Christian music charts

The roots of contemporary Christian music can be found in the 18th century when Gospel music made its way into the churches and became an integral part of Christian lifestyle. Music was introduced to the western world by the slaves who were brought from distant countries. Their knowledge of music later evolved into hymns, which laid the foundation for Christian music.

However Gospel music is just a part of Christian music as it encompasses many other genres. Folk and country music as well as pop and rock music became popular during the liberal 1960's.

Bob Dylan and other popular artist came up with Christian albums which contained Christian themes in them. These were accepted by people who were open to change.

Musicians like Children of the Day and Love Song started expressing their faith through this music. Other artists followed soon and this led to increase in its audience.

In the 1970's musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and God-Spell added a spice to Christian Music. Song such as 'Everything is alright' from Jesus Christ Superstar and 'Day by Day' from God-spell topped the Christian music charts. Lee Greenberg gained popularity with 'Spirit in the Sky' and 'Love Song' cracked the Christian music charts.

With Christian rock and Christian rap emerging in the 1980's secular music arose. Michael W. Smith and Russ Taff found success in the 80's in the Christian airtime as well as with the youth.

It was only in the 1990's that Christian music began getting popular. Record labels began recognizing Christian Music as they realized it would give them big business. Today the music industry has formed Christian music chart via the Billboard magazines.

Through music it tries to reach out to people with a message and encourages unity among people. Gradually the traditional organ was replaced by the guitar at the mass service. Modern songs on God were created and sung instead of the old hymns.

The 1990's looked promising for many artists such as Amy Grant, Steve Curtis Chapman and DC Talk. But the 1996 changed the face of Christian music when 'Jars of Clay' shot up the Christian music charts when the song 'Flood' got more airtime for the first time in the history of Christian songs.

Today Christian music has reached various genres and Christians can choose from various kinds. There is also an increase in the number of talented artists. Today people no longer think of Christian music as boring. This is because people are well informed about Christian music today. Thanks to marketing tactics and the new development in information technology.