Show cover of 1 Degree of Andy

1 Degree of Andy

From touring in the group 4Him to working as a worship pastor to leading a radio show, I've had the opportunity to be a part of the Christian Music industry for the last four decades. I'm Andy Chrisman and I've had the unique opportunity to tour with, record with, and become friends with just about everyone within the Christian Music industry. I think this makes me the perfect person to tell their stories. Welcome to 1 Degree of Andy!

Tracks

In the fabric of Christian music throughout the 80s and 90s I think it’s important to tell the story of that era through multiple lenses - the producers, songwriters, label execs, etc. My good friend Blaine Bartel joins me on this episode to tell stories of his days as the star and creator of Fire By Night - a Saturday Night Live type sketch show that included some of the biggest names in christian music. But Blaine has another part to his story that I know will minister to you.Support the showandychrisman.com

11/11/24 • 54:44

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. I've had the chance to spend time with Mike over the years to hear his incredible story, but this time it hits harder than ever. This is a cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun, and the redemptive work of a faithful God.Support the showandychrisman.com

11/4/24 • 54:27

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

10/28/24 • 57:00

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

10/21/24 • 52:01

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 catching up on life. This episode, as you’ll be able to tell, is very special to me.Find your real voice with the Andy Chrisman Vocal Method! Support the showandychrisman.com

10/14/24 • 77:02

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

10/7/24 • 62:49

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 on this episode of 1 Degree of Andy!Support the showandychrisman.com

9/30/24 • 69:13

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

9/23/24 • 94:46

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

9/16/24 • 75:01

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

9/9/24 • 65:51

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

9/2/24 • 99:03

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

8/26/24 • 59:33

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

8/19/24 • 73:44

"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

8/12/24 • 91:51

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

8/5/24 • 69:19

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

7/29/24 • 57:35

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

7/22/24 • 75:43

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

7/15/24 • 100:52

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 showandychrisman.com

7/8/24 • 56:59

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

7/1/24 • 56:47

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 listened to "The Warrior Is A Child" in a while....whew!Support the showandychrisman.com

6/24/24 • 78:02

One of the most distinctive voices in CCM history is also one of the godliest men I've ever been around. You may want to pull out your journal and take notes during this conversation! Steve shares his story of growing up a missionary kid, his "accidental" entrance into CCM, and how he spends his time now that he's not hitting the stage as much as he used to. Oh, and the dangers of moralism? Yep, we'll talk about that, too. Another great convo with another one of my heroes!Support the showandychrisman.com

6/17/24 • 63:07

One of the reasons I love doing this podcast is to reunite with friends I haven't seen in ages. I've been a fan of Kathy Troccoli's voice and music since I was a teenager, and to get to tour with and get to know her in the 90s was special! Join me as I catch up with one of the great CCM artists of all time.Support the showandychrisman.com

6/10/24 • 68:26

One of the great songwriters of the golden era of CCM is my friend Billy Simon. Not only did he write songs for Amy Grant, Point of Grace and a host of other artists, he wrote some of the biggest songs in 4HIM's career - "Where There is Faith", "A Man You'd Write About", "When It's Time To Go", and "In Your Care" just to name a few! Billy's story is full of twists and turns, but nothing will prepare you for how God used a song he wrote 35 years earlier to begin to heal his heart. This is one of my favorite conversations to date!Support the showandychrisman.com

6/3/24 • 78:54

Join me for a true outdoor, whatever happens...happens episode as I sit down with Michele Pillar on the front porch of her ranch outside Nashville! Michele is one of the cornerstone artists of modern Christian music, becoming a best-selling CCM artist, a best-selling author, an in-demand speaker...and being a guest voice on The Simpsons?? Michele is truly one of the "First Ladies" of CCM and I know you're going to love her story!Support the showandychrisman.com

5/27/24 • 55:04

You cannot tell the story of Christian music without John Mays. In his nearly 40 year career, Mays discovered and signed Point Of Grace, Cindy Morgan, Matt Redman, Nichole Nordeman (just to name a few). And, oh yeah, he took a chance on a young vocalist named Lauren Daigle! This episode is full of great CCM stories and trivia, as well as an intimate look behind the scenes of many of the artists and songs you've loved down through the decades.Support the showandychrisman.com

5/20/24 • 46:39

I first met Jaci when she was 15 years old, singing with the voice of a seasoned pro! She and her mom jumped on the 4HIM bus for two different tours in the 90s and now 30 years later we sit down to talk about life as a teen CCM sensation, the roads she never thought she'd travel, and how raising a family is not at all what she thought it would be.Support the showandychrisman.com

5/13/24 • 71:16

Few people make me laugh harder than my friend, comedian Steve Geyer! But as funny as he is, his heart is just as big and I'm so glad for the time we spent on tour together. I've learned so much from Steve over the years - from learning how to improvise in difficult situations, to not taking things so seriously, to being an example of someone who loves to serve others. Get ready to laugh and walk down memory lane with me and my buddy Steve Geyer.Support the showandychrisman.com

5/6/24 • 58:20

I'm not sure there's been  anyone else in the history of CCM like John Michael Talbot! From success as a member of the rock band  Mason Profitt, to becoming one of the best selling Christian artists of all time, to becoming a Roman Catholic monk and starting a monastery - there's plenty to talk about with one of the most fascinating people I've ever met! Support the showandychrisman.com

4/29/24 • 61:09

....and we're back with more 4HIM stories! Sit back and enjoy this fun conversation with me and Mark Harris!Support the showandychrisman.com

4/22/24 • 52:56