Bart Millard

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Bart Millard
Bart Millard and Robin Shaffer in concert.JPG
Millard in 2008
Background information
Birth nameBart Marshall Millard [1]
Born (1972-12-01) December 1, 1972 (age 51) [2]
Greenville, Texas, U.S. [1]
Genres Rock · Christian rock · CCM
Occupation(s)Singer · songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1994–present
Labels Fair Trade Services
Website bartmillard.org

Bart Marshall Millard (born December 1, 1972) is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the leader of the band MercyMe. He has also released two solo albums: Hymned, No. 1 , in 2005 and Hymned Again in 2008. He received a solo Grammy nomination in the category of Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for the latter album.

Contents

Band career

In high school, Millard wanted to become a football player, a dream which ended when he injured both ankles at a high school football game. As a result, Millard took choir as an elective. Millard's father, Arthur Wesley Millard Jr., [3] died in 1991, during Bart's first year of college, and his youth pastor invited him to work with the church's youth group worship band. Millard accepted and worked with the video and audio systems for the group. James (Jim) Bryson played piano for that band and later went on to play with Bart Millard and the worship band on a trip to Switzerland. This trip inspired Millard to pursue a full-time musical career. Millard and two of his friends, James Phillip Bryson and Michael John Scheuchzer, moved to Oklahoma City,[ when? ] and formed MercyMe. Since then, the band has recorded six independent, ten studio, two Christmas, and three compilation albums. [4]

Solo career

Millard made a promise to his grandmother to record an album of hymns before she died, which he did with Hymned No. 1, and he subsequently shared the story of how he was inspired by his grandmother's faith. [5] [6] [7] Millard made the second of his two hymn albums because he realized that the church he was attending did not sing hymns and he wanted his children to have hymns as a part of their lives. [5]

Millard said his dad heavily influenced him in his musical direction with respect to the hymn albums, drawing particularly on Willie Nelson and Louie Prima. [5] Millard stated that these influences would not be appropriate for MercyMe, [5] as MercyMe is similar to Coldplay, while these hymns are more in the vein of Frank Sinatra. [5] Millard said that he embarked on his solo effort in order to give expression to musical styles that would not have been compatible with MercyMe. [5] Millard said that they sang a Hank Williams song called "I Saw the Light" in his church growing up. [5]

The title of Hymned Again is a "tongue-in-cheek" reference to the first album. [5] The first album was an effort to make songs that he did not particularly care about cooler, and the second album was created to achieve a Kansas City swing/shuffle mood in the vein of Louie Prima, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Cullum, which is what was achieved. [5] [6] According to Greer, this album was very reminiscent of She by Connick, which was done five or six times according to Millard. [6] Millard said he accomplished this by listening to a stack of albums by these musicians. [6] Millard said the songs on the album Hymned Again are in the tradition of the Great Revival era musically, but that this was not done on purpose. [6] Millard said the one original song on the album, titled "Jesus Cares for Me", was written by Thad Cockrell, a song that, according to the singer, "could’ve been written 50, 60 years ago." [6] Millard nervously asked Vince Gill to participate on the album. [6] On the possibility of a future "Hymned" effort, Millard said, "Man, I hope so." [5]

Millard is featured as a vocalist on "I See Love", a 2004 single by Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman. He is also featured as a backing vocalist on Phil Wickham's 2009 single "Safe".

Awards

Millard was deemed the Best Male Vocalist by Christianity Today in 2005 for his work on his solo album Hymned No. 1 and for The Christmas Sessions album with MercyMe. [8] Millard's Hymned No. 1 was ranked No. 9 on Christianity Today's Best Christian Albums of 2005. [9]

Film

Millard's song "I Can Only Imagine" was inspired by his father's death, and was made into a film also titled I Can Only Imagine . The film was released on March 16, 2018.

Personal life

Millard is from Greenville, Texas, where he and his wife Shannon currently live. They have five children: Sam, Gracie, Charlie, Sophie and Miles. [10]

Millard's mother Adele left him with his abusive father when he was just a boy. They have since reconciled, and she died in July 2022. [11]

Arthur Wesley Millard Jr., Bart's father, abused him as a boy. However, Arthur became a Christian later in life. He and Bart made amends before Arthur died of pancreatic cancer in 1991. [12] [13]

Discography

Albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[14] 		US
Christian
[15] 		US
Heat
[16]
Hymned, No. 1
  • Released: August 16, 2005
  • Label: INO Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
—1213
Hymned Again
  • Released: August 19, 2008
  • Label: INO Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
1268—

