MUS:Rock online magazine 1/90

>"LEAD ME TO THE 'ROCK' THAT IS HIGHER THAN I"<

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The 'Rock' On-Line Magazine (C) Copyright 1988. All Rights Reserved. Volume 3 #1. Editor/Publisher: Diane R. Gambino. (January 1989 issue).
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PLEASE NOTE: THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE is a copyrighted publication. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine can be reproduced electronically or in any other form without special permission from its editor-in-chief/publisher, Diane R. Gambino. Download/duplication permitted for non-commercial use only.  
*Opinions expressed in this issue are not necessarily those of the THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE Editor/Publisher.
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TWILA'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
 
If you recall, 'touring' was the reason why Twila Paris could not get her Christmas memory in to THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE in time for the Christmas issue deadline, however she did promise to send it in time for the January issue - and since it is still appropriate to read....here it is:
 
FROM TWILA PARIS
 
""I grew up in a family where Christmas was observed with reverent solemnity >and< with joyous celebration. These two aspects of Christmastime have always been beautifully intergrated in my mind -- with no conflict. We worshipped together and we had great fun; and the Lord was the center of it all.
 
The Christmas morning that stands out in my mind began like all the others. We rose early and gathered around the tree. We sang every verse of every carol we could think of, and my father read the Christmas story from the Bible. Then it was time for prayer. Normally, just before we open our presents we take turns leading in prayer -- usually prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving.
 
But that Christmas as we began to pray, no one could turn their thoughts from the Americans who were held hostage in Iran. We began to weep before the Lord and to intercede for our brothers and sisters who were spending this day so far away from their families and friends and even the smallest tangible reminders of the birth of Christ. We prayer that He would be near them and comfort them, as well their families at home. We prayed that he would protect them and provide for their release very soon. And somehow our tears for them did not diminish the joy of Christmas. It was not a giddy celebration that morning but there was a deep joy and a new gratitude for the gift of the Prince of PEACE. And we celebrated His birth.
 
'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.'"
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..FROM THE EDITOR'S COMPUTER....
 
Take a stroll down memory lane. Here you'll find some of the best articles, news, information that The 'Rock' On-Line Magazine published in 1988.
 
We've alot more planned for you in 1989!
 
To all our readers - Happy and Blessed New Year!
 
Diane
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REPRINT FROM MAY 1988 ISSUE:
 
////EDITORIAL////
 
"What We Say We Strive For"
 
What we say we strive for is to know the Lord better and be 'His Church' yet we restrict ourselves to hearing His Word under only certain situations, and although we strive to work together in His name, often times we fall short of our goal.
 
This issue of THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE contains a classification list of some of the biggest names in the contemporary Christian music -- musicians/artists who play or sing Contemporary and Inspirational Christian Music so now when you are in the mood for jazz and you use that as an excuse for not listening to Christian music, you'll find that you no longer have an excuse not to listen to Christian music.  And it's not just jazz, Christian music now comes in 'rock', 'instrumentals', and 'rap music'.  So now we can be in any mood, or in any setting, and still be able to tune into The Word, or praise, or understanding, etc.
 

###MUSIC FOR YOUR EVERY MOOD###
 
To help you discover which Contemporary Christian Artists sing the type of you music you like to here, THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE INTERNATIONAL, with the help of the record companies and artists themselves has put together a non-exclusive list of artists with the music category or genre in which they usually sing.
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
CATEGORY: JAZZ** -- self explanatory
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> PHIL DRISCOLL << Plays the trumpet. Singing voice is almost exactly like Joe Cocker. (Benson)
* =>> FIRST CALL << This trio sounds like The Manhattan Transfer. They sing jazz and the easy 'adult contemporary' sound with great harmony. (Word)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: GENERIC ROCK**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  -- any type of the standard 'rock n roll' music'. 
 
* =>> PHILIP BAILEY << Pop. Also R&B. Yep! He's the same one who has sung with Phil Collins. (Myrrh)
* =>> BASH-N-THE-CODE << Dance rock. (Myrrh)
* =>> MARGARET BECKER << (Sparrow)
* =>> KIM BOYCE << Dance pop. (Myrrh)
* =>> CARMEN << Inspirational Pop. He's a story teller. (Benson)
* =>> GARY CHAPMAN << Pop.  He's the Christian moreso than the music. Country flavor. Amy Grant's husband. (Reunion)
* =>> MORGAN CRYAR << Pop. (Sparrow)
* =>> RICK CUA << Generic rock. Mainstream music background. (Reunion)
* =>> DION <<  50'S Rock n roll. Yes! This is the same Dion of the 'doo-wop' 1950's. (Day Spring)
* =>> DEGARMO & KEY << Generic rock. (Benson)
* =>> TERI DESARIO << Pop. Sang top 40 hit with KC and the SUNSHINE BAND.

