I met Jason years ago at a World Vision conference. I had a great time getting to know him. I listened to his music, and had one thought. “This guy is really great; it’s too bad no one will ever sign him because he stutters.” I thought no one would be able to look past that one issue. Fortunately I was wrong. Some other friends of mine at Centricity Music heard Jason’s music and brought it to the world’s attention. And his huge record Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue finally got the attention it deserved, especially the smash hit, More Like Falling In Love. The fun part about writing these blogs is that I can use phrases like “huge record” and “smash hit” that would make Jason very uncomfortable.
You need to see Jason in concert. Because one of the things you would not know about Jason just from singing along with the radio is that he is a great storyteller. It is wonderful to see how God has used what man saw as a weakness as a way to reveal the glory of God. He weaves his own story, his encounters with God and life, through his music. He definitely takes you on a journey.
Another thing you wouldn’t know about Jason is that he’s a great husband and dad. We had only crossed paths professionally until a couple of years ago, when he brought his family to GMA. It was so great to see another side of him. As everyone else is posturing so that the industry will see the most impressive side of them, Jason is wrestling with his kids in the eating area. Having a conversation with most people there consisted of trying to get one point across while they were scanning the crowd for someone they needed to talk to more. But Jason was present in that moment. He talked to me. He wanted to hear some of my story and was willing to share some of his. The only thing that took his attention away was his kids, as it should be.
I haven’t gotten to know Jason as well as I would like to. I am looking forward to having that opportunity. You can get to know him better by listening to his brand new album, A Way To See In The Dark. It has some killer songs on it. Just promise me you’ll read the lyrics to The Other Side while you listen to it. I don’t want you to miss anything. Incredible verses. And man, there is some serious wisdom about fear in two songs, No Thief Like Fear & Fear is Easy, Love is Hard. I Will Find A Way will crush you. Make sure you don’t have anything to do after listening to it. It takes some time to recover. And I’m sure you’ll all hear a lot of Remind Me Who I Am on the radio soon.
You can find Jason online at jasongraymusic.com. You can follow him at @jasongraymusic on Twitter. You can pray for his wife and kids. You can go buy the new record, or pull out one of the old ones and give it a listen.
Thoughts? Favorite Jason Gray lyric?
Todd
Yeah. Exactly. Nicely said.
=)
You’re right, I did squirm at the words “huge success” and “smash hit” – but not as much as I squirmed at your generous assessment of my character.
Lord, may I be as Todd says! Is this how you make us new? By showing us the best you’ve given us to be by giving others the eyes to see our heart by the light of your grace? Thank you for your mercy that I received from Todd today…
I actually got to meet Jason and visit with him for just a couple of minutes at a show in Lubbock, TX earlier this year. What struck me was how down-to-earth he was, how kind and you could tell he was really listening to you and what you were saying. I will never forget that short encounter. And his songs have mirrored so much of what I have been through in my life and still struggle with. I love them and play them over and over, screaming the words as praise and promises. Thanks for writing this article and I pray that more people discover Jason. And Jason, if you happen to read this, thank you. You have been such an encouragement through the words of your music. God bless you and your family! I hope that God brings you back to Lubbock soon.
I met Jason last week in Iowa Falls. He is my favorite male artist- the lyrics to his songs strike a deep chord in me and have helped to pour grace into those broken and dark places I’ve been healing from. I was terrified to talk to Jason- I felt unworthy and extremely insecure. When I approached him he was truly gracious, humble and so attentive. There was no pretense to him just a man who struggles like we all do yet Jesus shined through his weakness. I am so glad you honored him with your words here- it is encouraging to see an artist who truly uses his art and talent to point people to the true heart of Jesus. And Jason if you are reading this- I listened to your new CD all the way to work today and bawled my eyes out- so cathartic. Thank you!
I too have been a fan of Jason’s for years now. Having grown up listening to CCM for since high school, I’ve always been on the lookout for new music. Finally, years ago, when everyone used MySpace, I stumbled upon Jason’s music. I was hooked. His lyrics drew me in. His music has only gotten better over time. His previous album, “Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue,” AMAZED me with every listen. Everytime I would listen, I would find a new lyric or instrumentation that would cause me to listen to that song again and again, but in a different way. His current record is amazing and continues to stun me with each listen. Attention should be shown to “The Sound Of Our Breathing,” “Without Running Away,” “No Thief Like Fear,” “Remind Me Who I Am,” and “I Will Find A Way.” The story behind “The Sound Of Our Breathing” continually rocks me to my core every time I hear it.
As a person who stutters, I find Jason Gray to be someone whom I look to for strength and encouragement. His willingness to be open and honest about his speech difficulties has caused me to be more open about mine as well. I have gotten to see Jason perform live a few times, and his music is a joy to listen to, as are his funny stories and comments throughout the show. He doesn’t let his speech slow him down one bit.
