Darrell Patton Evans[1] (born October 6, 1968)[2][non-primary source needed] is an American evangelical Christian musician and songwriter, known primarily for his contributions to contemporary Christian worship. He is known as the writer of songs like "Trading My Sorrows", "Let the River Flow", "Your Love Is Extravagant", "Redeemer, Savior Friend", "Freedom", and "Fields of Grace."
Darrell Evans | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Darrell Patton Evans |
| Born | October 6, 1968 San Francisco, California |
| Origin | Austin, Texas |
| Genres | Worship, Christian pop, Christian rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, worship leader |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Hosanna!, Integrity, Vertical, Dream |
Influenced by the music of Bruce Springsteen and U2, his style of music is noted for its extensive use of free form composition, with several of his songs having been written spontaneously during concerts and worship times. Besides his music writing, he is an accomplished guitar player and singer.
Biography
editHe was born in San Francisco, California,[3] into a military family, where they moved frequently around the western United States and Europe.[4] Evans was the oldest child of a practicing Catholic couple.[4] He became a born-again Christian at a Leon Patillo concert in 1980 at eleven years old.[4] He began worship leading at fourteen years old.[5]
He was a student of LIFE Bible College in San Dimas, California, before relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was a worship leader at Vineyard Church, while he learned evangelism at Oral Roberts University.[6] He went to Reno, Nevada, after leaving Oral Roberts, where he took a worship leader position with University Family Fellowship, before again going back to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to lead worship at Open Bible Fellowship Church.[6]
Music and ministry
editEvans started honing his songwriting at fourteen years-old, eventually becoming known as the writer of songs like "Trading My Sorrows", "Let the River Flow", "Your Love Is Extravagant", "Redeemer, Savior Friend", "Freedom", and "Fields of Grace." He is considered by many to be a pioneer in the modern worship music movement.[7]
Evans's ministry started as a teenager in Olympia, WA, playing spiritual music for classmates in his parents' home. He has served as a worship pastor for churches in Washington, California, Oklahoma and Texas.
For the past 17 years Darrell has traveled the world alone and with the band, combining music with worship, preaching, and prayer.
Darrell's projects "Let the River Flow" and "Freedom" both garnered Dove award nominations and influenced a new wave of congregational worship. A later project, "Nothing Less Than Everything", wraps his joy, passion and experience in a fresh and powerful sound. In Darrell's words, "It's my prayer that the Lord will use these songs to help people connect with Jesus in a life-changing way".
In 2013, Evans signed an exclusive publishing administration deal with Watershed Music Group, while continuing to release independent worship recording project.
Personal life
editEvans has five children: two daughters, Leah and Makenzie, and three sons, Connor, Zachary and Grayson. "They are my heart and world. My kids have changed my life for the better. I want to be the Godly father and leader that they need," Darrell said about his children.[8]
Discography
editAlbums
edit| Title | Release date |
|---|---|
| Let the River Flow | 1997 |
| You Are I AM | 1998 |
| Freedom | 1998 |
| All I Want Is You | 2002 |
| Trading My Sorrows: The Best of Darrell Evans | 2002 |
| Consuming Fire | 2004 |
| Uncharted Waters | 2005 |
| Nothing Less than Everything | 2008 |
| Shade | 2010 |
| Darrell Evans Live/Acoustic | 2010 |
| Awesome God Is He | 2013 |
Compilations
edit| Album title | Release date | Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Our Heart | 1998 | Whom Shall I Fear |
| Only God for Me | 1999 | Trading My Sorrows |
| B.C./A.D.: Who Split Time? | 1999 | Redeemer, Savior, Friend (with Chris Springer) |
| Millennium Worship | 1999 | Trading My Sorrows Redeemer, Savior, Friend (with Chris Springer) Whom Shall I Fear Let the River Flow |
| The Smithton Outpouring | 1999 | Undignified Redeemer, Savior, Friend (with Chris Springer) |
| Rock of Refuge: Acoustic Worship | 2000 | Your Love is Extravagant |
| Lighthouse Worship: Pray, Care, Share | 2000 | Your Love is Extravagant |
| Dove Award Worship: The Best of the '90s | 2000 | We Will Embrace Your Move |
| I Could Sing of Your Love Forever | 2000 | Trading My Sorrows |
| More Than Gold | 2000 | Trading My Sorrows Whom Shall I Fear |
| Millennium Worship 2 | 2001 | Undignified Your Love is Extravagant |
| Open the Eyes of My Heart, Vol. 1 | 2001 | Trading My Sorrows So Good To Me Walk into The Room |
| Absolute Worship | 2004 | All We Want is You |
| ORU Worship – Extraordinary | 2006 | Worthy To The Lord I Am Free (cover) |
| The Best of Revival Worship | 2006 | The Spirit of Revival We Will Embrace Your Move |
References
edit- ^ American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. "TRADING MY SORROWS Work ID No. 885877831 ISWC No. T9133650881 IPI No. 338037076". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Archived from the original on March 6, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2016. TRADING MY SORROWS Work ID No. 885877831 ISWC No. T9133650881 IPI No. 338037076
- ^ Darrell Evans (@darrellevans) (October 6, 2008). "Today is my 40th birthday. Still feel like 28". Twitter. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Akeley, Chuck (March 15, 2023). "Worshiping God In Music – The Impact Of Darrell Evans!". For God's Glory Alone Ministries. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c Crocker, Jill (December 1, 1997). "Darrell Evans: A worship leader with a powerful vision". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Caldwell, Alex (August 19, 2013). "Darrell Evans : Interview". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ a b Kittle, Ashleigh. "Darrell Evans : Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Rimmer, Mike (December 1, 1999). "Darrell Evans: The US worship leader making his UK debut". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Lusk, Caroline (September 29, 2013). "Darrell Evans: The Full Inteview [sic]". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2016.