* =>> AMY GRANT << POP. (Reunion)
* =>> THE IMPERIALS << Pop. (Myrrh)
* =>> TONIO K. << New wave. (Myrrh)
* =>> MYLON LEFEVRE & BROKEN HEART (Star Song) << Pop. Mylon is former mainstream musician. (Myrrh)
* =>> DAVID MEECE << Pop. (Myrrh)
* =>> GEOFF MOORE & THE DISTANCE << Generic rock.  (Sparrow)
* =>> LEON PATILLO << Pop. Former lead singer "SANTANA".
* =>> DAN PEEK << Pop. Former lead singer of "AMERICA". Remeber "Horse with no Name" and others?
* =>> PETRA << Hard rock! (Star Song)
* =>> MICHAEL W. SMITH << Pop. 
* =>> PAUL SMITH << Pop. (Word)
* =>> RANDY STONEHILL << Rock (Myrrh)
* =>> RUSS TAFF << Pop. (Word)
* =>> STEVE TAYLOR & SOME BAND << New wave. Christian parody. (Myrrh)
* =>> GREG X. VOLZ << (Word)
*  =>> WHITE HEART << Generic Rock. (Sparrow)  
* =>> DENIECE WILLIAMS << Pop. Yes! The same one whose hits include, "LET'S HERE IT FOR THE BOY", and "TOO MUCH TOO LITTLE TOO LATE" with Johnny Mathis.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: CONTEMPORARY/ADULT CONTEMPORARY** -- soft sounds and tones with great lyrics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> STEVE ARCHER << 
* =>> STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN << Has a style/voice like Huey Lewis. (soft rock). (Sparrow)
* =>> FARRELL & FARRELL << Dedicated their careers to helping Polish people. (Star Song)
* =>> BENNY HESTER << (Word).
* =>> MARILYN MCCOO << Formerly with The Fifth Demension.
* =>> MICHELLE PILLAR << Wife of Grammy-winning instrumentalist Larry ("Minute By Minute") Carlton.
* =>> SHEILA WALSH << Co-host of 700 Club. (Word)
* =>> WAYNE WATSON << (Myrrh)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: MIDDLE OF THE ROAD INSPIRATIONAL** -- Contemporary Gospel
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^* =>> DEBBY BOONE << (Lion&Lamb)
* =>> SCOTT WESLEY BROWN << Inspirational and adult contemporary. (Word)
* =>> STEVE CAMP << His older records are POP; the newer ones reflect contemporary-inspirational. (Sparrow)
* =>> MICHAEL CARD << Sounds alike like Dan Fogelberg. Contemporary sound, scriptural lyrics. (Sparrow)
* =>> MICKEY & BECKY << 
* =>> CYNTHIA CLAWSON <<  Definitely not pop or rock. Sounds a bit like Sheena Easton. (Day Spring)
* =>> TWILA PARIS << Soft soothing voice with powerful lyrics. (Star Song)
* =>> SANDI PATTI << (Word)
* =>> SILVERWIND << (Star Song)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: HEAVY METAL**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> STRYPER << The masters of this field.  Christian theme surrounded by heavy metal music. And it works. This is the band that throws Bibles out into the audience during live performances. (Benson)
* =>> BARREN CROSS <<
* =>> WHITECROSS <<
* =>> NEON CROSS <<
* =>> SHOUT <<
* =>> JERUSALEM <<

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: INSTRUMENTAL**  -- no words, only music played by and for Christians by Christians
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  
* =>> JUSTO ALMARIO << (Meadowlark)
* =>> DINO << Pianist. (Benson)
* =>> JEFF JOHNSON << (Ark)
* =>> PHIL KEAGGY <<
* =>> MICHAEL O'MARTIAN << (Sparrow)
* =>> RICHARD SOUTHER <<
* =>> DOUGLAS TROWBRIDGE <<
* =>> PHIL DRISCOLL Trumpet (Benson) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: GOSPEL**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> SHIRLEY CEASER <<
* =>> CISSY HOUSTON <<   Whitney's mom.
* =>> BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR << (Word)
* =>> RICHARD SMALLWOOD (Word)
* =>> THE CLARK SISTERS (Word)
* =>> THE CATHEDRALS
* =>> KELLY NELON THOMPSON
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: A CAPPELA**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> ACAPPELLA and the ACAPPELA VOCAL BAND << (Clifty)
* =>> TAKE 6 << (Reunion)
* =>> GLAD << (Benson)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: RAP MUSIC**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> MICHAEL PEACE << (Reunion)
* =>> RAP-SURES << (Sparrow)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
**CATEGORY: INSPIRATIONAL**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
* =>> STEVE & ANNIE CHAPMAN << (Sparrow)
* =>> DON FRANCISCO << (Star-Song)
* =>> GLAD << (Benson)
* =>> KEITH GREEN << (Sparrow)
* =>> STEVE GREEN << (Sparrow)
* =>> TIM & LADONNA JOHNSON
* =>> SECOND CHAPTER OF ACTS <<
* =>> JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT << (Sparrow)
* =>> TERRY TALBOT << (Sparrow)
* =>> BEBE & CECE WINANS << (Sparrow)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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REPRINTED FROM THE NOVEMBER 1988 ISSUE:
 
