(Ralph Carmichael)
Christian songwriter Ralph Carmichael, known as the "Father of Contemporary Christian Music," has died. He died on October 18 at the age of 94. He is remembered for creating Contemporary Christian Music in the 60s. Also, he was a former president of Gospel Music Association.
Before his death, he had composed over 300 gospel songs including ‘’He’s Everything to Me,’’ ‘’There is a Quiet Place,’’ ‘’The Savior is Waiting,’’ ‘’Reach Out to Jesus,’’ among others.
Relevant Magazine had reported that Carmichael was an inspiration to great acts like Elvis Presley, Andraé Crouch, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, CCM artists, the Carpenters, Resurrection Band and George Beverly Shea.
Born on May 27, 1927, to a Pentecostal preacher father, Carmichael began his music career at Southern California Bible College (now Vanguard University), where he founded a men's quartet that brings together classic hymns and contemporary jazz.
In 1951, Carmichael bagged an Emmy Award for his "Campus Christian Hour," a local Los Angeles TV program where his school band mates performed hymns and gospel songs.
In 1968, he founded Light Records and Lexicon Music Publishing which was aimed at promoting rising Christian singers. The late musician also served as president of the Gospel Music Association.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1985 and 2001 respectively.
Carmichael is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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