“We’re now on the other side of these songs; we’ve lived them.” – Tim Archer.

There’s something unmistakable about a group returning to music not out of obligation, but conviction. For Tim, Steve, and Janice, Legacy Medley marks more than a milestone. It’s a reaffirmation of calling—nearly fifty years after their early albums helped shape what would become known as Contemporary Christian Music.

The Archers were never just participants in the Jesus Music movement. Their records, performances, and songwriting helped define its scope and sound. Albums like Fresh Surrender moved Christian music toward more dynamic production, while staying rooted in the Gospel. But at the time, they didn’t fully understand what they were building.

“We knew something good was happening,” Tim says. “We were blessed with a great supporting cast… We just knew it was good, and we hoped people would love it because we loved it.” “Fresh Surrender was my first recording with The Archers,” Janice adds. “I was very young, so I definitely didn’t have a clue how those musical creations… would carry such influence in the Christian Music industry.” Steve recalls, “You can’t really know. But with Janice joining us for the first time, we had an even more special sound with the sibling blend. And her beautiful face alongside her two brothers on our record covers didn’t hurt either!”

Legacy Medley is a thoughtfully arranged set of songs that revisits some of their most meaningful material. The group opened with “Give Us This Day” from the GRAMMY-winning The Lord’s Prayer project, followed by the Andraé Crouch–penned “It Won’t Be Long.”

“Andraé was a big supporter of our early music and ministry,” Janice shares. “He didn’t see color or genre; he just saw us as kids in Los Angeles who loved Jesus… Andraé loved our hearts and loved us, and we loved him.”

From there, the medley includes “Make Me an Instrument,” “I Never Knew Love,” and “Pickin’ Up the Pieces.” Each song was chosen for how it represents a specific part of their journey—as individual vocalists, as a family group, and as contributors to a growing genre.

“I hope younger listeners discover and feel the integrity of the songs,” Tim says. “And also be inspired by the creativity that launched the genre… I pray they’ll find hope and the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the lyrics and message of this music.” Janice adds, “Though sounds change and the way we say things through lyrics has also changed, the message has not.” Steve notes, “My children and grandchildren are very aware of classic music… so I hope young people will relate to some of our sounds.”

While they’re known for their pioneering contributions to CCM, The Archers have also maintained a long and meaningful relationship with CCM Magazine itself. “Before there even was an official CCM Magazine, the founder, John Styll, was a friend of ours,” Tim says. “One of the first CCM covers was actually shot in my front yard in Newport Beach. The magazine was such a great avenue to get the word out and connect with people.”

Janice recalls, “CCM shared a very special photo of my husband, John Cruse, and me, to announce our wedding to the world. A girl in love is happy to shout it to the world, and I was and still am.” Steve adds, “John Styll worked so hard to create a publication that could get the news of Jesus Music and Contemporary Christian Music to the world… We are proud to have been one of those covers.”

Reflecting on their early career, each of them recalls the pace and passion of the Jesus Music era. “I miss the outdoor festivals we played,” Janice says. “The crowds were large and the passion for the music was powerful… There was a true revival spreading and we were right in the middle of it.” Tim adds, “I miss the innocence, creativity and the groundswell and outpouring of God that drenched the country and changed people’s lives dramatically.” Steve shares, “During the early days we were traveling a lot… writing new songs while we were rehearsing, or doing soundcheck… We recorded all around Los Angeles and in Nashville too.”

Even with all that’s changed, the heart of the music—and the mission behind it—remains. “Today the songs have even more meaning to us,” Tim says. “We’re now on the other side of these songs; we’ve lived them. And that life experience enriches how we experience this music.”

When asked if this release is simply a look back or something more, their response is clear. “It would be our desire and hope that this is not a one-time celebration,” Tim says. “That we can bring fresh new music in the days to come.” Steve adds, “Absolutely yes to both questions!”

Looking forward, The Archers are encouraged by how today’s Christian artists are embracing collaboration and community. “I see more collaboration than ever before,” Janice says. “This coming together to write and record… brings greater unity within the Christian Music community. It’s all His music, for Him and about Him.” Tim adds, “From Andraé Crouch and The Archers to Amy Grant and Lauren Daigle… it has been quite a journey. Some of the heart of this music is circling back to the beginning.”

Legacy Medley may bring listeners back to familiar melodies, but it’s rooted in something deeper than nostalgia. The Archers still believe in the power of a song to change hearts. They still believe in the power of harmony—musically and spiritually. And after all these years, they’re still singing.

LISTEN TO LEGACY MEDLEY HERE:

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