I have listened to a lot of Christian music during my lifetime and I have heard some good ones. It has always amazed me when the right song comes along at the right time. Over the years these artists have been the ones that are on my personal top 10 list. (This list are individual solo artists. I may share my top groups in a later list) When I first came up with this list, I was going to go into more details on the artists including some of their personal issues but I prefer to focus on the positive here. Regardless of their imperfect moments, their music has inspired me.
Sandi Patty was huge in the Christian music world in the 80s. Her operatic sound and powerful vocals could move a crowd. I attended one of her concerts in a packed arena during her popularity. She had amazing hits such as: "More Than Wonderful", "We Shall Behold Him", "Let There Be Praise" and her Easter duet with Larnelle Harris of "I've Just Seen Jesus" is a classic. "Let There Be Praise" is currently on my playlist. In 2016, she released Forever Grateful which was an album of new and re-recorded songs and began a farewell tour. She is currently the Artist in Residence at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sandi Patty truly had a gift and inspired many with her songs and powerful vocals.
Twila was a Christian Pop Artist in the 1980s and 1990s with 25 #1 Contemporary Christian songs in her career including "The Warrior is a Child", "Runner", "God is in Control" and "Days of Elijah". She has a unique style and voice. Her songs were ones that could pick you up when you were down. Paris is not actively touring but her songs continue to inspire many. I still get excited with her songs "God is in Control" and "Runner".
#8 - Amy Grant
Amy Grant is a popular name in both Christian and Pop music. She had early success in the 1980s as a Christian music superstar. She got her start as a teenager and gained fame with such hits as "Father's Eyes", "El Shaddai" and "Angels". In the mid-80s, she broadened her audience and soon became one of the first Christian music artists to cross over into mainstream pop after her successful albums Unguarded and Lead Me On. In 1986, she got her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 song in a duet with Peter Cetera with "The Next Time I Fall". Many Christians turned their backs on Grant when she crossed over into the Pop music scene. I really didn't have a problem with it but I had hoped she would keep coming out with Christian music as well. Grant and her husband, Country Music Star Vince Gill, continue to perform at special events and charities together.
#7 - Israel Houghton
Israel hit it big in the 2000s with some powerful songs which many Praise and Worship leaders used in their churches. Some of these songs include "Friend of God", "You are Good", "It's Not Over" and "Again I Say Rejoice". He has won six Grammy Awards. Israel's emotional and powerful voice shows through his songs. He has led the Praise and Worship in several well known megachurches in the United States. He often performs with his band - New Breed. Israel still continues to write songs and perform. His latest single is "Hymns of Breakthrough" was released in 2020.
#6 - Mandisa
Mandisa rose to popularity from her appearances on the fifth season on American Idol where she finished ninth. She is the fifth American Idol contestant to win a Grammy. She has had hit songs such as "Overcomer" (which has a powerful video), "My Deliverer" and "Stronger". Mandisa's powerful voice and emotion is inspiring. Her song "Overcomer" is one of my favorites and encouraging.
#5 - Zach Williams
Zach Williams has a unique sound and compelling lyrics that you can't help but sing along. Williams burst onto the Christian music scened with his hit single "Chainbreaker" in 2016 which hit #1 on the Christian Top 10. He has followed up with "Old Church Choir", "Fear is a Liar" and "Less Like Me". If you've never heard his songs, you should check out the video to "Less Like Me".
#4 - Micah Tyler
I came across Micah Tyler when I heard his hit song "Never Been A Moment" which is a song that really hits home when you have days when you don't feel your best. Very inspiring. Tyler came on the scene in 2017 with this song and has followed up with awesome songs such as "Even Then", "Different" and "Walking Free". I just watched the video of "Walking Free" which is really good. Tyler became a youth pastor after graduating high school and ran a food truck until he went into music full time.
#3 - Danny Gokey
Danny Gokey is another artist who got his start as a contestant on American Idol. He finished third on the eighth season of Idol. After placing on the show, he signed on to begin a career in Country Music and came out with the single "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me" in May 2010. He signed with a new label in 2011 and followed his passion into Christian music and I'm glad he did. He's pretty awesome with the heartfelt songs he puts out. He has had hits such as "Hope in Front of Me", "Love God, Love People", "Tell Your Heart to Beat Again", "Haven't Seen It Yet" and "New Day". "New Day" was my personal unofficial theme song when I retired recently. Danny is a good one.
#2 - Carman
Carman was the Elvis of Christian music for over 40 years. He could do it all. Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Country and Music Videos. He was the most versatile performer in Christian music. Sadly, Carman passed away in 2020 after a lengthy battle with cancer. His legacy will live on in classics such as "Revival in the Land", "Lazarus Come Forth", "The Champion", "Mission 3:16" and so many others. I had the pleasure to attend one of his concerts which was amazing during the height of his popularity in the 80s and 90s. One of my favorite music videos is his performance of "Great God".
#1 - Steven Curtis Chapman
No solo artist has inspired me more with their music than Steven Curtis Chapman. From the time I started listening to Contemporary Christian music, Chapman has never failed to produce a song which came into my life at the right time. His lyrics and vocals have touched me many times. His songs have been with me on my life's journey. Some of my favorites include "Dive", "Live Out Loud", "For the Sake of the Call", "Warrior" and "Remember to Remember".
Of course, I have always been different in my church and - at times - was criticized for listening to music which was not traditional or Southern Gospel. I actually had a woman come up to me and ask me why I was playing "worldly music" in church. It never bothered me. I love this music and the artists that have blessed me with their songs and have kept me strong in the faith.
