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October 2000
The Story Plus
A Power Source Interview with John Steed
John Steed was born March 8, 1967 in Floral City, Florida. He was raised the old fashion way, with hard work, strict discipline and family values. He also carries on the family tradition of cutting hair with his dad at Steed's Barber Shop. He teaches a Bible class on Wednesday and in his free time he raises and trains coonhounds.
John is a true country boy loving the outdoors with camping, hunting and fishing. As a boy John loved the family gatherings and while the other kids were playing he would sit and sing bluegrass and country songs. At the age of eight, John discovered a talent that would later mold his career and that was the love to write. At that time he started writing poetry and short stories and won some contests in school. At the age of thirteen, he learned his first three chords on an old Kay guitar he bought from a pawn shop. He played his first song three days later, "You are my Sunshine". From there he hasn't looked back. John wrote his first country song at the age of fourteen.
John's life took a turn that changed the nature of his writing and singing. He gave his life to Jesus. From that day God gave John a hunger in his heart for reading and teaching the Word of God. Like a lot of teenagers, John struggled with his Christianity in high school through the influence of wrong friends. John began to listen to heavy metal music and doing the things that seem to go hand and hand with rock music.
On July 8, 1986, God got his attention. He and his brother, Gerald, worked together at a van conversion shop. John had become friends with a guy who wanted to start a rock band and Gerald had recently rededicated his life to the Lord. Gerald would witness to his younger brother and would remind him that his reckless lifestyle was not pleasing to the Lord and was sure to end in tragedy. He didn't realize how prophetic he was.
John turned a deaf ear to his brother's words, he had a music career to pursue. On July 8th, Gerald dropped John off at his parent's house and headed home. John's parents weren't home so he decided to play some rock and roll. Thirty minutes later John received a call he'll never forget!
Gerald had just been killed in an auto accident. Being home alone John had only God to turn to. He ran outside and fell to the ground crying God forgive me. With his face on the ground, he rededicated his life and talents to God.
He met a good Christian girl named Michelle who later became his wife. They joined a church and John joined a band, playing lead guitar for seven years. During that time one of the band members gave him a cassette by the Christian Country group called Jubilation. Bruce Haynes was lead singer, and John fell in love with Christian Country music.
John's songs brought a great response from his church family. Through the financial gift of his friends, John was able to record his first project, "Not for the Mansions." After selling tapes, John was invited to sing at other churches. John sang with sound tracks for a while, but he missed playing in the band. He formed a Christian Country group called John Steed and Cross Road. They began touring Florida on the weekends. Since then he has recorded three albums. He has had great success with the songs released to radio through HMG-Nashville. In November of 1999, John won the "New Artist of the Year" nomination at the 5th annual CCMA award show at the Ryman auditorium in Nashville TN.
Power Source Interview
PS:Tell us about your interest in writing.
John:The need to write and sing has driven me from a very early age. I believe every person is formed in their mothers womb with certain talents and qualities to be used for the glory of God and His will. Some people find what that is, but other's never do. As long as I can remember music has stirred my heart. Writing became a natural way to express feelings that could not be spoken. I believe music and writing is God's will for my life.
PS: Who are some of your secular influences?
John: My secular influences were Randy Travis, John Conlee and John Anderson.
PS: Who are your gospel musical influences?
John: I guess my earliest gospel influences were Kenny Hinson, Bruce Haynes and Mid-South.
PS: Was it difficult for you to make the transition from secular to gospel?
John: I found it difficult to write my first gospel song, but after a lot of prayer and frustration, I felt God speak to my heart and say: "Son, you can't write songs for me like you did for the world. You have to be content to hide in the shadows of the cross. You have to be the servant that brings glory to his master, but if I be lifted up, I'll draw all men unto me. It's not about you, it's all about me." I think when I finally developed the heart and attitude that fame and fortune is not my goal, God gave me my first song, "Not for the Mansions". The message of the song is that if all God promised me at the end of this servants journey is a farm house on a dirt road I would not trade my walk for anything this world has to offer. My reward will not be just the mansion in heaven but to hear these words, "Well done my good and faithful servant". Once you understand what God has done for you you'll then realize you owe your life and talents to Him. This is the reason I write and sing. God has since written through me over forty gospel songs.
PS: How does it feel when you see one of you songs climbing the charts?
John: I still find it hard to believe. I guess it's hard for me to see the talent everyone else does.
PS: How did it feel to be nominated for new artist of the year and sing at the Ryman?
John: When I was told I was nominated for the "New Artist of the Year" award in 1999, I never thought I would actually win, I felt so intimidated during the convention and award show, and so undeserving with so much talent around. When I was told the nominees were going to sing on the awards show, it scared me because I was only used to singing in churches but I felt maybe God was opening a door of opportunity and who was I to say no. I kept telling myself, "God uses simple things and common men to accomplish His will, and He did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power!" I only went to Nashville to seek God's will. At the award show that night I was very excited and to my surprise not at all nervous. Being on stage in front of all those people and cameras I felt honored by God for allowing this small town farm boy this great experience to glorify Him. When Mark Wills called my name as the winner I couldn't believe it. I didn't even have an acceptance speech prepared, but as I accepted the award a feeling of humility filled me, for as I looked at the award I realized God had given me a pillar for my life that reminds me that He can accomplish great things with a heart that is surrendered to His will.
PS: What has happened with you since winning the new artist of the year award?
John: Since then the level of recognition has exploded. Phone calls, fan letters and recently a possible deal with White Water Records. There's also been conversation about a main stream record deal but I don't feel God leading me in that direction at this time.
PS: Tell us what's going on in your life at the moment.
John: God has called me to a local ministry in which I travel around Florida with my band Cross Roads and minister through my testimony and songs. My wife and I are going to have a child after eleven years of marriage. The doctors said it would be a miracle if we ever had children. Well, we just happen to know someone in the miracle making business! I recently recorded my fourth album, "Grace Again" and feel I've reached the level of quality in the production I've always wanted. I plan on releasing several songs from this project. I'm also talking with Resistol Cowboy hats and Ski Nautique boats about sponsorship.
PS: What are you plans for the future?
John: My future plans are to keep touring with my band Cross Road across Florida and hopefully do more writing and recording. My desire is to write and produce Christian country music with a quality that competes with main stream artist. God willing, I would like to have a full time gospel music career, make my songs available to other artists, and have a mainstream artist record some of my positive country songs. My main goal is to be in the center of God's will when Christ returns. I've been blessed to see a multitude of people saved and lives changed through my music ministry. There is no greater reward for me this side of heaven!
PS: Are you coming to Nashville for the CCMA convention and award show?
John: Yes, I plan on attending this years convention and award show. Thank you HMG & CCMA for all you have done for me. I love you all and support you with all my heart.
© 2000
Power Source Music Magazine
P.O. Box 100584
Nashville, TN 37224
615-742-9210
Fax 615-248-8505
Publisher CEO Gene Higgins
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