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?
Memories of some cool old music.
Petra was and still is a favorite. Whiteheart too.
Keith Green was a bit of a nutjob, but an awesome pianist and evangelist. I went to the Keith Green Memorial video concert after he died.
2nd Chapter of Acts was actually Bro and 2 sisters. I recall that he cut a single with Donna Summer too. Good song but can't remember the title.
Steve Camp was pretty good and he had a real heart for ministry. DeGarmo and Key were also a great band. Remember MTV banned 666 cause it was too controversial.
I'm 51. I used to own a few Second Chapter records, and saw them as sort of a Christian "ABBA." Yes, some was very good, but I sort of see them as part of a major transition of Christian music to the more "mainstream sounding" stuff we have today. A lot of the Christian music I listened to back then, I listened to because I was "suposed" to like it. It's like enjoying the music of a band where the members are all friends, vs today when you like the music, even double blind tested, i.e. not because you know the band. It is an objective appreciation.
And not aimed at you, but must be said:
To suggest that Christian musicians must produce "Christian" music is like suggesting that "Christian" attorneys and plumbers must only do "Christian" jobs, whatever that would mean.
Our choir got to sing with Steve Green years ago and it was an awesome experience!