Michael Omartian

[bugz]

Going back to the original post, I really loved the Imperial's CD "One More Song For You", produced by Omartian. I was a total secular music person until I heard that one. Now that I walk with the Lord, I can't help but wonder if that planted a seed back then. Either way, I loved it and thank Omartian. I wore that cassette out!

 

[joelr]

Joelr said, I think it's just good stewardship to try to serve as many people as possible.

Stephen Young actually said it, but I agree

I think we have to learn to disagree about formatics without being hostile. I don't believe Christian "oldies" will reach as many people as traditional Christian AC, etc. If you don't agree, that's cool.

I think a lot people on this board think that so-called "cookie cutter" Christian stations aren't serving God or reaching people. I think that is simply false.

Oh yeah, I though Michael Omartian was cool back in the day. I think I have "The Race" somewhere on cassette.

 

[Retro]

Joelr said, I think it's just good stewardship to try to serve as many people as possible.

Stephen Young actually said it, but I agree

I think we have to learn to disagree about formatics without being hostile. I don't believe Christian "oldies" will reach as many people as traditional Christian AC, etc. If you don't agree, that's cool.

I think a lot people on this board think that so-called "cookie cutter" Christian stations aren't serving God or reaching people. I think that is simply false.

Oh yeah, I though Michael Omartian was cool back in the day. I think I have "The Race" somewhere on cassette.

I never said that, only that today's CCM is playing it safe!

 

[Don62]

Joelr said, I think it's just good stewardship to try to serve as many people as possible.

Stephen Young actually said it, but I agree

I think we have to learn to disagree about formatics without being hostile. I don't believe Christian "oldies" will reach as many people as traditional Christian AC, etc. If you don't agree, that's cool.

I think a lot people on this board think that so-called "cookie cutter" Christian stations aren't serving God or reaching people. I think that is simply false

Well, listening to CCM and you hear this resounding "sameness." Boring. Predictable. I can't really listen much anymore

And this, "We can't do CCM oldies" dodge is just that. A big fat excuse, pardon my french.

I can't see why mixing in more CCM oldies - the ones from the late 70s and early to mid-80s - wouldn't but help a station, because those listeners aren't in nursing homes or unattractive "demos."

CCM radio has copied nearly everything from its secular counterparts.

The biggest obstacle appears to be radio programmers' tunnel vision.

 

[joelr]

Retro, I wasn't speaking specifically to you.

Don, are there enough people who know music from that era? I'm in my early 30s and I didn't start listening to Christian music until '89 or so.

I don't speak French.

 

[uncleDJ]

Hi all:

Michael and Stormie Omartian have done more for connecting Christian music to people than just about anyone I can mention. Thanks to their insight, love, constancy and ability to connect with talent, just about all of the artists mentioned I've used in 'merged' formats which have been waiting for a radio home. Rhythm & Essence is one I created about 8 years ago that brings the best of soul, gospel, jazz, oldies, alternative music out there...and when people hear it...they BEG me to tell them where it is on the dial...and I say: 'someday, somewhere, on a station near you.'

Long ago I had a vision for Christian and contemporary artists to find their way together on the radio. It appeared to be a great way to introduce the masses to Christian talent and the message. Had the resources of some local talent, like Boston's Angelo & Veronica, who were infamous for doing gigs where their lyrics and incredible beat-driven music got to people's feet...and souls...no 'groping on the dance floor' happened when those two sang and EVERYONE loved them.

I've known some famous talent in my day too on both sides of the spectrum (Christian and secular)...and find so much a common theme to many of these artists. All have something to say, all that I have a fondness for truly want to reach people with a message or thought or emotion. Folks like Marty McCall, Tony Orlando, Paul Stookey, Chris Botti, Aztec TwoStep, Livingston & Kate Taylor (brother and sister of James Taylor), OnFire from Los Angeles, etc. have crossed paths with me and those conversatons are what I draw my conclusions.

Being 30+ years in radio, designing custom formats and doing everything from Oldies to CCM I have truly keyed into what brings a listener home to stay where you broadcast. It's always been music/personality/message, every time. What's been hard to witness is that tried and true platform disappearing on most Christian stations. The last CCM gig was Providence RI, where some of my audience was 'newborns' - the birthing center of Women & Infants Hospital, where the nurses were bring life in and loving the music (which they would record for listening later on as well); across the building was the horror of abortion taking place.

Of late we have had a new rush of low power Christian stations hit our area of southern New England (for the first time in history - and I tried to make this happen 20+ years ago to a hard fight from the pastoral elite!). With these new stations come some flexibility in the music and some mix of ministers...but they lack personality, the live voices that tie listener to locale. Some will do it with the bulletin board stuff, you know, the 'what's happening where' items...but they don't have a local presence outside of the stick whereby they broadcast. No live meet & greets...no fundraisers (and they missed out on the PERFECT opportunity to help 160 misplaced people in a giant apartment complex fire in Norwich CT...the seculars were there, Christian radio non-existent as always.)

I've heard it said that one can be spiritually powerful but no earthly good. Christian radio that does not LIVE in its neighborhoods on a day to day basis can't be the witness it needs to be, cannot touch people, and thereby loses it 'salt' and its potential impact; all it does is 'preach to the choir'. Living in a neighborhood is much more than house of worship, it's daily interaction with those around you. That's where you truly see people - where they come from, what hurts, how we can be a help, where we need to spread joy, love and laughter. For as much as I try I still can't smile to 'The Old Rugged Cross' because of the weight of what the Lord did on that day, but I can watch the heavens open whenever I play 'Breaking Through' - my theme song - from First Call. There is where the joy and laughter lives and I honestly, deeply feel God smile. Marty and the girls - the 'Manhattan Transfer' of Christian music - are a great big WOW. They have touched me, inspired me, held me up with what they do more than most sermons ever did. Something tells me the Omartians understand how these artists have tremendous impact in the simple act of song.

Michael and Stormie have been good and purposeful 'salt' for ages...they literally handed us DJs solid talent with a true, inspiring message in a variety of styles. Yet I find their effort 'buried' by stations which don't play the music, and worse - programmers acrosss the dial who can't fathom what a breath of fresh air it is to listeners and us radio folk alike to bring back this music as 'crossover' talent in mainstream media. Am I the only one that has found our CCM greats acceptable to secular radio listeners?

What a truly glorious day it will be, when these incredible artists will be set free, to be who they are in God's eyes and getting their message out through unfettered skies. (That's airwaves, folks!)

-Bill Alley
WINY'S JUKE BOX GOLD
Putnam CT
[email protected]

 

[kirkiefan]

My very first day ever on-air at a Christian station, I mispronounced his name as O-mar-shun ;D

That was indeed the beginning of a wonderful era in CCM.

I'm hoping my CCM classic show (separate thread) helps fill a void in this area of Christian music.

I thought I was the ONLY one who pronounced it wrong! I said it too when I did a Sunday evening CCM program on a little FM in Indiana over thirty years ago. Fortunately a brother in the Lord gave me the correct pronunciation.
My aplologies to Michael and Stormie.

 

[G Thompson]

Hi all:

Michael and Stormie Omartian have done more for connecting Christian music to people than just about anyone I can mention. Thanks to their insight, love, constancy and ability to connect with talent, just about all of the artists mentioned I've used in 'merged' formats which have been waiting for a radio home. Rhythm & Essence is one I created about 8 years ago that brings the best of soul, gospel, jazz, oldies, alternative music out there...and when people hear it...they BEG me to tell them where it is on the dial...and I say: 'someday, somewhere, on a station near you.'

Long ago I had a vision for Christian and contemporary artists to find their way together on the radio. It appeared to be a great way to introduce the masses to Christian talent and the message. Had the resources of some local talent, like Boston's Angelo & Veronica, who were infamous for doing gigs where their lyrics and incredible beat-driven music got to people's feet...and souls...no 'groping on the dance floor' happened when those two sang and EVERYONE loved them.

I've known some famous talent in my day too on both sides of the spectrum (Christian and secular)...and find so much a common theme to many of these artists. All have something to say, all that I have a fondness for truly want to reach people with a message or thought or emotion. Folks like Marty McCall, Tony Orlando, Paul Stookey, Chris Botti, Aztec TwoStep, Livingston & Kate Taylor (brother and sister of James Taylor), OnFire from Los Angeles, etc. have crossed paths with me and those conversatons are what I draw my conclusions.

Being 30+ years in radio, designing custom formats and doing everything from Oldies to CCM I have truly keyed into what brings a listener home to stay where you broadcast. It's always been music/personality/message, every time. What's been hard to witness is that tried and true platform disappearing on most Christian stations. The last CCM gig was Providence RI, where some of my audience was 'newborns' - the birthing center of Women & Infants Hospital, where the nurses were bring life in and loving the music (which they would record for listening later on as well); across the building was the horror of abortion taking place.

