Rich Mullins

This article is about the Christian musician. For the desert rock musician, see Rich Mullins (bassist).

Rich Mullins
Mullins in 1997
Mullins in 1997
Background information
Birth nameRichard Wayne Mullins
Born(1955-10-21)October 21, 1955
Richmond, Indiana, U.S.
DiedSeptember 19, 1997(1997-09-19) (aged 41)
Lostant, Illinois, U.S.
GenresContemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • guitar
  • hammered dulcimer
Years active1981–1997
LabelsReunion
Formerly ofA Ragamuffin Band

Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter best known for his worship songs "Awesome God" and "Sometimes by Step". Some of his albums were listed by CCM Magazine in their ranking of the 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, including A Liturgy, a Legacy, & a Ragamuffin Band (1993) at No. 3, The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One (1991) at No. 7, and Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988) at No. 31.[1] His songs have been performed by numerous artists, including Caedmon's Call, Five Iron Frenzy, Amy Grant, Carolyn Arends, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, John Tesh, Chris Rice, Rebecca St. James, Hillsong United and Third Day.[2] During the tribute to Rich Mullins' life at the 1998 GMA Dove Awards, Amy Grant described him as "the uneasy conscience of Christian music."[3]

Mullins was devoted to the Christian faith and heavily influenced by St. Francis of Assisi. In 1997, he composed a musical called Canticle of the Plains,[4] a retelling of the life of St. Francis set in the Old West.[5]

  1. ^ Granger, Thom (2001). The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. Harvest House Publishers. ISBN 9780736902816.
  2. ^ "Rich Mullins song list". Kidbrothers.net. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  3. ^ "R1998 - Rich Mullins Tribute". GMA Dove Awards. April 23, 1998. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  4. ^ Mullins, Rich. "Rich Mullins - Canticle of the Plains". Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  5. ^ "Mullins Takes Risk with Show on Saint, But Fans Keep Faith". Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2008.