Steve Green (singer)

Steve Green (born August 1, 1956) is an American Christian music singer, notable for his tenor vocal range and flexible solo style. Over his 35-year career, Green has been honored as a four-time Grammy Award nominee, seven-time Dove Award winner and was inducted in to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2017.[1] He has had 13 No. 1 songs, and has sold over three million albums.[2]

Steve Green
Green in concert, August 2015
Background information
Born (1956-08-01) August 1, 1956
Portland, Oregon, United States
GenresContemporary Christian, inspirational
Occupation(s)Singer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1976–present
LabelsSparrow
Associated actsTruth, Gaither Vocal Band, White Heart, Sandi Patty
Websitestevegreenministries.org

Early life

Green was born in Portland, Oregon to parents Charles and Jo Green. His parents were Baptist missionaries. He is one of six siblings who spent much of his early life in Argentina, though like two of his siblings, he attended Phoenix Christian High School in the early 1970s when his family was in the U.S. and graduated from there in 1974. At age 18, he enrolled at Grand Canyon University. He intended to major in pre-law, but a professor recognized his musical talent and encouraged him to develop it.[3]

Career

After two years at the university, Green left to travel the world with the group Truth. After his two-year stint with Truth (1976–78). Green married Marijean McCarty, a former member of Truth, and they moved to Alexandria, Indiana to sing backup for the Bill Gaither Trio.[4] In 1980, Green joined Gary McSpadden, Lee Young and Bill Gaither to form the Gaither Vocal Band.[5] Green sang tenor for their first two albums, The New Gaither Vocal Band and Passin' the Faith Along. In 1982, Steve and Gaither's musicians formed the Christian rock band White Heart. Green sang lead for White Heart as they recorded their debut self-titled album (which sold nearly 70,000 copies).[6] In 1983, Steve left White Heart due to not feeling that his place was in a rock band.[6] That same year, a confrontation with his brother, Randy, led to a spiritual renewal in Green's life.[7] He signed a solo contract with Sparrow Records, and his self-titled debut album appeared in 1984. In the same year, he established Steve Green Ministries. In the early part of his solo career, he was known for crescendo-building, high-note endings.

His break out year came in 1985 with the release of He Holds the Keys, which earned Green the Dove Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) category. The following year, 1986, saw the release of two recordings, For God And God Alone and a worship/hymns album entitled A Mighty Fortress. In early 1988, he released an album dedicated to his parents called Find Us Faithful. As the 1980s came to an end, many of Green's songs became recognized standards including "People Need the Lord" and "Broken and Spilled Out". He was often considered the male version of Sandi Patty, using many of the same songwriters and styles as well as the traditional ending the song on a (literal) high note. Green also contributed background vocals to Patty's 1986 hit, "Let There Be Praise."

Green was involved with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from the mid-1980s onward. Green was one of the first artists to be involved with Promise Keepers, performing at their inaugural event at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado in July 1993 before 50,000 men. His song "Answer the Call" was inspired by the event and another song, "O Men of God Arise," embodies the Promise Keepers' message.

Green recorded The Mission in 1989 and continued his success with We Believe in 1991. As the early 1990s direction of Christian music changed to a more rock oriented format, Green returned to traditional roots by releasing an album of hymns in 1992. Yet Green switched styles toward a more "pop" flavor on his 1994 "Where Mercy Begins" album. He also received the first of two career boosts due to outside events.

On September 8, 1994, USAir Flight 427 crashed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing all 132 persons on board. One passenger was an up-and-coming Christian singer named Kirk Lynn, who had just re-recorded Green's "As We Sail To Heaven's Shore" from the 1988 Find Us Faithful album. Only a rough cut played at the memorial service for the passengers. Grieving family members were told of Green's original, which boosted album sales for the older recording.

Green's style change continued on his 1996 recording, The Letter. He was also instrumental in attempting to set up an accountability group for fellow Christian artists and friends.

Green changed focus again in 1998 by declaring he would only record songs that honor the Lord - songs that he could be satisfied with should it be his last recording. That coincided with a controversial ruling by the Gospel Music Association known as the "Definition of Gospel Music" that erupted with major disqualifications at the ensuing year's Dove Awards over songs that did not honor the Lord. That year saw the release of The Faithful and 2000 saw the release of a devotional song album entitled Morning Light. Two years later Green released Woven in Time and again found himself receiving a career boost.

