ACCLAIMED ARTISTS HONOR RICH MULLINS' LEGACY WITH LANDMARK NEW COLLECTION
"BELLSBURG...THE SONGS OF RICH MULLINS" AVAILABLE TODAY
NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR November 4, 2022
NASHVILLE, TENN. (NOVEMBER 04, 2022) - American songwriter and Gospel music icon, Rich Mullins, penned and recorded treasured songs such as "Awesome God," "Hold Me Jesus" and "If I Stand," before his tragic passing at the height of his career 25 years ago. Millions of listeners have connected with his music over the decades, and a wide array of recording artists have been impacted by his simple musical arrangements and raw lyrics. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his passing, various artists gathered in his historic home in Bellsburg, Tennessee to record an 18-track album that features two never-before-released demos from Mullins himself. Notable artists featured include Amy Grant, Andrew Peterson, Mitch McVicker, Jason Gray, Ashley Cleveland, Sara Groves, Taylor Leonhardt and many more. The album, Bellsburg...The Songs of Rich Mullins (Old Bear Records) is available today everywhere here.
Produced by Chris Hoisington, Andrew Greer, and Evan Sieling for Old Bear Records, and Executive Produced by Greer, Anthony Hoisington and Dave Trout of UTR Media, these tracks were recorded with the sparse instrumentation and arrangements that were found on many of Mullins' demos. Each of the artists featured in the project has a personal connection with Mullins or has been deeply influenced by his music.
"Rich Mullins introduced me to an experience with God in the context of music that I had never known...He made lofty ideas about God so earthly." - Amy Grant
"When (Rich) talked about God, he was talking about a person that he knew, not about an idea. I wanted that. I was so hungry for that. I'm hungry for that now." - Andrew Peterson
"From my experience with Rich’s music, he sends out a very necessary message to others that clearly says, “You are not alone!” It takes someone brave enough to go first, but once someone does go first, transparency begets transparency, mercy begets mercy, vulnerability begets vulnerability— all of the things necessary for healing.” - Sara Groves
The "double album" that was recorded live-to-tape also includes a new recording of the iconic Mullins' song, "Hard To Get," featuring his brother David Mullins and nephew Jonathan Mullins. The never heard demos are "Whitewater" and "Holy Pretenders" captured by Mullins. In addition to the album, a documentary filmed during the recording sessions will release in 2023 and is highlighted in the album trailer below. The Deluxe CD packaging also features exclusive never-before-seen photos of the album's recording sessions and Mullins (see below).
In a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times, Mullins' music was described as "a mix of folk, Americana, gospel, Appalachian and Celtic influences. What makes it stand out most is his lyrics. Christian music has been accused of being shallow — infused with a saccharine “Yay, Jesus!” corniness. Mullins, in contrast, was authentic and raw." The piece also highlighted this tribute album as part of the 25th anniversary of his death and the celebration of his life during his birthday month of October.
A life that continues to impact so many, Bellsburg is a beautiful tribute to the life and music of Rich Mullins. To find out more, visit Bellsburg.com.
A never-before-seen photo of Rich Mullins (circ. 1988) by famed music photographer Michael Wilson
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For more info on Rich Mullins, visit the JFH Artists Database.
This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent) Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent) Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel] bodie NO SKIPS [Provident] Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [LastDaze] Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM] The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent) Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]
SINGLES Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax] Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite] Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent) CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity] Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent) Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN] Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax] Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel] Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic] JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent) Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow] Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident] No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax] Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights] R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax] Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax] Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax] Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb] Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon] NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore] Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident] Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent) Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]
Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent) Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG] Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM] Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG] Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent) twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen] Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]
SINGLES BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music] Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb] Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent) Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent) The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)
Faith Child Collaborates with Gospel Icon Erica Campbell on New Single, "Wildfire"
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
