Steven Curtis Chapman

Saturday, April 23

Christianity And Today's Music Genres

Steven Curtis Chapman, renowned contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, will be at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Saturday, April 23. What is now called contemporary Christian music evolved from traditional hymns, Southern gospel music and the influences of rock and roll. Its roots go back to the late 1960's Christian revival Jesus Movement, a kind of hippie version of Christianity that tended toward Pentecostalism. To increase the spread of Christianity, many of these new followers began to write music that would be culturally relevant, hoping to appeal to others in their generation. Some of the earliest pioneers of this type of music were 2nd Chapter of Acts, Andre Crouch and the Disciples, Children of the Day, Barry McGuire and Larry Norman.

In 1975, Myrrh Records helped launch the industry when it began signing Christian rock acts. The next year, artist and album reviewer Ron Moore coined the term “contemporary Christian music” in a review. In the late 1970's Contemporary Christian Music Magazine began publication.

By the 1980's, this musical genre had exploded into a multimillion-dollar industry. Artists like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith produced higher quality songwriting and music and thus raised the standard for contemporary Christian music. In the 1990's the genre became more mainstream. Jars of Clay and dc Talk blurred the line between contemporary Christian music and mainstream music. Many artists found success by crossing over and producing Top 40 songs. As this genre continues to evolve, it has been expressed in a variety of musical styles including jazz, blues, metal, rap, scream-core and punk.

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of the most gifted and prominent contemporary Christian music artists today. He has sold over nine million records and received four consecutive Grammy awards, an American Music Award and 47 Dove Awards. He has also recorded 42 No. 1 radio hits. The Kentucky native and former pre-med student dropped out of college when he decided to pursue a career in music. He moved to Nashville and began working in a music show at Opryland USA. He wrote songs as well and his career began when the Imperials, a prominent gospel group, recorded one of his songs. Following in their footsteps were Sandi Patti, Billy Dean, Glen Campbell and Roger Whitaker who also recognized his talent. By 1987, several different labels and music publishers were interested in Chapman, but he decided to sign with the major Christian music company, Sparrow. In 1992 he successfully joined other artists in attracting a more mainstream audience with “The Great Adventure”. He just released his 14th album last year entitled “All Things New.”

Opening for Chapman is special guest (and Austinite!) Chris Tomlin. Tomlin's most recent album, “Arriving”, is laden with guitar-driven pop melodies that were recorded in the River City. Of his touring companion, Tomlin says he feels a deep gratitude toward Chapman and laughs, “Yeah, I like to tell people Steven will be closing for us.”

Tickets for Steven Curtis Chapman with special guest Chris Tomlin at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Saturday, April 23 are $20.50 and $30.50 and are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNT IS AVAILABLE ON ALL TICKET PRICES. NO DOUBLE DISCOUNTS: $3 off for groups of 20 or more. Groups should call the Group Sales department at 512-471-7744. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com.