There’s Christian Country Music?
Once in a while no matter how old we get we always seem to try to connect with our roots every so often. Your roots can be many different things, but it’s always in the way you were raised. I have tried to move out of Douglas County like many people here, and as the saying always goes, “You Always Come Back!” that saying never let me down. No matter how far I moved from home, no matter how many times I tried to boycott country music, (listening to tons of rap when I was 18) I just never felt in the right place. I always came back to my country bumpkin roots.
In 1994, my family and I made the trek from California to Oregon. We traveled around the entire state in an old Ford Ranger with a camper on the back to find the perfect place we called home. Not long after settling in Roseburg, my grandparents moved up from California.
“Why don’t you go try that little church down the hill and make yourself some friends,” my Nana uttered from the back porch one spring day. I have always had a knack at making friends where ever I go, but during my high school years I was homeschooled and the idea of making friends sounded like a great idea! It was then that my life changed forever when I became a born again Christian.
As I have said before, I grew up on country music, from the greats like Johnny, Willie, Alabama, Eddie Rabbit and many others. But not long after becoming a Christian and attending Pine Grove Community Church, I found myself listening to Christian music and nothing but! There were many Christian bands that I enjoyed during my teen years and instead of country music festivals I found myself attending “Jesus Northwest” head banging to Audio Adrenaline and DC Talk in the mosh pits! Yes, even Christians can have a rockin’ good time!
I will admit; I don’t listen to Christian music anymore though I often miss the uplifting lyrics that praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The music that sets me on fire for the Lord, music that gets me motivated to get out there and tell others about the love my God has to offer. It made me wonder, “does anyone know if Christian Country Music exists?” I went on the search to find Christian Country Music, and low and behold, there it was waiting for me to push play!
Marty Raybon
When you first hear Marty Raybon, you don’t recognize the name, but you should recognize the voice. Marty Raybon was originally the lead singer for the popular country group Shenandoah in the 1990’s. While growing up, I was a part of many dance troupes, one of those troupes had a dancer perform to the song, “Butterfly Kisses,” a huge hit in 1997 that I just now found Marty Raybon was the singer of that song! No wonder I liked it so much! Today he is an accomplished country Christian music singer with solo records spanning back since 1995![1]
“Get Up in Jesus Name”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72ryjHD9F9Y
“He’s Still Doing Miracles Today”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk45cIHLns0
The Parish Family
I will be honest; I was having the hardest time finding Christian Country music until I came across The Parish Family! If you love the nineties sound of country music, then you’re going to love this! Not only will you love it for the old country sound, but you’re going to love it for the uplifting praises to Jesus in the lyrics of the songs!
“Heaven’s Grand Opening by the Parish Family”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLLgjYzoj9o
“They Never Will be Able to Take My Jesus”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwUk_-3-g88
Clay Jacobs
Michael Ray really broke a barrier with his newest hit called, “Real Men Love Jesus,” but Clay Jacobs did it first with his song, “That Old Church!” Clay Jacobs has that Texas Red Dirt Country sound. This is true country music, with the love of Christ in the lyrics! If you have been looking for the balance between country and Christian, than Clay Jacobs is for you!
“That Old Church”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTdQo4WWcgc
“Tough as Nails”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPNEtYTkCU
Tommy Brandt
As I said earlier, I was having the hardest time finding Christian Country music, but now that I am finally on a path I am finding some GREAT country music! I do hate to say, some of it is truer than some of today’s country music! Tommy Brandt has made that accomplishment of being Christian yet having those true country roots! With songs like “Broken,” you are bound to find something that is going to lift you up and remember to have faith, the Lord always has a plan and you are one of his many wonderful works of art!
“Broken”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1mtZMz_GWs
“Till You Started Walking”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R01imm08IwE
Meredith Andrews
When I think all is about to fail, and I will never find a female Christian country music singer here pops up Meredith Andrews out of the blue. Whether you are a Christian or not, Meredith has that one thing in common we all have… The longing to know that we are loved, cared for and that we can make another day is in Meredith’s empowering lyrics, sweet voice and beautiful instrumentals. Meredith Andrews is sure to brighten your day!
“You’re not Alone”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXLo3aCkuQ
“Soar”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92CRFVyCw2Y
I am not saying stop listening to mainstream country music, but as a Christian, sometimes like the option of listening to music where the lyrics are uplifting and can help me stay on right path with the Lord. In a time where a lot of organized religion is becoming a sensitive subject among society, this is the time to stand up for what you love. I am proud to work for a radio station that doesn’t make me silence my beliefs but instead gives me an open platform to share with you. I will always be grateful to Nana for asking me to make friends at Pine Grove Community Church and the everlasting love I received when I took Jesus into my life and heart. I hope you enjoy some of the new artists I found today, and if you find any others on your quest, please let me know in the comments! If you don’t have Christ in your life, I will say this, don’t let anyone put you down for it, you are loved, and you are valuable. Our God is loving, kind and offers eternal life and when you are ready. In the meantime I am going to leave you with these verses:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Raybon