Who do you think is the most successful and influential figure in the world of Inspirational music?

Question

THis includes all types of inspirational music from gospel, to Christian rock, to inspirational hip hop.

Answer 1

I'm not well-versed on classical musicians from centuries past, but for recent musicians who are influencing inspirational music, I'll suggest Steve Taylor, Rich Mullins and Third Day, in that order.

As for defining "successful" in this regard, I'd say that would have to be measured in how well they inspired people to become more like Jesus. Album sales don't mean a thing.

Answer 2

Top ones over the last 10 years:
Song Writers:

Micheal W. Smith
Steven Curtis Champman
Rich Mullins

New artist Styles:
Newsboys
DC Talk
Relient K
KJ - 52

Answer 3

How to define success? but if you exclude money arriving during their lifetime, Beethoven and Shostakovich. Beethoven not merely went deaf - he had constant tinnitus, which made his life hell (get a copy of the Heilegenstadt Testament, where he writes about its impact). Shostakovich went blind, and had to face the most appalling persecution from the Soviet authorities; in his autobiography, Testimony, he records that he couldn't even get manuscript paper to write on and so he had to rule his own (and get his friends to help him) and so he never had enough paper to write full orchestral works ... so he wrote music for piano, and chamber music, and whatever else you could do with inadequate resources.

And if the heroism isn't enough, they each changed the face of music forever. They'll do as my inspiration. .

Answer 4

Well my favorite Christian rock band is Kutless but i think that Switchfoot is the most successful figure. Hope I answered your question right and by the way it was a good question to ask.

Answer 5

Mindless Self Indulgence.

Answer 6

Kirk Franklin

Answer 7

Peewee Herman

Answer 8

Rabindranauth Tagore.

Answer 9

Dwight Yokum. Good Luck! :)