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Matthew West
Matthew West
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Key Information

Matthew Joseph West[1] (born April 25, 1977) is an American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. He has released five studio albums and is known for his songs "More", "You Are Everything", and "The Motions". He was nominated for five Dove Awards in 2005, two of which were for his major-label debut album, Happy. West won the 2013 American Music Award for Best Contemporary Inspirational Artist.[2]

Starting as an independent musician in the late 1990s, he released three independent albums before signing with Universal South Records. With the release of his Dove Award-winning debut album, Happy, released in 2003, his first radio single, "More", stayed at No. 1 on Christian Adult Contemporary charts for nine weeks and received two Dove Award nominations. His second album, History, was followed by a 2006 re-release of the originally independent album Sellout. In 2007, his career was threatened by vocal issues that required vocal-cord surgery followed by two months of prescribed vocal rest. His third studio album, Something to Say, also enjoyed chart success with No. 1 hits "You Are Everything" and "The Motions".

In addition to his main solo career, West has worked as a songwriter for many Christian musicians and groups, such as Point of Grace, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, and Casting Crowns, as well as mainstream country acts Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Vince Gill. In 2013, his second single, "Hello, My Name Is", from the album Into the Light, was released and reached No. 1 for a career-best 17 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Christian Songs chart.[3][4]

Early life

[edit]

Matthew West was born on April 25, 1977, in Downers Grove, Illinois.[5][6] As a child he was a fan of his hometown baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, and wanted to eventually have a career in baseball.[7] He played baseball throughout high school at Downers Grove North High School, becoming team captain as a senior; he also performed in the school's Chamber Choir. He was hoping for a college baseball scholarship but instead ended up receiving a four-year music scholarship at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where he was a part of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter. He graduated from Millikin in 1999.[7]

Musical career

[edit]

West wrote most of his first songs in the sanctuary of his father's church while he was at home during college breaks.[7] According to a statement by West at the 2013 Winter Jam (March 23, 2013), at a 1997 Steven Curtis Chapman at the Assembly Hall in Champaign-Urbana, West was crying profusely, prompting his friends to ask him what was wrong. He said that he was being led by Jesus to pursue a career in singing and songwriting. He was a songwriter and independent musician from 1997 to 2002, releasing three albums: September Sun (1997), Every Step of the Way (1998), and Sellout (2002).[8][9] In October 1997, he went on a three-city tour to support the release of September Sun.[8]

Just before West graduated from Millikin University in 1999, someone from the college recommended that he attend the GMA Music in the Rockies event for aspiring musicians. Although West was not interested at first, he attended after learning that other people signed him up and paid his entrance fee.[7] He met a representative from Word Publishing at the event who took interest in him and kept in contact until he graduated. West landed in the finals of a songwriting competition and was offered a songwriting deal in July 1999, five weeks after graduating.[7][8] After penning songs for well-known musicians like Billy Ray Cyrus and Rachael Lampa, he began touring the United States as an independent artist in 2000 and 2001.[7][8]

"I'm not going to candy-coat it and say, 'Life is hard but God is good.' No, I was at the depths and my weakest moment."

Matthew West in an interview with Christianity Today about his arm injury.[7]

On July 26, 2002,[8] only a week or two before signing a record contract with Universal South Records, West had an injury to his left arm which jeopardized his musical career and guitar playing. He says, "I locked myself out of my house. But I'd done that before, and I had a way of breaking in through a window. But this time, I had a really hard time getting the window open. I started pushing up on the window really hard and my hand broke through the glass. Blood starting spewing out of my left arm everywhere and I ran down my street screaming for help. After seeing so much blood, I went into shock and just blacked out in the middle of the street. The next thing I can remember is some construction workers praying over me in Spanish and then being taken to the hospital."[7] West was told that the chances were low of regaining the full use of his left arm, a major artery having come very close to being severed.[7] He recovered after the accident, however, and was able to continue playing guitar and record for his first studio album.[10]

Happy (2003–2004)

[edit]
Matthew West at a concert on tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam tour in December 2005

After signing with Universal South Records on August 23, 2002,[8] West released his first non-independent studio album, Happy, on December 26, 2003.[11] The album's producers Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser co-wrote the song "More" with West.[12][13] The track was his first and most successful radio single to date, staying at No. 1 on R&R's Christian Adult Contemporary chart for a record-breaking nine weeks.[14] It was the most played Christian AC song of 2004[15] and went on to be labelled the Christian Song of the Year by ASCAP.[16] Two additional songs, "The End" and "You Know Where to Find Me", were also released as singles off the album.[17] Beginning in late September 2004, West joined Avalon and Mark Schultz on a 40-city fall tour, which concluded at the end of November.[18] In 2005, he was nominated for five Dove Awards, including "New Artist of the Year" and "Song of the Year".[19] He won the "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year" Dove Award for his debut album Happy.[20]

In early 2005, he was on the WinterJam 2005 tour, hosted by NewSong, with tobyMac, Building 429, Tait, and Rachael Lampa.[21]

History and vocal problems (2005–2007)

