Brian Fisher is the founder and programmer of CCM Rewound.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Brian got the "radio bug" at an early age, and began his broadcast career at WLIX and WWDJ, both New York City stations that were among the first to feature a primarily contemporary Christian music format. In later years he moved to Minnesota, where he became Program Director at KYCR Minneapolis and General Manager at KKEQ (Q107) in northwest MN, followed by a stint in mainstream adult contemporary radio.
While enjoying seasons of success, the ups-and-downs of the broadcasting industry began to take its toll. The lingering pain and struggle of dealing with unresolved issues led to bitterness and a period of estrangement from both God and the Christian community. "After Q107, I went into mainstream radio and found success and acceptance in community involvement. Regrettably, my social life began to center around parties and happy hours. This led to an extended period of alcohol abuse where it adversely affected my outlook on life and relationships with family and true friends".
A health scare in 2011 gave Brian reason to pause and reevaluate his life. Confronted with the fact he had not been a good steward of time and resources that God had entrusted to him, Brian recomitted his life to the Lord and began to make grace and forgiveness the focus of his life. "As the haze began to lift from my mind, I thought back on the deep and lasting friendships that developed back in the days I worked in Christian radio, and sought to renew these lifelong friendships on the foundation on which they were built". It was the renewing of these friendships that slowly but surely rekindled an old flame, and the idea that was to become CCM Rewound was conceived. "While there were many internet stations playing contemporary Christian music, there were few, if any, that play the songs that were heard on the "trail-blazing" CCM stations such as KYMS, WXRI, as well as WLIX". I thought, why not build a station that Christians across North America (and the world, for that matter) would immediately have a connection to by playing the songs they remember?" Over the next few months, Brian began to work on building a digital library of classic Christian hits and the elements to tie them all together. After a couple of weeks of testing, CCM Rewound went on the air June 8th, 2012, and continues to be one of the fastest-growing Christian stations on the internet.
Brian, now semi-retired, devotes much of his time to CCM Rewound, and its parent company, CCMR Media. He is heard on CCM Rewound Wednesday middays, along with rotating Saturday afternoons on the "CCM Radio Reunion".
A bit more "light-hearted" stuff:
Favorite Food
"Pizza, for sure. I grew up in an area where there are numerous "Ma and Pa" Pizzerias. I am no where near any of these now, so I settle for Heggie's Pizza from Costco. Cossetta's in Saint Paul comes the closest to east coast pizza that I have found regionally. I also enjoy a good quality burger, but I am trying to focus on a more heathy balance nowadays. Gimme a good salad bar!"
Music and concerts
"I guess I am supposed to say classic CCM, right? lol". I grew up in the New York City area during the 60's and the 70's listening to "Musicradio 77 WABC", so I am a HUGE fan of the oldies, particularly the 60's and the 70's. I also like some of the 80's and 90's, as well as smooth jazz and classical. Particular artists and groups? Neil Diamond, Elton John, The Guess Who, America, Four Seasons, Carpenters, Chicago, Doobie Bros, Tears For Fears.
The first concert I attended was "Andrae Crouch & The Disciples" w/Evie Tournquist in Ocean Grove, New Jersey when I was in high school. Between individual concerts and outdoor festivals I had the privilige of seeing nearly every major Christian artist of the 70's-90's at least once -- Keith Green, Phil Keaggy, Paul Clark, Petra, Carman, David and the Giants, Mylon & Broken Heart, Larnelle Harris, Twila, Degarmo & Key, Point of Grace, Newsboys, Avalon, and many others. In recent years I attended a local classic rock festival where I got to see some of the mainstream artists I also enjoy like Tommy James & The Shondells, Beach Boys, and the "Happy Together Tour" with The Turtles, Classics IV, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and The Cowsills.
Movies
Waay too many to list, but among them, the "Star Wars", "Star Trek" and "Back To The Future" film series. Also, "Forrest Gump", "The Green Mile", and just about any film with Clint Eastwood in it.
Television
I'm generally a fan of classic TV -- Been "hooked" on two relatively new digital sub-channels -- MeTV and Decades. I especially love the Decades "binge", where they show back-to-back episodes of a particular classic TV show (ie. Route 66, The Fugitive, Ironside) every weekend.
Books
John Grisham is one of my favorite authors -- I've read most of his books, including the latest "The Litigators". Also, several of Dan Brown's novels.
Hobbies
Camping, biking, travel
BRIAN FISHER
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