Contemporary Christian music
Faith-based popular music rooted in the Jesus movement revival.
Contemporary Christian music (CCM), also known as Christian pop and occasionally inspirational music, is a genre of modern popular music that focuses lyrically on matters related to the Christian faith. Originating in the United States, it was formed by those affected by the 1960s Jesus movement revival, a response to the American counterculture, who began to express themselves in styles of popular music beyond the traditional church music of hymns, Gospel, Traditional black gospel, and Southern gospel. Initially called "Jesus music," the term now typically refers to pop but also encompasses Christian rock, southern rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, metal, contemporary worship, punk, hardcore punk, Latin, electronic dance music, R&B-influenced gospel, and country styles. After its development in the United States, CCM became a globally recognized style of faith-based popular music, with representation on several music charts including Billboard's Christian Albums, Christian Songs, Hot Christian AC, Christian CHR, Soft AC/Inspirational, and Christian Digital Songs, as well as the UK's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Top-selling CCM artists also appear on the Billboard 200. The genre's history began in the 1950s and 1960s, when rock and roll was initially dismissed by Protestant churches as encouraging sinfulness, but Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal churches later adapted by adopting popular musical styles. The Jesus movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s gave rise to "Jesus music," with artists playing instruments and singing about love and peace, which translated into love of God. Larry Norman is remembered as the "father of Christian rock" for early contributions mixing rock rhythms with Christian messages, notably in his album *Upon This Rock* (1969). Other pioneers included Andraé Crouch, the Imperials, Michael Omartian, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, Love Song, Barry McGuire, Evie, Paul Clark, Randy Matthews, Randy Stonehill, and Keith Green. The small Jesus music culture expanded into a multimillion-dollar industry by the 1980s, with artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Stryper, and DC Talk achieving crossover mainstream success. Themes in CCM include praise, worship, faith, encouragement, prayer, devotion, inspiration, redemption, reconciliation, and renewal, often providing comfort in tough times.
- origin
- United States
- era
- 1960s–present
- field
- Music genre
- also_known_as
- Christian pop, Jesus music
- key_influences
- Jesus movement revival, rock and roll, folk music
- notable_artists
- Larry Norman, Andraé Crouch, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, MercyMe, Lauren Daigle
Lore & Background
Contemporary Christian music (CCM) is a genre of modern popular music that emerged in the United States, shaped by the Jesus movement revival of the late 1960s and early 1970s. This revival saw young people from the American counterculture, often called "Jesus people," reject a lifestyle centered on drugs, free sex, and radical politics, and instead express their newfound Christian faith through popular music styles. Initially known as "Jesus music," the genre moved beyond traditional church music—such as hymns, gospel, and Southern gospel—by incorporating rock, folk, and other contemporary sounds. Early pioneers included artists like Larry Norman, often considered the father of Christian rock, along with Andraé Crouch and the Disciples, the Imperials, Phil Keaggy, and Keith Green. The genre’s appearance is diverse, encompassing not only pop but also Christian rock, southern rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, metal, contemporary worship, punk, hardcore punk, Latin, electronic dance music, R&B-influenced gospel, and country. Its range has expanded globally, with representation on major music charts like Billboard’s Christian Albums and Christian Songs, as well as the UK’s Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Defining characteristics include lyrics focused on Christian faith themes such as praise, worship, devotion, redemption, and encouragement, often providing comfort to listeners. The genre grew from a small subculture into a multimillion-dollar industry by the 1980s, with artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and DC Talk achieving crossover success on mainstream radio.
Reader's Guide
Contemporary Christian music (CCM) developed from the Jesus movement revival of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a response to the American counterculture in which young people formerly involved with drugs and radical politics turned to Christianity. Initially called "Jesus music," it blended rock and folk styles with Christian lyrics, moving beyond traditional hymns, gospel, and Southern gospel. Artists like Larry Norman, often considered a pioneer, combined rock rhythms with Christian messages, while others such as Andraé Crouch, the Imperials, and Keith Green helped shape the early sound. The genre quickly expanded from a small subculture into a major industry by the 1980s, with artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and DC Talk achieving crossover success on mainstream Top 40 radio. CCM now encompasses a wide range of styles, including Christian rock, hip-hop, metal, punk, electronic dance music, and contemporary worship. Its lyrics focus on praise, faith, redemption, and encouragement, often providing comfort to listeners. The genre is represented on Billboard charts such as Christian Albums and Christian Songs, and on streaming platforms under Christian and gospel categories. It has become a globally recognized form of faith-based popular music, influencing both worship practices and the broader Christian media landscape.
Did You Know?
- By the 1980s, the small Jesus music culture had expanded into a multimillion-dollar industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Contemporary Christian music (CCM)?
CCM is a genre of modern popular music whose lyrics center on Christian faith themes. It is also commonly called Christian pop or, in its earliest days, "Jesus music."
Where and when did CCM originate?
The genre emerged in the United States during the 1960s, driven by artists inspired by the Jesus movement revival who wanted to express their faith through popular music styles rather than traditional hymns. Rock and roll and folk music were key influences on its early sound.
What subgenres fall under the CCM umbrella?
While the term most often refers to Christian pop, CCM broadly encompasses Christian rock, hip-hop, metal, and contemporary worship music. Essentially, any popular-music style with faith-centered lyrics can be categorized under CCM.
Who are some of the most notable CCM artists?
Foundational figures include Larry Norman and Andraé Crouch, who helped shape the genre in the 1970s. Later stars like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, MercyMe, and Lauren Daigle carried CCM into the mainstream over subsequent decades.
How is CCM different from gospel or traditional worship music?
CCM borrows production and songwriting conventions from mainstream pop, rock, and hip-hop rather than sticking to church-hymn structures. Its roots trace back to the 1960s Jesus movement, which pushed believers to use contemporary secular styles as vehicles for faith-based messages.
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