For more than 20 years, multiplatinum artist Collin Raye has found great success in the country music industry, particularly garnering 16 No. 1 hits throughout the 1990s. But his latest CD, “His Love Remains,” released in 2011, reflects Raye’s shift toward Christian music and the deeply inspirational themes resonating in his life, which was tragically shaken two years ago by the loss of his granddaughter Haley, who died at age 9 from an undiagnosed neurological disorder.

In advance of his appearance Friday, June 18, in Vandalia in conjunction with Life Resource Centre, a local nonprofit organization that promotes life through education and action, the passionate, soulful Raye, 52, discussed his career.

Q: Is it difficult for an artist to remain grounded in one genre? Did you ever consider a career in Christian music?

A: So much of my music, even the hit songs in the ’90s, has been spiritual in nature, and my fans continue to follow my journey. Whatever walk of life you’re in, whether you’re cutting down trees or singing, and if you’re a believer in god, god expects you to do it for his glory. A long time ago I tried to be more into the Christian music industry, but people wanted me to stay in the country music industry. I stopped worrying about it because I knew god would steer my path. God hasn’t allowed me to lose my abilities. It’s nice to know I can wear my spirituality more on my sleeve than I could way back when.

Q: “His Love Remains” features traditional hymns such as “Amazing Grace,” “Ave Maria,” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “How Great Thou Art” as well as original tunes. What is the background of the original compositions?

A: Three songs are original. “Undefeated,” which I wrote with my daughter, has become an anthem for me, my daughter and our family after losing Haley. It’s a song about survival, to be functional, useful and thrive after a tragedy. “I Get What I Need” speaks absolute truth about how god works in prayer. God is not a great big Santa Claus who gives you whatever you ask. The third song is actually my hit single from 1995 called “Love Remains” from my “I Think About You” album. It always felt like a hymn to me. It sums up life in three-and-a-half-minutes. We recorded it a different way, a better way, and paraphrased the title, which is the real proof of the song.

Q: What are your plans for the future? Will you release another Christian CD or return to country music?

A: I like every record to be different. In fact, sometime down the road, I’d like to do an album of great country songs that people don’t remember, especially the new generation of country music fans. I want to give something back to the industry that was so good to me. There’s more to country music than celebrating being a redneck. It’s kind of embarrassing. But I want to do an album of songs from artists like Hank Williams, who wrote blue-collar poetry. Hopefully a company like Cracker Barrel would distribute it, as well. I’m also a big Glen Campbell fan. I have been friends with Glen for over 20 years and would love to do an album of his songs in the very near future.

Q: What should audiences expect from your concert in Vandalia?

A: I’ll be singing some hymns, but also a ton of hits my fans want to hear. I always do the big songs as well as some faith songs. I try to make my concerts lively. I trust that anybody who walks into the concert is going to leave happy.

Q: What is your greatest hope for 2013 professionally and spiritually?

A: I link the two together. I equate my ministry with my career. I would love to do more events like I’m doing in Vandalia, being connected with more organizations like Life Resource Centre. Usually when you support such a cause it’s from a distance, but I’m very thankful my name has become synonymous with the pro-life movement. I would also certainly love to play Europe more than I have in the past few years, especially Ireland. But I am excited to be performing for the pope this summer at World Youth Day in Brazil. I just want to continue to tour and go wherever the lord leads me.