Welcome To CCM Professor:

Do you remember the first time you heard “El Shaddai”? The way Petra filled arenas with rock anthems for Jesus? Or how Point of Grace’s harmonies lifted your spirit on the radio? Maybe you had stacks of vinyl, rows of cassette tapes, or that one treasured CD that rarely left your player.

That’s the heartbeat of CCM Professor. My name is Greg Rice, and I’ve spent my life in music — as a singer, arranger, composer, and audio engineer. But before any of that, I was a fan who wore out albums, sang along in the car, and found myself profoundly shaped by the songs that carried both melody and message. These weren’t just tunes; they were testimonies that pointed me, and millions of others, to Christ.

This blog is my way of saying “thank you” to the artists and the movement that gave us so much. From the pioneering days of Andraé Crouch and Love Song, through the rise of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, 4Him, Steven Curtis Chapman, and countless others, this music provided the soundtrack of faith for a generation.

Here at CCM Professor, we’ll explore the Golden Era of Contemporary Christian Music — roughly 1969 to 2001. You’ll find behind-the-scenes stories, in-depth explorations of albums, thoughtful reflections on lyrics, and reminders of how God has used this music to change lives. My goal is not only to evoke fond memories but also to help us see how this legacy continues to resonate today.

If you loved CCM back then — or you’re just discovering it now — welcome. You’re part of the family. Let’s journey together through the music, memories, and ministry of the Golden Era of Contemporary Christian Music, which continues to resonate with power and purpose.

Soli Deo Gloria!