RICH MULLINS MUSICAL RETROSPECTIVE BELLSBURG LANDS AT NO. 1
New York Times Editorial Highlights Mullins’ Continuing Influence
NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR November 17, 2022
17 NOVEMBER 2022 - NASHVILLE, TN -Bellsburg...The Songs of Rich Mullins(listen HERE) was released earlier this month in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the passing of Rich Mullins, the American songwriter and Gospel music icon. Upon its release, Bellsburg (Old Bear Records) hit No. 1 on the iTunes Christian chart and landed in the Top 30 on the Overall iTunes chart. Singles from the double album set were also featured on key playlists, including Apple Music’s Inspired Chill, Amazon Music’s Highly Favored, Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian, and Pandora’s New Christian Music Now.
“It’s fairly easy to create music—that’s simply an overflow of our hearts that we’ve learned to fashion into a song, a session, an album, but waiting to see if anyone will respond to that music once it’s released, that’s tough,” commented Andrew Greer, an eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee, co-producer, and contributing artist on Bellsburg. “But then when someone does respond, and not only responds but resonates with the music, I remember that music is not about getting it right or wrong, but creating a space for everyone to collaborate in the shared experience of making and consuming music, and that feels very Rich Mullins to me.”
To continue commemorating his life and legacy, Old Bear Records will roll out a variety of Mullins-inspired projects in the coming months. Deep Valley,a never-before-heard live recording from Mullins' early career, will release on February 10, and Worktapes…More Songs of Rich Mullins, a follow-up to Bellsburg featuring a wide array of singer/songwriters recording more of his celebrated catalog, will release on June 2.
A variety of artists also hosted a string of events coinciding with the release of Bellsburg, culminating with a sold-out show in Nashville, TN. In addition, a "Friends & Family" concert was held at Mullins' alma mater, Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, alongside a ground-breaking ceremony on the campus for "Rich's Room," an archive of artifacts reflecting his life slated to open Fall 2023.
Perhaps most significant is a recent article from the New York Times honoring Mullins' legacy and how his music, even after 25 years of his passing, endures. Read the story HERE.
"I think Rich embodied community on a very simple, natural level,” opined Anthony Hoisington, Executive Producer of Bellsburg and co-founder of Buffalo-based independent label Old Bear Records. “While recording Bellsburg, Connie Hawk, an old friend of Rich’s and the owner of his home where we recorded the bulk of the album, commented to me, ‘You guys are so young–younger than the generation Rich was impacting when he was making music.’ She could see this legacy being passed down. It’s the communal aspect of Rich’s life and legacy that I admire the most." Hoisington is also one-third of the Americana band Brothers McClurg, who was featured on Bellsburg.
Rich Mullins is the author and voice of songs such as "Awesome God," "Hold Me Jesus" and "If I Stand." Millions 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. Commemorating his passing, a group of acclaimed artists and musicians gathered in his historic home in Bellsburg, TN to record an 18-track album that also features two never-before-released demos from Mullins himself. Notable artists featured include Amy Grant, Andrew Peterson, Carolyn Arends, Mitch McVicker, Jason Gray, Ashley Cleveland, Sara Groves, and Taylor Leonhardt, among others.
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.
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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] ELI GABLE Your Nature - Single [Capitol CMG] 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] NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore] No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax] Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights] Passion The Lord Will Provide (feat. Landon Wolfe & Jamie MacDonald) - Single [Capitol CMG] Pastor Mike Jr. Blessed - Single [Capitol CMG] 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] Chris Tomlin Jesus Saves - Single [Capitol CMG] Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident] Anne Wilson Stars - Single [Capitol CMG] 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)
The Rock Music Celebrates Ministry Milestone with "Captured By Grace" 20-Year Deluxe
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
