On Thursday, country music artist Collin Raye will host the Inspirational Country Music Awards. The event marks a new path for the accomplished mainstream artist, as he begins a much anticipated move into the Christian music market.
I had a chance to talk to Raye for a cover story I did for the October issue of the Christian Voice Magazine. In the story, he talks about is family, faith, and career. Here’s a little bit of Raye’s story, about his move from Country to Christian music.
Collin Raye’s been singing overtly spiritual songs in his 20-plus year career. But as he explained to me last month, there’s a big difference between Country and Country Christian.
Namely, you can sing about Jesus.
While he got away with singing some clearly spiritual music since he started in the business in the 80s, by the mid-90s, when Raye wanted to do an album of contemporary Christian music, he met resistance. His label initially gave the go ahead, but at the last minute balked, citing concerns over radio’s unwillingness to play blatantly Christian songs.
An example? His song, “What if Jesus comes back like that”, about hypocrisy as opposed to the way Jesus lived, received complaints from radio because had it the word “Jesus” in it.
“We were like, Are you kidding me?” he says.
In recent years the industry has opened up for more overtly spiritual lyrics – he cites Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning “Jesus Take The Wheel” as one of the songs that opened the door – but for the most part, Raye says, “Country music in my opinion has regressed to where it’s predominantly about selling beer.”
Recently, Raye has been feeling that it’s time to make a move from Country music to Christian music, and hosting the Inspirational Country Music Awards is something he’s thrilled to do.
The Inspirational Country Music Awards will air this Thursday on Comcast On Demand; CMT Loaded; Sky Angel’s Angel Two; The Worship Network; National Religious Broadcaster (NRB); CTS Canada; Faith TV; and TCT Networks. Check your local listings for times and channels.
For more information about Collin Raye, visit his website.
You can also read a more in depth profile of Raye in my cover story in the October issue of the Christian Voice Magazine, where he talks more about faith, his family, and his career.
posted October 18, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I am SO THRILLED TO HEAR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’VE ALWAYS LOVED Collin’s song “What if Jesus Comes Back Like That” and have always thought he’d be more successful as a Christian artist! I TOTALLY agree with his comment about country music digressing into being only about “selling beer” and it’s also about cheating spouses and getting revenge…NOT something young people need to be taught!! I’ve been a CR fan since I was nine years old…seriously. And now I’m 23 and still listen to his music as if it was just released! I can’t say it enough how he is my FAVORITE voice of all times!! His music has been a huge inspiration to me throughout my whole life and I am thrilled beyond words that he’s changing music genres!! I predominantly listen to Christian radio, so I CAN’T WAIT to hear his voice on there!!! I love singing his music, too. I wonder if any of his new music will be made available on soundtracks…
posted October 20, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I was SO excited to read the article in CHRISTIAN VOICE!!! I have been a Collin Raye fan since the first time I heard “Love Me” on the radio. He has an AMAZING voice, and I have always admired his positive, inspirational lyrics and can’t wait to hear his new Christian cds. I’ll be adding those to my collection as soon as they are available!! As a southern gospel singer, I have always thought he would do very well in the Christian industry and hoped that he would make that move someday. I’m SO thrilled to see that it’s happening!!
posted October 21, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I am so ticked. I am a fan of Collin’s and have particularly pointed out to my adult children and my husband, a retired minister, the christian songs and words in so many of his songs. Way to go Collin!
posted October 21, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I was trying to say tickled…glad … happy…thrilled.
posted October 22, 2008 at 11:26 pm
WAY TO GO COLLIN! I am so proud of you and your accomplishments.
You can do anything you want to do and I think this is a very
positive move for you. You will go soooo far, and you will wander
why you waited so long to go here. The Lord will bless you in so
many ways. I just with you all the best. Our prayers are with you.
Keep up the good work.
posted October 25, 2008 at 1:04 am
I am extremely thrilled with this decision Collin has made. I felt it coming for years and I applaude him for not hiding his faith. Love ya Collin.
Viv
posted October 29, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I am so happy for Collin, he will go far in whatever he does but I am glad that he has chosen to go to the Christian Music Industry. He has the most amazing voice and it will be such a pleasure hearing him sing positive and uplifiting songs.
Way to go Collin!!!
posted November 3, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Im sure this music will be as great as you Country Music.
Go where your heart takes you mate and enjoy what you do.
See you in Ireland next May Collin.
Best wishes
Ron from England
posted December 22, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Collin’s fans will love Great Friends Greetings. A great personalized gift – a perfect way to express good wishes – from Collin. New, fresh and totally original.
posted April 1, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Collin we have talked about your faith in depth and im so proud of you for all you have acomplished , i know gospel is where your heart is and i cant wait to hear more from you , may God bless you and your family .