[edit]
Matthew West playing a concert on the History 101 tour in September 2005

With Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser once again as producers,[22] Matthew West began recording for his second studio album in early 2005.[17] History, co-produced by West, was released on June 21, 2005, on Universal South Records.[23] The first single off the album, "Next Thing You Know", was released June 20, a day before the album's release.[24] The theme of the title track "History" was inspired by a R&R music news headline "Matthew West Makes History", in reference to his first album, Happy. "It's not every day you read a headline like that with your name in it that calls you a history maker," he said.[25] Beginning on September 14, 2005, he kicked off the 30-city History 101 tour, his first headlining tour, which included guest musicians Shawn McDonald and Paul Wright.[26] He then joined tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam tour, beginning on December 1, 2005, along with John Reuben, BarlowGirl, GRITS, and DJ Maj.[27] Two additional songs were released off History as singles: "Only Grace" and the title track "History".[28][29]

His independent album Sellout was re-released in 2006 on Universal South Records.[30]

West said that he began to experience "some vocal fatigue" in April 2007. He said, "I had lost some of my vocal range, staying on higher notes and lower notes. I even began having a hard time speaking."[31] At a vocal check-up in response to the issue, West's doctors at the Nashville Vanderbilt Voice Center discovered "hemorrhaging caused by some polyps".[31] He was told by his doctors that vocal surgery was the only option, since a few weeks had passed.[31] The surgery took place on May 17, 2007, a process that he said was "career threatening."[32] Afterward, he was prescribed a two-month period of silence for vocal rest.[31]

A video documentary titled Nothing to Say, directed and produced by Benjamin Eisner, was released in early 2008, highlighting Matthew West's time of silence and vocal recovery in 2007.[33] In February 2008, the documentary was available exclusively in Family Christian Stores as a CD/DVD combo pack with West's album Something to Say.[33]

Something to Say (2008–2010)

[edit]

His next single "You Are Everything" was released in late 2007. The song was available as a free download from West's website.[34] He also recorded a duet ("Christmas Makes Me Cry") with American Idol finalist Mandisa, which was released as a Christmas radio single in November 2007, from Mandisa's Christmas Joy EP.[34]

Matthew West's album Something to Say was released on January 15, 2008.[35] It reached No. 8 on Billboard's Top Christian albums chart, and peaked at No. 159 on the Billboard 200 chart,[36] making it his first Billboard 200 album .[37] It was produced by Brown Bannister, Ed Cash, and Christopher Stevens.[38] West said in an interview that all of the album's songs had already been written and the title "Something to Say" had already been decided "months before I found out that I was going to have nothing to say."[31][39] The first radio single released from the album was "You Are Everything". In March 2008, the song reached No. 1 on R&R's Christian AC chart.[40] "Something to Say", the album's title track, was also released to radio, receiving airplay in June 2008.[41]

Matthew West guested on tobyMac's 26-city "Boomin' Beyond Measure" tour along with Jeremy Camp.[42] The tour ran from February 6 through March 21, 2008.[43]

He was featured on the Billy Graham television special America's Dream: Chasing Happiness, which aired in the U.S. on March 1–9, 2008.[44] The appearance included a world premiere of his music video for "Nothing Else", a song from History.[44] On June 29, West hosted GMA's 2008 Gospel Dream, a televised Christian music talent competition.[45] "The Motions" was released as his next single, placing at No. 1 on R&R's Christian AC chart in April 2009.[46]

In 2009 he had a song on an album by country artist Jo Dee Messina, with another under consideration by American Idol finalist Danny Gokey. In December 2009, "The Motions" was Grammy-nominated for Best Gospel Song, West's first Grammy nomination.[47]

Recent years (2010–present)

[edit]
West on stage with Renee Napier, whose story inspired his song "Forgiveness"

"My Own Little World", the first single from Matthew West's new album, was released on August 23, 2010. The album, The Story of Your Life, was released October 5, 2010. According to West it is a response to thousands of life stories his fans shared with him. "The first day, I got 1,000 stories. All of a sudden, I was like, 'Holy cow, something special is about to take place.' I rented a cabin in Tennessee, about 25 minutes from my house, that felt like it was out in the middle of nowhere. And I spent two months in that cabin reading 10,000 stories," the singer/songwriter reported in an interview with CBN.com.[48]

West also starred in The Heart of Christmas.[49] In 2011, he released a Christmas song featuring Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill entitled "Leaving Heaven".[citation needed]

Into the Light was released in September 2012.[50] West's Into the Light Tour was in September, October, and November 2013.[51] He released his sixth studio album, Live Forever, on April 28, 2015.[52] His seventh studio album, All In, was set to release on September 22, 2017, to be immediately followed by his All In tour. His single "The Motions" was certified Platinum by RIAA.

In February 2020, West released Brand New on his own imprint, Story House Music, under a new deal with Sony's Provident Music Group.[citation needed] A deluxe edition followed in April 2021.[citation needed]

On February 17, 2023, West released a 22-song album titled My Story Your Glory.

Other songwriting

[edit]

In addition to his solo career, Matthew West has also written songs for other Christian bands and musicians, including Mark Schultz, Mandisa, Jump5, Sara Groves, Joy Williams, Casting Crowns, Salvador, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, PureNRG, and Point of Grace, as well as mainstream country act Billy Ray Cyrus. Rascal Flatts recorded West's song "The Day Before You" on their album Feels Like Today.[53][13][54][55] West co-wrote "Voice of a Savior" by Mandisa and "Thank You" by 33Miles, both of which were released as singles in early 2008.[56]

Acting

[edit]

West also pursues acting, with occasional appearances in Christian television shows, starting in 2009.[citation needed] In 2011, he made his film debut in Gary Wheeler's Christian film The Heart of Christmas co-starring Candace Cameron Bure. At the end of 2011 it reached a rating of 7.1 on IMDb[57] after a direct-to-TV release.[57]

Personal life

[edit]
West with his family (L-R) Lulu, Delaney, Emily, and his mother in 2013

Matthew West currently lives in Nashville with his wife Emily.[15][58] They were married on May 10, 2003, after proposing to her in September 2002.[8] They have two daughters, named Luella and Delaney.[59] The Wests have two dogs named Nick and Rocky.[25]

Awards

[edit]

American Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Matthew West Favorite Inspirational Artist Nominated

GMA Dove Awards

[edit]
Year Award Result
2005 New Artist of the Year[61] Nominated
Song of the Year ("More")[62] Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("More")[62] Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Happy)[62] Nominated
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (Happy)[62] Won
2006 Song of the Year ("Only Grace")[63] Nominated
2011 Short Form Music Video of the Year ("My Own Little World")[64] Nominated
2012 Special Event Album of the Year (Music Inspired by The Story) (with various artists) Won
2013 Song of the Year ("Forgiveness")[65] Nominated
2016 Songwriter of the Year[66] Nominated
2018 Songwriter of the Year Won
Song of the Year ("Broken Things") Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (All In) Nominated
2020 Song of the Year ("The God Who Stays") Nominated
Songwriter of the Year (Artist) Nominated

Discography

[edit]
Albums
Year Title
2003 Happy
2005 History
2008 Something to Say
2010 The Story of Your Life
2011 The Heart of Christmas
2012 Into the Light
2015 Live Forever
2017 All In[67]
2020 Brand New
2021 We Need Christmas
2023 My Story Your Glory
2024 Don't Stop Praying

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew West (born April 25, 1977) is an American recognized for his inspirational songs, storytelling, and contributions to the genre as both a performer and prolific writer. Born in , West grew up in a faith-centered family as the son of Pastor Joe West, which immersed him in church life from an early age. He graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1995 and later attended on a music scholarship, where he honed his skills before launching his professional career in 1997. Signing with Universal South Records in 2002, West debuted with the album Happy in 2003, marking the start of a trajectory that includes over a dozen studio albums, such as Live Forever (2015), My Story Your Glory (2023), and his 13th release Don’t Stop Praying (2024), the latter featuring the No. 1 hit single of the same name. West's songwriting extends beyond his own discography, with more than 275 credits for artists including , , and , contributing to a total of 38 No. 1 songs on . His accolades include five Grammy nominations, multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year awards, the 2023 ASCAP Golden Note Award, , a Billboard Music Award, and a primetime Emmy nomination for the song "The Heart of Christmas." Beyond music, he has authored eight books, including Forgiveness and an upcoming title Don’t Stop Praying set for February 2026, and hosts The Matthew West Podcast since 2020, focusing on faith and personal stories. In 2016, West co-founded the nonprofit popwe with his father to promote hope and healing through prayer and narrative sharing. Married to since May 10, 2003, he resides in , with their two daughters, Lulu and Delaney.

Early years

Childhood and family

Matthew West was born on April 25, 1977, in , a suburb of . He grew up in a devout Christian household as the son of Joe West and Sharon West, with his father serving in ministry and his mother actively involved in church music through harmonizing during services. The family emphasized faith from an early age, and West accepted Jesus Christ at 13 during a Crusade, an experience prompted by his mother's influence. He has two brothers, Joel—who later became his manager—and Adam. As a child and teenager in Downers Grove, West was immersed in church life, often sitting in the front pew and absorbing musical elements from services, which fostered his initial appreciation for . Although he initially aspired to play professional baseball for his hometown Chicago Cubs, his path shifted during his high school years when family and church influences highlighted his musical talents. Upon graduating from Downers Grove North High School in 1995, his father gifted him a guitar, igniting his hands-on with through playing and early songwriting experiments as a late teenager. Following high school, West transitioned to formal music education at in , where he earned a in 1999. In May of that year, shortly after graduation, he relocated to , to pursue music professionally, securing an exclusive songwriting deal with Word Music just two months later.

Education

Matthew West attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, from 1995 to 1999, where he received a four-year music scholarship after initially aspiring to play college baseball. Growing up as the son of a pastor, West had early exposure to music through church activities, which influenced his decision to pursue formal studies in the field despite his athletic interests. At Millikin, West majored in music performance, studying under faculty including Stephen Widenhofer, the longtime dean of the music conservatory. During his first year, he began learning guitar and composing original songs, shifting his focus from performance to songwriting—a passion that deepened through booking his own campus and local gigs by his senior year. West graduated with a in music performance in 1999. Immediately following graduation, he relocated to , to launch a professional career in .

Musical career

Debut: Happy (2003–2004)

Matthew West signed with Universal South Records in August 2002 following the submission of a demo tape that caught the label's attention during an industry meeting. This deal marked his transition from independent releases to major-label support, allowing him to develop his debut studio album under professional production resources. The album, titled Happy, was released on December 26, 2003, through and Universal South. Produced by Kenny Greenberg and Jason Houser, the project blended contemporary Christian pop with rock elements, emphasizing West's songwriting focus on personal journeys. Key tracks included the "More," which explores a deepening desire for God's love amid everyday distractions, and the title track "Happy," reflecting on finding authentic joy through spiritual reliance despite life's uncertainties. These songs underscore the album's overarching themes of , redemption, and joyful surrender, drawing from West's experiences of spiritual growth and gratitude. Happy achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 28 on the Top Christian Albums chart. The single "More" propelled its visibility, topping the Christian AC Indicator chart for nine consecutive weeks in 2004 and earning ASCAP's Christian Song of the Year honors. To promote the release, West embarked on early tours, including a 40-city fall outing in late 2004 as an opener for and Mark Schultz, which helped build his live performance presence in the scene. The album's reception highlighted West's emerging voice in , setting a foundation for his subsequent work.

History and vocal issues (2005–2007)

Matthew West released his second studio album, History, on June 21, 2005, through Universal South Records. The album featured 11 tracks, all written or co-written by West, and explored themes of personal faith and redemption, inspired by a magazine headline declaring that West was "making history" in Christian music. The lead single, "Next Thing You Know", released in June 2005, recounted West's own salvation experience at age 13 and became a significant hit, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard's chart. Follow-up singles included "Only Grace", which earned a for Song of the Year at the 37th Annual in 2006, and the title track "". The itself achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and No. 26 on the Top Heatseekers chart, solidifying West's presence in . In April 2007, West began experiencing vocal fatigue, including loss of range in higher and lower notes, and difficulty speaking. A medical evaluation revealed a vascular polyp and hemorrhaged blood vessels on his left vocal cord, conditions that rendered impossible without intervention. On May 17, 2007, West underwent surgery to repair the damage, followed by a prescribed two-month period of complete vocal rest, during which he could neither speak nor perform. This hiatus halted his touring schedule until September 2007 and threatened his career as a vocalist and songwriter.

Something to Say (2008–2010)

Following the absorption of Universal South Records into other labels within , Matthew West transitioned to in early 2008, marking a new chapter in his recording career. This move allowed him to continue building on his established presence in while aligning with a label known for supporting artist-driven projects. West's third studio album, Something to Say, was released on January 15, 2008, through , featuring 12 tracks that emphasized themes of purpose, faith, and personal testimony. Key songs included the lead single "," a heartfelt co-written by West and Sam Mizell, and the title track "Something to Say," which encouraged listeners to find their voice in sharing stories of redemption. The album debuted at No. 10 on the Nielsen SoundScan Christian Retail Chart and achieved broader success, peaking at No. 8 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. Its singles drove significant airplay, with "" topping both the R&R Christian AC National Airplay chart and Billboard's chart in early 2008, becoming the most-played Christian song of the year. Follow-up single "The Motions," released in 2009, also reached No. 1 on Christian AC radio, earning West his first Grammy nomination for Best Song. To promote the album, West embarked on the fall 2008 "Something to Say Tour," headlining alongside emerging artist Josh Wilson and incorporating interactive elements where he shared the inspirations behind his songs to connect with audiences. In 2009, he joined the WAY-FM/World Vision Tour with Sanctus Real, focusing on themes of global compassion, and launched his inaugural holiday outing, the "Give This Christmas Away Tour," which visited over 10 cities and blended seasonal classics with original material to foster community and giving. These performances highlighted West's evolving role as a storyteller, often featuring "Story Behind the Song" segments that drew from fan-submitted experiences to illustrate the album's message of purposeful living. West's fourth studio album, The Story of Your Life, was released on October 5, , through . Inspired by fan stories, the album featured 11 tracks emphasizing redemption and faith, with the "My Own Little World" peaking at No. 5 on the chart. It debuted at No. 7 on the Top Christian Albums chart, further establishing West's narrative-driven style in . By , West's momentum from Something to Say and The Story of Your Life carried forward, solidifying his growing popularity in circles through consistent touring and radio dominance.

