After receiving a bachelor’s degree in music and master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Northern Texas, he was still searching for direction. While most people with his credentials would be headed for New York City to live the jazz musician’s dream, Curtis still found himself wanting more. He eventually answered the call to be a Youth Music Minister at St. Ann’s Church in Coppell, Texas, a parish with a stunning 18,000 members. “I felt like that was what I was supposed to be doing. I figured I would take a chance and try this for awhile and I’d go from there.” At St. Ann’s Curtis found his mission: to spread the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that is starving for it.

The growth in popularity of Christian music had a profound effect on Curtis’ ministry and songwriting. “Everyone goes through a time when they feel like they’re doing all the right things but are getting beat up by the world. In a culture that glorifies the negative, I really want to promote a message of hope for people with my music,” he said. “Christian music just keeps you going. It helps you focus on the right things. It helps you focus on God.”

Now, with the release of his debut CD Through the Storm, Curtis’ ministry expands to a wider audience. The CD is an accumulation of his personal experiences, exposing everyday emotions and problems with a positive light. It’s the quintessential rock album – the gospel meets rock’n’roll. There’s nothing more upbeat than the positive light of God, and Curtis Stephan captures that light.

“There are two kinds of people in the world,” said the artist. “The people that turn curses into blessings and the people who turn blessings into curses. I want to turn everything into a blessing and that is really what this record is about.”

11 songs + a bonus from Curtis Stephan! This is the latest contemporay Christian music CD (other than his Christmas CD, Born to Us), by Catholic musician Curtis Stephan!