Of late we have had a new rush of low power Christian stations hit our area of southern New England (for the first time in history - and I tried to make this happen 20+ years ago to a hard fight from the pastoral elite!). With these new stations come some flexibility in the music and some mix of ministers...but they lack personality, the live voices that tie listener to locale. Some will do it with the bulletin board stuff, you know, the 'what's happening where' items...but they don't have a local presence outside of the stick whereby they broadcast. No live meet & greets...no fundraisers (and they missed out on the PERFECT opportunity to help 160 misplaced people in a giant apartment complex fire in Norwich CT...the seculars were there, Christian radio non-existent as always.)

I've heard it said that one can be spiritually powerful but no earthly good. Christian radio that does not LIVE in its neighborhoods on a day to day basis can't be the witness it needs to be, cannot touch people, and thereby loses it 'salt' and its potential impact; all it does is 'preach to the choir'. Living in a neighborhood is much more than house of worship, it's daily interaction with those around you. That's where you truly see people - where they come from, what hurts, how we can be a help, where we need to spread joy, love and laughter. For as much as I try I still can't smile to 'The Old Rugged Cross' because of the weight of what the Lord did on that day, but I can watch the heavens open whenever I play 'Breaking Through' - my theme song - from First Call. There is where the joy and laughter lives and I honestly, deeply feel God smile. Marty and the girls - the 'Manhattan Transfer' of Christian music - are a great big WOW. They have touched me, inspired me, held me up with what they do more than most sermons ever did. Something tells me the Omartians understand how these artists have tremendous impact in the simple act of song.

Michael and Stormie have been good and purposeful 'salt' for ages...they literally handed us DJs solid talent with a true, inspiring message in a variety of styles. Yet I find their effort 'buried' by stations which don't play the music, and worse - programmers acrosss the dial who can't fathom what a breath of fresh air it is to listeners and us radio folk alike to bring back this music as 'crossover' talent in mainstream media. Am I the only one that has found our CCM greats acceptable to secular radio listeners?

What a truly glorious day it will be, when these incredible artists will be set free, to be who they are in God's eyes and getting their message out through unfettered skies. (That's airwaves, folks!)

-Bill Alley
WINY'S JUKE BOX GOLD
Putnam CT
[email protected]

Does anyone have the Cliff's notes for this post? I've got three kids to put to bed and a wife who needs me to do the dishes.

 

[MorningLight]

Re: Michael Omartian & more-music ONLINE, NOW!

This discussion has tears rolling down my cheeks.

Just recently, I was told about a WONDERFUL thing being done ONLINE... a "resurrection" of the beloved WLIX "Christian 54" of the 1980's!

Everyone here, who LOVES and APPRECIATES those wonderful songs from that long list of beloved artists... CLASSICS... you MUST listen ot this online station!

http://loudcity.com/stations/christian-54-online/tune_in

They are 24/7 and playing songs I haven't heard in 20 years! They're also mixing-in a few new songs, too. Please, JUST LISTEN, and share it with others! We need to SUPPORT these precious brothers and sisters in Christ who are using their own money to fund and operate this station! (Please let them know that Willie told you. They'd appreciate knowing how you found out.)

YES, there is a market for this music.. and if a Christian MUSIC oriented station carefully and PRAYERFULLY mixes their music, they CAN include these TIMELESS TREASURES with the music of today, and they will TRULY minister to their audience! These old songs have life-changing messages! So do many of today's new songs! Mix 'em together!

I continued to play many of those older songs during my 20 year tenure at WFIF.. and it never failed- I would get calls from listeners who never heard Teri DeSario, Luke Garrett, Petra, Silverwind, or Keith Green before... and they ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM, and wanted to buy their music!

There IS a market... but nobody has yet taken it seriously enough. Someone has to. There is a need.

My Life's Goal is to bring a 24 hour Christian MUSIC station to an area that has ABSOLUTELY NONE: Southwestern Connecticut! If you'd like to see more about this Vision, please visit this site:

http://www.wphafm.org

God bless!

 

[Retro]

Now if Boston could get a "good" CCM station as well?

 

[Tyke]

Re: Michael Omartian/Classic CCM

Sounds to me like many of you would be interested in KEZK-HD2 in St. Louis. It's a CBS Radio station, so I guess it's part of their cluster with KMOX-AM and KYKY-FM.