Mid-career developments (2011–2019)

In 2012, Matthew West released his fifth studio album, Into the Light, on , which was inspired by over 10,000 personal stories submitted by fans through his , continuing his signature approach to . The album featured tracks like "," drawn from the real-life experience of fan Renee Napier, who forgave her daughter's murderer, and "Hello, My Name Is," which became a major hit. "Hello, My Name Is" topped the Christian AC Indicator chart for 17 consecutive weeks, marking West's longest-running No. 1 single at the time and earning him widespread acclaim for blending personal redemption themes with uplifting melodies. Follow-up single "Do Something," released in 2014, peaked at No. 2 on the Christian Songs chart and inspired action-oriented faith narratives, further solidifying West's chart success with multiple top-ranked releases during this era. West's sixth studio album, Live Forever, arrived in 2015 through , debuting at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart. The project, produced by David Leonard and Seth Mosley, included 11 tracks focused on salvation and eternal hope, with the lead single "Grace Wins" reaching No. 1 on the chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Song. Other singles like "Day One" highlighted themes of new beginnings, reinforcing West's role in inspirational Christian pop. Building on this momentum, West's thematic focus evolved toward introspective personal testimony in his 2017 album All In, released on September 22 via Sparrow Records, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and No. 1 on the Christian Digital Songs chart. The project highlighted West's own vulnerabilities through singles like "Amen," a prayerful anthem reaching No. 3 on Christian AC, and "Broken Things," which peaked at No. 1 on the Christian AC Indicator chart and resonated with listeners through its message of grace amid imperfection. In conjunction with the album, West published his first book, Hello, My Name Is: Discover Your True Identity, in April 2017, expanding on the 2012 song's themes of shedding false labels and embracing God-given identity through fan stories and biblical insights. By 2018, West transitioned to greater creative control by launching his independent imprint, Story House Music, under a partnership with Provident Label Group, enabling him to produce music centered on narrative-driven experiences. This shift facilitated events like "An Evening at the Story House," intimate live gatherings combining performances, , and audience interaction to explore song inspirations. That year, he embarked on the "All In" Tour, including arena dates as part of The Roadshow alongside artists like for , and co-headlined The Answer/All In Tour with , reaching thousands with high-energy sets emphasizing faith and community. During this period, West continued writing hits for other artists, such as "Even If" for , which topped Christian charts in 2017.

Recent releases and activities (2020–present)

In February 2020, Matthew West released his Brand New through Story House and Provident Label Group, featuring tracks such as "Truth Be Told" and "The God Who Stays," with promotions shifting to virtual formats as the began shortly after its launch. The , comprising 16 songs, explored themes of renewal and , marking West's adaptation to a rapidly changing live music landscape. In 2021, West launched "The Matthew West Podcast," a weekly series focused on storytelling through conversations with artists, authors, athletes, and influencers, which debuted at No. 1 on Apple's Religion & chart and has since surpassed 100 episodes. The emphasized personal testimonies and inspirational narratives, aligning with West's ongoing engagement with fans during restricted touring periods. West's double album My Story Your Glory, released on February 17, 2023, via Story House Music, included 22 tracks inspired by fan-submitted stories, highlighting themes of redemption and divine purpose. To support the project, he embarked on the "My Story Your Glory" Tour, spanning spring and fall dates across 32 cities in 2023 and extending into 2024, featuring live performances of album highlights alongside special guests like Micah Tyler. In 2024, West released Don’t Stop Praying on October 4, his 13th studio album, which centered on themes of perseverance and prayer amid challenges, with the title track serving as the that reached No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart. In 2025, West issued the holiday album Come Home for Christmas on October 10, blending original songs like the title track with classics such as "" and "," accompanied by a nationwide tour of festive performances starting December 11. In 2025, West performed at the Brown County Music Center on July 28 and headlined the Contemporary Christian Concert at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in May, continuing his focus on live worship and storytelling events post-pandemic.

Songwriting

Performer discography highlights

Matthew West's music as a performer frequently explores themes of redemption, faith, and personal testimony, drawing from real-life stories to convey messages of hope and spiritual growth. Early in his career, the song "More" from his 2003 debut album Happy exemplified this approach, celebrating God's boundless grace and the desire for a deeper relationship with the divine, which resonated widely and topped Christian adult contemporary charts for nine weeks. Similarly, "Truth Be Told" from his 2020 album Brand New delves into vulnerability and honesty in faith, encouraging listeners to confront personal struggles openly while affirming God's unchanging love, a track that became one of his signature reflections on authentic testimony. These recurring motifs underscore West's artistic voice, transforming individual narratives into universal calls for redemption and reliance on faith. As a performer, West has achieved over a dozen No. 1 hits on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart, marking significant milestones in contemporary Christian music. Notable examples include "The God Who Stays" in 2020, which topped the chart and emphasized divine faithfulness amid life's uncertainties, spending multiple weeks at the summit. His 2013 single "Hello, My Name Is" also made history by holding the No. 1 position for a record 17 weeks, focusing on identity in Christ as a redemptive reset. Additionally, "Do Something" from 2014 peaked at No. 2, urging active faith in response to worldly injustices and becoming a rallying cry for social engagement within Christian communities. These hits, among his 13 chart-toppers as an artist, highlight his ability to blend inspirational lyrics with broad appeal, amassing millions of streams and radio plays. West's sound has evolved from the pop-rock energy of his early releases, characterized by upbeat rhythms and full-band production in albums like History (2005), to a more intimate acoustic storytelling style in later works. This shift is evident in tracks like "The Motions" from 2008's Something to Say, which retained pop elements while introducing reflective narratives, transitioning toward the stripped-down, piano-driven arrangements of recent singles such as "Me on Your Mind" (2022). The maturation reflects a focus on emotional depth and live-performance authenticity, allowing his faith-based messages to connect more personally with audiences. Collaborations on his own tracks have enriched this evolution, incorporating diverse voices to amplify thematic impact. For instance, country legend joined West on "Leaving Heaven" from the 2011 album , blending harmonies with West's pop sensibilities to explore heavenly longing and earthly redemption. Such features, including occasional pairings with contemporaries like Anne Wilson on reimagined versions of hits such as "Me on Your Mind," enhance the intimacy of his acoustic-leaning sound while broadening his reach across genres.

