Rich Mullins

Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American singer/songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana.

Related Topics:
October 21 - 1955 - September 19 - 1997 - American - Singer - Songwriter - Richmond, Indiana

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Starting in 1986, he was a well-known Christian music artist until his untimely death in an automobile accident in 1997. He is best-known for his praise choruses "Awesome God" and "Step by Step", which have been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. Two of his albums are considered among Christian music's : Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1986) and A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band (1993). His songs have been covered by the likes of Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Caedmon's Call, and Jars of Clay but his influence on his colleagues in the music business reaches further.

Related Topics:
1986 - Christian music - 1997 - Praise - Awesome God - Christians - Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth - A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band - 1993 - Michael W. Smith - Amy Grant - Caedmon's Call - Jars of Clay

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In addition to his music, Rich Mullins is also remembered for his sincere devotion to the Christian faith. He often called St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) his hero, and modelled his life after him by having great compassion for the poor and adhering to a vow of poverty. In 1997, he composed a musical about the life of St Francis (set in the Old West) called Canticle of the Plains.

Related Topics:
Christian faith - Francis of Assisi - 1181 - 1226 - Poor - Vow of poverty - 1997 - Old West - Canticle of the Plains

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Mullins was seen as an enigma to the Christian music industry. Often barefoot, unshaven and badly in need of a haircut, he did not look like the average American gospel music writer. Although he achieved a good amount of success on Christian radio, he never received a Dove Award (a.k.a. the Christian Grammy) until after he died.

Related Topics:
Christian music industry - Christian radio - Dove Award - Grammy

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Unlike most artists in Contemporary Christian music, Mullins did not consider his music as his primary ministry, but rather as a means to pay his bills. Instead, his ministry was the way he treated his neighbors, family and enemies. Taking a vow of poverty, he accepted a small church salary and spent the last years of his life on a Navajo reservation teaching music to children.

Related Topics:
Contemporary Christian music - Navajo

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