Of all the voices of today’s top Christian hits, few have been singing as long as Phil Wickham. Since the early 2000s, Wickham has brought us memorable songs as both singer and songwriter that allow us to share our hearts with God but the process has not always been easy. Through pain, trials, and even a medical scare that threatened to end his time on stage, Phil Wickham has overcome much and returned to top the charts with new praise. Join us as we take a look back at Phil Wickham’s life and see everything it took to be where he is today.
Listen to Phil Wickham’s “Hymn of Heaven”
Wickham’s early career began in 2003, when he would release his debut album, “Give You My World” and begin touring. Three years later, he signed on with Simple/INO records to release his second album, simply titled “Phil Wickham”. Wickham would release the album, “Cannons” in 2007, with many praising the album’s sound while comparing its songs to U2, Coldplay and even David Bowie. His fourth album, released in 2009, would receive recognition on both Christian music charts as well as pop charts, debuting at number four on the former. Wickham’s career continued with 2011’s “Response” and 2013’s “The Ascension,” which featured the hit song, “This is Amazing Grace”, which would become one of Wickham’s most famous songs.
RELATED CONTENT: Phil Wickham Brings Heaven’s Triumph to Earth in “Hymn of Heaven”
On the heels of one of his biggest songs, Wickham’s career would have to be put on hold, with the performer being forced to cancel a number of shows for medical reasons. It came to light that Wickham had developed a vocal polyp which required surgery and a period of total silence for the singer/songwriter. The next few years would hear only this medically mandated silence from Wickham during his recovery but he would not be out of the game forever.
Listen to Phil Wickham's "Battle Belongs"
In 2016, Wickham re-emerged to release “Children of God” which featured energetic songs like “Your Love Awakens Me”. Wickham returned with a renewed passion and faith, releasing iconic songs such as “Living Hope” and “How Great Is Your Love” in 2018, singing with artists like Matt Redman and Brian & Jenn Johnson in a live album in 2019 and releasing a slew of hit songs such as “Where I’m Standing Now,” “House Of The Lord,” and “Hymn Of Heaven,” which would be made the titular track of his latest album release. Most recently, Wickham landed on the Christian charts once again with “Worthy of My Song (Worthy of it All)” alongside Maverick City Music.
RELATED CONTENT: "House of the Lord" by Phil Wickham
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Wickham’s renewed energy in spite of the difficulties he has faced continues to give us hope as his songs continue to give us new ways to praise. On his current mindset behind his worship, Wickham says:
“I’m just more aware than ever of God’s grace in my life and faithfulness as I get to write these songs and bring these prayers that were written for my home church to sing, and make them other people’s too. It’s been amazing.”