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT or TRUTH MAKES A >BIG< DIFFERENCE
 
If you don't believe it, just asked David Summeral!
 
David Summeral is the name of a young man who 12 years ago attended a Truth concert. It was there that he accepted Jesus Christ. Now, more than a decade later, Summeral contacted Roger Breland, director of Benson recording artist, TRUTH, to share with him this story.
 
It seems that during the years following his conversion, Summeral went on to become a preacher. In fact, he now pastors a church in the Philippines which has a membership of more than 13,000!
 
As a result of Summeral's encouragement, Roger Breland and Truth travelled to the Philippines to perform three concerts daily during their 3 week stay. Truth also spent time in Singapore, Malasia, and Australia.
FROM THE <>**SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY ISSUE**<> SUMMER 1988:
 

//\\//THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE'S//\\////\\//TOP 75 CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC RECORDS//\\//
 
 1.  UNDIVIDED             First Call        (Word)
 
 2.  LET THERE BE PRAISE   Sandi Patti       (Word)
 
 3.  DO SOMETHING NOW      THE CAUSE         (Sparrow)
 
 4.  OH HAPPY DAY          E. Hawkins Singers
 
 5.  I WILL GIVE HIM GLORY Silverwind        (Sparrow)
 
 6.  HOW MANY TIMES        White Heart       (Sparrow)
 
 7.  STRENGTH OF MY LIFE   Leslie Phillips   (Myrrh)
 
 8.  THE LANGUAGE OF JESUS Brown/Caesar      (Sparrow)
    IS LOVE
 
 9.  DO I TRUST YOU?       Twila Paris       (StarSong)
 
 10. I SURRENDER ALL       Deniece Williams  (Sparrow)
 
 11. HE'S ALIVE            Don Francisco     (Sparrow)
 
 12. VIA DOLOROSA          Sandi Patti       (Word)
 
 13. JESUS, I LOVE YOU     Phil Driscoll     (Benson)
 
 14. HOW EXCELLENT IS      Larnelle Harris   (Benson)
    THY NAME
 
 15. BY HIS SPIRIT         2nd Chpt of Acts
 
 16. WARRIOR IS A CHILD    Twila Paris       (Milk&Honey)
 
 17. WHAT DO YOU KNOW      Sheila Walsh      (Myrrh)
    THAT I DON'T
 

 18. GOD & GOD ALONE       Steve Green       (Sparrow)
 
 19. LET THE WIND BLOW     The Imperials
 
 20. OH HEAVENLY FATHER    Billy Sprague
 
 21. FRIENDS               Michael W. Smith
 
 22. HE'S RISEN IN ME      Billy & Sarah Gaines
 
 23. EL SHADDAI            Amy Grant         (Myrrh)
 
 24. RUN TO THE END OF     Keith Green
    THE HIGHWAY
 
 25. YOUR LOVE FLOWS ON    Wendell Burton
 
 26. MIGHTY RUSHIN' WIND   Terry Talbot
     (Sparrow)
 
 27. MORNING STAR          Mylon & Broken Heart (StarSong)
 
 28. NEVER FOR NOTHING     Margaret Becker   (Sparrow)
 
 29. I COULD NEVER SAY     Grant/Stonehill
    GOODBYE
 
 30. BELIEVERS             Michael James Murphy
 
 31. LOOK ME IN THE HEART  Wayne Watson      (DaySpring)
 
 32. LOVE OF ANOTHER KIND  Amy Grant         (Myrrh)
 
 33. HOSANA                Sandi Patti       (Word)
 
 34. IN RETURN             BeBe & CeCe Winans (Sparrow)
 
 35. TAPESTRY              Teri DeSario
 
 36. HE'LL TAKE CARE OF    Keith Green       (Sparrow)
    THE REST
 
 37. FAIR COMPANION        Farrell & Farrell (StarSong)
 
 38. WE ARE THE REASON     Wayne Watson      (DaySpring)
 39. MAN IN THE MIDDLE     Wayne Watson      (DaySpring)
 

 40. ANGELS                Amy Grant         (Myrrh)
 
 41. I LOVE JESUS NOW      Dion              (DaySpring)
 
 42. I BELONG TO YOU       Kathy Tricoli     (Reunion)
 
 43. CAN'T STAND TOO TALL  Rick Cua          (Sparrow)
 
 44. NO GREATER LOVE       Thad Bosley       (B&E)
 
 45. LIVE AND LEARN        Paul Smith
 
 46. HUMBLE YOURSELVES     2nd Chpt of Acts
 
 47. HE HOLDS THE KEY      Steve Green       (Sparrow)
 
