorite people ever since! Get ready for an hour of laughs and "wow!" moments as the best selling comedian of ALL TIME shares her amazing story. I hope you're ready for Chonda Pierce!Support the showandychrisman.com

It's the story you've heard so many times before - a singer/songwriter has a dream, they pack up their car and drive to Nashville, they get a job waiting tables and then - BAM - a record deal, a major tour, number 1 songs and Dove awards. And that's the story of Mark Schultz....sort of. In my opinion Mark is one of the most engaging artists of the early 2000's in CCM and his story is as unique as his voice. From his college days in Kansas to booking a gig at the Ryman BEFORE he had a record deal, to riding his bike across America - not to mention all of those tours and number 1 songs and Dove awards  - buckle your seat belt for a wild ride with my friend Mark SchultzSupport the showandychrisman.com

Join me for my first episode of 2024 as I spend time with Stu G - one of the most influential songwriters and guitar players in CCM history! From his humble beginnings growing up in the UK, to his groundbreaking career in the band Delirious?, to having even more influence on the modern worship scene with One Sonic Society, Stu's journey is one for the books! Support the showandychrisman.com

Has there been a more successful artist in CCM history than Wayne Kirkpatrick? The easy answer is "NO!"  Whether it's writing hit songs for Amy Grant, MWS, Eric Clapton or producing albums for Susan Ashton or Little Big Town just to name a few, to writing hit Broadway  shows - Wayne's career has been as widely varied as it has been wildly successful. He's definitely left his mark on the entertainment industry and he's not even close to being done. Get ready for a fascinating hour with my friend Wayne Kirkpatrick!Support the showandychrisman.com

Get ready to join me and Kirk Sullivan - one of the 4HIM guys and someone I toured with for 20 years. And boy do we have stories! Of course we'll only get to a handful of the crazy things we've experienced together so maybe this is just the first hour of many as I do my best to archive as many of these stories as possible. Support the showandychrisman.com

If you're a "first call" studio musician it means that you are the best of the best. As a trio Melodie Tunney, Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall had a successful studio career singing bgv's and jingles, but when they "accidentally" recorded a hit song they had a choice to make  - do they keep their day jobs as studio singers or take their talents on the road? The answer lies in the next hour as we chat about their amazing run as one of the top vocal groups of all time. It's truly an honor to spend time with Christian music royalty - First Call!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the great voices in the history of Christian music belongs to Jamie Rowe, who made his name as the leader singer of the rock band Guardian. These conversations with artists who weren't normally heard on the biggest Christina radio stations but yet had a loyal following fascinate me, because they tell a story that's similar yet wildly different than what I experienced. Jamie gives us an unfiltered journey of his life and career and I hope it encourages to go back and listen to the music of Guardian and I highly recommend you check out his new band Kalamity Kills! Support the showandychrisman.com

Well look who dropped by the 1 Degree podcast - my first employer in Christian music, the one and only Roger Breland! I hit the road with TRUTH in 1987 and by 1990 I had made lifelong friends, developed a skillset that would define my career and met 3 other guys whom you might know...There's no one I've ever met like Roger - a true entertainment pioneer,  a keen eye for talent and a heart to preach the gospel no matter what venue that bus pulled into. You can see his impact on the Christian, country and pop landscape through the huge number of artists and musicians that trained under him, not to mention the tens of thousands of people who gave their hearts to Christ during TRUTH's 31 year, 10,000 concert run! We'll do our best to tell his story over the next 90 minutes, so get ready for the amazing journey of Roger Breland and TRUTH.Support the showandychrisman.com

How does alternative rock fit into the Christian music narrative? That's a fascinating question and one that Michael Roe of the groundbreaking band 77s answers on this episode of 1 Degree.  From  being banned in Christian music stores, to opening the door for bands like DC Talk and The Newsboys to leaving behind an incredible body of music I think you're going to enjoy getting to know Michael Roe.  Seriously - you cannot tell the story of Christian music with out bands like the 77s!Support the showandychrisman.com

