Stephen McWhirter is essentially an internet phenomenon - hardly known or heard beyond the confines of the world wide web - but what a voice! Powerful, sincere, filled with the love of, and for, Jesus Christ. His backstory is one of rising up by the power of Christ - and Christ alone! - to defeat the power of addiction. To discover more about the man, go to worshipjesus.life.
“For King and Country” is Christian pop duo formed by Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The band’s name reflects their commitment to their faith and to the country they represent. Their music often addresses themes of hope and redemption.
The music from our deeper past is often overlooked by today’s audiences, and yet, it continues to delight music lovers because it remains powerful, inspiring and still very much alive. Our guest today is Emily Solomon, the Executive Director of the Academy of Early Music in Ann Arbor. All the music heard on Notes From Above today is performed by the artists featured during the Academy’s newest season.
The Stabat Mater is perhaps one of the most ancient (and most beautiful) Sequence hymns of the Catholic Church, going back (at least) to the 12th Century. The subject - Our Blessed Mother standing in sorrow at the base of the cross as her Son is crucified, has become the inspiration for countless composers for the past 900 years. We will feature some of these great works today on Notes From Above
A variety of music to stir the hearts of various people. We hope it inspires you!
Is there a difference between words set to music and words set to the printed page, words to be sung and words to be read? Is the poetry found in Sacred Scripture also found in our hymnals? Why are words and lyrics so powerful? What IS poetry? We discuss these things - and more - today on Notes From Above. Our guest is Poet, Katie Hartsock.
Sister Rachel Benjamin is the Youth Outreach Director at St Mary's Catholic Mission serving the teens on the Eastside of Flint. These are some of the songs that poignantly articulate the heart cry of youth in Flint and motivates the St Mary's youth ministry team to continue being the hands and feet of Christ to them.
The Sistine Chapel Choir is the oldest active choir in the world. They are the pope’s personal choir - and have been serving at pontifical events since the 15th century. On Thursday, September 4, select members from that choir (the Sixtini Cantores) will perform the sacred music of the Church at the St. John Resort in Plymouth, Michigan. Joining the choir that evening, world renowned Art Historian, Elizabeth Lev will discuss the history of the Renaissance and the visual beauty of art that adorns the ceilings and walls of the Sistine Chapel. Dr. Lev is our guest today on Notes From Above
Much of American Gospel music has its roots in the slave songs of the South and the Underground Railroad. Today, we will hear music of the Fisk Jubilee Singers who helped to build Fisk University in Tennessee by the power of their beautiful voices after the close of the American Civil War. Fisk, founded in 1866, is the first Black educational institution in the United States. May the Lord be praised!. All songs are Public Domain
Description: An ongoing miracle is taking place across America and the world following the 10th National Eucharistic Congress that took place in Indianapolis in the middle of this month. Tens of thousands of Catholic and other Christians attended that three day event, but the real miracle is about to happen when those tens of thousands of souls return to their homes. The world will change because, inspired by their experience, they will continue to openly follow Christ and will proclaim His True Presence to the world. This show is dedicated to those missionaries. Our music today proclaims the glory of God!
Chris Russ is a lifelong Michigander and a Catholic convert who first encountered Catholicism as a student at Father Gabriel Richard High School. FGR is also where he first met a girl named Angela with whom he fell madly in love and eventually married. They now have four wonderful children together. Chris is now the Director of Alumni relations at FGR.
On July 1, 2025, the beloved Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, Carl Mengeling, died after a long battle with cancer. We remember him with great fondness and dedicate this edition of Notes From Above to him in memoriam. Bishop Carl’s motto was “He Must Increase”- taken from John’s Gospel, Chapter 3, Verse 30, where the Baptist speaks of Jesus, saying “He must increase; but I must decrease.” Bishop Carl’s life was dedicated to increasing the love of Jesus in the hearts of the people he served for so many years. Requiescat in Pace!
Description: Morten Lauridsen has composed notes from above on Lux Aeterna which bring peace to the heart and penetrates the soul.
The folk music of America holds a vast treasure trove of faith expressed in plain-spoken lyrics. The instruments used are often simple: Guitars, banjos, mandolins, harmonicas - the kind of things that can be carried on our backs or in our pockets. But it’s the voices that catch our attention most because they always seem to come straight from the heart - and soul - of the American people. We feature some of the classics of Christian Americana today on Notes From Above.
Singer/Songwriter Rebecca Lancaster is a new artist worthy of our fullest attention. Her lyrics are deeply considered and often quite personal; sometimes confessional, sometimes jubilant, sometimes broken-hearted, but always filled with love and faith in God. Rebecca is our guest today on Notes From Above.
This show is In memory of Roger Holtz who passed away recently. He was a devoted husband, father of three daughters, a phenomenal musician and extraordinary choir director with a voice of an angel. May Roger now join the Heavenly choirs and if God permits, may he direct them too! Thank you Roger for sharing your many gifts with us. We will see you again in the Kingdom.
Pentecost! The 50th Day; the Coming of the Holy Spirit; Speaking in Tongues; the Birth of the Church. Over the centuries, the Church has provided beautiful music to accompany this glorious event.
Special Guest Jeff Hephner, actor and host of GSN's Switch, joins Deacon Tom and Sr. Sarah
In Ephesians 5:18-19, St Paul urges the faithful of the early Church to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” In response to Paul’s request, our show today looks at several famous hymns - both ancient and modern, meant for both personal and congregational singing - that tell of the love we have for the Lord.
Popular secular music offers us a reflection on how our culture regards love and marriage between one man and one woman. Today, we take a look back at how music once framed our understanding of this essential condition for a healthy society. What is the future for marriage? Our guest is Dr. Janet Smith.