Christian country music

The oldest of all of these organizations is the International Country Gospel Music Association which was founded in 1957.

That is a positive move for this genre, however, because there are few terrestrial radio stations that play a strictly Christian country format.

[13] Other syndicated weekend shows that feature Inspirational and Positive Country music are Power Source Top 20, and finally, the American Christian Music Review for United Stations Radio Networks.

These programs are aired nationwide weekly on both Country and Southern Gospel radio stations.

Stars Roy Clark, Buck Owens, Grandpa Jones, and Kenny Price would sing a traditional hymn or a well-known song by mainstream country and Christian artists.

In the past, most Christian country music was recorded by musicians with southern gospel flair like the Oak Ridge Boys,[17] Grandpa Jones,[18] Webb Pierce, Red Sovine, Mercy River Boys, The Louvin Brothers, and the Carter Family.

The Mercy River Boys released their debut album, Breakout (via Canaan Records) in 1979, firmly establishing the new Christian Country genre.

90, No 31), credits Canaan Records for creating a band to crossover into country music, improving "what is essentially a good product (gospel) and made it become commercially viable.

Among the most popular of these songs included "Why Me" by Kris Kristofferson (1973), "The Seeker" by Dolly Parton (1975), "One Day at a Time" by Cristy Lane (1980), "Three Wooden Crosses" by Randy Travis (2003), "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner (2003), "Jesus, Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood (2005), and "When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley (2006).