25 Days
ARTIST OF THE DAY
Amy Grant
Amy Grant was the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit #1 on the pop charts and the first to perform at the Grammys. And while much was made of her making secular albums, her testimony opened the door for people to share their faith in the broader music market.
Born in Augusta, Georgia in 1960 during the residency of her doctor father, Grant was still a baby when her family (she’s the youngest of four daughters) moved back to its native Nashville. She had been singing in church and school for years and a friend, producer Brown Bannister, allowed her to use the studio she interned at to duplicate a tape of her original songs that she wanted to give to her family. A Word Records producer heard the tape and played it over the phone for company executives - and she was immediately given a recording contract at the ripe old age of 15.
Back in the mid-80s, Amy Grant SHOCKED the Christian community by taking her act to the secular music market. It wasn't the first time that a beloved Christian artist went mainstream, but it deeply affected people at the time. You might remember the song Baby, Baby - Back then, that was tantamount to sacrilege. Now, it's muzak in elevators.
She branched out to country music as well. The past decade, Amy Grant has been back to making Christian records. She and her husband Vince Gill are all over the place; Christian, Country, Pop - they have great Christmas records as well!
Random Tidbit: Amy Grant's old background vocalist and keyboard player was Michael W. Smith!
A Star: In 2006 Amy Grant was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Christmas Album: The Christmas Collection
Album: Somewhere Down The Road
Twitter: @AmyGrant
Tour: CLICK HERE
Want More? CLICK HERE
Video: Grown Up Christmas List
What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT
Q: Out of twelve, how many Israeli spies recommended they attack Canaan and take the Promised Land?
A: Just two. Joshua & Caleb. (Numbers 13)
Way to go Shannon in Craddockville!
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