The Rock and Roll Rebellion

Is there such a thing as Christian music? Fans of what is now called Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) might think so, but not radio personality and writer Mark Joseph. In this well-researched work, Joseph argues that Christian music is not a separate genre, and that by creating a separate marketing category, Christian musicians removed themselves from pop culture—to their own detriment as well as the culture's.

Through profiles of leading Christian musicians and producers (including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Pat Boone, Run-D.M.C., and U2), Joseph explores Christianity's place in American popular music, concentrating in particular on the rise of CCM as a commercial power. For anyone interested in the tension between sacred and secular in modern American music, or for fans of popular artists who have struggled with these issues (such as Amy Grant, Sam Phillips, T-Bone Burnett, Mark Heard, and dozens of others), this book makes for fascinating reading. (And it might also introduce you to some great music!)
–Doug Thorpe