 48. BE YE GLAD            Debby Boone       (Word)
 
 49. EVERY MOMENT          DeGarmo & Key     (Benson)
 
 50. THE RIVER IS RISING   Greg X. Volz      (Word)
 
 51. STRANGER TO YOUR      Steve Camp        (Sparrow)
    HOLINESS
 
 52. NOTHIN' BUT THE BLOOD Michael W. Smith  (Reunion)
 
 53. PEOPLE ALL OVER THE   Farrell & Farrell (StarSong)
    WORLD
 
 54. CHRISTIAN             Sheila Walsh      (Word)
 
 55. RUNNER                Twila Paris       (StarSong)
 
 56. IMMORTAL INVISIBLE    Cynthia Clawson   (DaySpring)
 
 57. SAY YES               New Song          (Word)
 
 58. STRANGER TO YOUR      Steve Camp        (Sparrow)
    HOLINESS
 
 59. DESTINED TO WIN       DeGarmo/Key/J.Dixon(Benson)
 
 60. MIRROR OF MY HEART    Chris Christian
 
 61. COME TO THE TABLE     Michael Card      (Sparrow)
 
 62. THE LADDER            David Meece       (Word)
 
 63. SO GLAD I KNOW        Deniece Williams  (Sparrow)
 
 64. CHANGED IN A MOMENT   Wayne Watson      (DaySpring)
 

 65. HEARTSONG             Cynthia Clawson   (DaySpring)
 
 66. WE BOW DOWN           Twila Paris            (StarSong)
 
 67. I.O.U. ME             BeBe & CeCe Winans    (Sparrow)
 
 68. MYSTIFIED             Dallas Holm & Praise
 
 69. YOU'RE ALRIGHT        Michael W. Smith     (Reunion)
 
 70. DELIGHT IN HIM        Debby Boone            (Word)
 
 71. ONE FAITH             John Michael Talbot    (Sparrow)
 
 72. HERE AM I, SEND ME    Keith Green              (Sparrow)
 
 73. GROWING UP TO BE      Sheila Walsh
    A CHILD
 
 74. THAT'S WHERE THE JOY  Steve Green
    COMES FROM
 
 75. I HAVE DECIDED        Amy Grant
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REPRINTED FROM THE NOVEMBER 1988 ISSUE:
 
///////A LOOK///////////////////BEHIND THE SCENES//////////////////IN THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY////////////////////////////
 
Each month a top music executive is put in the spotlight and asked the questions that *You* the readers want to know the answers to. 
 
The first music executive in our spotlight is **BARRY LANDIS**, the Director of Marketing and Development, for the WORD RECORD GROUP in Nashville, TN.]
 
Barry Landis, who graduated from the Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, is a 12 year veteran of the Christian music industry.  In 1976, he earned his Masters Degree in Communications from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Upon graduation, he worked for 2 years at WCIE Radio in Lakeland, Florida as Program Director. In 1978, he returned to Nashville, joining Brentwood Records and subsequently Franklin House Publishing.
 
In May of 1985, Barry was named >Director of Marketing and Development< for DaySpring Records, a Nashville-based division of Word, Incorporated. In March of 1987, he was appointed >Director of Marketing and Development for the entire Word Record Group/Nashville which includes the WORD, Dayspring, Canaan, New Canaan, and Rejoice Labels.
 
              ******

TROL: WHY ARE YOU WORKING IN THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC BUSINESS?
 
LANDIS: "Frankly, I would not have chosen this business. In fact, I didn't prepare for it. Through a series of what I feel are circumstances ordained of the Lord, I am here. Actually, I think that's the only time any of us can find real happiness - doing God's will. I think anybody that aspires to work in the music industry should only do so at the leading of the Lord. It's very much a business, and yet very much a ministry, and takes a great deal of effort to balance the two."
 
TROL: DO ADVERSE STORIES IN THE NEWSPAPER/TV ABOUT NOTED CHRISTIANS OR EVANGELISTS HAVE AN AFFECT ON YOUR JOB?
 
