Mormon Musicians
Mormon community boasts an immense talent pool when it comes to music. While well-known Mormon names like David Archuleta, Alex Boye, BYU Vocal Point and Donny Osmond may have become household names over time, other artists like Caleb Spjute, Scott & Ryceejo, Yahosh Bonner Sugar Sop Singers and Spark Singers are making waves as newcomers in this realm of the music world.
And then there are those who have integrated, into their compositional practices, techniques and aesthetic mindsets that resonate with Mormon mystical thought.
Composers
Mormon musicians boast an abundance of musical talent. Some musicians are widely-renowned, including David Archuleta, Alex Boye, BYU Vocal Point, Donny Osmond and Imagine Dragons; others remain less well known yet making waves within music’s world, such as Caleb Spjute, Scott & Ryceejo Yahosh Bonner Sugar Sop to name just a few.
Composers play an essential part of Mormon music culture. Many have written music for film and television, as well as creating choral pieces, operas and orchestral works.
Utah composers have long played an integral role in contemporary music scene. Leigh Harline, an alumni of New England Conservatory who went on to score numerous movies for Hollywood studios such as Disney and Fox; Mormon composers Crawford Gates and Merrill Bradshaw created several noteworthy compositions with neoromantic influences; yet many Utah-based composers remain local celebrities without receiving wider acclaim.
Singers
Singers play an integral part of Mormon music culture. Their performances bring people from various backgrounds together while inspiring, uplift and entertaining listeners. Singers take their roles seriously and dedicate themselves to spreading the message of the gospel through song.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir members play an invaluable and special role in both their community and world. Comprised of 325 musicians dedicated to performing, these musicians take their mission of singing at general conferences, concerts, firesides, broadcasts, and various other events very seriously each year.
Many well-known male vocalists belong to the Mormon faith, including Brandon Flowers of rock band The Killers. Many have served multiple-year missions for their church. Both their musical talents and religious beliefs have helped make them successful within the industry; yet lesser-known Mormon singers continue making an impactful mark with their music.
Instrumentalists
Though vocalists dominate Mormon music, other musicians are adding fresh energy and variety of genres to the scene. From dance and folk to classical and electronic genres, these talented artists cannot be ignored.
Some Mormon musicians such as Lindsey Stirling, The Piano Guys and Alex Boye are widely-recognized figures like Lindsey Stirling or Alex Boye; others, like Madilyn Paige from YouTube are making waves; Madilyn Paige even appeared on NBC’s popular show The Voice!
Hilary Weeks has enjoyed Billboard success. Others, like Ryan Raddon (aka Kaskade) who fill stadiums and command millions per performance, use music as a vehicle for good.
Bands
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has long been known for attracting some of the top musical artists. Many were raised within the Church, while some even went on multi-year mission trips for it.
Hilary Weeks made history when she became the first Latter-day Saint female artist ever to reach the Top 10 of Billboard Christian Album Chart with Every Step, making history with every step!
Dishwalla, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, and The Mormons – an American punk band founded in California in 1998 and drawing influence from bands like Devo, Minor Threat and Screeching Weasel – are also notable bands. Each year the Mormons produce their EFY album for Church summer youth programs while touring extensively.
