By Kannon Kleine
Published May 5, 2022 in The Burg
After reading Jeff Holt's article about Christian music, my memory wheels started spinning. The singers he listed and so many more, have influenced my life in so many ways as I have listened to them.
I always enjoyed singing in church and even as a 6-year-old I sang with another 6-
year-old girl who played a plastic ukulele. I enjoyed watching gospel quartets on television before heading out on Sunday morning.
As a teen my desire was to be a bass in a southern gospel quartet. Well, in college I lived near the Gaithers, who were just getting started in their music career. Then I was privileged to sing bass for over a year in a traveling college quartet, which journeyed through Illinois and led to marriage to a Galesburg girl.
Over the years Christian music has always been prevalent. Living in Nashville for many years, we were privileged to hear and meet many Christian musicians, one of which was Stephen Hill.
Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman (Dive), Mark Lowery (Mary Did You Know),
Cathedrals (The Lighthouse), Mandisa and Guy Penrod are just a few whose musical
compositions have touched my life positively.
So many older Christian songs were about looking to a future reward, while many current ones share about delivery from addictions, trials and problems. One song that has stuck with me for over 50 years is “What A Day That Will Be,” written and recorded by Jim Hill.
So much to consider when thinking of Christian music and its effects. (Effects) For the majority of people, music is an important part of their daily lives. However, I have come to realize that Christian music is key to my arrival to Galesburg. Even more, Jesus, the Christ in the music, gives me purpose, peace and reason to keep going in a mixed-up world.
(If you would like to be a guest columnist, be sure to contact Jeff Holt at jtholt.theburg@gmail.com).