What a Difference You've Made in My Life - Amy Grant/Ronnie Milsap/B.J. Thomas 1977-78 2/13/22

Allow me to get personal. Today, my daughter Heather turns 50. It's quite a milestone, and one that makes me--and most likely her--feel old.

Heather is a wife, a mom, a nurse, a Christian, and a cancer survivor. She enjoys baseball, movies, going to casinos and listening to oldies--all things we have in common. She also loves shopping in Amish country.

I love spending time together (and there has NEVER been enough of that) and I am so very proud of her.

In searching for a "Great Song" to commemorate our half-century(!) of "Dad & Daughter," I had an idea--and a hunch.

Since I was still a teenager when she was born in '72, I was pretty sure I could find the perfect "Great Song" of the '70s" sung by a teen...and I knew exactly where to look: Billboard's Christian Music Chart.

In 1977, 15-year-old Amy Grant released her first album, and before long, she had a Top 5 hit that says it all for me: "What a Difference You've Made in My Life." Perfect!

Later in 1977, Ronnie Milsap released a version that reached #1 on the Country Charts in both the US and Canada.

Then, in 1978, the song was back on the Christian Chart, with a version by B.J. Thomas that reached #6.

All three versions are "Great Songs of the '70s," but I'm leading with Amy.

Happy 50th, Heather. Love, Dad!

Amy Grant (1977):

Ronnie Milsap (1977):

BJ Thomas (1978):