Mormon Music
Music has long been an integral part of Latter-day Saint culture. Pioneers sang their way across America while members of the Church have composed special songs for special events like temple dedications or holidays.
Lindsey Stirling, The Piano Guys and Alex Boye are some of the most well-known LDS musicians today; others may just be starting their music careers.
Hymns
Hymns are an integral component of Mormon music experience. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often misidentified as “Mormons”) use hymns during worship services, Sacrament preparation sessions (Communion), and simply to praise God through song.
The LDS Church hymns include both traditional Christian songs as well as those specific to LDS doctrine, such as those dealing with Book of Mormon-related doctrine or priesthood restoration, while others address other aspects of church history.
One of the Church’s most beloved hymns, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” first published in its early volume of hymnals, has become widely popular and is regularly performed by choirs such as Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Due to its spiritual power, this song should remain included in future editions of Latter-day Saint hymnals.
Tabernacle Choir
The Tabernacle Choir, one of the world’s premier choral organizations, performs in Salt Lake City under sponsorship by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has earned worldwide renown as an ensemble that transcends culture and generational differences.
Established in 1847, the Choir has long been an integral part of LDS Church music traditions since its inception. For example, their first public performance came just 29 days after pioneers first arrived in Utah at a church-sponsored general conference held on Temple Square.
Within years, the Choir became an international phenomenon, performing in more than 28 countries worldwide and distinguished by a distinctive organ with 11,623 pipes.
The Choir is an exceptional musical organization that honors music as an international language, inspiring people from diverse backgrounds to gather around others and praise God through singing. Furthermore, its music embodies and represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ unique culture and heritage.
Classical Music
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has long been recognized for their extraordinary classical music performances. Their concerts have taken place at major concert halls worldwide and their excellence is often highlighted.
Latter-day Saint musicians have long been recognized for their musical prowess. LDS musicians have found success across a range of genres; classical is particularly well represented.
Recent recordings by members of the church have breathed fresh life into classic works, reaching top charts and becoming well-known to countless listeners.
Young Mormons are making waves in classical music as well. An example is five brothers and sisters from Fort Morgan, Colorado who have become accomplished musicians.
Gregory and his siblings began studying piano together when they received notice. Ultimately, they were admitted to Juilliard – one of the premier music schools – under the same teacher and have continued studying together ever since.
Rock Music
Music has always been an integral component of Latter-day Saint culture since their start in Kirtland and Nauvoo. Over the 19th century, Latter-day Saint folk music was popular and musicians began creating devotional and praise songs influenced by church traditions.
Modern rock music also includes bands influenced by Mormonism that feature unique styles and cultural backgrounds.
Neon Trees and Imagine Dragons are two notable Church-affiliated bands. Both feature Church members as their lead vocalists, drummers and guitarists.
Neon Trees consists of four Mormon musicians from Utah: Tyler Glenn (lead singer), Elaine Brady (drummer), Chris Allen (guitarist) and Branden Campbell (bassist). Their most beloved single “Animal,” released on both Billboard Hot 100 and Alternative Rock charts, earned them both Billboard’s Musician of the Year awards as well as winning them a Grammy award in 2014.