Green was a personal friend of Space Shuttle Columbia commander Rick Husband, who was killed along with six others in the February 2003 disintegration during reentry. Green was interviewed by CNN and his song "God of Wonders" got a boost from the unexpected publicity.

In 2005 Green released a new album, Somewhere Between. This album saw Steve move in a different direction, leaning more toward an art song style. This album featured less declarative answers of Green's past work, and instead explores the questions of pain, doubt and loss that life inevitably rains down on both the just and the unjust. Green co-wrote half of the songs on this album.[8]

In 2007 Green released his last non-compilation album under the Sparrow label, Always: Songs of Worship. In 2010, Green released Love Will Find a Way, his first release through Steve Green Ministries. This album featured David Phelps on the track "God is Love."

In 2012, Green released two albums, Rest in the Wonder and Christmas. Green stated "Rest in the Wonder is a declaration of absolute trust in God, fiercely holding to what we know for certain and reverently worshiping the One whose ways are higher than our ways and whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts."[9]

2014 saw the release of two more albums from Green: Hide the Word: Bible Songs for Kids and Hymns. "There is nothing more powerful or lasting than God's Word!" says Green. "In the Scriptures, God has told us all we need to know for life and Godliness. These Bible Promises set to music remind us who God is and what He has done for us. What's more, the songs are just plain fun!" [10] Regarding his Hymns project, Green says "In every age, the church has lifted her voice to express praise and adoration, but the church has also used singing to refute dangerous heresy and remind one another of the foundational Biblical truths. In the 12th century, Bernard of Clairvaux penned 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded' and today we still sing his haunting hymn about Jesus' sacrificial death. Five hundred years later, 'Fairest Lord Jesus' appeared anonymously in a hymnbook, published in what is today the country of Poland. How many of us have sung that hymn, marveling at the uniqueness and glory of Christ? I hope this collection of hymns draws you into the historic stream of worship as you join your voice to songs the church has been singing through the ages."[11]

Green's sister is married to Dr. Mark Bailey, president of the evangelical Dallas Theological Seminary, and he helped the seminary celebrate its eightieth anniversary in April 2004. He has also written a thirty-day devotional titled, "The Power of the Cross" and has recorded numerous children's videos and songs.

His bilingual abilities have seen the release of seven Spanish CDs in the United States.

He is married to Marijean Green, whose own vocal qualities complemented her husband's on the song "Household of Faith" on the For God And God Alone album and subsequent appearances.[12] The song has become a staple among Christian wedding duets. They have two children, Summer (born 1981) and Josiah (born 1985).

Green has expanded his musical ministry to include videos and James Dobson's Focus on the Family.

Discography

As group member

Solo albums
  • 1984: Steve Green (Sparrow Records)
  • 1985: He Holds the Keys (Sparrow)
  • 1986: For God and God Alone (Sparrow)
  • 1987: A Mighty Fortress: A Celebration of Foundational Truths (choral album)
  • 1987: Joy To the World (Christmas album)
  • 1988: Find Us Faithful (Sparrow)
  • 1989: The Mission (Sparrow)
  • 1991: We Believe (Sparrow)
  • 1992: Hymns: A Portrait of Christ (Sparrow)
  • 1994: Where Mercy Begins (Sparrow)
  • 1996: The Letter (Sparrow)
  • 1996: The First Noel (Christmas album)
  • 1998: The Faithful (Sparrow)
  • 1999: Morning Light: Songs To Awaken the Dawn (Sparrow)
  • 2002: Woven in Time (Sparrow)
  • 2005: Somewhere Between (Sparrow)
  • 2007: Always: Songs of Worship (Sparrow)
  • 2010: Love Will Find a Way (Steve Green Ministries)
  • 2012: Rest in the Wonder (Steve Green Ministries)
  • 2012: Christmas (Steve Green Ministries)
  • 2014: Hymns (Steve Green Ministries)
  • 2018: Hold Fast (Steve Green Ministries)

Spanish albums
  • 1987: Tienen Que Saber (Sparrow)
  • 1990: Toma La Cruz (Sparrow)
  • 1992: Himnos: Un Retrato De Cristo (Sparrow)
  • 1994: ¡En Vivo! (Live album)
  • 1994: 16 Melodías Bíblicas Para Niños (Sparrow)
  • 2004: Yo Iré (Sparrow)
  • 2009: Sólo En Jesús (Steve Green Ministries)
  • 2019: El Descanso (Steve Green Ministries)

