Flashback Friday

Back to the 90's this week featuring CCM artist, Clay Crosse.

Clay Crosse grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. He became a Christian at the age of 13. He married his high school sweetheart, Renee Kennedy. Initially, Clay worked as a courier for FedEx for six years. Clay then released his first album, My Place Is With You, in 1994. "I Surrender All" was the most successful single from the album. With the success of his musical career, Clay was able to leave FedEx and concentrate on music full-time in 1994.

This song that first introduced him to the CCM world probably remains one of his most successful and certainly a favorite of mine.

Crosse became known for singles such as "I Surrender All" "Midnight Cry" "He Walked A Mile" "Saving The World" and "I Will Follow Christ." . He won the Dove Award for "New Artist of the Year" at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1994. Clay's music has a soulful, pop style. Nine songs from his first four albums became No. 1 singles. During this period, his He Walked A Mile won the 1997 CCM Adult Contemporary Song of the Year. In 1999, his song ""I Will Follow Christ" won the Dove Award for Inspirational song Of the Year. He collaborated on the song with Bob Carlisle and BeBe Winans.

Following his initial success, Clay experienced difficulties with his singing voice and hired a vocal coach, Chris Beatty. At his first appointment with the vocal coach, Mr. Beatty questioned him about his spiritual life. After being asked this question, Clay went through a time of contemplation and reckoning in his life, one that he describes as "the greatest time of spiritual growth I had ever experienced."  With the changes in his personal life, Clay released A Different Man in 1999. The songs "98", "Sinner's Prayer" and "Arms of Jesus" were written reflecting his personal growth. Touring with Jaci Velasquez, he spoke to teenagers encouraging sexual abstinence before marriage. He also worked in conjunction with the national student movement, "True Love Waits." Clay states "During this life-changing time for me there was a clear change in my career. What was once a focus on 'Christian entertainment' was now a genuine calling to the ministry. With this change, Clay began serving in local ministry. Clay served as worship pastor for The Love of Christ (TLC) Community Church in Memphis under head pastor Dana Key (of the Christian Rock group DeGarmo and Key). This was Clay's first staff position at a local church. During this time, Clay signed a deal with the TAG Artist Group to release the CD and DVD Eternity with You: Live Worship. The release of the CD and DVD coincided with the publication of his book, I Surrender All. In 2007, he released the single "Believe".

Clay has served as lead worship pastor at the following churches. First Baptist Church, Bentonville, Arkansas 2013 - present. Faith Baptist Church, Arlington, Tennessee 2010 - 2013. The Love of Christ Church (TLC) 2004 - 2008.