Even if you haven't heard her albums you've definitely heard her voice. Lisa Bevill has had a remarkable career as a jingle and session singer and her CCM career set a precedent for female vocalists that followed. Lisa has a remarkable story of God placing her in amazing situations and her endurance through the difficult times of life will inspire you! You cannot tell the story of Christian music without telling the story of my guest and friend Lisa Bevill.Support the showandychrisman.com

I'm doing my best not to geek out with my guest on this episode of 1 Degree - my 14 year old self would not believe that I get to sit down with Degarmo and Key's Eddie DeGarmo and talk about his career, his early days and his mind blowing impact on the world of christian music! And I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Eddie is one of the most genuine, engaging people I've ever met in this industry. I'll for sure be spinning my old D&K records for the next few weeks - songs like 666, All The Losers Win, Stella This Ain't Hollywood, Casual Christian, Boycott Hell - what a catalogue and what a legacy! Support the showandychrisman.com

Are you ready for the rollercoaster story of one of the most beloved CCM artists? Billy Gaines, along with his then wife Sarah, was a fixture in Christian music in the 80s and 90s and he was influential in my career with 4him - just watching his level of excellence at work and his voice that could speak to the soul. But his journey took a big turn at the hight of his career that left him wondering what God would do with him next. This is a wonderful conversation about grace, hope and "just doing the next thing while you wait on the Lord." If you're wondering if God still has a plan for your life you'll want to lean in to these 90 minutes with my friend Billy Gaines.Support the showandychrisman.com

He might be the most respected musician in the history of Christian Music! Getting his start with his band  Glass Harp and opening for bands like Yes and the Kinks - Phil Keaggy has an impressive resume! His gentle nature and compelling story parallel his music and career and it was just a pleasure to spend an hour with Phil. Support the showandychrisman.com

If you ever wanna talk to a full-time, award winning, "all I do is write hit songs" songwriter - Tony Wood is that guy! 36 #1 radio songs, 900+ songs recorded in CCM, Absolute legend. I hope you enjoy my conversation with him here!

Was there a more dynamic,  "go for broke" vocalist in CCM than Ric Florian? The short answer is NO! You won't hear a better story about a roadie who becomes a powerhouse  singer of one of the most influential bands in history! I had such a blast sitting down with Ric and getting his unfiltered and unexpectedly moving story about his journey. Enjoy the next hour and then go listen to those great Whiteheart records again!Support the showandychrisman.com

There are people who write songs, and there are songwriters. Wes King is the latter, and he  is one of the best when it comes to grabbing your attention and your heart with a melody and the turn of a phrase. And I'm glad to call him my friend! This is one of my favorites episodes yet as we dive into the stories the shaped Wes and carried him to a storied career in CCM. He even plays a new song he wrote for his brother - get the tissues ready...Support the showandychrisman.com

You're about to hear a story that's full of grace, courage and restoration. I met Nikki Leonti more than 20 years ago when she was a teenage vocal sensation, but her life didn't turn out the way any of us thought it would. She's seen her share of ups and downs in her personal life and in the music business but ultimately God's allowed her to do more than she could ever ask or imagine! These are the conversations I had in mind when I started this podcast. I hope you're encouraged by Nikki's story.Support the showandychrisman.com

The success of my friend Jay DeMarcus is unparalleled in the world of CCM. As half of the duo East to West, Jay, along with Neal Coomer, made two amazing albums in the 1990s and set themselves up as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. But longterm Christian Music success wasn't to be, so Neal and Jay went their separate ways - Neal to New York and a successful career on Broadway and singing with some of the biggest names in pop music, and Jay with a little country band called Rascal Flatts! Support the showandychrisman.com

The story continues! We'll dive into our tours, album details, song stories and eventually why we decided to go our separate ways after 20 year together. This emotional and hilarious hour  only scratches the surface of the stories we could tell. Maybe my favorite part of this episode is each group member talking about how God has them in the perfect place at this time of their lives. Please enjoy - 4HIM part 2!Support the showandychrisman.com

