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Amy Grant has been doing a bunch of media lately in support of her new album The Me That Remains. I really enjoyed the podcast interview Andrew Osenga did on The Pivot - their shared Nashville community provided some great shared connections, and Andrew clearly appreciates Amy as an elder stateswoman of the Christian music scene as it has evolved over the decades.

But perhaps even more delightful was Amy’s appearance on Norah Jones’ podcast Norah Jones is Playing Along. Norah - a renowned musician and singer in her own right - is a generation younger than Amy, and describes how her first acquaintance with Amy’s music came with the pop breakout album Heart In Motion in the early 1990s. This provides the opportunity for Norah to ask questions about Amy’s background, her start in Christian music, and her transition into pop music. Undoubtedly Amy has told these stories before to a wide range of audiences, but it’s just so wonderful to hear her so deftly connect with Norah, gently expressing her perspective on faith and God in a non-intrusive way that is at the same time wonderfully inviting and encouraging.

Everyone I’ve heard talk who knows Amy describes her as one of those special people who just has a connection with people, and it comes through clearly here. At the end of the episode Norah says she’ll look Amy up next time she’s in Nashville, and Amy says that the rocking chairs on the front porch are always available. It’s such a genuine and honest invitation, and I hope for both their sakes that one day Norah is able to take her up on the offer.

Amy Grant’s music has been a part of my life since I was a small child. I remember Age to Age on vinyl on our turntable when I was in elementary school. I haven’t followed her music closely through every turn, but it’s so delightful to encounter her now, in her 60s, fully embracing her role as a grandmother, mother, mentor, and friend to generations of musicians who have grown up inspired by her music. What a beautiful example to follow.