1 Degree of Andy

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