An Interview with Phil Keaggy
By Tyler K. Bender and Phil Keaggy
Phil Keaggy is a solo recording artist who has been in the music industry for over 30 years. He has been nominated for Grammy’s and has won numerous Dove Awards for his projects, mainly his instrumental albums. Phil has recorded and released over 50 albums and contributed on hundreds of other artists’ projects as well. His former band in the 1970’s, Glass Harp, has been mentioned in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on two different occasions. Phil’s humility in the Lord allows him to keep a fresh perspective with each project he records. He currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee. It is obvious that Phil adores his wife Bernadette and his three children Alicia, Olivia, and Ian. Keaggy continues with record and tour heavily to this day.

I wanted to interview Phil because of his amazing gifts as a musician. To aspiring musicians everywhere, Phil is inspirational. People leave his concerts with comments like “I have never seen anything like it.” Not only is he wonderful to listen to but his lifestyle and his loyalty to his family and God are more than admirable. His daughter Olivia attends Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and through her I was granted the opportunity to meet Phil and ask a little about his life.

Tyler: Phil, when I visited, you were finishing up on your latest album. Can you tell us what it is called and a little of what to expect from the new recordings?

Phil: Yea, Tyler. Hello by the way...The new album I've been working on is a new collection of songs for a small independent label called Autumn Records. It is owned by the man who makes McPherson guitars. They invited me to record 12 songs for their label using one of their acoustic guitars. The style is somewhat reminiscent of my 1978 album "The Master and the Musician"--at least bits of it remind me of that old LP. It has strings, double bass, cellos, recorders and flutes. Also I incorporated the use of a fine drummer, Mike Radovsky. My son Ian also is playing acoustic guitar on one song. The album is finished except for mastering. It should be out by Christmas. No title as yet.

Tyler: You have been in the music industry for a long time, can you tell us a little about your background and how you became so passionate about music? How did you discover that music was your gift?

Phil: I've always loved music. As a kid, I listened to all my brothers' records. Lots of brothers, so lots of variety. Classical one spin, then Elvis the next.

At the age of 10, my dad bought me a Silvertone guitar for my 10th birthday. My brother Dave gave me an electric guitar for Christmas the next year.

By the 8th grade, I was playing in clubs and a variety of places with my band. I was also the youngest member of this band--The Squires by at least 3 to 4 years. I joined another band in high school, and then started up my band, The Glass Harp. It was while in this group that I learned so much on the guitar. I have been playing guitar now for 44 years and still love it, but enjoy less and less the travel.

Tyler: You are a very spiritual and insightful person. Can you tell us a little about your faith, and more specifically, how you came to recognize Christ as your personal savior?

Phil: I became a born again Christian in Feb 1970. I believed in God as long as I can remember. But the influence of my sister Mary Ellen and the tragic death of our mom as a result of a car accident led me to a place where I recognized my need for a deeper and real faith in Jesus Christ. My world was turned upside down, though I continued to play in my band. In fact we got a recording deal with Decca Records about 5 months after my conversion. I still loved playing, but now I wanted to sing about God as well as the other songs the band and I were writing.

As time went on and 3 other Glass Harp recordings were made, I then went solo and recorded my 1st solo project; “What a Day” in Jan 1973. Since then I have made over 40 solo projects, most of which are out of print at the moment. They are still great memories. I believe that God gave a talent to use for serving and blessing people with the Good News. I do, however, also record instrumental CDs just for the creative enjoyment, but when I sing, I like to sing about God and my family. The Lord became very real in my life back in those early 70s. My mother did instill in me a belief in God and to this day I feel grateful for her as well as my sister who had a powerful impact on me.

Tyler: What enables you to continue making music? What is your biggest source of energy?

Phil: I believe the source of my energy comes from the Lord and also Him working through others. My wife of 32 years, Bernadette, has been a great source of encouragement. She is and has always been there for me. I also see taking good care of your self an important part of receiving spiritual and musical energy. I take walks in the park, sometimes bike or jog, but really enjoy the trails and hills. God's word also is a great source of energy and wisdom. Friends are important to me. Bernadette and I have a close knit circle of friends who, many of them are artists as well.

But the biggest source would be being connected to God, but I can tell you that my wife and children are an extension of God Himself to me. That energizes me and helps me see my purpose in life. Lastly, regarding getting energy, the Word says "Give and it will be given you" and, "It is in giving that we receive".

It's when we reach out to someone in need that we find a new surge of energy come to us. That's why we were created.

Tyler: Tell us about your family. What experiences do you hold close that give you joy from time spent with them?

Phil: All the years when the kids were growing up. Traveling with them and watching their bright eyes light up with each and every new discovery. There also are fantastic memories of their singing with me and recording little tunes. The ocean was also a big treat for all of us, or traveling to another country together.

I would do it all over again. I feel so blessed to have a family. In the 70s, Bernadette and I lost children because of premature births. So, we are thankful for Alicia, Olivia and Ian. And today, our children are grown up, and we have friendships with them as well. They are special persons in our lives today.

Tyler: Our theme for this issue of the online magazine is our Christmas and Advent issue called “Promise” and “Prophecy.” Can you touch on the thoughts or images that come to mind when I mention “promise” or “prophecy?” Or can you tell us a Christmas memory that you enjoy thinking about this time of year?

Phil: I believe that God is faithful and promised our fallen world a savior--and He came. All was foretold in the ancient writings, "...and it came to pass.”

When I try to think of one particular Christmas, I find that they have all been special and unique. As a kid, my mother made the home very special with her charm and decorations and cooking. When I think of my family, I remember most of them as fond memories of Christmas in Kansas City, where Alicia was born, California, where Olivia and Ian were born, and now for the last 17 years here in Nashville where we have enjoyed the stability of having roots firmly planted. Well, there was a New York City Christmas that was really nice. We all enjoyed that visit there with friends. Just being together makes Christmas special for me.

Tyler: What thoughts do you have, to tell those who want to serve God through the arts such as music?

Phil: Go for it! Be careful of the "bizz" though. Have good, trustworthy friends that you can get good advice from. Regarding serving God, it's your heart and loyalty that He wants, and if that means involving your skills on musical instruments, or whatever your gifts are, then walk through those doors He opens.

Keep your eyes on the Giver of the gift. He may call you to serve Him without you ever being in the spotlight.

Music enriches our lives and I feel this earth is a better place because of it. CS Lewis wrote somewhere," We need more Christian writers writing good books about life and everyday type of things"---something like that--sort of paraphrased....

Tyler: What is your dream for the future of Christian music or the music industry in general?

Phil: For the “industry” to be honest and setting the right example. The world needs to hear about the Gospel and music is a way of getting the Good News out to them. It is a powerful tool. Artists will keep creating, and we need artists reaching out with good music and message.

Tyler: In your experience with faith and life, what brings you the greatest sense of connecting with your calling?

Phil: The Peace of God.

Primary interview on-site at the home of Phil Keaggy in Nashville, Tennessee.

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