Phil Wickham has passion for music since an early age and has only grown stronger over the years. By the time he released his fourth album, Heaven & Earth in 2009, he was already a well-known name in the Christian music industry. But that was only the beginning of his rise to fame.
But fate had other plans. In 2014, Wickham’s career was derailed by a vocal injury that threatened to end his music career. However, he refused to let it get the better of him. After a period of rest and recovery, he came back with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at Wickham’s life story.
Where it all begins
Phil Wickham’s musical journey began in sunny San Diego, California, where he was raised in a household that was steeped in the sweet melodies of faith-based music.
With two musical parents who were former members of the renowned band Parable, it’s no surprise that Wickham and his siblings were encouraged to pursue their musical interests from a young age.
The sounds of guitars, drums, and harmonies filled the air of their home, and Wickham was instantly drawn to the world of music. It wasn’t long before he started strumming his own chords and penning his own lyrics, honing his skills and developing a passion for songwriting.
From a young age, it was clear that Wickham had a talent for creating music that was both emotive and inspiring. With his parents’ unwavering support, he honed his craft, using his voice and his guitar to create music that would touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
Phil Wickham’s music career has been a non-stop ride since the early 2000s.
In 2003, fresh off his debut album, Give You My World, Wickham hit the road and began touring.
He was like a musical Jack Kerouac, traversing the country and playing his heart out. But that was only the beginning.
In 2006, Wickham caught the attention of Simple/INO Records, and his second self-titled album was born. But that wasn’t enough for this musical powerhouse. He quickly followed up with Cannons in 2007, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The album featured the epic anthem “Jesus Lord of Heaven,” which rocked Christian radio stations across the country.
Wickham’s music was on fire, and he was only getting started. His fourth album, Heaven & Earth, was a massive success, debuting at number four on Billboard’s Hot 100 Christian Albums chart and gaining widespread popularity on the pop charts as well. Wickham was a musical force to be reckoned with, and his fans couldn’t get enough.
In 2011, he released the album Response on Fair Trade Services, followed by his concept album, Ascension, in 2013. Ascension was a deeply personal project for Wickham, inspired by Psalms 120 to 134, the so-called Psalms of Ascent.
With every album, Wickham’s music continued to evolve, grow, and inspire millions of fans across the globe.
The Pain
Once upon a time, Phil Wickham was on top of the world, spreading his faith and making passionate rock music that moved people’s souls. But one day, disaster struck. His voice, the very instrument he used to spread his message, began to fail him.
Pain and hoarseness crept into his throat, forcing him to cancel shows and confront a harsh reality: he had developed a vocal polyp that required surgery and a period of total silence.
In the midst of this dark time, Wickham turned to his faith for solace and strength. He knew that in the Bible, there were many stories of people facing trials and tribulations, and emerging stronger and more faithful on the other side.
He meditated on Psalm 30:2, which reads: “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” He prayed for healing and guidance, and gradually, he began to feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Out of this struggle came his sixth album, Children of God. It was a testament to his resilience and his unwavering belief in a higher power.
Songs like “Your Love Awakens Me” and “My All in All” spoke to his newfound gratitude and humility. And when the album was released in early 2016, it was clear that Wickham had tapped into something special. Critics and fans alike praised the record for its uplifting, soulful sound.
But Wickham didn’t stop there. He continued to release new music, including his 2018 album Living Hope, which featured the hit single of the same name. And despite the setbacks he had faced, his career continued to thrive.
He even recorded a live album, Singalong, Vol. 4: Live, with guests like Brian and Jenn Johnson and Matt Redman.
Through it all, Wickham remained a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to carry on. As it says in Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Recent Achievements
Phil Wickham has been on fire lately, releasing hit after hit in the Christian music scene. His eighth album, “Hymn of Heaven,” was an instant success and quickly reached number one on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart in June 2021.
The album was produced by a talented team that included Jonathan Smith, Kyle Lee, and Jason Ingram, among others. It also featured a guest appearance by none other than Brandon Lake, a Christian music sensation in his own right.
The album’s singles, “Battle Belongs” and “House of the Lord,” have become instant classics and have been featured on radio stations across the country. But Phil wasn’t content with just one successful album.
In 2022, he teamed up with Maverick City Music and Chandler Moore, as well as the Mav City Gospel Choir, for his hit song “Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All).”
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The song climbed the charts and landed Phil back on the Christian pop charts.
In January 2023, Phil Wickham dropped the first single off his upcoming ninth album, and it’s already making waves. “This Is Our God” debuted at number 14 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, and fans can’t get enough.
With his unique blend of faith-based rock music and heartfelt lyrics, Phil Wickham is a force to be reckoned with in the Christian music world.
It’s no wonder he’s topping the charts and captivating audiences everywhere.
The Journey never ends
Phil Wickham is not just any songwriter, he’s a master of crafting timeless tunes that transcend generations.
His music isn’t just meant to be heard and enjoyed but to be sung and cherished for years to come by the church community.
From his early days touring with his self-produced debut album to his recent chart-topping success with Hymn of Heaven, Wickham’s dedication to his craft and his passion for creating music that speaks to the soul shine through in every note.
It’s no wonder that his songs, like “This Is Amazing Grace” and “Living Hope,” have become staples in worship services around the world. Wickham is an artist who not only writes music, he creates hymns that will stand the test of time.
Let us know in the comment section, what is your favorite song by Phil.