Mark Heard: 12/16/1951 - 8/16/1992

Twenty years ago August 16th, one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived was lost to the world.  I've already posted a blog about Mark (here:http://diversity-sam.blogspot.com/2011/02/mark-heard-enigma-in-christian-music.html) so I won't repeat myself.  I just wanted to post something in his memory.  Rest in peace, Mark.

Treasure Of The Broken Land was the last song on the last album Mark ever released.  Somewhat prophetic, I think.

 This one is as close as Mark ever came to writing a "Gospel" song.  It's been covered by Nickel Creek on their cd Here To There, and by Buddy Greene on his cd Sojourner's Song.

Famously covered by Leslie (Sam) Phillips on her album Beyond Saturday Night.

Artist web site: http://www.markheard.net/

Articles: http://blogs.courier-journal.com/faith/2012/08/16/still-missing-mark-heard-after-all-these-years/

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/august-web-only/remembering-mark-heard.html

Billy Crockett

I first heard Billy Crockett back in 1986 when I picked up a Dayspring Records sampler titled "Just What You're Looking For."  That album featured tracks from Billy, Wayne Watson, Teri DeSario and many others on the Dayspring label.  Every song was good, but Billy's "Portrait Of Love," a beautiful, acoustic Harry Chapin-ish tune, really stood out.  I immediately sought out the album "Surprises In Disguises" and was equally impressed with the rest of the disc.  To this day, "Surprises" is my favorite out of a long line of excellent releases from Billy.

While he's never had big "hits" of his own, really, Billy has worked with many other artists who have, most notably with Rich Mullins, as a member of Mullins' Ragamuffin Band.  After Rich's death, Billy recorded "Verge Of A Miracle" for a Rich Mullins tribute cd.

Between 1984 and 1999 Billy recorded and released 8 excellent albums in the CCM market.  He "retired" in 2000 to build his own studio/artist retreat, Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio, located in Wimberley, Texas.  He frequently tours as part of a trio, including Grace Pettis (Daughter of Pierce Pettis) and Dirje Smith.

Artist Website: http://billycrockett.com/