1 Degree of Andy

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.

In this enlightening discussion, groundbreaking 1980s artist Steve Taylor opens up about his innovative lyrics and the cultural impact they had on Christian music. He reflects on his journey to Nashville and the tension between commercialism and artistic integrity. The duo dives into future projects, including the animated series 'Dead Sea Squirrels,' showcasing his creative versatility. Taylor also shares insights on the evolution of Christian music, emphasizing the importance of meaningful art within spiritual communities.

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