The programme on BBC Three Counties Radio, presented by a Christian music pioneer.

Paul Davis

Paul Davis is a unique pioneer in the development of the UK's Christian music scene. As the editor of the magazine New Christian Music (a kind of pioneering prototype of Cross Rhythms) in the 70s and 80s Paul played a key role in the music's growth. Today this seen-it-all, done-it-all figure is a well known voice to all Bedfordshire radio listeners while demonstrating that alongside being a founding father in Britain's Christian music industry he is also a doyen of Britain's country music scene. Paul Davis's 'My Kind Of Country' show on BBC Three Counties Radio (previously called BBC Radio Bedfordshire) gains the kind of listening figures normally associated with non "specialist" programmes. Immediately after his Country show, Paul swiftly removes his Stetson, his programme becomes 'Here Comes Sunday' and for two hours Paul plays Christian music. Says Paul, "I believe I have a good feel for what middle Britain relates to. I reckon that's why I'm asked to compile albums for Reader's Digest." (Albums of artists like Glen Campbell and Jim Reeves are among his most recent works.) "I play the softer, adult Christian music on 'Here Comes Sunday' and my guests over the years have included people like Pat Boone, George Hamilton IV, Don Francisco and Glen Campbell. Next week I've got the evangelist Luis Palou. I get a tremendous response to the programme. I get 50 letters a week more than for any other show on the station."

Paul is heavily involved in other Christian music work. Last year he produced an album for his local church choir Living Stones while Paul's son, Wes Davis, is carving out a niche for himself songwriting and performing with US country performers like George Hamilton IV and Jerry Arhelger. But Paul's radio show is still a passion. "Recently I've been playing music on different themes. Like I had various renditions of old Fanny Crosby hymns. Another theme was different recordings of the 23rd Psalm. What is great about the programme is that it's not under the BBC's religious department. It's perceived as a secular show. That suits me fine."