By Liam Renton

Every week on the Hot 25 Countdown we chat to the biggest names in Christian Music, usually in a fairly low key setting. Me in the studio, them at their own house. So straight away there’s usually a comfortable feeling from the artist knowing they aren’t going to be ambushed with some crazy question or request.

We recently caught up with Jimmy Needham, in his home in Texas. Most of the time we chat music, tours and future albums. But with Jimmy, he’s a young dad like me, and we connected over our kids.

We both have babies, who need our attention most of the time. Kids have always been the greatest leveller, doesn’t matter how famous you become or how many albums you sell, as a parent there’s always someone who needs to be fed , changed and cared for 24/7. So for Jimmy swapping recipes for pureed apples, feeding tips and how tired we both are was the general vibe of our chat.

It was nice to see the real side of an artist who is doing great things at the moment. What was special was to see a real human side to what can be perceived as a glamorous lifestyle. His concerns were like any other: being away from his family, long touring schedules and the guilt of leaving his wife at home along with their new baby.

As for his day job, on the road , making hit records, it wasn’t one he ever dreamed he would be doing. He loves to teach and combined with his love of history, Jimmy had every intention of teaching music and history in schools. His impact, although still as important, could have had a much smaller reach if he wasn’t so good at writing , recording and performing the live stuff.

So next time you hear a Jimmy Needham track on the radio, just stop for a second and ask yourself – I wonder if he got any sleep last night? Was his baby keeping him awake? How long will it be until he sees his family? And does he have baby vomit on his shirt? All just part of the gig of being a part time rock star, and full time dad.

Jimmy Needham’s latest album is called Night Lights, and features the songs Yours to Take and How Sweet It Is.

About Liam Renton
Liam is the host of Australia’s Hot 25 Countdown which can be heard on ultra106five, 5-7pm on Saturdays and Sundays. He has been talking on the radio around Australia for the past 15 years. He’s the father of two little girls, husband to Amy, and loves music.