LANDIS: "Not as much as one might initially think.  I believe the target demographic for Christian television and the target demographic for the sale of Christian records is not very similar. The people who buy Christian records are, by and large, a fairly informed public with regard to the purchases they make. Christian telelvision viewing, on the other hand, has at its base a somewhat older non-record buying population that in many ways doesn't cross over into the mainstream of music purchasing. Our record sales were up for the last year and they are up again this year. Purchases for records have much more to do with the effective promotion and artist awareness than the television evangelists."
 
TROL: DO YOU EVER APPROACH THE SECULAR MARKETPLACE WITH YOUR PRODUCTS? WHAT IS THE REACTION?
 
LANDIS: "Yes, we do approach the general marketplace with our products. Word, Inc., as a whole, has an agreement with the Los Angeles-bases A&M Records for distribution of select albums to the general market.
 

I think we all felt a few years ago that a secular distribution deal would be the answer to all of our problems (i.e selling more records). For most Christian artists, that just hasn't been the case. Because of a personal philosophy that I have, which basically stated is that the "darkness will never embrace the light," I really believe we need to be seeking out ways to penetrate the larger body of people who comprise the core of the church. Because, basically, we are producing record for Christians. I think in the case where we have a Christian artist who is REALLY trying to reach a secular crowd (through the style of music, type of concerts, management, promotion, etc.), then I think secular distribution can be very helpful. But, Christian artists who think their records are going to be embraced by secular retailers and record buyers are simply wrong.
                ******
REPRINTED FROM THE JUNE 1988 ISSUE:
 
....CONCERT NOTES....
  
>>STEVE TAYLOR IN CONCERT WITH WHITECROSS<< (in Ann Arbor, Michigan) review by Tom Zerucha
 
STEVE TAYLOR, known for his satirical music, departed somewhat from that style in his latest album, >I PREDICT 1990<, so when the >>I PREDICT 1988 TOUR<< came to town, I wasn't sure what to expect.
 
One thing which his recordings have a lot of, are special effects - different people speaking, sound effects, etc. - so I was anxious to see how they would work that into a live setting.
 

WHITECROSS was the opening act. This group is certainly for Jesus, and certainly loud, (which is to be expected since they are a "heavy metal" band).  They seemed a little out of context justaposed with Steve Taylor, but WHITECROSS managed to present a great start, and their guitarist is one of the best I have heard.  Even people who aren't into Heavy Metal will like them (if they like rock at all).
 
Then came STEVE TAYLOR who gave a great performance (and I do mean 'performance').  With the exception of the stage (that was small), everything else contributed to a show that was visually and musically exciting!
 
Taylor changed into appropriate costumes several times, i.e. an ice cream vendor's suit for "I BLEW UP THE CLINIC REAL GOOD"; and a business suit for "WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF YOUR SUCCESS?", etc.  The songs performed included many from the >I PREDICT< album, as well as other favorites from past albums including "THIS DISCO (USED TO BE A CUTE CATHEDRAL)" and "HERO".
 
I started this off by saying that I  wondered how the special effects would be.  For the most part, there weren't any - but I didn't miss them since the stage performance was so great.  This was definitely a concert worth seeing! +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+***+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
REPRINT FROM THE AUGUST 1988 ISSUE:
 
MICHAEL W. SMITH WRITES TO THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE
 
[Ed note: The 'Rock' On-Line has received a hand-printed letter from Mike Smith that I would like to share with all of you.
 
"Dear Friends,
      I can't believe how quickly the time has passed since I made my last studio record. >THE BIG PICTURE< definitely was a change in direction for me from my first two records. You've probably heard me explain how the songs were written in response to the many questions I was asked by kids in letters and after my conerts. It blew me away to hear abut so many young lives, mostly from Christian homes, that were torn up about things like drugs, alcolhol, pre-martial sex or just the way they felt about themselves. I guess my biggest frustration after The Big Picture came out was that I wanted to say so much more than what you can say in a three minute song. I had an opportunity to do just that last year with my first book >OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW<. That was really the beginning of the preparation for >i2(eye)<. I discovered how important it is to really share what's inside my own heart and life in order to be really effective in reaching out to others. It's almost like when people know I've struggled and I've failed, they are more willing to hear that Jesus has been the one to pick me up and bring joy to my life.
     As you will hear, the songs on this record are more personal than ever before. They are about me, my family, my friends...the things God is doing in all these areas.
     The past year has definitely been a time of change for me - things happened so fast from the time I began playing keyboards for Amy Grant in 1981, the "Friends" Tour In 1985 and the "Big Picture" Tour in 1986-7 were great for me because I had the opportunity to really grow as an artist but I feel the past year has been most significant in my own understanding of who God wants me to be, I believe >i2 (eye)< reflects that growth. i2(eye) is "me to you" about striving to stay "face to face" with God. As we week to be like him, it will affect our friendships, our choices, our lives.
    I can't close without thanking you for your support. You make it possible for me to do whtat I love best. That is such a priviledge. I hope you enjoy the record.
 
