Joe Richard, 57, previously billed himself as an outlaw country gospel singer. He now has a recording contract and is making Christian country music.

Once largely confined to insular networks, contemporary Christian music is having a breakthrough moment on the pop charts with artists like Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank.

South Carolina native Lake’s breakthrough as an artist-writer came with his debut album, 2106’s Closer, which caught the attention of fellow artist-writers in Atlanta’s music circles.

The Rising Milwaukee Rapper Opens Up About His Breakthrough ‘Bad Bitty’ Moment, Favorite Gospel Songs & Standing In His Truth. With one scatting-infused party track at a time, ...