Children's projects
  • 1990: Hide 'Em In Your Heart: Bible Memory Melodies, Vol. 1 (Sparrow)
  • 1992: Hide 'Em In Your Heart: Bible Memory Melodies, vol. 2 (Sparrow)
  • 1994: 16 Melodías Bíblicas Para Niños (Sparrow)
  • 1996: The Adventures of Prayer Bear Volume 1: Best Friends (Capitol Christian Music Group)
  • 1997: The Adventures of Prayer Bear Volume 2: How to Pray (Capitol Christian Music Group)
  • 1998: The Adventures of Prayer Bear Volume 3: Time to Pray (Capitol Christian Music Group)
  • 1998: Hide 'Em In Your Heart: Praise & Worship for Kids (Sparrow)
  • 2004: The Adventures of Sir Bernard The Good Knight (Sparrow)
  • 2014: Hide the Word: Bible Memory Melodies (Steve Green Ministries)

Compilations
  • 1994: People Need the Lord (Sparrow)
  • 1996: The Early Years (Sparrow)
  • 2006: The Ultimate Collection (2-discs)
  • 2012: People Need the Lord: Number Ones (Sparrow)
  • 2015: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steve Green (Sparrow)

Appearances on other albums
  • 1979: Jesus Lives...Forever! An Easter Cantata by Eugene McCammon, Conducted by David T. Clydesdale
  • 1980: Imagination – Orchestrated and Written by David T. Clydesdale
  • 1980: Call Him Jesus: a choral celebration for Christmas by Robert J Hughes and Lani Smith
  • 1981: Love Overflowing – Sandi Patty (background vocals)
  • 1981: Beyond Imagination – Orchestrated and Written by David T. Clydesdale
  • 1981: The Reason for the Season – various artists; duet with Sandi Patty on "No Room Today"
  • 1981: This Holy Child: a Christmas choral celebration – musical by Lani Smith
  • 1982: The Master's Music – various artists; "Spirit song", "New song" and "Pieces"
  • 1982: Thou Shall Call His Name...Jesus – various artists; "Shepherd's Song"
  • 1982: Joseph, the Carpenter – various artists; "Tiny Little Baby"
  • 1983: More than Wonderful – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1983: On the Rock: a musical odyssey on Kingdom living based on the Sermon on the Mount Orchestrated and Written by David T. Clydesdale
  • 1983: We are Called – Steve Fry "Praise Him In the Sanctuary (Medley)"
  • 1984: Vital Signs – White Heart (background vocals on "Let your First Thought Be Love" and "We Are His Hands")
  • 1984: Songs from the Heart – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1984: The Sounds of His Love – Listen...To Christmas! - Don Marsh and Karen Dean; duet with Donna McElroy on "Ten Thousand Joys"
  • 1984: The Gift Goes On – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1985: 25 Songs of Christmas, Vol. 2 various artists; "O Holy Night"
  • 1985: Together We Will Stand – Continental Singers and various artists; "You're the Only Jesus"
  • 1985: Hotline – White Heart (background vocals on "Gotta Be A Believer" and "Turn the Page")
  • 1986: Morning Like This – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1986: Jesus My Friend Unfailing - Highlights from a Billy Graham Crusade; "Lift up a Song"
  • 1987: The Father Hath Provided – Larnelle Harris (trio with Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty on the song Seekers of Your Heart)
  • 1990: Love Overflowing – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1990: Carols by Candlelight – by John Randall Dennis; "Thou Who Wast Rich"
  • 1991: More than Wonderful – Sandi Patty (background)
  • 1991: Silver celebration: A Tribute to Bill & Gloria Gaither various artists; "There's something about that name"
  • 1992: No Compromise: Remembering the Music of Keith Green various artists; "Grace by Which I Stand"
  • 1992: The Word: Recapturing the Imagination – Michael Card (background)
  • 1993: New Young Messiah – various artists; "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"
  • 1993: Coram Deo II – various artists; "Rejoice in Jesus" and "In Spirit and in Truth"
  • 1994: Saviour: Story of God's Passion for His People (with Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris, Wayne Watson, Wintley Phipps)
  • 1995: Inspirational Homecoming: A Tribute to the Gaither Legacy various artists; "I Can See (On the Emmaus Road)"
  • 1995: Christmas Carols of the Young Messiah – various artists; "Joy to the World"
  • 1995: Hymns & Voices – various artists; "All Creatures of Our God and King" and "Old Rugged Cross"
  • 1995: Wedding Album – various artists; "Household of Faith"
  • 1996: Live Worship – Promise Keepers – Promise Keepers "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
  • 1997: Unveiled Hope – Michael Card; duet with Michael Card on "Holy, Holy, Holy"
  • 1997: Israel – various artists; "Canta Canta"
  • 1998: Experiencing God – various artists; "Calvary Is the Sea"
  • 1998: Almighty God – various artists; "Seekers of Your Heart"
  • 1999: If My People Pray – various artists; "I Am in God's Hands"
  • 1999: 32 Great Hymns of the Faith – various artists; "What Wondrous Love Is This"
  • 1999: Listen to Our Hearts, Vol.2 – various artists; "Say the Name"
  • 1999: White Heart - Demos, Interviews, and Lost Songs – White Heart; "You Loved Me Still the Same" & "If Only For One Night"
  • 1999: Adore Him – various artists; (Narrator)
  • 1999: McCaughey Septuplets: Sweet Dreams – various artists; "Goodnight Emily"
  • 2000: Word & Song Collection – various artists; (Narrator)
  • 2002: Hallelujah!: The Very Best of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
  • 2002: Scribbling in the Sand - Michael Card; duet with Michael Card on "Immanuuel"
  • 2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Vol 1 – "He Came Down to my Level" "No Other Name But Jesus" and "A Few Good Men"
  • 2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Vol 2 – "Passin' the Faith Along" and "Find Us Faithful"
  • 2010: My Cry Ascends: New Parish Psalms (various artists, Gregory Wilbur, composer)[13]
  • 2011: A Man Like Me – Wes Hampton; duet on "It Is Well with My Soul"
  • 2012: Larnelle: Live In Nashville!; Three Tenors: "Kings of the Earth" and "It Is Well" with Larnelle Harris and Steve Amerson.
  • 2014: Out on a Limb – Wes Hampton; trio with Hampton and David Phelps on "Echo of You"
  • 2015: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs – Michael O'Brien; duet with Michael O'Brien on "For All the Saints"
  • 2015: Free – Paul Turner; duet with Paul Turner on "Jesus My Strength"

