Contemporary Christian Music Watch

By Jim Gallipeau

He did it again! Paducah-grown Steven Curtis Chapman dominated the Dove Awards again this year by carting home six Dove Awards. For the seventh consecutive year, Chapman was awarded Songwriter of the Year. He also won Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, plus his album, Heaven in the Real World, won Contemporary Album and the title cut was awarded the Dove for Best Contemporary Recorded Song.

Steven was one of several to get a Dove for his work on The Praise & Worship Album of the Year: Coram Deo II. It was a little more "Heaven on Earth" for Chapman when Heaven in the Real World took home the honors for Recorded Music Packaging. Just another night for Steven Curtis Chapman!

There were other winners. Twila Paris was awarded Female Vocalist for the third straight year and her song "God is in Control" was named Song of the Year. In other major awards, make it three years in row for 4 Him as Group of the Year. Clay Crosse picked up New Artist of the Year, and Producer of the Year went to Charlie Peacock. Louisville's own Bride received the Metal Album Dove for their album Scarecrow Messiah.

There was some surprising news from Petra during Gospel Music Week in Nashville. The rock group announced that founding member Bob Hartman would no longer be touring as the band's lead guitarist. Hartman plans to begin an expansion of Petra's ministry. David Lichens, only 21, will replace Hartman, while John Schlitt will be live performance coordinator and will lead the ministry segment of Petra's concerts.

Warner Music Enterprises and CCM Communications announced their joint venture to publish a new Christian music magazine and CD combo. The first issue of Christian Music Crossroads will feature Amy Grant and will come with a CD featuring ten artists. The magazine will have interviews, features, reviews and ratings of 100 music releases. You won't find the publication in bookstores as it will be available by subscription only.

Gospel legend Andrea Crouch was honored when 70 artists join him to sing "My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)." The classic song will be included on the disc Tribute, which will feature Crouch's classics performed by various artists.

You may remember a few months ago I told you about DC Talk having a feature film in the works. Free At Last – The Movie will premiere in Nashville August 11 and will be shown on silver screens across the country, starting on September 15. The film will include footage from DC Talk's Free At Last Tour. There will also be TV and radio specials promoting the movie and how it was made. Maybe DC Talk will give us some insights into the film when they're in Louisville for Joy Jam '95 on June 24 at Cardinal Stadium.

Speaking of Joy Jam, Carman returns by popular demand, along with Susan Ashton, Bob Carlisle, Gary Chapman, Newsong, Sierra, Michael O'Brien, Bride and Bryan Duncan. Tickets are $21, $24 and $26. For more information, Call the Redbirds off at 367-9121. Information about this concert and others is available by calling the WJIE Concert Line at 966-0547. Look for WJIE personnel at Joy Jam.

WJIE Picks

His Love Is Strong Clay Crosse

Restored Brent Bourgeois

Class of '95 Wayne Watson

Lover of My Soul Amy Grant

The True Believers Phil Keaggy

Common Creed Wes King

Love Fins You 4 Him

True Devotion Margaret Becker

I'm a Believer Amy Morriss

Dying to Reach You Palm of Grace