There are many music genres to choose from, Good News Wants to Know… What artist or band do you always recommend when someone asks for a music recommendation? Is there a particular song?

I love all kinds of worship music, and I believe that it is important to create an atmosphere in our homes, in our churches and in our personal prayer times where we are worshiping him on a daily basis. Music is so powerful and can shift an atmosphere of fear to faith, self-focused to God-focused and anxiety to peace. In this season, I recognize I need a really good dose of “celebration of God’s goodness music.” My current playlist has every song by Anne Wilson. My favorites are “Let me tell you about my Jesus” and “Sunday Sermons.” This would not be considered your typical “worship genre.” but they are full of joyful, rich, declarations that I can carry with me throughout my entire day.

Julie Mullins, Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church

I am a strong fan of Gospel music and can listen all day to the Gaithers and the Cathedrals. There was once a local group here called “First Light” that sang the songs from both these groups, so we could hear live songs like “How Great Thou Art” and “I Have Seen the Light” and tap our feet to “Step into the Water.” Today, I recommend Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns whose recent release “Scars in Heaven” is a song I highly recommend.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott PA

Weezer. Death Cab For Cutie. Anything Ryan Alexander does. His music is awesome, and he’s the best storyteller Fort Lauderdale has ever known.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

Mercy Me. Something for everyone in the breadth and variety of their music with a message that transcends. And if we’re talking about a specific song, it’d have to be “Flawless.” The song is fun, but the message is powerful. Mercy Me’s ability to bridge the secular/Christian music divide makes it a great go to.

Brian Mudd, Program Director \ Host of The Morning Rush & The Brian Mudd Show, iHeartMedia

I love to recommend Miles Davis. Particularly his album Kind of Blue. Hard to pick one song…perfect for relaxing.

Char Talmadge, Director, Rescue Upstream

Hillsong United

Charles L. Bender III, Founding CEO, Board Member, Place of Hope

This is a favorite topic of mine as I once considered attending Berklee College of Music to follow a career as a percussionist after marching on the drumline at NEHS. I would always recommend the greatest voice in American history in the works of Frank Sinatra (preferably live in Las Vegas!) The top artists for me from my time are The Police, Rush, Van Halen and anything from the 80’s metal hair bands that played on MTV (when they actually played music videos!) A favorite song would be either “Fly Me to the Moon” by Sinatra or “I Won’t Back Down” by the late Tom Petty.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 93

I would say David Crowder. I have had the opportunity to meet him and be with him in smaller settings, and he has a great heart for the Lord and his music is rich, encouraging and really good. He is also such a down to earth real person who happens to be very funny.

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

My new favorite group is Maverick City Music – and my favorite song is “Promises.” Mandisa’s “Overcomer” is a perennial favorite. Both are inspirational and certain to put you in a better mental space.

Christine Walker, Director, Marketing and Communications, Holy Cross Health

One of my favorite musical groups is Bethel music. I love almost everything they compose and perform. One of their older songs, “Love Came Down,” from the album “Be Lifted High,” really reverberates with my spirit. Check it out!

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Funk, R&B, Soul, and Jazz are my go-to. Of course, you can’t help but recommend songs that highlight the tropical life, love of water and hanging with friends being in South Florida: Buffett, Zac Brown, Chesney, Van Morrison, Eagles, Jennings, Williams Jr., etc. My go to Christian artists to mellow out and focus on Christ are Fernando Ortega, Rita Springer, Andrew Peterson, and Selah.

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director/CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

My precious daughter sent me a song Hillsong did a long time ago, “Every little thing.” She sent me this song when I found out that I had prostate cancer early 2021. The song says, “Why should I worry about tomorrow when I know that all I have to do is trust You, Lord.” Andrea, my daughter, and I share this song back and forth with each other still to this day. This song reminds me that my precious Creator loves me and will only do that which will… work out for my good.” Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11

Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood

I do enjoy Christian music, but my knowledge is limited. I still love Amy Grant! The two favorite songs of hers for me are “Breath of Heaven” or “El Shaddai.”

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

Leon Russell – “Tight Rope”

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

When asked about Christian music, Hillsong Worship is one of my favorites. Always soothes the soul and opens Heaven’s gates. I have a favorite local band called Jeffrey James & Band. Jeffrey is a personal friend and sings Chris Stapleton’s song, “Tennessee Whiskey.” Music is a vital part of life. It fills our house with joy!!

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

Genre: 80’s Alternative 

Best.Band.Ever: The Cure

Recommended Artist: Re-Flex

Song: “The Politics of Dancing”

“There has been no original music since 1989.” – David Byrne, Talking Heads

James ‘JT’ Taylor, Managing Director, Automotive Retail, Truist Securities 

Rock, be it classic or something newer, is my favorite. Bands like Queen and Led Zeppelin come to mind first because of how catchy their songs can be and because of the compositional creativity many songs contain — “Bohemian Rhapsody” for example. Of course, true classical artists like Beethoven and Mozart make their way into my top played songs from time to time as well.