Video
  • 1986: God and God Alone VHS: Live In Concert
  • 1991: Hide 'Em In Your Heart: 13 Bible Memory Music Videos for Children of All Ages
  • 1992: Hymns: A Portrait of Christ (Sparrow)
  • 1992: What My Parents Did Right
  • 1994: Live! The Young Messiah
  • 1996: Live Worship – Promise Keepers VHS – Promise Keepers "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
  • 1998: The Faithful
  • 2002: Steve Green: Life Story – The Journey to a Life Message
  • 2008: A Journey of Faith (Live)
  • 2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Vol 1 and 2
  • 2012: Larnelle: Live In Nashville! DVD; Three Tenors – "Kings of the Earth" and "It Is Well" with Larnelle Harris and Steve Amerson
  • 2016: Saviour: The Story of God's Passion for His People Recorded live at Gateway Church
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References
  1. Diamond, Rick. "Fourth Annual GMA Honors and Hall of Fame Induction Filled with Special Tributes and Memorable Moments". gospelmusic.org. GMA. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  2. "About". Steve Green Ministries. Retrieved February 19, 2015. Steve's music has been honored with four Grammy nominations, 13 No. 1 songs [....] Green has sold over three million albums worldwide.
  3. "Green set to appear in Benefit Concert". Pella Chronicle. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  4. "Steve Green". Lubbock Evening Journal. March 23, 1984.
  5. "Gaither Vocal Band". singers.com. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  6. Rabey, Steve. "Whiteheart: No Pain, No Gain". Today's Christian Music. CCM Magazine. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  7. KAEPPEL, KEITH. "Steve Green Contemporary Christian Artist Found Church Background Not Enough". The Morning Call. The Morning Call. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  8. Hahn, Jessie (March 2005). "Steve Green Somewhere Between". CCM Magazine. page 50-51: James R. Cumbee. Retrieved April 21, 2016.CS1 maint: location (link)
  9. "Rest in the Wonder Booklet" (PDF). Steve Green Ministries. Steve Green Ministries. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  10. Yap, Timothy. "Veteran Christian Singer Steve Green Releases "Hide the Word: Bible Songs for Kids"". Hallels. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  11. Timothy, Yap. "Steve Green Goes Retro with "Hymns"". Hallels. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  12. One such appearance of Green and wife Marijean's duet can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZTWCpZX6Gk
  13. Gregory Wilbur, My Cry Ascends: New Parish Psalms
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