Totally Obscure — Rich Mullins
As mentioned in a previous blog, I am proud to be called follower of Christ, and my faith is lifted whenever I listen to Rich Mullins share his heart, and faith through his wonderful music!
Rich was born into a Quaker family in 1955, and took to music very early on. Rich served in various churches in their music ministry but was very taken with the Beatles, and how big an influence music could have on people. Rich attended Cincinnati Bible College, and later served as Youth Pastor and Music Director at United Methodist Church in Erlanger. It was here that he decided in 1978 to pursue music full time.
Around 1985, Rich released his first solo record, and continued to write and record into the 90’s when most of the music that I fell in love with was recorded. Sadly, Rich was killed in a horrible car crash on September 19, 1997, and this day lives in my memory. I felt like I lost a friend, and Christian brother that day, and it still makes me sad to remember.
Rich once said, “It is not about your denomination or what church you go to — It is about being faithful to Jesus and following Him where He leads you.”
In the song “Elijah”, Rich sings a line that comes to mind whenever I think about him, “When I leave and look back on the stars, it’ll be like candlelight in Central Park, and it won’t break my heart to leave.” I hope to say the same when my time comes!
You will see attached a playlist that features most of my favorite Rich Mullin songs — the last 3 songs on this playlist are songs from the last album Rich was working on with finished versions of some of these songs here.
Hope you enjoy and maybe even discover some new music here!
Steve Whitfield/Master of Tunes
