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Story Behind the Song
"Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
Composer John Fawcett's beloved hymn describes the bond of love he shared with his parishioners.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, March/April 2008
Where Are They Now?
Continuing the Journey
Christian music pioneers Randy Stonehill, Billy and Sarah Gaines, and Susan Ashton share their stories and where they are today.
By Melissa Riddle and Christa Banister
TC, March/April 2008
Story Behind the Song
"Open the Eyes of My Heart"
Composer Paul Baloche on how this song sprang directly from worship.
By Linda Owen
TC, January/February 2008
Created to Shine
Catching up with four Christian music veterans—Larnelle Harris, Babbie Mason, and First Call's Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall.
By Melissa Riddle and Christa Banister
TC, January/February 2008
When Opportunity Knocks
Country singer Buddy Jewell has a foolproof recipe for success—wait for God to open a door.
By Audrey T. Hingley
TC, November/December 2007
Story Behind the Song
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Contemporary singer Todd Agnew on why this Christmas classis is one of his faves.
By Linda Owen
TC, November/December 2007
Story Behind the Song
"In Christ Alone"
Irish artists Keith and Kristyn Getty are champions of the modern hymn.
By Linda Owen
TC, September/October 2007
Black, White, Tan
Singer Nicole C. Mullen's family and career reflect her conviction that God's love comes in all colors.
By Natalie Nichols Gillespie
TC, September/October 2007
Life After Idol
American Idol favorite Mandisa on faith, fame, and what she'd do differently.
Interview by Andrea Bianchi
TC, Online Exclusive
Story Behind the Song
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
This patriotic hymn became President Lincoln's unofficial theme.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, July/August 2007
Story Behind the Song
"Blessed Be Your Name"
Matt Redman's popular anthem calls for praise during the good and bad times.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, May/June 2007
Story Behind the Song
"He Lives"
A composer's legendary response to the question "Why worship a dead Jew?"
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
TC, March/April 2007
Story Behind the Song: "Amazing Grace"
John Newton was a wild, young man lost in darkness. Then he found grace.
By Linda Owen
TC, January/February 2007
A Worshiper for All Seasons
Chris Tomlin is determined to help the church see worship as more than a weekly activity—it's a way of life.
By John Michael De Marco
TC, January/February 2007
Story Behind the Song
"Joy to the World"
The three men behind one of our greatest Christmas carols.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, November/December 2006
Story Behind the Song
Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress"
This legendary reformer's hymn has become a great anthem of the faith.
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
TC, Sept/Oct 2006
"Here I Am to Worship"
Worship leader Tim Hughes was inspired to write a song about Christ's humility.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, July/Aug 2006
Story Behind the Song
Edwin Hawkins's "Oh Happy Day"
A California youth choir's soulful recording of a classic hymn paved the way for contemporary gospel music.
By LaTonya Taylor
TC, May/June 2006
Shaun Groves's "Welcome Home"
While renovating his newly purchased house, the singer had a revelation.
By Linda Owen
TC, March/April 2006
Taking On a Giant
When Natalie Grant stumbled across the tragedy of child sex trafficking in South Asia, the popular singer knew she had to do something.
By Natalie Grant as told to Melissa Riddle
TC, January/February 2006
Karen Lafferty's "Seek Ye First"
She didn't know her cry of faith would become a modern classic.
By Kim Jackson
TC, January/February 2006
Story Behind the Song
Casting Crowns' "Who Am I"
How a youth minister's outreach project became a hit single.
By Linda Owen
TC, November/December 2005
Chris Rice & Kathy Troccoli's "Go Light Your World"
This simple song has inspired thousands to share God's love.
By Linda Owen
TC, September/October 2005
Nicole C. Mullen's "Redeemer"
How her song became a prayer.
By Linda Owen
TC, July/August 2005
Touching the Untouchables
Caedmon's Call is using its musical clout to shine a light on the horrific plight of India's 250 million Dalits.
