Tony Cummings
Tony Cummings' journalistic career started in 1963 when he started a black music fanzine originally called Soul, then Soul Music Monthly and finally Shout. By 1971 he was writing occasionally for Record Mirror and then in 1973 joined Black Music magazine as Staff Writer, eventually becoming Editor. Over the next few years he interviewed such artists as Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and hundreds more. He stopped writing for the magazine in 1976 and converted to Christianity in 1980. Within a year he was married and began to write for Premier Christianity's predecessor Buzz who soon offered him the position of assistant editorship, where he interviewed people such as Rev Ian Paisley and Cliff Richard. He later became the editor of Christian music magazine Cross Rhythms.
ReviewsHallelujah! is your definitive guide to the top 100 worship songs
From ‘Jesus Stand Among Us’ to ‘History Maker’, Les Moir expertly explores the stories behind songs that transformed contemporary Christian worship, says our reviewer
Real Life‘I was living a double life while I was in the Newsboys’
After losing everything to drink, drugs and sexual sin, former Newsboys frontman John James thought his ministry was over. As fresh questions surround the band’s legacy, John shares the remarkable story of how God’s relentless grace restored his life – and why no one is beyond redemption
ReviewsWant more joy in your life? Read this life changing book
Natalie Brand’s From Crimson to White offers a rich and compelling guide to finding joy in Jesus, says our reviewer
OpinionWas David Bowie a Christian?
In the avalanche of books and museum exhibitions that are now pouring forth about the late rock music icon David Bowie a fascinating possibility is emerging. Could the Picasso of Pop have found God? Tony Cummings explores
Interviews‘We never saw sacred and secular as separate’ After the Fire’s Peter Banks looks back on a remarkable career
They toured with rock legends, scored a US Top 10 hit after disbanding, and never compromised their Christian faith. Tony Cummings speaks with founder Peter Banks about After The Fire’s extraordinary career navigating the mainstream music industry, and why their new ‘Bright Lights’ box set proves they were one of Britain’s finest bands of their time
OpinionJohn Lodge (1943-2025): The Moody Blues rocker was committed to family and faith
Progressive rock pioneer John Lodge has died aged 82. As bassist for the Moody Blues, he reached the peak of rock stardom, selling 70 million albums worldwide and touring the globe, all while remaining grounded in the evangelical faith of his Birmingham childhood, says Tony Cummings
ReviewsThe rock & roll philosopher Dion tells all about love, music and God
Spanning doo-wop fame, personal struggle, enduring love and a deepening Christian faith, Dion: The Rock & Roll Philosopher is more than a glossy fan keepsake – it’s a surprisingly wise and rewarding read, says our reviewer
ReviewsIn Quietness and Trust is a powerful devotional
In Quietness and Trust offers a fresh, reflective journey through the Beatitudes, says our reviewer. With scripture, prayer, and a curated Spotify playlist, it moves beyond clichés, guiding readers through confession, forgiveness, and faith with honesty and grace
InterviewsLucian Mustata: The Romanian evangelist reaching thousands for Christ
Abandoned as a baby and raised in an orphanage, Lucian Mustata is now a successful entrepreneur and founder of Eastern Europe’s largest Christian music festival. Lucian is carrying a vision to see 1 million lives transformed. Tony Cummings met him
ReviewsHow to Tell the Truth - Preston Perry
Only a writer of consummate skill could deliver a book like this: in part a biographic account of Preston Perry’s early life and in part a teaching book that winsomely shares biblical principles on how to speak the truth.
Magazine FeaturesHow Adrian Snell’s ‘The Passion’ became a Christian classic
As the best-selling Christian album of the 1980s is remixed and re-released, Tony Cummings shares the inside story of how Adrian Snell worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver a “symphonic rock classic”
ReviewsWhen Jesus Met Hippies - Andrew Whitman
Interested in revival, the birth of Christian rock music or charismatic renewal? Don’t miss this book, says our reviewer
InterviewsWayne Drain: ‘God has given me a song! And it sends people to sleep…’
Christian musician Wayne Drain says his ‘Lullaby for Adults’ has helped tens of thousands find untroubled sleep.
Magazine FeaturesThe little known story of Bob Marley's conversion to Christianity
The reggae superstar and populariser of Rastafarianism became a Christian shortly before his death in 1981. Tony Cummings reports
InterviewsEddie Holman: The undisputed king of Northern soul is still putting God first
Eddie Holman is a veteran soul singer whose ’Hey There Lonely Girl’ million-seller is still heard on radio and TV today. He is also an ordained minister with a newly re-issued gospel album. But it’s Holman’s phenomenal popularity on the North of England’s Northern soul scene which recently brought the singer to Blackpool, as it did journalist Tony Cummings
Magazine FeaturesMike Rimmer (1961-2022): The pioneering Christian music broadcaster asked the hard questions
Mike Rimmer was a distinguished reporter and interviewer, especially during Christian music’s golden years. On top of interviewing the biggest artists, Rimmer was a passionate advocate for up and coming artists. His equally prolific Cross Rhythms colleague Tony Cummings remembers him
ReviewsAvoid this banal re-write of the Bible's greatest stories. It contains as much truth as Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In one way, the writings of Robin Bennett and Eugene Peterson are similar: both have rewritten the Bible into everyday speech. But there the similarity ends.
ReviewsAnother In the Fire: The meaning behind the worship song that's getting Chris Pratt through
Actor Chris Pratt recently took to Instagram to thank God for helping him through tough times, saying the Hillsong United anthem had deeply impacted him. But what was the inspiration behind the song? Music journalist Tony Cummings explores
ReviewsTony Cummings: My top 8 songs
The man with an encyclopedic knowledge of Christian music shares his favourite tunes right now
ReviewsThe Jesus Music: How Christian music became a multi-billion-dollar industry
The Jesus Music is a rollicking good ride through the best of CCM, says Tony Cummings