Works for other artists

Matthew West has established himself as a prolific songwriter beyond his own recordings, amassing over 275 songwriting credits and contributing to 38 No. 1 hits across Christian and genres. His work for other artists spans collaborations with prominent figures in both fields, resulting in cuts that have achieved significant commercial success and radio airplay. Among his notable contributions are songs like "The Day Before You," recorded by on their 2004 album Feels Like Today, which became a top-10 hit and showcased West's ability to craft heartfelt narratives appealing to mainstream audiences. For , West co-wrote "Courageous" from their 2011 album of the same name, a track tied to the inspirational and emphasizing themes of fatherhood and faith, as well as "Scars in Heaven" from 2020's Only Jesus, which resonated widely for its message of heavenly perspective on earthly loss. He also penned "Something Greater" for Carrie Underwood, featured on her 2018 album , highlighting themes of purpose and divine calling in a contemporary context. Additional co-writes include "My " for Anne Wilson, a 2021 breakout hit that topped Christian charts, and "Feelin' It" for , blending West's pop sensibilities with storytelling. These efforts demonstrate West's versatility, with his songs often bridging Christian music's inspirational core and 's emotional depth. West's songwriting for other artists has been recognized through prestigious industry honors, including the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songwriter-Artist of the Year award in both 2022 and 2025, accolades directly tied to the impact and volume of his external collaborations. He has also earned multiple ASCAP Songwriter of the Year titles, with his 2021 win honoring contributions to hits by artists like and Anne Wilson. Central to West's process is drawing inspiration from real-life stories submitted by fans through his , a method he adopted after personal vocal challenges shifted his creative approach toward collaborative, story-driven composition. This fan-engagement model has fueled many of his cuts for other performers, transforming personal testimonies into universally relatable songs that amplify themes of , redemption, and .

Other ventures

Acting roles

Matthew West has engaged in limited voice acting, primarily within animated Christian media that complements his faith-driven music career. His earliest notable role came in 2006, voicing one of the Gated Community Singers in the feature-length episode Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler, a whimsical tale emphasizing humility and kindness. He provided the singing voice for the theme song "Give This Christmas Away" (with ) in the 2009 special Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving, contributing to the episode's musical segments that promote generosity and the spirit of the holiday. In 2011, West made a live-action appearance as himself in the faith-based film , a Hallmark Channel original inspired by his hit song of the same name, which tells the true story of a family's compassionate response to a child's . This role allowed him to blend his musical talents with on-screen presence in a centered on hope and community support. West's most recent acting credit is in the 2025 animated series The Dead Sea Squirrels, where he provides the voice for a singing Jesus, joining a cast of Christian artists in this biblically inspired adventure created by VeggieTales co-founder Mike Nawrocki. These four projects highlight his selective involvement in media that aligns with faith-based storytelling, as West has prioritized his primary focus on songwriting and performing throughout his career.

Writing and media

Matthew West has expanded his creative output beyond music into authorship and broadcasting, often weaving personal faith narratives and inspirational stories into his work. His books frequently draw from fan submissions and album themes, emphasizing identity, redemption, and spiritual growth. To date, he has authored eight books. In 2011, West co-authored The Story of Your Life: Inspiring Stories of God at Work in People Just like You with Angela Thomas, compiling more than 10,000 fan-submitted testimonies of hope, perseverance, and divine intervention that directly inspired his 2010 album of the same name. The book highlights real-life examples of faith in action, such as overcoming addiction and loss, to illustrate God's presence in everyday struggles. West's 2017 release, Hello, My Name Is: Discover Your True Identity, explores themes of self-perception and divine affirmation, challenging readers to reject negative labels and embrace their worth as defined by . Inspired by his 2012 hit song from the album Into the Light, the book uses personal anecdotes and biblical insights to address identity crises, positioning it as an "anti-self-help" guide rooted in . Other notable books include Today Is Day One (2013), a devotional; : Overcoming the Impossible (2013); The God Who Stays (2020); My Story, Your Glory (2022); and Come Home for (2024), along with the upcoming Don’t Stop Praying set for February 2026. In 2019, West developed the "What If" reading plan, a devotional series on Bible.com that prompts reflection on life's potential through faith-based questions and scriptures, tying into his contemporary single of the same title from the album Brand New. This short-form writing encourages readers to consider bold actions in service to others, aligning with West's broader motif of testimony-driven encouragement. Complementing his literary efforts, West launched The Matthew West Podcast in August 2020, which quickly debuted at No. 1 on Apple's Religion & chart. The weekly show features interviews with celebrities, authors, athletes, and fans sharing stories of and resilience, reaching its 100th episode by May 2022 and continuing to release new content as of November 2025. Episodes often highlight themes of hope and personal transformation, mirroring the narrative style of his books and songs. West also maintains involvement in radio through guest hosting segments on SiriusXM's The Message (channel 63), where he curates playlists of inspirational tracks, shares behind-the-scenes music insights, and discusses his projects with listeners. These appearances, such as his January 2024 guest DJ session, serve as platforms to connect his media ventures with his musical catalog, fostering community around shared stories of faith.

