>>It has been really satisfying to notice this. I recall walking into a mall in the late 1990's and hearing DC Talk on the music system.<<
During one of our prison concerts, the boys commented that one of the songs we played was on the radio. I was surprised by that. I never listen to music on the radio and depend on my guitarist (he used to be a manager at Mhyr records) to select music. I had never heard of Switchfoot until we started practicing "Meant to Live" a few months ago...
>>And to think the lame stuff that was circulating on cassettes in the late '80s. Yikes!<<
2nd chapter of acts comes to mind, but the guy had awesome pipes. I understand he finally made a solo attempt but it may have been too late.
Oh, there was some awesome stuff -- but it was rare. I have memories of Lawrence Welk sounding things...
If I recall, 2nd Chapter of Acts was a bro/sis team, Matthew Ward and Annie Herring. I don't listen to Christian radio exclusively anymore, but when I did Matthew's then latest album was getting play, in the same circles where you'd hear Steve Green (another awesome player). Moody Radio stuff.
You sound a little younger. Have you done your requisite Kieth Green/Larry Norman studies?
I dunno.. I'm still a HUGE Steve Taylor, Petra (Greg X.Volz era) and Rez fan.