I always get excited when I get to introduce a friend to Jason’s music, or when I find a fellow fan. Jason is fresh air to christian music.
I had the privilege of meeting Jason when we hosted Michael Card for a Christmas concert here in NE Ohio in December of 2006. I had no idea Michael was bringing anyone with him. (Aparently Sara Groves thinks Jason’s hot stuff too and had told Micahel about him not too long before this tour.) I’d heard of Jason but never met or heard him. I was tempted to ask Michael to just let Jason have the whole night after his part in the first half … well, not really, but you get my drift! In the few times I’ve spoken / texted / written back & forth with Jason I can tell you I am always aware of the Lord when it involves him. I do look forward to the day we have him back in NE Ohio. I just wish his songs were a little more transparent and down to earth. And that he’d quit trying to impress everyone with his grand entrances and musical tricks 🙂 … seriously, I love Jason Gray and am conviced he’s a gift to the Body of Christ as well as to those who aren’t His yet.
Brother Todd,
Peace be with you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
I want to take a moment to thank you for your efforts and fruit as you do the Lord’s work, and for your affirming words to other musicians that seek to do the Lord’s work as well. I too am a professional musician, though not on the same tier as you. I used to fret about that; I have a great voice (so people say, and I don’t believe). But I have come to realize through the Holy Spirit that He calls us to the places He wants us to be, whether we reach millions, thousands, or just the folks in our local Bride church. May the Lord bless you to continue in His service through your music. And, as one who was also baptized into the Nazarene Church…keep your shoes off, brother. This is Holy Ground we walk. To Christ be the glory!
humbly in the service of Jesus Christ,
MD Anderson
Todd,
As someone who is also a big fan of yours, I would like to thank you for taking the time to tell it like it is about Jason Gray. A more humble, grateful, gracious man you may never meet. Not being one who is associated with people in the music biz, I felt intimated to meet him and tell him how much I appreciated his stories and music. I couldn’t have been more wrong. What a down-to-earth and approachable guy. And yes, his love for family is very evident…how refreshing. I agree that his new record, “A Way to See in the Dark” is superb. Thanks, Todd, for writing such nice and true things about Jason…and thanks for blessing us with what you do as well.
I had the honor to meet Jason Gray in October of last year. He is very authentic, sincere, and you can tell He loves Jesus by his eyes. You can’t plainly see that in one time meetings very often. I cannot disagree with anything said about him here. I am blessed to know people I can say the same things about. Thank-you for reminding me to pray for him and his family! 🙂
I met Jason last year when he was with the Make A Difference tour in Dayton, OH–we had unfortunately missed his set because of horrible traffic, and I was SO bummed! After the show, we were walking down the hallway, and I could not believe it…He was walking toward us!! Well, needless to say, I almost mugged him by jumping in front of him and screaming his name…He was very gracious and signed my CD and let me take some pics. His music is truly gut wrenching at times…those soft words that work their way right into your heart and let you have that glimpse of the love of God for His people. My fav lyrics are from Remind Me Who I Am..”If I’m your beloved/Can you help me believe it?”…..sometimes we get so lost in trying to earn God’s favor, when we need to rest in the truth of He loves us..period.
Hi Todd,
Sorry to ask these questions in this location, but just don’t know where to contact you. My small group is wondering if you are currently working on a new cd. Just looking forward to what’s next.
Thank you!
I met Jason Gray when he came to my town Ada Oklahoma. He was touring with Mark Harris and I really enjoyed him. He seemed real, which is what is desired.
I’ve been listening to Jason’s new album for a few days now, and the lyrics have really touched my heart. It’s very hard to define a favorite since all of the songs are so powerfully moving. There are two songs, however, that speak to me more than the others. One is “Remind Me Who I Am” and “Without Running Away.” I know that “Remind Me Who I Am” refers to our relationship with God, but it is also a great application for marriages. Relationships would be strengthened and affirmed if each partner daily answered this question: “Tell me, once again, who I am to you. Tell me lest I forget who I am to you, that I belong to you.”
The lyrics of “Without Running Away” express my desire to better learn how to love others well: “Bring my heart to every day, and run the risk of fearlessly loving without running away.” That’s quite a challenge!
I love every song on this album! Jason, if you’re reading this post, thank you for sharing your heart and talent through these songs. What an incredible blessing! Todd, thanks for introducing Jason’s music.
Well it’s kind of late to comment- but I love the songs about fear, especially Fear Is Easy, Love is Hard. I struggle with fear alot and this song is like it’s for me.Â
My favorite lyrics from it are:Â
It’s hard to bring your heart to a world that can break it
To offer love to those you’re afraid will forsake it
But a well-defended heart is always looking for a fight
In a lonely war against an endless night
But love can bring a light