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 19, 2025
ALBUMS Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax] Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent) Influence Music One True God (independent) JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC (Deluxe) [JamesTown] LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity] Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship] Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent) Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent) Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach] Red Rocks Worship The King Is Coming - EP [Provident] Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM] Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident] Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)
SINGLES 1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach] Alabaster Grace High King of Heaven - Single (independent) Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach] bodie GOOD OLD DAYS (but with friends) [feat. CAIN] - Single [Provident] Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent) Elevation Rhythm Washed - Single [Provident] Garett and Kate Serban How Great Thou Art (Live) - Single [Bethel] GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax] I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax] Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax] No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax] Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent) Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent) Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent) Presence Music Found In The Hurt - Single [Syntax] Rave Jesus He's On The Move (feat. SON.) - Single [Provident] Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax] Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax] Rosemont Dust - Single (independent) Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent) Sound Street Pray, Pray, Pray - Single [Sonlite] Taylor & Co Worship and Luke Wareham No Holding Back - Single (independent) Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax] Tim Hughes, Cody Carnes Here I Am To Worship - Single [The Fuel] John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM] Tauren Wells Fight Like Heaven - Single [Capitol CMG]
Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records] Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident] Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent) Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG] Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)
SINGLES CAIN My Victory's Coming - Single [Provident] Brandon Lake When A Cowboy Prays - Single [Provident] The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon] Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]
LO Worship Releases First Full-Length Live Album Today
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
