In memoriam: Ralph Carmichael, 1927-2021

National Religious Broadcasters

"Christian songwriter Ralph Carmichael, known as the 'Father of Contemporary Christian Music', died last Monday, October 18, 2021 at the age of 94. Born on May 27, 1927 to a Pentecostal preacher who allowed him to listen to mainstream music....During his life, he composed more than 300 gospel songs....In 1968 Carmichael founded Light Records and Lexicon Music Publishing....Carmichael was inducted into the NRB Hall of Fame in 2001. The NRB Hall of Fame stands as a witness for current communicators—a showcase of warriors for Christ who live exemplary lives of valor and compassion, blazing trails and leaving paths for succeeding generations to follow."

 

Ralph Carmichael's "We Are More Than Conquerors" was selected for inclusion in Rejoice Hymns (Majesty Music, Greenville, S.C.).

Brass quintet of Baptist Bible College of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania:

 

Carmichael's "The Savior Is Waiting" is found in Lifeway's Baptist Hymnal (1975, 1991, and 2008 editions), as well as in Majesty Music's Rejoice Hymns.

Here it is sung by The Blackwood Brothers:

 

Here's singer/activist Anita Bryant's stirring rendition of Ralph Carmichael's 'He's Everything to Me":

 

The Mylon Hayes Family singing Carmichael's "Reach Out to Jesus":

 

And here's Carmichael himself directing his 'Ralph Carmichael Singers':