Ragamuffin Archive: Classics
Rich Mullins: Live in Arlington, TX
Recorded live by Rick Starr on July 31, 1993
Ragamuffin Archive is honored to share this intimate and deeply personal solo performance from Rich Mullins, recorded live at Arlington Christian Center in Arlington, Texas on July 31, 1993. Captured by longtime friend and contributor Rick Starr and digitized with care by Andrew Montonera, this recording offers a rare window into Rich’s artistry during a pivotal time in his career.
In the months before this performance, Rich had officially formed A Ragamuffin Band, yet this concert was stripped back to its rootsâjust Rich and his longtime collaborator, Beaker. No band, no pretenseâjust two friends, a handful of instruments, and a room full of people ready to be moved.
The evening was filled with both familiar favorites and rare treasures. Notably, this concert includes one of the earliest known live performances of “Land of My Sojourn” from the then-upcoming album A Liturgy, A Legacy & A Ragamuffin Band. It also features Richâs only known live performance of “The Maker of Noses,” making this concert an invaluable gem in our archive.
The setlist spans an incredible 23 songs, including deep cuts like “The Just Shall Live” (one of only two known live recordings), “First Family,” “Everyman,” and “Who God is Gonna Use.” The show also includes a joyful, rootsy medley of “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,” showcasing Richâs love of traditional spirituals and his irrepressible spirit.
Setlist:
01. I Will Sing
02. Hope to Carry On
03. The Howling
04. While the Nations Rage
05. Growing Young
06. Hymn Medley: Sing Sing Sing/Swing Low Sweet Chariot/When the Saints Go Marching In
07. My One Thing
08. Calling Out Your Name
09. Jesus Loves Me
10. All the Way My Savior Leads Me
11. Bound to Come Some Trouble
12. Screen Door
13. Where You Are
14. Land of My Sojourn
15. Boy Like Me, Man Like You
16. Sometimes By Step
17. The Maker of Noses
18. Verge of a Miracle
19. Everyman
20. The Just Shall Live
21. Who God is Gonna Use
22. 78 Eatonwood Green
23. First Family
One attendee, YouTuber @bobbywise2313, shared his vivid memories of the night:
âI was at this concert. This was my second time seeing himâthe first was in â92 at the Bronco Bowl in Dallas. The music was better at the Bronco Bowl because he had a full band, but this was still awesomeâŠ
After the show, Rich did a meet and greet at a South Arlington Christian bookstore. I was standing right by the entrance and saw someone about to come in, so I opened the doorâand it was Rich. He looked slightly nervous and just smiled. John Rivers [legendary KLTY DJ] then announced in his booming DJ voice, âHere is Rich.â
Rich wasnât typical mainstream CCM, but John Rivers loved him anywayâhe always spoke so fondly of him, even before Rich’s death. He admired his humility, his genuineness, and his sense of humor. And the music? It speaks for itself. I think Rich may be the best songwriter ever⊠Iâm so thankful I got to see him those two times.â
The significance of this evening wasnât lost on local audiences either. A short âCheers and Jeersâ column in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram two weeks later read:
Cheers: To Rich Mullins for a memorable evening of music and reflection in Arlington. He is using the gifts he has been given.
Jeers: To Act 1 concerts for lack of planning. About 102 people had to swelter in 102-degree heat outside until 7:15 p.m.
â Joe Bindel, Longview
Despite the Texas heat and some logistical hiccups, the night became a touchstone for those in attendanceâan unadorned, heartfelt evening of spiritual reflection, musical excellence, and the kind of warmth that only Rich could bring to a stage.
We’re thrilled to include this rare performance as part of the Ragamuffin Archive: Classics series. The full concert is now available to stream on both YouTube and Mixcloud, ensuring that this unforgettable night can continue to inspire new generations of listeners.
Listen to Rich Mullins: Live in Arlington, TX on YouTube:
Listen on Mixcloud: