1 Degree of Andy

It could be argued that the Blackwoods are the most important family in the history of Christian music, and Terry Blackwood’s entrance into The Imperials marked a decisive shift in the direction Christian music would take for decades to come. On this episode we’ll hear first hand accounts about Elvis and what it was like creating one of the biggest albums in the early days of CCM.

You may not know the name Mark Heimermann but I know you know his music! He’s best known for producing those iconic DC Talk albums and being involved in the careers of the biggest names in CCM from the 80s and 90s (including my band 4HIM). And just like every musician from that era he has a story to tell and legacy that is continuing to come into focus as he follows leading of God’s voice.

What do fried catfish, I Love Lucy, a “Jesus pest” and the Mississippi delta all have in common? They’re part of the incredible story of David and the Giants, one of the most important bands in the history of Christian music! David Huff is here with me to tell his remarkable story and to preach the gospel as he does it.

If you want to talk about artists who have always been ahead of the curve, you have to include Steve Taylor, one of my favorite artist from the 1980s. With lyrics like “this disco used to be a cute cathedral, where the chosen cha-cha every day of the week “ you’re going to set yourself apart from everybody else in Christian music. I’m excited to sit down today with one of the most unique and groun...

The "1 Degree of Andy" podcast brings you stories of inspiration and hope with a walk down memory lane by reconnecting you to your favorite Christian singers and songwriters. In each episode, 4Him's Andy Chrisman will not only answer “Where are they now”, but also what they've learned through the trials they've been through since you last heard from them. Season 3 starts in Jan 2025, make sure to...

2024 has been a fantastic year for our little podcast! And even bigger things are on the way in 2025! Thank you to all of our faithful listeners. It's an honor to bring these stories to you each week. Support the showandychrisman.com

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 christia...

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 &quo...

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 t...

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 "Crucifixi...

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, b...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 showandychrism...

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...

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!...

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 showandychri...

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...

"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

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...

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...

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 showand...

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...

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 kn...