How Songs by Amy Grant, Twila Paris and Others Have Inspired Me

Growing up both as a city boy and a farm-loving young man, nothing has meant more to me than the inspiration supplied by my favorite music. Like any other kid, I went through stages of liking different music. Only a few have become mainstays for me, because they have helped me grow, provided comfort, friendship and thought for almost every situation. I remember a time when I was into some of the commercial metal bands such as Poison, Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue and Suicidal Tendencies. The last of these was always great for those angry moments when nothing I could think or say about someone was disgusting enough.

Suicidal Tendencies was as angry as it got. On the other hand, I also went through a stage when I liked rap. Not the cheap stuff either; I like NWA, 2 Live Crew, and Kool Mo Dee. This was my rebellious time, and the entire purpose was to offend people. Another side of me existed though, and that was the side of me that admired my mother's music and a good mix of my own. My mother's music was Deborah Harry, aka, Blondie, Pink Floyd, Jane Oliver, The Monkees, The Beatles, Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand, and Olivia Newton-John. There was also Taco, ABBA, Barry Manilow and Lionel Richie.

All of these have their place in the biz, but my mainstay was always Christian Contemporary Music. My first artists were Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. I followed them up by interest and liking for Kim Hill, Rez Band, and Randy Stonehill. Amy Grant and Randy have always had the greatest impact on me. That I have had many years of friendship with Randy that happened only by blessing is a real privilege because he is a caring, outgoing, fun, person who is real first and foremost. Many photos and many memories with Randy to be sure!

I will get to my favorite songs and lyrics, but I want to first introduce my other favorite artists. Degarmo & Key, Carman (older works), Sheila Walsh, David & The giants, Avalon, The Least Of These (lead singer is a good friend), 4 Him, Bruce Carroll, Mark Heard, Pierce Pettis, Pat Terry, Lisa Weyerhaeuser (Also a close friend), and Point Of Grace. I remember the days of PFR (Pray For Rain). Cyndi Morgan was a fave, as is Steven Curtis Chapman. Here is a strange story about Steven Curtis Chapman...I was going to book him and called a number on an older album he had out. It turned out to be his home phone number and it was he who answered.

Always a great conversation with him though we never met, and the booking never happened. I wonder if he remembers those chats. Almost every older work through the album "Heart In Motion" by Amy Grant has always held meaning for me. One of her works, "It's not A Song," has always grabbed me because of the upfront, bold truth told there. This title simply says that a song is not a song until it touches you and tears you apart. This holds true with life's every truth...until you see the truth and see yourself, it's not a life. As Amy spoke about pacing the floor forcing a rhyme, wondering what she felt this time, I couldn't help but think the same thing.

I thought about the nervous times in my life and how I was restless, pacing the floors of my own deepest inner parts of my own heart seeking understanding of why I longed for peace but also thrived on drama. I thought about putting my own best moral truths into action in every way I could even if I failed. As a long time practicing Christian, I knew what this meant and how serious it really is. Beyond works by Amy, Randy Stonehill has been a blessing both in his artistry and his personal friendship when opportunity has allowed us time together. Songs like "Rachel Delavoryas," "Keep Me Running," "King Of Hearts," "Fire," "Father Of Lights," "Prisoner Of Hope," "Far, Far," "Hand Of God," "Love Tells No Lies" and my all time favorite, "Stand Like Steel".

"You've got to stand, stand like steel and carry your cross through the fire, that's part of the deal" This song was about the African American leaders of the world. Specifically Martin Luther King and Stephen Biko. The work culminates with this stark reality..."Now we all must fight our private battles. To tear away this darkness that enslaves us from our birth. It takes more than guts to be strong enough. It's an act of faith through the power of love. And we dare not talk of freedom until we're free from our own curse."

From the song "Rachel Delavoryas"..."Rachel is ugly she heard them shout. She sat on the school yard bench and cried and...it was clear that she would never be one of us. With her dowdy clothes and her violin, and a name like Rachel Delavoryas." As it goes, this song is a true story from Randy's life and also a true story from each of our own lives about fitting in and being one of the popular crowd members. Much more than that, it's about the cruelty we all have inflicted on others at times, having to live with our own personal embarrassment of bad choices.

From "Love Tells No Lies"..."We wander through our days like strangers in some play never sure of where we stand. But voices in our dreams, they whisper better things it's true, like a heart made new, and it's there in the Good Lord's hands." As a light hearted happy song, this speaks of the importance of love and being wise enough to come when love is calling instead of turning away. The realization that dreams are to be chased but not to the point of neglecting what is right there in front of us.

Another important set of songs for me come from what was once Degarmo & Key (Eddie Degarmo and Dana Key) who eventually became the operators of Benson Records and Forefront Music. "Hand in Hand", "I'm Accepted", "Let's Get Upset", "Destined To Win", "Dare 2 Be Different", "All The Losers Win" are distinct memories for me. These songs summarize the human heart for sensitivity and compassion taking all together the healthy living of being alright with oneself, confident that we are loved no matter what.

Twila Paris is yet another influence with her wisdom shining through in works like "True North," "Cry For The Desert," "Beyond A Dream," "Where I Stand" and songs of candor such as "What Did He Die For?" here's an outtake from that song..."On the darkest day of A.D. 33, the King of mercy and compassion of eternity sent there by a Father with love beyond his tears. The blameless one, the only son to bear the guilt of all these years. And as I watched him struggle up that hill without a thought of turning back, I cannot help but wonder, What did He die for when he died for you and me, made the sacrifice so that we could all be free, look inside and ask the question...what did he die for when he died for me?"

Music gets through to all of us in some way or another. For those of us who are also Artists, it has a deeper reach. This is my story.