Guest appearances

YearArtistAlbumSong
2002 Steven Curtis Chapman, Out of Eden, Jennifer Knapp, Jeremy Lubbuck Jody Moreing, Lila McCann, Joy Williams, Jody Moreing, and Warren Ham Let's Roll: Together In Unity, Faith, and Hope"The Lords Prayer" "To You Be the Glory"
2004 Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman The Passion of the Christ: Songs "I See Love"
2007 Phil Wickham Cannons "The Light Will Come"
2009 Heaven & Earth "Safe"
2011Apostles ChurchLove Came Through"Jesus, Name Above All Names"
2012 Big Tent Revival The Way Back Home"The Weight"
2013 Hawk Nelson Made "Words"
2014 Francesca Battistelli, Jamie Grace, Jeremy Camp, Matt Maher, and Dave Freynon-single album"Hope Can Change Everything"
2018 Citizen Way Love Is A Lion"WaveWalker"
2018 Ryan Stevenson No Matter What"No Matter What"
2019 Gloria Gaynor Testimony "He Won't Let Go"
TobyMac The St. Nemele Collab Sessions"Overflow (Willyecho Remix)"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MercyMe</span> American band

MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian music band founded in Edmond, Oklahoma. The band consists of lead vocalist Bart Millard, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Can Only Imagine (MercyMe song)</span> 2001 single by MercyMe

"I Can Only Imagine" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by lead singer Bart Millard, it was originally recorded for the band's 1999 independent album The Worship Project before being included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There. The song was the last to be written for The Worship Project; in writing it, Millard drew upon his thoughts about his father's death. Lyrically, it imagines what it would be like to be in front of God in heaven; it opens with just a piano before building to include guitar and drums.

<i>Almost There</i> (album) 2001 studio album by MercyMe

Almost There is the first studio album by the American Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by Pete Kipley, it was released on August 14, 2001, by INO Records. After releasing six albums as an unsigned band, they decided to pursue a record contract because it became too difficult to sell albums, book shows, and manage themselves. The band was assigned to work with Kipley, who had not produced a major project before. Four songs on the album had previously appeared on their self-released albums; the rest were newly recorded songs. Critics have characterized the music on the album as contemporary worship and pop rock, with a more radio-friendly sound than the band's self-released albums.

<i>Undone</i> (MercyMe album) 2004 studio album by MercyMe

Undone is the third studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. It was produced by Pete Kipley and released on April 20, 2004 on INO Records. Following the success of MercyMe's previous studio efforts and their surprise crossover hit "I Can Only Imagine”, they were given significantly more resources to develop the album with. The band also brought in a sixth member, guitarist Barry Graul. Unlike the band's previous songwriting style, which was to write the lyrics first, they wrote the music for the songs on Undone before writing the lyrics. Musically, the album is a progression from the band's previous albums, adopting a guitar-driven pop rock and adult contemporary sound, while the lyrics are personal and convey Christian themes.

"Homesick" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard, the song is an expression of grief and longing that was written after the band experienced the deaths of nine people they were connected to in a short period of time. "Homesick" was included on MercyMe's third studio album Undone and was released as the second single from that album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">God with Us (song)</span> 2007 single by MercyMe

"God With Us" is a song written and performed by Christian rock band MercyMe. The song is lyrically a worship song, inspired by a question used by lead singer Bart Millard's pastor.

<i>All That Is Within Me</i> 2007 studio album by MercyMe

All That Is Within Me is the fifth studio album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by Brown Bannister, it was released on November 20, 2007 through INO Records. The album, intended by the band to be a worship album split between covers and original songs, was recorded following the band's tour with Audio Adrenaline in promotion of their previous studio album Coming Up to Breathe (2006). Although the band intended to write material for a new album during the tour, they had only written one song by the time they entered their recording studio, Cider Mountain Studio in Athol, Idaho. The band wrote so many songs at the studio that they decided not to include any cover songs; all of the songs on the album but one were written or co-written by the band. The album was described as being a rock and worship album, being aimed directly at a Christian audience.

<i>The Worship Project</i> 1999 studio album by MercyMe

The Worship Project is the fifth self-released album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by the band and recorded by Jim Bryson, the album was released on October 14, 1999. In contrast to the band's previous efforts, which were influenced by grunge music, The Worship Project is a worship album. MercyMe wrote songs for the album using a basic verse–chorus style so as to be easy to learn and sing along to and to easily fit on a PowerPoint screen. The album incorporates alternative, rock, and pop musical styles, as well as "rootsy" elements like organs and violins.

<i>Coming Up to Breathe</i> 2006 studio album by MercyMe

Coming Up to Breathe is the fourth studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. Released on April 25, 2006, by INO Records, the album was intended by MercyMe to be edgier than their previous albums. Coming Up to Breathe sold 58,000 copies its first week, MercyMe's biggest sales week at the time. It debuted and peaked at number one on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, number five on the Rock Albums chart, and number thirteen on the Billboard 200. It also appeared on the Alternative Albums chart in 2007, peaking at number thirteen. Coming Up to Breathe was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2007, signifying shipments of over 500,000 copies.

<i>Spoken For</i> 2002 studio album by MercyMe

Spoken For is the second studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by Pete Kipley, the album was released on October 1, 2002, by INO Records. The album's production, which followed the success of "I Can Only Imagine" on Christian radio, was described by lead singer Bart Millard as "nerve-racking"; the album musically represents a shift in the band's musical style, with critics variously identifying it as roots rock, pop rock, or adult contemporary. Lyrically, the album focuses on worship and the concept of Christians as being "spoken for" by God.