Here we go! I'm excited to share this conversation with you, two hours of four close friends reminiscing and telling conflicting stories just like a family reunion. Mark, Marty and Kirk join me to tell the story of 4HIM with lots of laughs and emotion and so many stories I had to break it up into 2 parts. Enjoy!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of my favorite people to have on my radio show "Worship with Andy Chrisman" is my friend Travis Cottrell. Travis is an accomplished artist, songwriter, arranger, worship leader and producer and he's become one of my best friends in the industry! I asked him to make an appearance on the podcast because whenever we get together we spend an inordinate amount of time talking about 80s pop music, debating TRUTH trivia and getting sidetracked on the most random of subjects. So that all happens on this longer than normal episode, and eventually Travis takes over hosting duties to ask me questions about my career. Support the showandychrisman.com

It was a blast sitting down with my old friend Jeromy Deibler, sharing memories of playing golf on tour, talking bus bunk etiquette, eating LOTS of lasagna and comparing notes on how the CCM industry worked back in the 90s and early 2000s. Jeromy and FFH made some of the most memorable music during that era and I think you're going to enjoy going on this deep dive with me into the career of one of the best loved bands in Christian Music history! Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

You cannot tell the story of Christian Music without The Archers. Tim, Steve and Janice were a foundational group in CCM history and their harmonies were a staple on the radio in the 70s and 80s. But it was Steve Archer's SOLO album that was a cornerstone record for me when I was a teenager! I apologize ahead of time for geeking out talking to one of my musical heroes, who turns out to be one of the nicest guys I've ever met in this industry.  And, it turns out we have a lot in common, which is pretty cool! Welcome to the One Degree of Andy podcast - Steve Archer!I mentioned on this episode singing with Marilyn McCoo on a project in the early 2000's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktYroQP5A1cCheck out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the reasons I love having these conversations is being reminded of the stories and interactions I've forgotten, and my time with Michael O'Brien is full of " I forgot about that" moments! I love this brother and have loved seeing him have success as a writer, solo artist, member of the group Newsong, a worship leader, author...there's little he hasn't done in his career. And I think this episode drops more industry names than any episode yet, so get your bingo card ready and enjoy this hour with Michael O'Brien!Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

Do you want to be inspired and challenged? Then spend an hour with my next guest. He might be the most interesting man in CCM, and you probably didn't even know it! Al Denson not only had a string of radio hits and popular albums in the 90s, he also developed a thriving business career and left his fingerprints on ministries around the world. From his early days selling his cassettes out of the trunk of his car, to his near fatal plane  crash to being a successful entrepreneur Al's story will inspire you to reach for big things, reminding you that God is always on the other side of the struggle.Support the showandychrisman.com

I can't think of a more incredible voice in ALL of music than Jody McBrayer's. I've known Jody since the early 90's when he began his career in TRUTH and then as he made his way to Avalon. He and I have a lot in common (that's a massive understatement) but his story is unique to say the least, and he pulls no punches in what he shares in this podcast. This is one of the most honest and surprising conversations yet, so get ready for a fascinating hour with my good friend Jody McBrayer.Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

The CCM landscape of the 1990s was populated with immense talent! All-time  great songwriters, vocalists, players and producers were making memorable music in just about every studio in Nashville. And every once in while someone would appear on the scene who was an all-time great with all of those qualities! Brent Bourgeois left an indelible mark on the Christian music industry in a relatively short amount of time, writing, producing and performing some of the best songs of the era. I think you'll enjoy this conversations with one of the all-time greats!Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

Steve Camp is one of the true maverick artists in CCM history. He was a trailblazer and a controversial voice in the industry, and he's also one of my heroes. I'm thrilled to spend an hour with Steve talking about his early days in Christian Music, his friendship with Keith Green and his "107 theses" that rocked the landscape of the industry in the 90s. You cannot tell the story of Christian Music without Steve Camp!Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of my favorite artists to tour with in the 90's was Bruce Carroll. He wasn't the typical CCM artist, with his folk/country roots and vivid story-telling, and he was always a blast to be around! I caught up with Bruce and asked him to share his story of turning from drugs to Jesus, to his wife calling out his musical gift, to carving out his unique legacy in Christian music.Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

