Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American Christian music singer and songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana. He died in an automobile accident in September of 1997.
Mullins is best known for his worship songs “Step by Step” (later incorporated into his hit single “Sometimes by Step”) and “Awesome God”, both of which have been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. Some of his albums are also considered among Christian music’s best, including:
- Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth 1988,
- The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One 1991, and,
- A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band 1993.
His music has been covered by many artists, including Caedmon’s Call,
- Five Iron Frenzy,
- Amy Grant,
- Jars of Clay,
- Michael W. Smith,
- John Tesh, and,
- Third Day.
Rich Mullins is also remembered for his devotion to the Christian faith, which was often an inspiration to others. He was heavily influenced by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). In 1997, he composed a musical called Canticle of the Plains, a retelling of the life of St. Francis set in the Old West.
