The Wilson McKinley Band, hailing from Spokane, Washington, is recognized as the first Christian rock band to gain prominence throughout the Pacific Northwest. Emerging from a secular rock and roll background, they uniquely transitioned into the Christian music scene, bringing their instruments and vibrant style along with them.
In early June 1970, local minister Carl Parks, dedicated to street ministry, organized a series of street meetings that caught the attention of several band members. After attending a few gatherings, they experienced spiritual transformation and decided to put away their instruments to join Parks in his ministry efforts in Spokane. At this juncture, the original Wilson McKinley Band effectively dissolved, with one member departing entirely, while the others chose to align themselves with their new faith.
The new converts felt that the club scene and rock culture conflicted with their beliefs, leading them to abandon their former lifestyles to follow Jesus. They immersed themselves in the street ministry led by Parks and lived communally with fellow Christians in the Voice of Elijah Ministries. Although they participated informally in music, none anticipated returning to the stage as a rock band. This changed when Parks requested the group to prepare music for an upcoming street meeting. Embracing their commitment to Christ and their faith, the Wilson McKinley Band began to carve out their path as pioneers in a new musical genre.
Initially, their repertoire included rock adaptations of folk spirituals and reworked popular rock songs with Christian themes. However, it wasn’t long before original Christian rock compositions began to emerge. Original band members Mike Messer and Randy Wilcox, along with new addition Jimmy Bartlett—whom they had met in Idaho—brought their songwriting talents to the forefront. Bartlett joined the group as both bassist and lead vocalist, quickly becoming a key contributor to their original music.
The band served as a catalyst for the broader ministry team, with their dynamic music capturing attention and their clear message resonating through increasingly refined songwriting. To the band members, the true essence of their ministry lay in the personal witnessing and counseling carried out by their peers amidst the crowds. This may explain the absence of artist credits or personalized recording details on their albums, as well as their decision to decline an audition with a major secular label that requested a dilution of their Christian message.
In the summer of 1971, the band released their second LP, the critically acclaimed "Spirit of Elijah." While they maintained a self-produced approach, this album aimed for higher production values and featured an improved stereo mix. Despite having a limited recording budget, they practiced daily at the House of David, where the community's single members resided.
Less than six months later, in February 1972, the Wilson McKinley Band launched their third and final Jesus Rock LP, titled "Heaven’s Gonna Be a Blast." Although a studio was utilized and Sound Recordings, Inc. contributed to the production, the album suffered from significant mixing issues, such as keyboard dropouts and an overpowering bass track. This was largely due to the inexperience of the producer, who had never worked on a rock session, and the band’s lack of editing expertise. Despite these production challenges, the album stands out for its mature lyrics and passionate performances.
The narrative does not conclude here, as a live concert recorded shortly before the band's breakup in 1979, featuring Barney Dasovich on drums, showcases nine previously unheard Wilson McKinley songs. The band exited the scene with powerful and vital compositions, reflecting a style reminiscent of late-70s groups like Orleans, Boston, and Kansas, all while staying true to their distinctive sound.
The story of the Wilson McKinley Band is one of remarkable individuals who embraced their calling and flourished in their surroundings. Their instrumental role in guiding new believers into the faith ensures that their legacy will endure, carrying eternal significance.