By Andy Argyrakis
TC, July/August 2005
Songs of Heaven
How members of the award-winning band MercyMe survived an unusual year of heartbreak.
By Andy Argyrakis
TC, May/June 2005
Brian Doerksen's "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship"
Worship leader Brian Doerksen's signature song was birthed out of the darkest season of his life.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, May/June 2005
Randy Travis's "Three Wooden Crosses"
How a song about "a farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher" became a country hit.
By Randy Rudder
TC, March/April 2005
Baloche & LeBlanc's "Above All"
The making of a contemporary worship classic.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, January/February 2005
Point of Grace's "The Great Divide"
A picture-story of God's grace.
By Linda Owen
TC, November/December 2004
Strings & Prayers
Emerson String Quartet violist Lawrence Dutton wants to honor God with every note he plays.
By Barbara Jepson
TC, September/October 2004
Laurie Klein's "I Love You, Lord"
One of our most moving praise songs grew out of a time of isolation and despair.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, September/October 2004
Ten Shekel Shirt: Fighting Injustice
These four bandmates are doing more than just singing about God's love.
By Edward Gilbreath
TC, July/August 2004
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
How an eccentric but compassionate Irishman wrote one of our great hymns.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, July/August 2004
Bill & Gloria Gaither's "Because He Lives"
Inspired by the miracle of their son's birth, this hymn poured out of the Gaithers' grateful hearts.
By Lindsay Terry
TC, May/June 2004
Keepin' It Real
Shows like American Idol promise young singers a shot at stardom. Here's how a former Idol contestant RJ Helton and two other talented Christians followed their dreams without compromising their faith.
By Melissa Riddle
TC, May/June 2004 2004
Anna Warner's "Jesus Loves Me"
A poem from an obscure novel is now one of the best-known hymns in the world.
By Linda Owen
TC, March/April 2004
Singing a New Song
Can a veteran Christian singer become jaded by life in the fickle music biz? You bet. But CeCe Winans and three of her sister artists have discovered purpose beyond the spotlight.
By Melissa Riddle
TC, March/April 2004
A Rebel Finds Peace
Randy Travis went from drugs and lawbreaking to country-music stardom. But his life wasn't whole 'til he got right with his Maker.
By Eric Tiansay
TC, March/April 2004
Nichole Nordeman's "Holy"
This song chronicles the singer's youthful flirtation with other religions before she reclaimed her identity as a follower of Christ.
By John M. De Marco
CR, January/February 2004
Dottie Rambo's "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need"
Her best-known song was inspired by her brother's deep need for salvation.
By Linda Owen
CR, November/December 2003
Avalon's "Testify to Love"
Originally written in Holland, Avalon's signature song has touched lives and continues to connect with audiences.
By Linda Owen
CR, September/October 2003
The United State of Worship
With artists like Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin leading the way, praise and worship music is booming in popularity—and bringing together Christians of all stripes and colors.
By Bob Liparulo
CR, July/August 2003
Thomas A. Dorsey's "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."
Like so many great hymns of faith, the song was inspired by a horrific tragedy in the life of its composer.
By Victor Parachin
CR, July/August 2003
MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine"
The Dallas-based band knew their first hit was something special, but they never "imagined" it impacting people the way it has.
By Linda Owen
CR, March/April 2003
Story Behind the Song
Alan Jackson's "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)."
Jackson believes the song, which summed up the collective feelings of a nation, was divine intervention.
By Linda Owen
CR, January/February 2003
Mark Lowry's "Mary Did You Know?"
Inspiration came as Lowry focused his heart and mind on the wonder of Christmas.
CR, November/December 2002
"God Is in Control"
When Twila Paris wrote this song she didn't know it's message would be relevant to 9/11.
by Bonne Steffen
CR, March/April 2002
The Ten Best Worship Songs
Is your all-time favorite on the list?
by Bonne Steffen
CR, September/October 2001
STORY BEHIND THE SONG: Great Is the Lord
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