Did anyone else grow up on the early CCM music? Back when Amy Grant recorded one of the first ever Christian videos? You know, the video for “Angels” that looked like it was filmed at a local Baptist church. Good times.
But before Amy made her splash, and before Michael W. Smith “Project” and “Project 2″ (great argyle Smitty!) there was my first CCM fav: David Meece. To this day I have every word to his 1977 “I Just Call on You” album memorized. I also recently acquired (ahem, borrowed) his 1980 album, “Are You Ready?” and sang every song to my wife on the way home from this friend’s house. After not hearing it for 20+ years, it was still all there.
David Meece is well known for many songs, but the one that is familiar to most is “We Are the Reason.” I remember playing that album (yes, 33RPM vinyl) over and over on my parent’s Sears record player/8 track combo when I was 5 or 6. Wow.
Sadly, most of David Meece’s albums are out of print, and finding them used is both difficult and expensive since it seems that there are others just like me who love his stuff, yet can’t find it. I would give a king’s ransom (or about 25 bucks) for a CD of his 1985 album “7.” I have been all over EBay etc., and have just recently purchased a vinyl album of one of his early works, and I don’t even own a record player anymore.
I found a great web site, his official one in fact. You can click here. He is still a great musician, and can still be booked today. He wrote and recorded all through the 90’s as well, but my attention is still more drawn to the late 70’s-mid 80’s early material. He has a great life story. Maybe I will post more info on him if anyone at all responds to this post.
So, am I the only one, or are there some other 30-somethings that just had their memories jogged? C’mon! Who didn’t listen to this on the bus trips of 1983 or thereabouts? (My Dad was the music minister, so youth choir tours = family vacation for a long time.) Great memories and great music from an early Christian music pioneer (when Christian music was still actually Christian).
Barry,
There’s no school like the old school. You are getting old.
See you in San Diego, California where the sun always shines. . .even on David Meece fans!
Much luf,
Denny
I can’t even name 10 CCM groups from post-1990… but I wore out David Meece tapes in the 80’s.
Some memories are best kept in the past….
Speaking of youth choir tours, we did “Friends Forever” one year and I had the lead male vocal on the title song. Needless to say, I HATED that song. Anyways, a few years later I attended (dragged) to a Smitty concert. Before the show I was declaring my hatred for Friends Forever to everyone and in an attempt to show just how intense my hatred was, I promised that if Smitty started his concert with this song, I would chunk my water bottle at him.
Well, a young man’s pride is much stronger than mere obstacles like right and wrong, so when I heard “Packing up the dreams…” I let her rip…. right into the back of some dude’s head on the second row. I don’t know if I’m more ashamed of actually committing this crime, or at how bad a shot I was.
BTW, I’ve been to a number of old school CCM concerts in my lifetime…. what’s with the tools who always bring their drumsticks and play air drums to the songs? I never see this at secular concerts, but go to a Petra concert – there’s at least 12 of them.
Is this another Halloween post? Cuz the pictures scare me.
*runs*
Man, that’s a blast from the past. David Meece was a little bit before my time but I do remember him. For me, old school means Al Denson, which is scary because he’s kinda sorta still around.
“Will you be the one to answer to His call? Will you stand when those around you fall?” Man, Al Denson used to come to my church youth group and perform something like twice a year.
But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve got some old school Steve Camp on my myspace page.
P.S. Enjoyed the class. Good job on the whole teaching Greek thing (although I’m not happy with my performance on the translations on the final). Look forward to continuing in the language this January.
Man, that’s a blast from the past. David Meece was a little bit before my time but I do remember him. For me, old school means Al Denson, which is scary because he’s kinda sorta still around.
“Will you be the one to answer to His call? Will you stand when those around you fall?” Man, Al Denson used to come to my church youth group and perform something like twice a year.
But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve got some old school Steve Camp on my myspace page.
P.S. Enjoyed the class. Good job on the whole teaching Greek thing (although I’m not happy with my performance on the translations on the final). Look forward to continuing in the language this January.
How funny- I was just cleaning out a cabinet of old piano music & found “We Are the Reason” sheet music signed by David Meece. I had forgotten about when he came to my home church & did a concert SO long ago. Good memories!
Good memories! I remember his concert with Russ Taff (I think) with our youth group to Lake Charles – but we were fans of David. Ahhhh. I, too, had some sheet music of his. Wish I could find it. – Jenn
Jenn, that’s hilarious because I remember the night. Remember that we were almost late because the beat up church bus had a flat or something. It was the Russ Taff “Medals” tour (great album!).
That was a great night!–BCJ
I loved David Meece and think there is still one of those picture buttons of him on the bulletin board in what was “my room” at my parents house. I think I must have seen him at the same time as the “musing menagerie” in our hometown. If I come across an album (more like tape for me) I’ll let you know!
I remember when that song “we are the reason” was released!! Yeah, okay, I’m a little older than you, Barry. ha. I was there for the Archers, Sweet Comfort, The Imperials (when Russ Taff was w/them), John Fischer – good stuff. Hey, I have a 2 disc set of Sweet Comfort Band – 4 of their first 5 albums. If you’d like to borrow them I’d be glad to let you have them for a while. Btw – I go to 9th and O too. BTW #2, I really enjoy your blog!
Good to hear from you, Scott. I have heard of the SCB, but can’t tell you a single song! Who was in the band?
BCJ
Bryan Duncan was their lead singer…he’s about the only one who went on after they stopped touring. They had a great jazz/rock sound, and some great lyrics. They were instrumental (no pun intended) in my coming to faith, because I was in a band at the time, and was impressed that Christians could put out quality music. Some of their songs still have serious conviction power in my life. Question – How come you aren’t leading worship on Sunday nights?
I completely forgot about Bryan Duncan. I remember his voice.
I do from time to time. It’s a scheduling thing on my end. I could do it every other week to give Jim a bigger break, but it’s a simple factor of having a plate that is just too full right now.
I will be leading the morning of the 3rd.
BCJ