By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/17/03)

One of the most prominent names in Christian music, John Michael Talbot will release his 46th album, entitled "Signatures," next month.

Making music is nothing new for Talbot, who joined his first band, "Mason Proffit," as a teenager. However, it wasn’t until later in his life that he would adapt to the idea of Christian music.

As a six year-old boy brought up as Methodist, Talbot felt an early calling to ministry. "I knew I wanted to help people," he said. "I originally wanted to be a doctor, but I couldn’t stand the sight of blood." "So that left me with one option — ministry."

Talbot learned how to play the banjo and quickly became known as one of the best banjo players in the Little Rock, Ark. area. It was at this time that he joined a local band.

As part of the new country-rock craze that was sweeping America, "Mason Proffit" enjoyed great success, touring with household names like Janis Joplin. "We were a huge hit," said Talbot. "Everybody seemed to really enjoy our music."

However, Talbot began to feel frustrated at the seemingly empty message his music was conveying. "We didn’t have the answers to the questions we were asking in our songs," he said.

Talbot recalled a specific instance of emptiness he felt while with the band. "I remember standing on stage after a concert and seeing the venue littered with empty beer bottles, cigarettes and drug paraphernalia and saying to myself, ‘This is not what I want to be a part of.’ I wanted my life to represent something greater than that," he said.

Talbot eventually broke away from "Mason Proffit" and underwent an intense period of soul-searching and spiritual development. He studied a variety of religions in hopes of finding a spiritual connection. The realization came to Talbot that his musical talent was the best way to express his love for God. "When you sing, you pray twice," he said. "I consider my music to be sacred."

Talbot eventually converted to Catholicism in 1978. After making music for over 30 years, Talbot says he is still as passionate as ever. "My music flows from the Liturgy and the Eucharist," he said. "I never get tired of something as special as that."

According to Talbot, his aim is not to entertain but to minister. "I try to state the inexpressible. Entertainment is wonderful, but it comes second to ministry," he said.

In addition to music, Talbot has written 18 books, as well as a multitude of songbooks. He frequently tours the country, and appears at more than 50 concerts per year.

"I hope people enjoy my music, but more importantly I hope they listen to the messages in the music," he said. "If they do hear the message, it is a truly beautiful thing."

‘Signatures’ will be released Aug. 19 and can be purchased at www.johnmichaeltalbot.com.