(CHRISTIAN HEADLINES) – Christian songwriter Ralph Carmichael, known as the "Father of Contemporary Christian Music," passed away on Monday at the age of 94.
In the 1960s, Carmichael began creating modern-sounding faith-based music that would eventually be termed "Contemporary Christian Music." During his life, he composed more than 300 gospel songs, including "The Savior Is Waiting," "There Is a Quiet Place," "Reach Out to Jesus" and "He's Everything to Me."
According to Relevant Magazine, Carmichael inspired other big-name CCM artists, such as Andraé Crouch, the Resurrection Band and George Beverly Shea. His influence also extended to musical legends like Nat King Cole, the Carpenters, Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis Presley.
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