This week I catch up with my friend Cindy Morgan, one of the all time great singer/songwriters in CCM history. We'll take a look back at her career and hear about the exciting things she's doing now, including releasing her first novel and maybe making a new record with a very special guest vocalist...Check out my Spotify Playlist!Support the showandychrisman.com

From his days as the lead singer for the legendary Sweet Comfort Band to one of the most unique and gifted solo artists in all of CCM, Bryan Duncan is one of a kind! Get ready as Bryan takes us on a whirlwind journey from his early days in the Jesus music movement to being a proud grandpa of 5, and all that God did and the lessons he learned in between.Support the showandychrisman.com

The images from the music videos that accompanied our favorite CCM songs will always stay with us! That's why I'm grateful for friends like Stephen Yake, arguably the most prolific music video director in Christian Music history. He directed some unforgettable videos: Smitty's "Secret Ambition", Carman's "Witch's Invitation", Sandi and Wayne's "Another Time, Another Place" and 4HIM's "The Basics of Life" just to name a few. Support the showandychrisman.com

The story of CCM cannot be told without the songs, voices and harmonies of Point Of Grace. As a staple on Christian radio in the 90s the four ladies of POG garnered a loyal fan base that continues to this day! They continue to record and tour as a trio and I'm thrilled to sit down for a fun, laughter filled conversation with Shelley, Denise and Leigh.1 Degree of Andy Spotify Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/17plQzgIqUKN0oozTgTQqq?si=da713ff423174eaaSupport the showandychrisman.com

You absolutely cannot tell the story of Christian music without Russ Taff, arguably the greatest voice of the genre. And in our conversation Russ leaves no stone unturned - from his tumultuous childhood, to a crazy journey with the Imperials, the addiction that nearly cost him everything, to his unwavering love for Christ! This is a very special episode with a very special artist!Support the showandychrisman.com

A wild dream of mine came true the day I stepped into the studio to record a vocal produced by Michael Omartian. I listened to his music on pop radio throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's and it blew my mind that not only would I get to work with this musical genius, but he would also become my friend. The conversation you're about to hear tells just a fraction of Omar's incredible story. From his days as a first call LA studio musician, to winning multiple Grammys from his work with Christopher Cross, to his genre altering entrance into the Christian music scene in the late 70's Michael's music and legacy will never be forgotten. But of course, there's much more to the story! Sit back and enjoy a deep dive into the pop and Christian music scene as told by the legendary Michael Omartian.Support the showandychrisman.com

He has one of the most unmistakable voices in CCM history and he's always fun to catch up with!Join me as I sit down and trade stories with my friend Clay Crosse.Support the showandychrisman.com

His fans know him for his incredible catalogue of songs - Watercolour Ponies, Friend Of A Wounded Heart, Home Free just to name a few. But I know him as a friend and mentor, someone I looked up to during my Christian music career. In this candid conversation Wayne Watson shares his triumphs and his failures, and we find lots to reminisce and laugh about.Support the showandychrisman.com

Get ready for a masterclass in songwriting, artist development, record label management and a whole bunch of great "behind the music" stories! On this episode I sit down with a couple of guys who were there at the beginning of 4HIM and played a major role in our success. Dave Clark and Don Koch are responsible for dozens of #1 songs in Christian music and I can't wait for you to hear our candid and emotional conversation.Support the showandychrisman.com

The people I toured with in the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s gave me some of my favorite memories of that era. And I have a lot of fun memories of being on the road with Scott Krippayne! On this episode we catch up on each others' lives, talk about our most embarrassing moments on tour, and get a glimpse into Scott's successful "second music career."Support the showandychrisman.com

I can honestly say the most fun I ever had on tour was when 4HIM invited The Katina's to join us. And I had a lot of fun again sitting down with Joe and John, two of the five Katina Boyz. They join me to tell stories about growing up in poverty, a career changing ride to the airport with BeBe Winans, turning down a deal with Clive Davis, and a whole lot of other stuff you have to hear to believe!Support the showandychrisman.com

On the first episode of One Degree I sit down with my longtime friends Greg and Janna Long of Avalon. We'll talk about their successful transition from artists to worship pastors, finding that elusive work/relationship balance, and falling in love on the Young Messiah tour!Support the showandychrisman.com