How The Archers Helped Shape Christian Music History

The Archers: The Sound That Started It All

Long before “Contemporary Christian Music” became a chart category, a new sound began rising through churches, coffeehouses, and arenas across America. It was soulful, sincere, bold, and unmistakably modern. At the heart of that movement stood three siblings from California, Tim, Steve, and Janice Archer. Known simply as The Archers, their radiant harmonies and pop-influenced production helped shape what would become the Jesus Music era, giving a fresh voice to timeless faith. When they began performing in the early 1970s, “Christian pop” barely existed. The Archers were part of a pioneering wave of artists using the language of contemporary music to share messages of hope and authenticity. Their sound quickly connected with listeners, leading to major national exposure. They performed on The Mike Douglas Show and The Jerry Lewis Telethon, sold out the Universal Amphitheatre, and were invited to the White House by President Jimmy Carter. Their reach continued to grow as they shared stages with Pat Boone, The Oak Ridge Boys, B.J. Thomas, and Andraé Crouch, performing in iconic venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the LA Coliseum. 

By 1975, they were featured at nearly every major Jesus Festival across North America and were touring extensively throughout Europe. In 1981, The Archers earned a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for their contribution to Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire’s “The Lord’s Prayer”. That same year, they became one of the first Christian groups to perform live on the nationally televised Grammy Awards, marking a defining moment for the genre they helped pioneer. 

Now, more than four decades later, the Grammy-winning trio returns with Legacy Live, a project that revisits their most loved songs while reaffirming the faith, artistry, and groundbreaking creativity that started it all.

A Celebration of Faith and Sound

Legacy Live, available now from New Day Christian Distributors, is both a reflection and a revival. Produced by Tim and Cynthia Archer, and co-produced by Steve Archer, Michael Blanton, and Janice Archer Cruse, the in-concert album was recorded at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin, Tennessee. Commemorating over five decades of music and ministry, Legacy Live presents fresh arrangements of 12 career-defining songs, featuring seven full performances and a medley of five fan favorites. “After so many years, we wanted to celebrate not just the music, but the message behind it,” says Tim Archer. “These songs were part of a moment in time when Christian music was just beginning to find its voice. We wanted to honor that legacy. One of the album’s most meaningful moments comes with a reimagined rendition of Andraé Crouch’s “Jesus Is The Answer.” Given personally to The Archers by their friend and mentor Crouch, the group became the first artists to ever record the now-classic song on their national debut Any Day Now in 1972. More than 50 years later, their voices carry the same conviction — that Jesus still is, and always will be, the answer. Legacy Live also features a “Legacy Medley,” weaving together five of their most beloved songs, including “Give Us This Day” from the Grammy-winning compilation The Lord’s Prayer, “Make Me An Instrument,” and “Pickin’ Up The Pieces,” written by Tim Archer. Each track feels like a chapter in a story that has never stopped unfolding.

Legacy and Renewal

Today, Legacy Live serves as both a look back and a step forward. The project captures the soul of a group that never saw music as performance alone, but as ministry — a way to lift spirits and point hearts to something greater. “Our goal was never to chase trends,” says Janice Archer Cruse. “It was to share the hope we had. The sound changed over the years, but the message never did. “For fans who grew up with The Archers, this album is a return to something familiar. For a new generation discovering their music for the first time, it’s a window into the roots of Contemporary Christian Music — a genre built by those who dared to believe faith could sound modern, relevant, and alive. As Legacy Live reminds us, The Archers didn’t just make music. They helped define an era. And now, more than 50 years later, they’re reminding the world why those songs still matter.

Because when faith and melody meet, a movement begins.

To find out more about the Archers' Legacy Live, click the LINK! 

CREDITS

Early leaders in contemporary Christian music, blending gospel with rock and pop influences. Their song Jesus Is The Answer is recognized as a genre classic and was personally given to them by Andraé Crouch.
In 1981, they won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for their contribution to Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire’s album The Lord’s Prayer. Over the years, the group has released more than a dozen albums and achieved worldwide sales exceeding one million units.
The Archers toured with well-known artist such as Pat Boone, The Oak Ridge Boys, B.J. Thomas, and Andraé Crouch.