Meet the Six Songwriters Behind Worship Music’s Newest Supergroup
What do you get when you combine six of worship music’s most gifted songwriters? Sons Of Sunday, the genre’s newest supergroup. Comprised of frequent collaborators and friends Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Pat Barrett and Leeland Mooring, Sons of Sunday is making waves with their self-titled debut, a 12-track collection of originals written and recorded by the outfit.
Collectively, the members of Sons of Sunday have accrued 46 GRAMMY® nominations, 12 GRAMMY® wins, 36 GMA Dove Awards and countless hits, including “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Praise,” “Graves Into Gardens,” “Trust In God,” “When Wind Meets Fire” and “This Is Our God.”
Sons of Sunday doesn’t feature a single frontman. Instead, all six men shoulder lead singer duties, easily trading vocals and sharing harmonies. The dozen tracks that define the collective’s critically lauded album — including anthemic declaration “God Did!” and gratitude-filled “One More Day” — serve up a diverse collection of bold statements that are all at once more experimental and more personal than their typical congregational-friendly worship faire, gradually expanding the bounds of what worship music can look and sound like.
While Sons of Sunday affirms we’re greater than the sum of our parts, here’s a quick refresher on how each of the high-profile members rose to prominence:
Steven Furtick
As the lead pastor of Elevation Church — based in Charlotte, North Carolina — Steven Furtick is also the visionary behind Elevation Worship and Elevation Rhythm, the musical expressions of Elevation Church. As a primary lyricist for both collectives, Furtick has inspired many a song with one of his fiery, truth-filled sermons. He also frequently serves as the keynote speaker on the ongoing nationwide “Elevation Nights” tour.
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Brandon Lake
Five-time GRAMMY® winner Brandon Lake began his career as a worship leader at Charleston’s Seacoast Church. After co-penning Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s “This Is A Move,” the father of three’s career exploded with the release of global anthem “Gratitude.” The king of collaboration, Lake has written and recorded songs with everyone from Maverick City Music and Elevation Worship to Gabby Barrett and Jelly Roll.
Chandler Moore
Best known as an esteemed member of Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore has since embarked on a solo career. Before stepping into the spotlight, however, Moore spent time on the road as a background vocalist for gospel chart-toppers Travis Greene and Tye Tribbett. Intentionally blurring genres as a multifaceted artist, the South Carolina native has collaborated with some of music’s biggest names, including Justin Bieber and Tori Kelly.
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Chris Brown
While Elevation Worship doesn’t technically boast a specific lead singer, Chris Brown is as close as it comes. The gifted singer-songwriter has been a part of Elevation Worship’s DNA for the past two decades, now leading the award-winning group’s songwriting, recording and touring efforts behind the scenes. Brown has written and sung on many of Elevation Worship’s biggest hits, such as “Graves Into Gardens,” “RATTLE!,” “Praise” and “Trust In God.”
Pat Barrett
Although Pat Barrett regularly releases songs under his own moniker, he’s also the lyricist behind many of the songs sung in churches around the world each week. Originally a member of Housefires, Barrett was discovered by Chris Tomlin, who signed him as the flagship artist for his label imprint. While Tomlin went on to score a megahit with “Good Good Father,” most people don’t know it was actually Barrett who co-wrote that single. The Atlanta-based songwriter has since penned a slew of other signature anthems, including “Build My Life” and “The Way (New Horizon).”
Leeland Mooring
Leeland Mooring, his brother Jack, cousin Jake and a few friends started the band, Leeland, in their hometown of Baytown, Texas. Mentored by Christian music icon Michael W. Smith, Leeland released their critically acclaimed debut, “Sound of Melodies,” in 2006. While the band’s lineup and sound have evolved over the years, Mooring has continued to quietly churn out consistent material recorded by Christian, pop and country artists alike, including “Lion and the Lamb” (Big Daddy Weave), “Christ Be All Around Me” (All Sons & Daughters), “Decoy” (Paramore), “Who I Am” (Nick Jonas) and RaeLynn (“Young”).