Because of Him,
Michael W. Smith" 

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REPRINT FROM THE JUNE 1988 ISSUE:
 
**\\SHARING THE FAITH\\** A Personal Testimony From Thad Bosley
 
Hello! My name is Thad Bosley and I'm an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, and my testimony is about the grace of God.
 
Being a professional athlete for the last 15 years and travelling throughout the United States and Canada so many times as Christians I think we feel that we're in despair and I have found that though we may be in despair at times, we are not forsaken and that God really loves us and cares about us. The 3 things that are leading me right now in my spiritual relationship is that God has a purpose, and He has a plan, and He has a will, and those are the most important things I think we should look for in our Christian life.
 
As a baseball player, I came into the major leagues at 20 years old. I was classified as a future superstar but I had a bloodclot in my right calf muscle and I had a muscular imbalance and I was traded to another ballclub, and I have gone through the experiences of prejudice and racism in professional sports, yet and still God in His magnificant grace and mercy has had me here and I feel that that's God's Grace. Sometimes we don't understand why we are being disciplined, or why we are being developed the way we are, but I feel in >my< spirit that God is using these things for a much greater purpose for my life and this is my testimony.
 
So many times we are going to go through so many different things that will make us feel that we are 'less than...', but I think the most important thing that we should know is that we're heirs to the Kingdom of God. 
 
'Maxing out' is a baseball term that means that when you get your bat out in front of the plate you can hit the ball the farthest (which is over the fence), well, the maxing out in our Christian lives should be that we know that we have eternal life in Jesus Christ and the most important thing that we can give is hope to another soul, to let somebody know that Jesus loves them, that Jesus cares about them, and everything's not gonna be perfect and everything's not gonna work out when you think it should, but in God's perfect timing, according to God's perfect plan, according to God's perfect will He has a purpose for each and everyone of us and He's gonna work it out, and it's gonna work out in a way that you would never believe it would work out, it's gonna be perfect!

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**REPRINTED FROM THE EASTER ISSUE 1988: A LIST OF EASTER SONGS
 
No, Christmas isn't the only season filled with music.  Easter has so many songs that are thought-provoking, or filled with praise.  For those of you who are searching for songs that you can 'use' in celebration of Easter or as meditation/comtemplation of Lent/Holy Week....please check out this list, as well as one artist who sings it. 
 
* => WAS IT A MORNING LIKE THIS? -- (Sandi Patti, >Morning Like This< lp)
* => WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS -- (Steve Camp, >Whatever You Ask< lp)
* => CELBRATE THE CHILD -- (Michael Card, >The Final Word< lp)
* =>> MY REDEEMER IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE -- (Bobby Michaels, >Time< lp)
* =>> MAKE MY LIFE A PRAYER TO YOU -- (Keith Green, >The Ministry Years< lp)
* =>> EASTER SONG -- (Keith Green, >The Ministry Years< lp)
* =>> KING OF GLORY -- (Sandi Patti, >Morning Like This< lp)
* =>> WHO CARES -- (Steven Curtis Chapman, >First Hand< lp)
* =>> FORGIVEN -- (David Meece, >7< lp)
* =>> MAN IN THE MIDDLE -- (Wayne Watson, >Man In The Middle< lp)
* =>> THE VICTOR -- (Keith Green, >The Ministry Years< lp)
* =>> CORDERO DE GLORIA -- (Steve Green, >Tienen Que Saber< lp)
* =>> KNOWN BY HIS SCARS -- (Michael Card, >Known By His Scars<)
* =>> REMEMBER ME -- (Benny Hester, >Through The Window< lp)
* =>> ONE OF US -- (Geoff Moore & The Distance, >A Place To Stand< lp)
* =>> HERE HE COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD -- (Leslie Phillips, >Dancing With Danger< lp)
* =>> THE TIME IS NOW -- (Debby Boone, >Choose Life< lp)
* =>> HE'S IN YOU -- (Dion, >Kingdom In The Streets< lp)
* =>> TAKE MY HEALING -- (Terry Talbot, >WAKE THE SLEEPING GIANT< lp)
* =>> COULD HE BE THE MESSIAH? -- (Michael W. Smith, >Live Set< lp)
* =>> THE BATTLE IS ALREADY WON -- (Keith Green >Ministry Years< lp)
* =>> HE'S GONNA HEAR YOU CRYING -- (Leslie Phillips, >Beyond Saturday Night< lp)
* =>> WE ARE THE REASON -- (David Meece, >Chronology< lp)
* =>> LAMB OF GOD -- (Twila Paris, >Kingdom Seekers< lp)
* =>> I WILL SURVIVE -- (Cynthia Clawson, >Immortal, Invisible<)
* =>> THERE IS A REDEEMER -- (Keith Green, >Songs For The Shepherd< lp)

