The 70’s brought us disco and made me more aware of the music of the time. Kids generally aren’t overly aware of the music that’s playing, but I started to take a more serious interest in what I listened to. I started to develop my musical tastes. While others were listening to new hard rock bands like KISS, I was more in tune with groups like ABBA, Wings, the Jackson Five (and Michael when he went solo), Kansas, Doobie Brothers, Chicago, the Bee Gees, Blondie, Barry Manilow (whom I humorously refer to as Barely Man-enough), Elton John, Neil Diamond, and more. The pop sounds and love songs spoke to me in a special way. I really, really liked their sound.

The 80’s were a huge transitional time for me. I was a fairly new christian and forming my own opinions, ideas, and values. After flirting with junk country (Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, Statler Brothers, etc), I found contemporary christian music. A light had been turned on and I found awesome music that really spoke to me. So much so that for a time, I turned my back on anything that wasn’t overtly christian. The first group that really grabbed hold of me was a group called the Imperials. Russ Taff’s lead vocals rocked my world. He could croon out a tender ballad then turn on a dime and jam with the best in the music business. They would reinvent themselves several times (as they have their entire existance) with new lead singers as members would leave to pursue solo careers.

The 90’s opened me back up in a very real way to explore music from around my world. I still loved and primarily listen to christian music, but I began to hear the beauty in the music around me. I became more of a fan of all sorts of styles and venues. Bands like U2, Matchbox 20, Sister Hazel, Creed, Hooty and the Blowfish, Blessid Union of Souls, Andrea Bocelli, Jewel, and many others found a place in my heart both for musical style as well as the depth of their lyrics. Though not christian, it reminded me of the basic need people have. It gave me the insight I lost by boxing myself into my own little christian existance.

Below is a list of some solo artists or bands whose music impacted my life in some way or another. They are listed in no particular order.