<i>The Christmas Sessions</i> 2005 studio album by MercyMe

The Christmas Sessions is the first Christmas album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. The album, produced by Brown Bannister, was released on September 27, 2005. The band, who greatly enjoy Christmas, had previously recorded Christmas songs and enjoyed the process so much that they wanted to produce a full-length album. After releasing a studio album in early 2004, they decided to take time off; they realized they could record a Christmas album over that period and began work in December 2004. The band, aiming to produce a rock-oriented album, recruited Bannister, a noted rock producer, to produce it. In addition to one original song, "Joseph's Lullaby", the album consists of covers of both modern and traditional Christmas songs that the band members had listened to when growing up.

<i>10</i> (MercyMe album) 2009 greatest hits album by MercyMe

10 is a greatest hits album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. Released on April 7, 2009 in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the band's single "I Can Only Imagine". The album contains twelve of the band's number-one singles from five studio albums as well as a re-recording of "I Can Only Imagine" featuring the London Sessions Orchestra, in addition to two other bonus tracks. Additional content, which varies depending on the version of the album, includes music videos, featurettes, and live recordings.

"Word of God Speak" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard and Pete Kipley, "Word of God Speak" uses sparse instrumentation, featuring only piano and strings to accompany Millard's vocals. The lyrics to "Word of God Speak" reflect on the idea that it is impossible to speak of an infinite God with a limited vocabulary.

<i>Hymned, No. 1</i> 2005 studio album by Bart Millard

Hymned, No. 1 is the first solo album from MercyMe singer Bart Millard. The album features modern takes on popular Christian hymns. The album was released on August 16, 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finally Home</span> 2008 single by MercyMe

"Finally Home" is a song by contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Co-written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Mike Scheuchzer, the song has lyrical themes revolving around heaven, with the music written around an acoustic guitar riff. It also contains musical influences from country and pop music, and features harmony vocals from Millard.

"Spoken For" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard, Nathan Cochran, Mike Scheuchzer, Jim Bryson, Robby Shaffer, and Pete Kipley. "Spoken For" has been described as "haunting", and as having a "strong lyrical hook".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Reign</span> 2008 single by MercyMe

"You Reign" is a song written and performed by Christian rock band MercyMe. The song was co-written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Steven Curtis Chapman, and was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, All That Is Within Me.

<i>The Hurt & the Healer</i> 2012 studio album by MercyMe

The Hurt & the Healer is the seventh studio album by American contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Released on May 22, 2012, the album was about the season that the band is currently in at the time of composing the music. Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the album met with positive critical and commercial reception. The album sold over 33,000 copies its first week and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart. This is also their first album release without keyboardist and group co-founder Jim Bryson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hurt & the Healer (song)</span> 2012 single by MercyMe

"The Hurt & the Healer" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard, Robby Shaffer, Jim Bryson, Mike Schuechzer, Nathan Cochran, and Barry Graul, it was released as the lead single from the band's upcoming album of the same title. The idea for the song came after the death of Millard's firefighter cousin, who died while fighting a fire, and the song's early completion resulted in the album being pushed back so that the band could make sure the rest of the album "held its own".

"Bless Me Indeed " is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by the band and produced by Pete Kipley, it was released as the lead single from the band's 2001 album Almost There. The song was written at the request of the band's record label, who wanted to produce a song based on the popular book The Prayer of Jabez (2000). Although the band did not want to write it at first, they eventually relented and recorded it.

References

  1. 1 2 Christian Music Review. "Bart Millard biography". Archived from the original on April 29, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  2. ↑ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-can-only-imagine-bart-millard/1007070742 I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard. "On December 1, 1972, I came into the world."
  3. ↑ Brad Schmitt, "MercyMe's Bart Millard thought his father was going to kill him", Tennessean, February 13, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  4. ↑ "MercyMe - Album Discography - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Breimeier, Russ (October 6, 2008). "Reimagining the Hymns". Christianity Today . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Greer, Andrew (August 26, 2008). "Bart Millard: The Solo Side, Take Two". Crosswalk via Christian Music Planet. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  7. ↑ Evans Price, Deborah (August 23, 2005). "Bart Millard: MawMaw's Boy". Crosswalk . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  8. ↑ Christianity Today (January 1, 2006). "Best Artists of 2005". Christianity Today . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  9. ↑ Christianity Today (January 1, 2006). "The Best Christian Albums of 2005". Christianity Today . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  10. ↑ K-LOVE (July 23, 2012). "Talking with Bart Millard: Kids & Insane Family Moments". Educational Media Foundation . Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  11. ↑ Law, Jeannie Ortega; Reporter, Christian Post (July 12, 2022). "MercyMe's Bart Millard speaks of mom's passing, says they made amends over abusive childhood". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  12. ↑ Schmitt, Brad. "MercyMe's Bart Millard thought his father was going to kill him". The Tennessean. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  13. ↑ Mehrotra, Kriti (December 7, 2023). "What Happened to Bart Millard's Dad? How Did He Die?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Billboard 200". Billboard . Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Top Christian Albums". Billboard . Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Heatseekers Albums". Billboard . Retrieved April 13, 2020.
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