I visited their website at KEZK.com and noticed that they list their "last 99 songs" and they seem to mix in quite a few rock-based classics. I don't think I've seen a format like this one before. Judging by the artists and songs, it looks really interesting...a wide mix of current stuff and classics. Nothing from the AC side for the classics though. Nothing like Dallas Holm, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patti, etc. It seems to lean to the rock and CHR side, with Stonehill, Keaggy, Norman, Daniel Amos, Sweet Comfort Band, the 77's, Rez Band, and others mixed in. I've even seen some of Omartian's stuff show up, mainly from White Horse and Adam Again.

Doesn't look they're streaming it yet. It looks like they must have a really good HD Radio signal in St. Louis because they comment that it covers a 60-mile radius around that city.

To me, this station looks like what HD Radio should be all about...offering a format that's different than anything else that's available. I hope it works for them.

 

[MorningLight]

Greetings, Tyke! Just because a station CLAIMS 60 mile radius, doesn't mean it is true. During most of my 20 years at WFIF, I was also the Chief Engineer, so I know quite a bit about the technology of Radio. We Engineers could tell the difference between a station's true COVERAGE map, vs their published SALES map, which they CALLED a "coverage map".

While KEZK's MAIN SIGNAL may, indeed, have a listenable range of 60 miles, it is highly unlikely that their HD2 would reach more than 1/4 of that. The other unfortunate thing about the HD broadcasts is the VERY SMALL number of receivers that are out there.

Overall, the HD system is turning out to be a gigantic FLOP! The radios are very overpriced, and there are VERY FEW people buying them. Many retailers are now trying to push them out the door on "clearance" and with rebates. I suspect that HD is going to suffer the same fate as AM Stereo, only it's going to happen more quickly. It is expensive for stations to install and run. Eventually, they will start turning it off when the reality hits that virtually nobody is listening. Sad but true.

In any case, it's great that they are playing Christian music!

It is also great to hear from uncleDJ about what he's doing in souteastern CT! I've lived in Fairfield and New haven counties most of my life. This is a VERY NEEDY area, with NO ROOM to put ANY LPFM's on the air. (I've looked!!!) It's going to take a miracle of GOD to get an existing FM station doing a Christian format. (See: www.wphafm.org )

God bless!

 

[Tyke]

Howdy, Willie! I know what you mean regarding those problems with HD2 (and HD1) signals. I wound up getting in touch with a friend of mine who lives in Litchfield, Illinois, which is about 55 miles northeast of St. Louis. He's got an Accurian from Radio Shack in his home, and he says he picks up the HD2 signals from St. Louis just fine, along with the digital HD1 signals. He says that he picks up the main analog signals from St. Louis up to about 70 miles out, so their HD signals go about 10 miles shorter than their analogs, I guess. It sounds like the 60-mile coverage may be somewhat accurate for them.

I've got a JVC HD Radio in my car. When I'm in the Chicago area, I'm only able to get the major HD1 and HD2 signals up to about 25-30 miles outside the city...pretty disappointing, especially considering how expansive the collar counties are around Chicagoland.

I must say, though, that HD Radio does sound great. I love the JVC unit in my car (had it for over a year), and I've got an iLove 168 clock radio at home that's pretty cool too. The clock radio was only $95...not all that expensive in my book. The JVC was about $180 at Circuit City last year, with free installation. Might be cheaper now. So to me, I don't see the price issue as being much of a problem, since they seem to be coming down.

It's interesting that St. Louis has HD signals that get out twice as far as most other markets. Maybe it's because the majority of their main signals are 100,000 watts, and with the somewhat flat landscape, their digital HD1 and HD2 signals are much better?? I'm not an engineer, but that's my guess.

 

[MorningLight]

It's interesting that St. Louis has HD signals that get out twice as far as most other markets. Maybe it's because the majority of their main signals are 100,000 watts, and with the somewhat flat landscape, their digital HD1 and HD2 signals are much better?? I'm not an engineer, but that's my guess.

Your guess would be spot-on!

Your friend MUST be using a GOOD outdoor antenna, no? Surely, he's not picking-up those signals on just the rat-tail wire that came with the radio?? (We're drifting a bit off-topic, too.)

 

[Tyke]

Sorry about drifting off-topic.

I'll just add that I checked with my friend near Litchfield, IL, and he's using the regular antenna with his Accurian HD Radio, nothing extra. He mentioned that he'd originally purchased a Boston Acoustics model but didn't like it, so he returned it and got the Accurian, which he loves. He says the Accurian's HD reception is consistent, whereas the BA had problems at times. I didn't ask him about AM, only FM. He's pretty much on the fringe of the FM HD signals coming out of St. Louis.