* =>> COME TO THE CROSS --(Dion, >Kingdom In the Streets< lp)
* =>> HE'S ALIVE -- Don Franciso (featured on his lp)
* =>> HOSANA -- (Sandi Patti, >Morning Like This< lp)
* =>> WHEN I HEAR THE PRAISES START -- (Keith Green, >For Him Who Has Ears to Hear< lp)
* =>> VIA DOLOROSA -- (Sandi Patti, featured on her lp)
* =>> HEART AND SOUL -- (Geoff Moore & The Distance, >A Place To Stand< lp
* =>> NOTHIN' BUT THE BLOOD -- (Michael W. Smith, >The Live Set< lp.
REPRINT FROM THE <>**SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY ISSUE**<> SUMMER 1988:
 
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: THE MAGAZINE IS ONE YEAR OLD!
 
I can remember telling Laura Lee of The Benson Company about my idea to publish an online Christian Music magazine. Back then, the magazine didn't even have a name, but it had a format (in my head) of course, and I had a burning desire to make the dream a reality....and here I am, publishing the First Anniversary Issue of THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE....And I want to tell you...that it feels really good!
 
This has been some year. Things I couldn't even have imagined back then (when it was in the planning stages) have come to be. Not only is it the *first* Contemporary Christians in Music magazine to be published in the New York City area, but it is also the *first* magazine of its kind to be computer accessed thus reaching both a secular and non-secular audience.
   
Moreover, it was the *first* magazine ever to be sent via computer telecommunications from New York to England! And...with it's own electronic 'Letters to The Editor'-type computer accessed database which allows readers to write a comment, ask a question about an artist or just 'fellowship' with others online who also love the music.
 
In it's attempt to reach a New York area audience, it has gone far beyond my expectations as it can also be found on Bulletin Board Systems in Maryland, Illinois, Missouri..and hopefully this is just the beginning. It is also wanted in other places...including countries! Not bad for the first year, eh?
 
It is my hope, and I know that this sentiment is shared by all who read it, and who enjoy contemporary and traditional music, that the magazine will continue to 'travel' via the telecommunications network bringing more people together in His Name.
 
If you have a concert or an lp review that you would like to share with the readers, please let me know. (A copy of the WRITERS GUIDELINES is available). If you want to contribute something for a specific issue, let me know.
 
My hope is that you continue to enjoy this magazine, and that it help to "Lead [us all] to the Rock, that is higher than I!" (Ps.61:2)
 
Sincerely,
Diane Gambino

********************************************************************
//\\//THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE//\\////\\//ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING 21 SONGS AND THEIR\\//\\
//\\// SONGWRITERS\\//\\//\\//AS THE ALL-TIME BEST\\//\\
 
 1.  **WHEN GOD RAN** Benny Hester& John Parenti
 
 2.   **GOD'S OWN FOOL** by Michael Card
 
 3.   **DO SOMETHING NOW** by Steve Camp & Phil Madeira
 
 4.   **MY SOUL DESIRE** by Mark Baldwin & Niles Borop
 
 5.   **HERE I AM, SEND ME by Keith Green & Wendell Burton
 
 6.   **DO I TRUST YOU?** by Twila Paris
 
 7.   ** THE REASON WE SING** by Dick & Melodie Tunney
 
 8.   **MAKE MY LIFE A PRAYER TO YOU** by Melody Green
 
 9.   **EASTER SONG** by Anne Herring
 
 10.  **LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE by Jon Mohr &Phil McHugh
 
 11.  **WHERE THERE IS LOVE by Greg Nelson & Phil McHugh
 
 12.  **YOUR LOVE BROKE THROUGH by Keith Green, Todd Fishkind, & Randy Stonehill
 
 13.  **TAKE MY HEALING** by Bob Fitts
 

 14.  **HE COVERS ME** by Steve Camp, John Rosasco & Rob Frazier
 
 15.  **WHATEVER YOU ASK** by Phill McHugh & Michele Wagner
 
 16.  **EMILY** by Michael W. Smith & Wayne Kirkpatrick
 
 17.  **ONE FAITH** by John Michael Talbot
 
 18.  (tie) **JESUS LOVES THE CHURCH** by Sheila Walsh and Dave Cooke // **"THAT'S WHAT FAITH MUST BE"** by Michael Card
 
 19.  **WHEN THERE'S LOVE** by Keith & Melody Green, Bobby Hart
 
 20.  **THE CHURCH IS ALL OF YOU** by Steve Camp & John Rosasco
========================================================
REPRINT FROM JUNE 1988 ISSUE:
 
//SPOTLIGHT ARTIST OF THE MONTH: JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT//
 
John Michael Talbot: His music reflects his life: From rock star to Christian musician, from troubled youth to Franciscan brother, the 34-year-old artist has matured in spirituality and art. 
 
