Founded in 1994 in the city of Edmond, USA, MercyMe is a Christian music band that brings innovation by blending pop and rock. The band first caught the public attention with the crossover hit single "I Can Only Imagine," from their debut album, "Almost There," which soared to triple platinum status. The band is formed by lead vocalist Bart Millard, drummer Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul.
Bart and pianist James Phillip Bryson met in Lakeland, Florida, through a youth pastor's invitation, forming MercyMe with Michael in 1994 at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond. With the wish of getting a record deal, they moved to Nashville in 1997 but later shifted to Dallas to record their first album. Eventually, they settled in Greenville, Texas, serving at Highland Terrace Baptist Church.
After signing with INO Records, MercyMe released their first major album, with the single "I Can Only Imagine" securing the band a Dove Award in 2002 for Song of the Year. Although it took three years for the song to gain mainstream success, it eventually topped the Billboard 200 sales chart for seven weeks.
Through their rise to fame within the Christian community, the band always taken charity very seriously. MercyMe joined other country, gospel, and Christian artists in a benefit concert at Belmont University to support those affected by the Asian tsunami.
In 2009, the band once again proved their huge success by releasing their first greatest hits compilation. Called "10," the compilation included 15 studio recordings, 11 live and concept videos, and band documentaries. Despite no official singles, the album hit No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian Songs chart.
Till today MercyMe is a legend within the contemporary Christian music community, being not only respected but also standing as a reference for the new bands.
Check on this page to see when the next MercyMe concert is playing near you.
Comments (0)
Your comment
You can share your thoughts on a MercyMe concert or setlist.
Comment in English (or use the appropriate site version to comment in another language).