Artist Spotlight - Steven Curtis Chapman

When you think of the greats in contemporary Christian music, who comes to mind? Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Even since he wrote his first song at age fifteen, music has played a pivotal role in Steven Curtis Chapman's life. Why did Steven feel compelled to pen songs? "I didn't write that song to get it played on the radio or to get a 'Dove award nomination.' In fact, it seemed like I simply let the song that was in my heart find its way out; and where it was to go from there was completely up to the One who had given it up to me." Steven's songs have not just topped CCM charts for a decade; they've changed the lives of countless Christians.

One of Steven's most popular songs is now a staple at weddings nationwide. Steven wrote "I Will Be Here" for his wife, Mary Beth. At the time, Steven's parents were going through a difficult divorce, and Steven wrote this song as a promise for his wife. "I did not write it as a gushy, romantic song. I wrote it as a commitment, even a painful commitment."

"I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman {1989}
"I will be here when you feel like being quiet;
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen.
And I will be here when the laughter turns to crying;
Through the winning, losing, and trying, we'll be together,
'Cause I will be here."

Beside writing poetic and touching songs, Steven also uses real-life experiences as analogies to the Christian life. His new album, "Speechless," is full of these analogies. A perfect example is the soaring anthem "Dive."

"I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's wider in the light
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in."

Acording to Steven, the dive in the song represents to joy of the Christian lifestyle. If this isn't power through music, then what is?

Although Steven loves his musical career, nothing comes before his wife, Mary Beth, and their three children: Emily,13; Caleb, 10; and Will Franklin, 8. Many of his fondest (and most embarrasing) moments involve his family. Here's a few from an interview with "Release" magazine.

THING YOU CAN'T DO TO SAVE YOUR LIFE: "Be on time."
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: "Jumping off a 5-foot riser during a song on tour and falling off the front of the stage (and ending up in the lap of two people in the front row.")
BEST GROSS-OUT STORY: "We had just bought our first car, a Honda Civic, after we married. Mary Beth was pregnant and having morning sickness while on our way to work. She was really sick to her stomach and we were both kinda looking and thinking, 'It's our new car; we can't let this happen.' So I did the unthinkable and cupped my hands together for her. That's love!"
BEST PRACTICAL JOKE EVERY PLAYED ON YOU: "My wife threw a surprise birthday party for me and I showed up in my pajamas (I still need counseling for it).