Celebrating the songs that launched a genre, GRAMMY-winning sibling trio The Archers—pioneers of the Jesus Music movement and architects of the Contemporary Christian sound—revisit their iconic discography with the highly anticipated Legacy Live, available August 22 from New Day Christian Distributors.
Produced by Tim and Cynthia Archer and co-produced by Steve Archer, Michael Blanton and Janice Archer Cruse, the in-concert set was recorded at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin, Tennessee. Commemorating more than five decades of music and ministry, Legacy Live delivers updated arrangements of 12 of The Archers’ career-defining hits presented through seven songs and a medley of five fan favorites.
Bringing fresh perspective to the music that helped define The Archers’ storied career, Legacy Live showcases a reimagined rendition of the Andraé Crouch standard “Jesus Is The Answer.” Making history as the first artist to ever record the now-classic song—personally given to the group by Crouch, a mentor and friend—The Archers debuted “Jesus Is The Answer” on their inaugural national release, Any Day Now, in 1972.
Additional highlights of Legacy Live include the brass-driven album opener “Celebrate,” title-cut of The Archers’ 1980 Light Records live recording; “Fresh Surrender,” a smooth pop ballad displaying the trio’s signature family harmonies; and a new take on the electrifying 1979 hit “Stand Up,” penned by Steve Archer with music by the group’s keyboardist, Phil Kristianson. The album also showcases “Legacy Medley,” featuring five of The Archers’ most prolific songs, among them “Give Us This Day,” from the GRAMMY-winning compilation The Lord’s Prayer; fan favorite “Make Me An Instrument”; and the 1979 classic “Pickin’ Up The Pieces,” written by Tim Archer.
“In the beginning, Jesus Music was very much a shared experience between those on the stage and those in the audience,” Tim Archer reflects. “We were all experiencing not only the birth of a new genre, but a move of God that swept the country, and this was something we considered as we began to plan this project. Many of the songs were selected by inviting our friends and fans to once again share this experience with us via discussions across social media about the songs that were favorites, or most meaningful, or life-changing.”
“It was surreal to stand on stage with my brother Tim and my sister Janice and the world-class musicians and singers that joined us for these brand-new live versions of our classic songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s,” says Steve Archer. “There were so many memories and emotions swirling around that night, and we pray this project will touch many lives with the message that Jesus is still Lord.”
“As people listen to the album, I pray the timeless messages in these songs will revive any hope that needs to be renewed in their lives and circumstances and will remind them of how loved they are by Jesus,” adds Janice Archer Cruse. “The last song on this project says it all: ‘Jesus is the answer for the world today.’ He always has been, and He still is.”
Underscoring the significance of Legacy Live, as well as The Archers’ pivotal role in Christian music history, founder and president of Blanton Entertainment and album co-producer Michael Blanton states, “It’s so important to remember our legacy in Christian music and the power found in these songs The Archers first introduced to the world in the 1970s. This was the beginning of the Christian music genre we know today, and we should never forget all the early music makers and the songs that gave us hope in our faith.”
“The Archers’ music was one of the first sounds I heard after giving my heart to Jesus,” recalls Dusty Wells, director of artist and label relations, New Day Christian Distributors. “Their songs were life-giving, full of hope, and so deeply integral to my early walk with the Lord. What a perfect season to bring these classics back to life, and New Day is honored to help carry this powerful project to the world.”