What Is Christian Country Music?

Much like Christian bluegrass, Christian country shares the stage with its styles of secular counterparts due to the genre being so faith-based. Many country music artists cross over into Christian releases so regularly that actually will have two booking agencies: one to book country concerts and one to book Christian concerts.

Lyrics

Country music, lyrically, is about real life and for many, real life includes heart-break as well as the faith that gets them through it. Yes, country music's sub-genres "honky tonk" and "outlaw country" are more about drinking and thumbing your nose at the "establishment," but today's country music is less outlaw and more Godlaw.

Award History

Just look at Dove Award winners The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Glen Campbell, Randy Travis, and Carrie Underwood, and you will quickly see that there is plenty of faith to be found in Country music.

The first Dove Award for Country Album of the Year was awarded in 1988. The next year the first Country Song of the Year award was given out. The Christian Country Music Association was formed in 1990 and three years later, the first Inspirational Country Music Awards were held, honoring the Songwriter of the Year, Group of the Year, Christian Country Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and the Christian Country Music Pioneers. 

Popular Christian Country Artists of Today

• Jeff and Sheri Easter (also popular in Bluegrass circles)
• Diamond Rio
• Point of Grace

Mainstream Country Artists With Christian Releases

• Alabama
• Alan Jackson
• Carrie Underwood
• Charlie Daniels
• Dolly Parton
• Josh Turner
• Martina McBride
• Oak Ridge Boys
• Randy Travis
• Wynonna Judd

Christian Country Starter Songs

• "Come To Jesus" - Point of Grace
• "Dancing With Delilah" - James Payne 
• "Hope For Me Yet" - Jason Crabb 
• "I Just Hold His Hand" - Del Way 
• "Jesus Take The Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
• "Save Me a Place" - Aubree Bullock
• "The Reason" - Diamond Rio
• "When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley f/ Dolly Parton 
• "You Didn't Have A Good Time" - Randy Travis

Recommended Christian Country Albums

• Angels Among Us: Hymns & Gospel Favorites - Alabama 
• Precious Memories - Alan Jackson 
• How Sweet The Sound - Charlie Daniels Band
• The Reason - Diamond Rio 
• Rise And Shine - Randy Travis