Justus Martin, Staff Photographer, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

There are several groups, but my favorites are Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

While watching “The Chosen” Christmas special, I was introduced to Maverick City and later came across two songs they did in conjunction with Elevation Worship. Those songs are “JIREH” and “Wait on You.” The individual performances, combined with the ensemble singers, provide great music, great messages and great worship!

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

One of my new favorites is Elevation Worship & Maverick City. I love their worship, and one of my favorite songs is “A Million Little Miracles.”

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

My go to music would fall into the category of classic rock. One band that crosses many music genres would be the Eagles. They are a band for the ages. If I had to recommend one of their songs, it would have to be “Hotel California.”

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

I would recommend Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes’ song, “The Blessing.” The song was sent to me by a family member who, though he is not walking with the Lord, was greatly moved by it. When I listened to it the first time, it touched me so deeply that I kept playing it over and over – I never tired of it. Whether you are a believer or not, the song ministers the Word of God and the love of God for His creation like no other song I’ve heard. “The Blessing” is truly a blessing for a world in desperate need of one.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, The Torch and Trumpet Theatre Co.

Whenever someone, of course, in the body of Christ asks me to recommend a musical soloist for some special occasion, I usually recommend our faithful and talented church member, Dr. Deloris Johnson, who has been a faithful member of our church, The Worldwide Christian Center Church since January, 1996. She is one of our church’s soloists. Dr. Deloris Johnson is one of Broward County Florida School Board’s outstanding and most honored retired school principals. Dr. Johnson was also an outstanding choir soloist, both at Blanche Ely High School and Florida A&M University. The song that I would recommend would be “Can You Reach My Friend.”

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

I love many genres of music, whether it be blues, gospel, contemporary or classical, but I primarily listen to worship music. Lately I have found “Weary Traveler” by Jordan St. Cyr and “Jericho” by Andrew Ripp to speak to me, and I have shared them with many of my friends. There are so many great songs and talented artists: Mercy Me, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, just to name a few. It is hard to pick one.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

If someone asked me to recommend a musical artist, I would recommend Michael W. Smith. I think his music is awesome, but most of all I remember nearly 30 years ago I brought our youth group to one of his events and we all got to meet him in person… The way he treated each one of those kids allowed me to not just know his music, but to know his sincere heart for God and for people. He made a BIG impression on me as a young man!!! Michael W Smith is the real deal on and off the stage….and a great musician as well!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

I can’t think of the last time someone asked me for a recommendation about music because my wife Candace is the musical one in the family and a piano and guitar teacher. When it comes to music, I like to call myself an “active listener.” In other words, I like to move and grove to the beat. So, my favorite “dance” music is the old time one you usually get at the wedding reception that gets everyone going. That song would be “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. Well….you know you make me wanna shout!

Romney Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

I listen to almost no music. When I am in the mood, I love Sara McLachlan and her work, but the mood doesn’t strike me very often. I listen to a lot of books (right now I am finishing up a biography of Houdini) and find that a better use of my time than music. This is just me and probably a character flaw, but I’m really not a music kind of person (please forgive me all you worship leaders).

Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Knox Theological Seminary

The artist that I always recommend is Jeremy Camp. He is not only an amazing Christian artist, but he himself has been through a lot of pain in his past with losing his first wife and sings from the redemption that he has experienced through his walk with Christ. He was also the first Christian artist that I started listening to with his song, “Walk By Faith,” that gave me great encouragement about believing even when we don’t see. 

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

Gospel:  Nicole C. Mullen – “My Redeemer Lives” and CeCe Winans – “Believe For It”

Other:  The Police (Sting) – “Every Breath You Take” and Luther Vandross – “Here and Now”

Rev. Dr. Ted Greer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Hope South Florida

There are so many amazing Christian artists, Chris Tomlin, For King and Country, Kirk Franklin, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Casting Crowns and so many others that I could list – it really is difficult to narrow it down to one. But Right now, my number one recommendation is Elevation Worship featuring Maverick City Music. And the song I would recommend is “Wait On You.” Give it a listen and you’ll understand.

Thomas L. Lukasik, Vice President – Community Engagement, 4KIDS

My favorite Christian band is Casting Crowns. I love their music. I am sorry, but I cannot just recommend one song. The top ones for me are “Praise You in the Storm,” “Lifesong” and “Voice of truth.” Their music just ministers so deeply to my heart. I am so uplifted when I play their music. It gives my soul strength. One day I hope to see them in concert.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Country Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/gnwtk-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/