Contemporary Christian music facts for kids

Contemporary Christian music (often called CCM) is a type of modern popular music. Its songs focus on topics related to the Christian faith. The style comes from Christian music.

CCM started in the late 1960s. People involved in the Jesus movement revival began to make music using popular styles. Before this, church music was mostly hymns and gospel. Today, CCM includes pop, rock, hip hop, and country styles.

You can find CCM on many music charts. These include Billboard charts like Christian Albums and Christian Songs. Top CCM artists also appear on the overall Billboard 200. On iTunes and Google Play Music, it's usually listed under Christian/Gospel music.

How Contemporary Christian Music Started

In the 1950s, Rock and Roll music became very popular. At first, many churches did not like it. They thought it encouraged bad behavior. But as churches wanted to reach more people, their music styles began to change. They started using sounds from popular music.

The Jesus Movement and New Sounds

The Jesus movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s helped create CCM. This new music was first called "Jesus Music." People in the movement, sometimes called "Jesus Freaks," were part of the counterculture. They started playing instruments and singing songs about love and peace. These songs then turned into messages about the love of God.

A writer named Paul Wohlegemuth predicted this change. He said that by the 1970s, rock-influenced music would be accepted in churches. He believed its style would become more familiar to everyone.

Pioneers of Christian Rock

Larry Norman is often called the "father of Christian rock." He was one of the first to mix rock music with Christian messages. Many Christians at the time did not like his style. But he kept making songs that combined rock and faith. He is known for being the artist "who first combined rock 'n' roll with Christian lyrics."

Two albums from 1969 are seen as the first full "Jesus rock" albums. These were Upon This Rock by Larry Norman and Mylon – We Believe by Mylon LeFevre. Unlike older gospel music, this new Jesus music came from rock and folk music.

Other early artists included Andraé Crouch, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry McGuire, and Keith Green. The small Jesus music scene grew into a huge industry by the 1980s. Many CCM artists, like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, became popular on mainstream radio.

Messages in the Music

CCM songs have special themes and messages. They often focus on praise, worship, faith, and encouragement. These songs also talk about devotion, inspiration, and hope. Many people listen to CCM for comfort during hard times.

One early goal of CCM was to share the message of Jesus with non-Christians. It also helps strengthen the faith of Christians.

Styles and Artists in CCM

Contemporary Christian music gets its sound from folk, gospel, pop, and rock music. Different styles like soft rock, alternative, and hip-hop have greatly influenced CCM.

Modern CCM Styles

Charismatic churches have played a big part in CCM's growth. Hillsong Church is one well-known group that creates CCM. CCM has also grown into many subgenres. These include Christian punk, Christian hardcore, Christian metal, and Christian hip hop.

Contemporary worship music is also a big part of modern CCM. This music is recorded and performed during church services.

Popular CCM Artists

Many artists have helped make CCM popular. These include Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Phil Keaggy. Some mainstream artists, like U2, have songs with Christian themes. But they are not usually part of the CCM industry.

Other popular CCM artists today include MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, and Chris Tomlin. Historically, groups like Jars of Clay and dc Talk were also very important in this genre.

In recent years, a new style of contemporary worship music has emerged. It blends old hymns and worship songs with modern sounds. Artists like Shane & Shane and Hillsong United are popular in this area. This style is becoming more common in churches and on music streaming services.

Growth of Contemporary Christian Music

Contemporary Christian album sales grew a lot from 1996 to 2000. For example, after EMI bought Sparrow Records, their sales doubled. The main goal of these music companies is to make a positive impact through CCM.

However, like the rest of the music industry, CCM sales have changed. In the 2010s, sales of CDs went down. This was partly because more people started buying digital songs online. Despite changes in sales, CCM continues to be a popular way for people to express and share their faith through music.