The Best of Country Christian Music
Contents
Find the best new country Christian music of 2020, including artists like Hillsong Worship, Chris Tomlin, and Dolly Parton.
Country Christian Music Basics
Country Christian music is a genre of music that has its roots in the Southern United States. The music is a blend of traditional folk music, gospel music, and cowboy music. It is also often referred to as country gospel or inspirational country. The first commercially successful country Christian song was “I’ll Fly Away” by Albert E. Brumley.
Define Country Christian Music
In its simplest form, Country Christian music is music written and performed by Christians living in rural areas of the United States. The music is a blend of traditional country sounds with themes that reflect the Christian faith.
Country Christian music has its roots in the songs of the early settlers who moved to the American frontier in search of religious freedom. These songs were a mixture of hymns and popular folk tunes, and they reflected the hardships and joys of life on the frontier. As the frontier moved westward, so did the music, and by the early 1900s, country Christian music was being sung from coast to coast.
During the 20th century, country Christian music underwent a number of changes. The biggest change came in the 1950s, when artists like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline began infusing country music with a more polished sound. This new sound helped make country music more popular than ever, and it also opened up new opportunities for Country Christian artists.
Today, Country Christian music is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. It’s a unique blend of faith and culture that continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
Understand the History of Country Christian Music
Before we can get into the nitty-gritty of Country Christian music, it’s important to understand where this musical style came from. Country Christian music is a genre that was created by combining two very different musical styles: country music and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).
The history of country music is long and complex, but it can be traced back to the 18th century with the folk songs of the British Isles. These songs were brought over to the United States by immigrants and eventually evolved into what we now know as country music. CCM, on the other hand, is a much newer genre that started in the 1970s. It was created by artists who wanted to make Christian-themed music that was more relevant to modern audiences.
Country Christian music is a unique genre because it combines two very different musical styles. This give the genre a wide appeal and makes it perfect for any occasion.
Learn the Different Types of Country Christian Music
There are many different types of Country Christian music, and each has its own unique sound and style. Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular genres:
Contemporary Christian Country is probably the most popular type of Country Christian music today. This genre combines elements of both country and pop music, with lyrics that focus on faith and spirituality. Contemporary Christian Country artists include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood.
Southern Gospel is a genre that originated in the American South, and its roots are in both religious music and country music. Southern Gospel songs often have a strong gospel message, but they also often incorporate elements of blues, folk, and even rock ‘n’ roll. Popular Southern Gospel artists include The Gaither Vocal Band and The Oak Ridge Boys.
Bluegrass Gospel is a subgenre of Southern Gospel that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. This type of music is characterized by its fast tempo, intricate instrumentation, and high-pitched vocals. Bluegrass Gospel artists include Ricky Skaggs and The Forester Sisters.
Christian Country is a less popular type of Country Christian music that focuses on more traditional country sounds and themes. This genre often includes songs about faith, love, and family. Popular Christian Country artists include Alan Jackson and George Strait.
The Best Country Christian Music Artists
There are a lot of great country Christian music artists out there. But, who are the best of the best? In this article, we will countdown the top 10 best country Christian music artists. These are the artists that have made the biggest impact on the genre and have left a lasting impression.
George Strait
George Strait is an American country music artist. He is known for his traditional country style, which is often referred to as “neo-traditional country or “honky-tonk”, and has been a leading figure in the country music genre since the 1980s. Strait’s success began when his debut single “Unwound” was a top ten hit in 1981. During the 1980s, seven of his albums reached number one on the Country charts. In the 2000s, Strait was named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music, was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and won his first Grammy Award for the album Troubadour.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood burst onto the country music scene in 2005 as the first female winner of American Idol. Her powerful voice and undeniable talent have made her a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Carrie has released five studio albums, all of which have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America. She has also won seven Grammy Awards and eleven Country Music Association Awards. In addition to her success as a recording artist, Carrie is also an accomplished actress. She made her acting debut in The Sound of Music Live! in 2013 and has since starred in several movies and television shows.
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is a New Zealand-born country music singer, songwriter and guitarist whose musical career began in Australia at an early age. He has released eleven studio albums, seven of which have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America. Urban is known for his work as a judge on American Idol and his successful 2010 album “Ripcord.”
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is an American country singer and television personality. In 2001, he made his debut with the single “Austin”. The lead-off single from his self-titled debut album, “Austin” spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Country Chart. Blake Shelton has been married to fellow country singer Miranda Lambert since 2011. Together they have released several duets including “My Eyes” and “Hell Right”.
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is one of the most successful country artists of all time. She has had over 56 Top Ten singles on the Billboard Country charts, and she has sold over 56 million albums worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and the CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. In addition to her success as a country artist, she has also found success in acting, starring in her own TV sitcom, Reba, from 2001 to 2007.
The Best Country Christian Music Songs
There are a lot of great country Christian songs out there. Here are some of our favorites.
“I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams
“I Saw the Light” is a song written by Hank Williams that was first recorded by him in 1948. The song has beencovered by many artists, including Steve Earle, who had a hit with it in 1992. The song is about Williams’ conversion to Christianity and is perhaps his best-known gospel song.
“Amazing Grace” by John Newton
“Amazing Grace” is a song by John Newton that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is about Newton’s own journey from a life of sin and slavery to one of faith and freedom. It has become one of the most beloved hymns of all time, and its message of hope and redemption continue to resonate with people from all walks of life.
The original version of “Amazing Grace” was actually a poem Newton wrote while he was working as a slave trader. Over time, he began to feel the weight of his actions and started to question his lifestyle. After experiencing a life-changing conversion, Newton decided to get out of the slave trade business and become a Minister. He wrote “Amazing Grace” as a testimony of his own personal transformation.
Today, the song is just as popular as it was when it was first written. It has been recorded by artists from all genres, including country, pop, rock, and even atheist punk rockers! No matter who is singing it, “Amazing Grace” always manages to touch our hearts and remind us that there is always hope for redemption.
“How Great Thou Art” by Carl Boberg
“How Great Thou Art” is a Christian hymn based on a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg (1859-1940) in 1885. The poem was translated into English by Stuart K. Hine (1899-1989), who also wrote the English version of the popular hymn “Amazing Grace.” The song is a reflection on God’s greatness, and it is often sung as a prayer of thanksgiving or adoration.
The hymn has been covered by many artists, including George Beverly Shea, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Hank Williams Jr. It has been voted the United Kingdom’s favorite hymn and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006.
“In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles
“In the Garden” is a song written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. The song is one of the most popular Christian songs of all time and has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years.
The song is based on a prayer that Miles wrote while walking in his garden one day. He was inspired by the beauty of the flowers and the peace that he felt in the garden. The lyrics reflect Miles’ own personal faith and his belief that Jesus is always with us, even in the garden.
The song has been recorded by both country and Christian artists, including Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs. It has also been featured in movies and TV shows, such as The Simpsons and 7th Heaven.
“He Touched Me” by Gaither Vocal Band
This song is based on the testimony of Bill Gaither’s friend, Doug Oldham, who was born with a deformed right hand that was partially paralyzed. As a young man, Oldham had an encounter with Jesus Christ that changed his life forever. Afterward, his right hand was completely healed and he could use it just like any other hand. This song tells Oldham’s story and how Jesus “touched” him and healed him both physically and spiritually.