Personal life

Family

Matthew West married Jelstrom on May 10, 2003. The couple has two daughters: Luella "Lulu" Jane West, born in January 2006, and Delaney Ruth West, born in February 2009. The family relocated to , where they have made their home. To balance West's demanding touring schedule with family life, the Wests opted to homeschool their daughters, enabling more frequent travel together. suggested homeschooling so the family could journey as a unit while the children were young, allowing them to join Matthew on the road for performances and events. Early in his career, the daughters often grew upset when West departed for tours, prompting family discussions about the purpose of his work and helping them understand the temporary nature of his absences. In August 2024, the family marked a milestone when Lulu began attending college. West's upbringing in a Christian household, with his father serving as a pastor, has shaped the family's emphasis on faith-centered values in their daily routines.

Faith and philanthropy

Matthew West has expressed a deep commitment to evangelical Christianity throughout his career as a contemporary Christian music artist, using his platform to share the Gospel and encourage bold faith. Influenced by his father, Pastor Joe West, who has served in pastoral ministry for over 38 years, West collaborates with him on initiatives that emphasize prayer, storytelling, and discipleship to foster spiritual growth. In 2016, West co-founded popwe, a non-profit ministry with his father, aimed at connecting people through the redemptive power of Christ by helping individuals craft, share, and live meaningful stories of and . The organization focuses on discipleship resources, teams at events, and support to inspire and purpose, extending West's ministry beyond music to practical expressions of Christian outreach. West actively supports child sponsorship organizations such as , headlining their Roadshow Tour in 2019 to promote sponsorship and raise awareness for impoverished children worldwide. He has also partnered with World Vision through benefit concerts, including the 2020 "Unite to Fight Poverty" event, which streamed to aid families impacted by the alongside artists like and . In November 2024, through popwe, West launched the "Give A Gobble" campaign with Mercy Chefs, surpassing its fundraising goal in less than a week to provide meals to those in need. In public statements, West has urged to live unashamedly for , describing music as a tool to challenge complacency and proclaim faith boldly, as seen in songs like "Unashamed" and "Don't Stop Praying." Reflecting on the post-2020 era, he has shared how the shutdown of live events prompted a renewed focus on encouragement and personal spiritual renewal, emphasizing hope amid isolation through daily interactions. His family provides ongoing support for these faith practices, reinforcing his dedication to evangelical living.

Awards and honors

American Music Awards

Matthew West received a at the 2022 for Favorite Inspirational Artist, recognizing his contributions to amid a competitive field that included Anne Wilson, for KING & COUNTRY, , and . The award ultimately went to for KING & COUNTRY, marking West's sole AMA nomination to date without a win in that category. Earlier in his career, West achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2013 American Music Award for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist, beating out nominees such as and . This victory highlighted his rising prominence in the inspirational genre during the early .

GMA Dove Awards

Matthew West has earned significant recognition at the , with three wins and more than 20 nominations as of , highlighting his prominence in . His debut win occurred at the 36th Annual in 2005 for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, honoring the design of his major-label debut album Happy. That same year, West received five nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "More" from Happy. West's songwriting achievements were celebrated in 2018 when he won Songwriter of the Year (Artist) at the 49th Annual , acknowledging his body of work that year. Throughout the , he garnered nominations for , underscoring his rising status as a key figure in the industry. In 2022, at the 53rd Annual , West secured his third win for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year with "My ," co-written and originally performed by Anne Wilson from her debut album. The track's success further exemplified his ability to craft impactful songs for both his own catalog and other artists. By 2024, West had accumulated over 16 nominations overall, including six that year for categories such as , Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for My Story Your Glory, and multiple Song of the Year entries like "Any More" and "The Truth." He received additional nominations in 2025, including for Song of the Year ("The Truth").

