Rich Mullins American singer and songwriter Date of Birth: 21.10.1955 Country: USA

1. Biography of Rich Mullins
2. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
3. College and Professional Career
4. Tragic Accident and Legacy

Biography of Rich Mullins

Rich Mullins was an American singer and songwriter who gained fame in the genre of Contemporary Christian music (CCM). He is best known for his songs 'Awesome God' and 'Step by Step', which are considered modern classics by many Christians and are used in worship services. Several of his albums, including 'Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth' (1988), 'The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One' (1991), and 'A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band' (1993), are also among the best CCM albums. Mullins' songs have been performed by various artists, including Amy Grant, Carolyn Arends, John Tesh, Chris Rice, and bands such as Third Day and Five Iron Frenzy.

Mullins is also remembered for his devotion to the Christian faith. He was greatly influenced by the life of Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) and, shortly before his death in 1997, co-authored the musical 'Canticle of the Plains' about the life of Saint Francis.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Richard Wayne Mullins was born on October 21, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana. He grew up with two sisters and two brothers. At home, he was called by his middle name, Wayne, until he went to college, where his friends started calling him Richard. His father was a farmer, and his mother belonged to the Quakers, who influenced his upbringing with their focus on peace and social justice. Mullins' great-grandmother taught him to play hymns on the family's piano from a young age, and he began taking piano lessons in elementary school. He participated in the youth choir 'New Creations Choir', where he sang, wrote songs, and accompanied on the piano. The choir, founded in the early 70s, had its own bus and toured several states. Mullins provided significant support to the choir as it gained recognition.

College and Professional Career

In 1976-1977, Mullins formed his first band while attending Cincinnati Bible College, which he graduated from in 1978. To pay for his education, he worked in a garage while also serving as the music director in a Methodist church near the city. In 1980, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the capital of country music, to pursue a professional music career. However, his debut solo album, 'Rich Mullins', was not released until 1986. Since then, he released six solo albums, three compilations, three albums with a band, and twenty singles.

In 1988, Mullins relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where he became a student at Friends University in 1991. He graduated in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in music. After completing his studies, Mullins and his friend Mitch McVicker traveled to the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, where they taught music to children. Mullins donated the money he earned from album sales and tours to the church, which paid him an average American salary and used the remainder for charitable purposes.

Tragic Accident and Legacy

On September 19, 1997, Mullins and Mitch McVicker were driving to a charity concert in Hillsboro, Kansas, when their Jeep overturned. They were not wearing seat belts and were thrown from the vehicle. When a passing truck swerved to avoid a collision with the Jeep, Mullins ended up in its path. He was too severely injured to move, and the truck ran over him, causing instant death. His friend suffered serious injuries but survived. Mullins' funeral was attended by a large number of people. He was buried in Hollansburg, Ohio, next to his father and brother, who died as a child.