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, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident] AOH Music BEHOLD (Acoustic Live), Vol. 1 (independent) Blanca Full Bloom [Curb] Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither] Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder] Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder] Vince Gill 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had - EP [UMG] Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent) Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent) Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG] Megan Woods The Truth EP [Fair Trade]
SINGLES Elevation Worship Jesus Be The Name - Single [Provident] F'rael God's Wheel (ft. TRYBISHOP) - Single [Syntax] Brandon Lake When A Cowboy Prays (Amazon Music Songline) - Single [Provident] LEON Undefeated - Single [El Rescate Music] No Vain Glory UNLEADED - Single [Syntax] Park 7 The Hope Is On The Way - Single (independent) Rave Jesus & Gracie Binion Need Your Love - Single [Provident] REFVGE, Cyfë II & WAY? U P W A R D S ft. Bianca Silver & Josh LeCroy - Single [Syntax] Rhymes In Harmony & MAYIA My Sister - Single [Syntax] Rock City Worship Gravestone - Single [Capitol CMG] Anton Scholl Born To Love You - Single [Near Kingdom] Nathan Sheridan Don't Lose Hope - Single [WieRok] SNT. VINCENT Feast of the Saints - Single [Syntax] Vertical Kings Faith In Stereo - Single [Covenant] Vic Lucas, Essence Natay & Ashleey Barnes Let it Rain - Single [Syntax] Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent) Aaron Williams Abide (feat. CAIN) - Single [Integrity]
DVD Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]
Next Friday, October 24, 2025
ALBUMS John Allan untitled EP [Centricity] Dan Bremnes The Villain - EP [Curb] Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation] God Behind Bars Music Live From Angola Prison Vol. 1 [Provident] Fepeste This World Ain't Mine to Change [Velvet Blue] gio. FINE BY ME [Capitol CMG] Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident] Tyson Motsenbocker Modern Worries [Tooth & Nail] Smalltown Poets St. Augustine (independent) Zahriya Zachary Rediscovery [Bethel]
SINGLES 29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM] Joe L Barnes Grief, Joy, Gratitude - Single [Provident] Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love (Remix) - Single [DREAM] Leanna Crawford Beginning Of Your Grace - Single [Provident] darthy Juniper Tree - Single [WieRok] Emerson Day Midnight Hour - Single [Fair Trade] Good Weather Forecast lows2highs - Single [DREAM] Grace + Max Rich - Single [WieRok] Mercy Tribe Music The King is in the Room (feat. Ayiesha Woods) - Single (independent) Mountains in the Sea You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM] Seph Schlueter Already On The Way (feat. Benjamin William Hastings) - Single [Provident] Tomb Slayer The Christmas Lamb (feat. Khristian Dentley & Sarah Whittemore) - Single [Tomb Slayer] The Undertaking! All Smiles - Single (independent)
Anne Wilson Unveils Third Studio Album, "Stars," Out Now
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