As a member of the folk-rock group, >MASON PROFFIT<, in the early 1970's, John Michael was a rising star. Then, in 1972, the group disbanded, leaving him to redefine his life and redirect his talent. After several years of self-searching and his eventual conversion to Christianity he signed a contract with Sparrow Records in 1976.  
Two lps later, he withdrew from the public eye. It was during this time that John Michael was drawn to the Catholic Church and specifically to the religious life of St. Francis of Assisi. John Michael fllowed this personal calling by joining the Franciscans as a lay brother.
 
In 1983, he began a series of recording projects designed to help build bridges between Protestants and Catholics, and has become one of the first Catholic recording artists to be acclaimed by all Christian denominations. In 1986, he received the President's Merit Award by the national Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).
 
John Michael Talbot now lives and works at Little Portion, a small community of Franciscan brothers and sisters living their Christian values in the Qzark hills of northwest Arkansas. 
 

His latest release, >THE REGATHERING<, which should sell over two million records, is his 15th lp for Sparrow Records. It was recorded with the National Philharmonic Orchestra of London and the Ambrosian singers. This lp is Talbot's most ambitious attempt to bring Protestants and Catholics together, not as one denomination, but as one Christian community dedicated to living the life of Christ.+
 
.       JMT LP DISCOGRAPHY
 
John Michael Talbot//New Earth//The Lord's Supper//Come to the Quiet//The Painter//Beginnings//For The Bride//No Longer Strangers//Troubadour Of The Great King//Light Eternal//Sons for Worship, Vol 1//The God Of Life//Songs For Worship, Vol 11//Be Exalted//Heart Of the Shepherd//Quiet Reflections//The Quiet//Empty Canvas//The Regathering. 
===========================================================
REPRINTED FROM THE MAY 1988 ISSUE:
 
If you are interested in >songs of praise< try these Keith Green songs.
THANK YOU JESUS
YOU PUT THIS LOVE IN MY HEART
 
If you are interested in a song about >who we are in Him< listen to
STAINED GLASS
 
If you are interested in a song about >how obedience to God is better than sacrifice< listen to:
OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE
WHEN I HEAR THE PRAISES START
 
-------SONGS ABOUT SCRIPTURE-------
 
<=>MATTHEW 18: 21-22  HOW MANY TIMES - White Heart (Sparrow)
SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN - David Meece (Word) 
 
<=>LUKE 22:39-43  REMEMBER ME - Benny Hester (Word);  MAN IN THE MIDDLE - Wayne Watson (Day Spring)
 
<=>MATTHEW 11: 28-30  SOFTLY AND TENDERLY - Cynthia Clawson (Day Spring)
BRING IT TO JESUS - Cynthia Clawson and Paul Smith
WANDER IN THE NIGHT - Michelle Pillar
 
<=>PSALM 55  PSALM 55 - Leslie Philips (Myrrh)
\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^

\\\\SHARING THE FELLOWSHIP////
 
Awhile back, one of the readers of THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE, THOMAS ZERUCHA of SOUTHFIELD MI, asked if I could inquire about the meaning of the lyrics of 2 songs by Greg X. Volz. I made known this request in a letter to Becky Volz, Greg's wife and manager, and have received the following reply from Debi Manning, a spokesperson for Greg's company, >Xavier Productions<.
 
"First of all >THE RIVER IS RISIN'<. The riven is symbolic to the Spirit of God - Jesus said "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:38 The verses - Everyone is looking for something, some hope to cling to. No matter where you do, everyone is looking for a meaning, a purpose for their existence - which ultimately brings them to their choice of acceptance or rejection of God. The chorus is responding to these questions - the river is risin - God's spirit is always moving, searching for a heart ready for acceptance and He has only just begun to pour out His Spirit.
 
The second song you requested information on is "Heaven Is Within You". It seems as if everyone measures their interpretation of heaven (or ultimate happiness) by the outward man or ourward pleasures of this world. Jesus challenges us in Matt. 16:26 - "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" [Read] Matt. 6:19-21 - We always look for "things" outside ourselves to bring up happiness when happiness really lies within each man as they allow God to rule and reign their hearts."
 
*EDITOR'S NOTE: Anyone else who has a question about a performance, artist, or lyric....let me know and I'll try to find the answer for you. 
