1 Degree of Andy

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...

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

I think that one of the marks of a great artist is that you want to go back and listen to their music even decades later. Fernando Ortega’s unique brand of songwriting, his soul-soothing vocals and his attention to Biblical detail definitely have something to do with it, a timeless and sometimes provocative mainstay in the history of CCM, and he’s not done yet! Pro tip: Go listen to his “Crucifixion of Jesus” album as soon as you can.Support the showandychrisman.com

I’ve made a lot of great friends in my journey through Christian music, many of them friendships that have stood the test of time and distance. I got to know Mark and Mike Childers when we lived on the road together in TRUTH and then reunited with them for several tours during our 4HIM days. They’ve since gone on to play for artists like Twila Paris, Carman, Scotty McCreary and Carrie Underwood, but eventually all roads lead back to where we started - sitting around telling road stories and c...

The Imperials had some of the greatest vocalists of a generation ride their bus in the 1980s, including my guest today Paul Smith. Paul not only filled Russ Taff's shoes after his departure from the group, he carved out his own legacy as a singer/songwriter and gave us, in my opinion, one of the greatest solo albums of all time - Live And Learn. I love talking to my musical heroes, and this hour with Paul Smith doesn't disappoint!Support the showandychrisman.com

My guest today always makes me laugh, and that’s a good way to get on the podcast! Comedian Jeff Allen has been a mainstay in Christian entertainment for decades and his unique comic delivery is timeless. From playing comedy clubs in NYC and Vegas, to his breakout opportunity with Bill Gaither to his explosion in popularity with Dry Bar Comedy, Jeff has had an amazing career. And it’s not over yet - not by a long shot. Get ready for a lot of laughs and some unfiltered advice on life coming up...

From playing keys for Frank Zappa to writing and producing some of the biggest songs in pop history (We Built This City, Everybody Wang Chung Tonight) to producing several songs for 4HIM, Peter Wolf has had a career that nearly defies description! He and his wife Lea join me on this episode to talk about his journey through the entertainment world, some wild song stories, how he and Lea reignited their faith, and what he's up to now.Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the keys to success for any artist is getting your single on the radio on the biggest stations in the country. Not only did my guest Frank Reed play 4HIM’s songs on KLTY in Dallas, but he also became a lifelong friend. But Frank’s story goes way beyond the boundaries of Christian music. He’s a legend in the radio industry and I know you’re going to love his story!Support the showandychrisman.com

I’m in the presence of CCM royalty on today’s podcast because I’m sitting down with Jim Murray, one of the original members of the Imperials. To hear first hand stories about performing with Elvis and creating possibly the greatest group in Christian music history blows my mind! We also dive into the stories of some of those classic Imperials albums and - MAN! - I’m still geeking out!Support the showandychrisman.com

Big Tent Revival is one of my favorite 90s CCM bands. Their unique blend of pop, rock and folk with a Memphis twist gave us classic songs like "Two Sets of Jones" and "Choose Life". Their music left a lasting impression on those of us who listened to Christian radio in that era and their frontman Steve Wiggins is my guest on this episode. Get ready for 90 minutes of pure gold!Support the showandychrisman.com

If you’re between the ages of 30-60 years old you probably know every word to Audio Adrenaline’s song “Big House” or else you didn’t grow up on Christian radio! Mark Stuart is with me on the podcast to share his story and take us on an incredible journey of his career and personal life that I know will leave you believing that God is ALWAYS up to something good our lives.Support the showandychrisman.com

On this episode I’m going full on fan-boy because Ron Hemby - one of the greatest voices in music history and a member of The Imperials in the late 80’s - is my guest today. If you haven’t listened to The Imperials “This Years Model” in a while get it cued up cuz you’re gonna want to listen to it once this episode is over, or put it on in the background like I did when I listened back through this conversation with the legend himself - Ron Hemby.Support the showandychrisman.com

"Goldie's Last Day" was a genre-bending and game-changing album in the 1990's and made PFR one of the most beloved CCM bands of all time. On this episode I sit down with band member Joel Hanson to talk about their early days, his journey post-PFR and why we all need a Sabbath!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most distinct and dynamic voices in the history of Christian music belongs to Larnelle Harris. I had the privilege of touring and getting to know Larnelle in the 1990's and he continues to be someone I look up to and gain inspiration from to this day. The history of our industry cannot be told without this man's legacy and the songs he's etched on our souls and I know you're going to love this in-depth conversations with a CCM giant!Support the showandychrisman.com

One of the most beautiful voices in CCM history belongs to one of the most beautiful people I've ever met on my musical journey. Pam Thum grew up with parents who were traveling evangelists and carried their heart for seeing people meet Jesus into her solo career. It's been way too long since she and I had the chance to talk, so sit back and relax as two old friends catch up on life and careers and tell a few fun stories along the way.Support the showandychrisman.com

Let's run down this resume, shall we?- Played trumpet for The Bill Gaither Trio.- Recorded multiple fluglehorn albums.- Wrote lots of big songs for CCM artists.- Has produced tons of label acts.- And, oh yeah, started a little band called Whiteheart! Want to hear a bunch of really cool Christian music backstories? Then sit back and enjoy my conversation with Billy Smiley.Support the showandychrisman.com

The trilogy is complete as I sit down with the guy who makes me laugh harder than anyone I've ever known! After solo conversations with 4HIM'S Mark Harris and Kirk Sullivan I was finally able to nab Marty due to his crazy schedule to talk about his joy of educating the next generation, the insane reality of touring life and a bunch of other stuff I know you're going to love.Support the showandychrisman.com

There are a handful of CCM artists that have become true peers for me, people I can call and talk about life and career anytime. Charles Billingsley is one of those artists. His career with Newsong and as a solo artist were the springboard to becoming one of the most influential worship pastors and mentors in the world! We tend to intersect with each other often and I'm a better person for knowing him. I think you'll really enjoy this conversation with one of my good CCM friends.Support the s...

You want to talk classic Christian artists? Well they don't get any more classic than Dallas Holm! I first sang his songs "Rise Again" and "I Saw The Lord" as a young man growing up in central Texas and to have recorded with him in the 90s and to call him my friend today is something I could never have imagined! Dallas is one of kind, humble and full of grace, and you absolutely cannot tell the story of Christian music without him.Support the showandychrisman.com

If you're going to attempt to rank the most important artists in CCM history I'm going to bet that Twila Paris makes your top 10. In my opinion, Twila belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of female artists! Her endearing voice, her delightful personality, her groundbreaking songwriting (she has songs in the hymn book!) and her induction into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame have cemented her place in history. But doggone it if she's not one the nicest people I've ever met! And if you haven't listen...