Integrity Music: The Pioneering Force in Modern Worship

Integrity Music is not a traditional artist but a globally influential Christian worship music label and publishing house, originating from Mobile, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1987, it has become a cornerstone of the modern worship movement, responsible for launching countless standards sung in churches worldwide. Its primary achievement lies in its vast catalog of worship anthems and its role in shaping the sound of congregational music for over three decades.

Early career

Integrity Music was established in 1987 by Michael Coleman and his wife, Sarah. The label's genesis was the "Hosanna! Music" series, a groundbreaking collection of live worship recordings designed to bring the local church experience into homes. These early tapes and CDs, often recorded in churches, featured simple, scripture-based songs that were easy for congregations to learn and sing, filling a significant gap in the market for accessible worship resources.

Breakthrough

The label's breakthrough into mainstream Christian consciousness came in the 1990s with the explosive success of the "Integrity's Hosanna! Music" series and the launch of the "Songs of the Psalms" collections. A major commercial milestone was achieved with the 1995 release of "Shout to the Lord," performed by Darlene Zschech and Hillsong, which became a global phenomenon. This period saw Integrity's albums consistently topping the Billboard Christian charts, with many achieving Gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 units.

Key tracks

Shout to the Lord — This 1993 song, popularized by Darlene Zschech, became one of the most recognizable worship anthems of all time and a flagship song for the Integrity catalog.

Ancient of Days — Written by Gary Sadler and Jamie Harvill, this powerful 1992 song remains a staple in churches, showcasing Integrity's focus on theologically rich and majestic worship.

I Exalt Thee — Originally by Jesus Culture, this song's widespread adoption through Integrity's resources exemplifies the label's role as a curator and distributor of impactful worship music.

You Are Good — A key track from the popular "Hungry" album, this song represents the intimate, vertical worship style that became a signature of many Integrity releases.

The label's influence expanded through strategic partnerships, including a major distribution deal with Sony Music in the 2000s. It has been home to renowned worship leaders like Paul Wilbur, Don Moen, and Ron Kenoly, whose album "Lift Him Up" was a major commercial success. In 2011, Integrity was acquired by David C. Cook, further solidifying its resources and continuing its mission to create resources for the global church.

Artists exploring a similar devotional and congregational-focused sound include Hillsong Worship, which shares the same global platform for creating church-wide worship anthems. Passion mirrors the live, youth-oriented worship recording approach that Integrity helped pioneer. Bethel Music follows the model of a worship movement originating from a local church and reaching an international audience. Chris Tomlin embodies the songwriter-driven worship style that Integrity's publishing arm has long supported and promoted.

RADIO ROTATION

The extensive Integrity Music catalog is a permanent fixture on Christian worship radio stations worldwide. Its songs are daily staples on contemporary Christian music (CCM) FM stations, dedicated worship channels, and online faith-based radio streams, providing a consistent soundtrack for listeners seeking spiritual encouragement.

The worship anthems and albums from Integrity Music's vast legacy can be heard regularly on the Christian and worship radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the foundational songs of modern worship by tuning into the dedicated radio stations available on onairium.com.