English: "CONTENDER" Music Ministry 1981-1992

CONTENDER - PURIFIED ROCK MUSIC

Sometime in the year 1981, in a northern suburb of Chicago called Beach Park, Illinois, USA, was formed a band called "Morning Star". Ken (William) Stilley was the leader of a local band called “Free". He and his cousin John Pennell along with previous members Rick Rasico, and Greg Jones of Free" sought new vocal talent to start a new group. Dan & Leia Thomas auditioned and joined the group as vocalists, and Rick Sundblad joined on drums shortly thereafter. Dan came from a musically talented family. His brothers played music around the Chicago circuit in the 60's and his uncle “James Webb" recorded on Sun Records in the late 50's with Ray Smith". Dan was an experienced guitarist from pre-Christian years playing secular music. Leia was raised singing Gospel Music and had a voice that would capture your attention. John Fincher from the group “3D" once said that she could sing any style of music you gave her. She had a powerful voice and although unique, critics named her as the “Pat Benatar" of Christian Rock. Morning Star's music had a Country Gospel sound. They recorded their first album at a small studio in Twin Lakes, WI. The band changed names to “Contender" in 1983 as their music turned more “Pop Rock" sounding and played around the Mid-western states for Churches and Youth Groups, and Youth Detention Centers. The band's mission was always focused on evangelism. Every concert gave the audience a chance to receive Christ as Savior. In 1984 they recorded their first serious album “Contender" at Tone Zone Recording Studio (JPUSA) in Chicago, Illinois on Purified Rock Records", their own private label. The album cover was an incredible piece of artwork by a local artist called Shane". The pen and ink with airbrush combo depicted a Spiritual Warrior in battle as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Unfortunately the music did not match the cover that was perceived as Heavy Metal, but at best was only considered Rock" or Pop Rock". Many critics liked the album for its original sound and the song writing ability of William (Ken) Stilley. The album sold in volume at Cornerstone Festival 85" due to its artistic appeal and also the band had appeared on the New Band Stage that year. In 1987 the group decided to take a totally new direction that would be cutting edge and would open the doors to more secular audiences that might otherwise never hear the Gospel message. The group as it was would disband and reform under the same name “Contender" as a “White Metal Band" with Ken Stilley (Rhythm guitar), Dan Thomas (Lead guitar) and Leia Thomas (Lead vocals), Mike Dippel (Bass Guitar), and Dave Mobile (Drums). The band organized a large stage show with theatrics and pyrotechnics. They traveled with their own stage, sound and lights which attracted venues with other secular metal bands which greatly expanded the ministry outreach to the secular crowd. In 1988 they were back at Tone Zone Studio recording a four song demo. Christian radio stations across the Midwest began to air “Guilty of Love”, a metal ballad that became the benchmark for Contenders popularity, becoming #1 on the music charts of several major city stations for several consecutive weeks. In 1990 the band changed members on Bass guitar and Drums as the music became more intense. The band recorded some of their best songs in their own studio but never was released to the public except through live performances. Songs such as “Little Judges" and “Children of the Street" and others were never professionally recorded. In 1992, after years of waiting to raise a family due to the bands busy schedule, Leia and Dan decided to quit the band. Ken Stilley continued on a while with some local musicians and finished writing a couple of unfinished songs and then eventually called it quits as well. Under direction of a friend and well known record producer Ceasar Kalinowski, Leia recorded a four song variety demo with studio musicians and met with Word Records and was all but offered a contract but decided not to take it knowing that traveling would be difficult as a mother. She also performed as a background vocalist on several recording projects; Scott Wenzel's solo project, Rex Carroll's “Sessions" album and also "King James", The Stand" and others. Contender donated all its equipment to Cornerstone Community Church where Dan & Leia and Ken attended. Dan & Leia are currently part of the praise band along with their friend Rex Carroll from “White Cross" . Contender’s unique contribution to the Christian Metal scene was marked by their dedication to ministry. By God's grace many lives were changed through their bold presentation of the Gospel. The END