My Favorite Musicians, Bands, and Albums

Music has always played an important role in my life. I loved to sing. In my early teens I thought I wanted to become a folk singer. Too bad I could not sing well, or have a musical talent of any kind.

Listening to music, singing along with the radio, or participating in choir brought me joy, and still does.

I enjoyed the popular songs on the radio, so whoever was number one on the charts was most likely my favorite artist or group. The 45 and 33 1/3 records I bought were played until they were worn out. Groups like: The Mamas and the Papas, Fleetwood Mac, Righteous Brothers, Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, Jan and Dean, Everly Brothers, Fifth Dimension, Motown groups in general. I was not a Beatles fan until much later.

Soloists include: Brenda Lee, Rick Nelson, John Denver, Jim Croce, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Etta James, B.J. Thomas, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin. I also enjoyed classical music and some opera.

When I became a Jesus follower I immersed myself in Christian music. A special shout-out and thank you to Tommy Coomes for founding Love Song in 1970 — the first Christian rock band — and Maranatha Music, Maranatha Praise Band, Tommy Coomes Praise Band.

I listened to Rich Mullins, Russ Taff, Chuck Girard (also a founding member of Love Song), Keith Green, Praise Band, Tim Timmons, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Anne and John Barbour (Anne, my spiritual daughter), and my current favorite band is Rend Collective.

I am sure I have left out so many of my favorites. But this is just a sampling of the singers and bands that met me in deep places and lifted me higher.

I found that my deep love of music had its place in how I served the Lord over the years. Coordinating conferences and stadium events, I realized that music set the tone and prepared hearts for what would be seen and heard throughout the rest of the conferences or stadium events. I am grateful for all those who humbly served the women so well.