Sister Janet Mead The Lord's Prayer

Maybe you don't recognize the name Sister Janet Mead if you're not from Australia. However, if you were a kid or older during the 70s, you probably know who she is, if only indirectly. Sister Janet Mead has accomplished some major musical accomplishments. But, first let's talk a little about Sister Janet Mead's background.

Janet Mead was born is South Australia in 1938. At a very early age, it was apparent that she was an amazing musical talent. Janet studied piano as a child. She had perfect pitch, and her voice had a vocal range of 3 octaves.

Janet was always passionate about music. Her other love was the church. She combined her two interests while forming a band when she was a teenager. The band performed at the weekly mass. Despite Janet's obvious immense musical talent, the church was her greatest love. She became a nun and taught music at a Catholic school.

Sister Janet Mead never abandoned her interest in music. She wanted to make religious music more enjoyable to teens, as well as the church services. She started to experiment with using a rock music feel with religious lyrics.

This led to what became termed 'rock masses' at the local cathedral. The masses became wildly popular. They were so popular, in fact, that there wasn't room for everyone attending. Speakers were set up outside so that everyone could hear the music.

Next, Sister Janet Mead started recording professionally for Catholic schools and churches. Sister Mead traveled to Sydney, Australia in 1973 to record with well-known music producer, Martin Erdman. The recording was Brother Sun, Sister Moon. It was going to be added to a soundtrack.

At the last minute, they decided to record a B side. It was an arrangement written by a member of Sister Mead's church. The song was "The Lord's Prayer" put to a rock music sound. Erdman added an orchestra and rock band to the mix. The studio was so impressed that they released both songs as singles.

The record was released to radio stations in Australia. DJs started playing the B side instead of Brother Sun, Sister Moon. It was an immediate hit in Australia. Radio stations started getting jammed phone lines with requests for "The Lord's Prayer".

A&M Records decided to distribute the single worldwide. It was an excellent idea. "The Lord's Prayer" hit #3 in Australia and #4 in the United States. It was a Top 10 hit in several other countries in 1974. The huge hit single sold close to 3 million records.

Sister Janet Mead even received a nomination for a Grammy for her hit song. She was nominated for Best Inspirational Performance in 1975. She was up against Elvis Presley's rendition of How Great Thou Art. It was the only Grammy that Elvis won.

"The Lord's Prayer" would earn Sister Janet Mead many accolades besides her Grammy nomination. She earned the first Australian gold record. Sister Mead's one hit wonder made her the first Australian singer to sell over a million copies in the United States. "The Lord's Prayer" made the Top 40 charts in more countries than any other Australian single. Sister Janet Mead has also sold more records than any other Australian gospel singer.

Sister Mead gave away all of the money that came with the record sales. She did record a second album titled "Rock Mass". A single from the album made it to the US song charts, although not with the huge success of "The Lord's Prayer". A third album that was recorded in 1975 was not released. It was accidentally discovered again and released on the 25th anniversary of "The Lord's Prayer" original release.

Lots of media attention and music offers were thrust Sister Mead's way. Sister Mead says that this was a terrible time in her life and that it seriously tested her faith. Sister Mead went into seclusion. She is still active in the church and community service. Her music lives on and "The Lord's Prayer" is considered to be the forerunner of contempory Christian music.