Folk-styled CCM singer/songwriter Bob Bennett was born in Downey, California in 1955; after first picking up guitar at age nine, he formed a rock band while in high school, but after converting to Christianity during the late 1970s his music began to reflect his new faith. Debuting in 1979 with First Things First, three years later he returned with Matters of the Heart, voted Album of the Year by Contemporary Christian Music Magazine. After issuing 1985's Non-Fiction, Bennett toured with Amy Grant, followed in in 1989 by Lord of the Past: A Compilation, which scored a CCM number one hit with its title track; another chart-topper, "Yours Alone," soon appeared as well. Songs From Bright Avenue, a concept album exploring the dissolution of Bennett's marriage, followed in 1991, and in 1997 he resurfaced with Small Graces. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide