The Songs of Rich Mullins Coming Alive Again with "Ragamuffin: Music Inspired By The Motion Picture"

By Timothy Yap Jul 18, 2014 07:48 AM EDT

On August 5, Capitol Christian Music Distribution will be releasing "Ragamuffin: Music Inspired By The Motion Picture." 'Ragamuffin' is based on the life of the late Rich Mullins. Mullins was best known for his worship songs "Awesome God" and "Sometimes by Step", both of which have been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. Some of his albums were also considered among Christian music's best, including Stuff of Earth (1988), The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One (1991) and A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band (1993). His songs have been performed by numerous artists, including Caedmon's Call, Five Iron Frenzy, Amy Grant, Carolyn Arends, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, John Tesh, Chris Rice, Rebecca St. James, Darlene Zschech and Hillsong Live and Third Day.

The movie itself will trace the life story of Mullins. Beginning with his childhood where Mullins was raised on a tree farm in Indiana by a callous father, Rich wrestled all of his life with the brokenness and crippling insecurity born of his childhood. A lover of Jesus and a rebel in the church, Rich refused to let his struggles with his own darkness tear him away from a God he was determined to love. As he struggled with success in Nashville and depression in Wichita, Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity.

Then on September 19, 1997, while Mullins and his friend Mitch McVicker were traveling southbound on I-39 north of Bloomington, Illinois, to a benefit concert at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, his Jeep rolled over. They were not wearing seat belts and were both ejected from the vehicle. When a passing semi-trailer truck swerved to miss the overturned Jeep, Mullins, who was too injured to move out of the path of the oncoming truck, was hit and died instantly at the scene. McVicker was seriously injured but survived.

His funeral was open to the public and had a massive gathering. He is buried at the Harrison Township cemetery in Hollansburg, Ohio, alongside his brother, who died in infancy, and his father.

The soundtrack will feature Jars Of Clay, Andrew Peterson, Derek Webb, Andy Gullahorn, Jill Phillips, Audrey Assad, Leigh Nash and others singing their favorite Rich Mullins songs as a tribute to this brilliant song writer and singer. And as an added bonus the album will also include 2 NEW, original, never-before heard songs from Rich Mullins recorded in the early 70's!

Here's the track listing:

01. Creed - Derek Webb

02. If I Stand - Sidewalk Prophets

03. Calling Out Your Name - Andrew Peterson

04. I See You - Audrey Assad

05. Land Of My Sojourn - Jars Of Clay

06. Ready For The Storm - Leigh Nash

07. Wounds Of Love - Mitch McVicker

08. Cry The Name - Jill Phillips

09. Peace - Andy Gullahorn

10. The Love Of God - Matt Liechty

11. Never Heard The Music (demo) - Rich Mullins