CCM singer/songwriter Mitch McVicker studied music education at Friends University in Wichita, KS; there he befriended fellow student Rich Mullins, already an acclaimed performer within the Christian community. When Mullins relocated to New Mexico after graduation, he convinced McVicker to go with him, and together they wrote The Canticle of the Plains, a musical in which McVicker starred (and later made his recorded debut on the accompanying soundtrack album). He began work on his debut album in 1997, with Mullins installed as co-producer; shortly after completing the record, both musicians were scheduled to perform live at a Wichita benefit, but they never arrived -- on September 19, Mullins was killed in transit in an auto accident which also left McVicker comatose. He eventually recovered, continuing Mullins' ministry Compassion International as well as his own burgeoning solo career -- his self-titled debut finally appeared in 1998. Chasing the Horizon followed three years later. ~ Jason Ankeny