Other recognitions

In addition to his major award wins, Matthew West has received significant recognition from songwriting organizations and industry bodies. He was named Songwriter-Artist of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in 2022, honoring his prolific output of over 275 songwriting credits and 38 No. 1 hits in . West became the first repeat winner of this award in 2025, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary Christian songwriting. West has also earned multiple honors at the ASCAP Christian Music Awards, including Songwriter-Artist of the Year in for his contributions to songs like "Day One" and "All In." He received the prestigious Golden Note Award in 2023, a milestone honor for songwriters with exceptional career impact, recognizing his five prior Songwriter of the Year titles and nearly 50 most-performed song awards. In 2024, West won ASCAP Songwriter of the Year for the sixth time, for songs including "Any More" and "Don't Stop Praying." West holds five Grammy nominations across his career, including Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Into the Light in 2013, which highlighted his blend of personal storytelling and faith-based themes. During the , he garnered Music Award recognition, notably winning Top Christian Song for "Hello, My Name Is" in 2014 after a competitive nomination against artists like and .

Discography

Studio albums

Matthew West's studio albums have consistently performed well on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, reflecting his prominence in contemporary Christian music. His debut major-label release set the stage for a career marked by multiple top-charting projects, with themes often centered on faith, personal growth, and storytelling.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Position on Top Christian Albums
Happy2003Universal SouthNo. 14
History2005ReunionNo. 1
Something to Say2008SparrowNo. 3
Into the Light2012SparrowNo. 2
Live Forever2015SparrowNo. 1
All In2017SparrowNo. 1
Brand New2020Story HouseNo. 3
My Story Your Glory2023Story HouseNo. 2
Don’t Stop Praying2024Story HouseNo. 1
These albums represent West's evolution as a songwriter and , with several earning Grammy nominations and Dove Awards for their production and lyrical content.

Compilation and holiday albums

Matthew West has supplemented his studio discography with a series of albums, live recordings, deluxe editions, and compilations that highlight seasonal themes, fan favorites, and expanded arrangements of his work. These releases often tie into his annual tours, providing acoustic, live, and thematic content for listeners. One of his earliest non-studio projects is the live EP Live Before the World Shut Down, released in October 2020 through Provident Label Group. Recorded just before the halted live performances, it features six live tracks including "Without You," "Nobody," and "Truth Be Told," capturing intimate audience interactions from earlier shows. In 2021, West issued the deluxe edition of his album Brand New via Story House Music, expanding the original release into a 32-track collection that incorporates live performances, acoustic renditions, and the standard versions of songs like "What If" and "Brand New." This edition was timed with his virtual concert "West Love Fest," emphasizing the connective power of music during restrictions. That same year, We Need Christmas was released by Story House Music as a holiday collection, blending originals such as the title track with classics like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and a live version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" recorded at the Story House. The album reflects West's focus on hope and family amid global challenges, building on his tradition of seasonal music. West's holiday output continued with Come Home for Christmas in 2025 through Story House Collective, his latest seasonal project featuring originals like the title song and reinterpreted standards such as "," aimed at evoking themes of reunion and joy. This release coincides with his annual "Come Home for Christmas" weekend event in , fostering community through music and gatherings. Earlier holiday efforts include (2011, Sparrow Records), a debut seasonal album with tracks like "Christmas Makes Me Cry" and "Leaving Heaven," and Unto Us: A Christmas Collection (2016, Sparrow Records), which offers originals including "A Christmas to Believe In" alongside covers like "Silent Night." Additionally, the 2019 compilation Hello, My Name Is: Greatest Hits (Sparrow Records) gathers key singles such as "Broken Things" and "Forgiveness" from his career up to that point.

Singles and chart performance

Matthew West has released numerous singles throughout his career, many of which have achieved prominent positions on Billboard's Christian charts, particularly the Christian chart. As of July 2024, he has secured 13 number-one hits on this chart, beginning with his debut single "More" in 2004. These successes underscore his consistent impact in , with several tracks also earning RIAA certifications for sales and streaming milestones. Early breakthroughs include "More," released in 2004 from his debut album Happy, which topped the Christian Airplay chart and marked West's entry into the upper echelons of the genre. Followed by "" in 2005, also from the same album, this single similarly reached number one on the Christian Airplay chart, solidifying his presence with radio-friendly, faith-inspired anthems. In the 2010s, West continued his chart dominance with singles like "Hello, My Name Is" (2012), which peaked at number one on Christian and earned RIAA for 500,000 units. "The Motions" (2008) stands out as another major hit, achieving number one status and later receiving RIAA for over 1 million units in 2018. More recent releases have extended his streak of consecutive chart-toppers. "The God Who Stays" (2019) held the number-one spot on Christian for two weeks, while "Truth Be Told" (2020) dominated for six weeks, becoming his 10th overall leader. His latest single, "Don't Stop Praying" (2024), debuted at number one on Christian , marking his 13th such achievement and highlighting his enduring popularity.
SingleYearPeak on Christian AirplayWeeks at No. 1Certification
More20041MultipleNone
History20051MultipleNone
The Motions20081MultipleRIAA Platinum (2018)
Hello, My Name Is2012117RIAA Gold
The God Who Stays201912None
Truth Be Told202016None
Don't Stop Praying20241DebutNone

References

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