You could say he writes the songs that make the whole church sing.

His lyrics have been translated into numerous languages. His songs are sung daily by millions of worshippers around the globe. He's probably the world's best-known writer of contemporary praise and worship. His name is Graham Kendrick.

Crossing international and denominational barriers, his songs - like the highly popular Shine Jesus Shine - have been used from countless small church events to major festivals, including Promise Keeper rallies, Billy Graham crusades and a four million-strong open air mass in the Philippines capital Manila, where the Pope 'swung his cane in time to the music'.

Son of a Baptist pastor, Graham Kendrick was born in Northamptonshire in 1950. A teacher by training, he launched out as a singer-songwriter in 1972. Trained not in formal music schools but in the crucible of evangelistic coffee bars, Graham excelled at putting Christian truth into the contemporary folk-rock music styles of the time through albums like 'Footsteps On The Sea' and 'Paid On The Nail'. Such songs as 'The Executioner' remain classics to this day.

Later, he shifted the performing artist's skills of storytelling and memorable tunes into a worship setting. It proved to be a powerful mix. The resulting compositions have travelled far and wide and Graham is recognised as following in the footsteps of the great hymnwriters of the past, who were at the cutting edge of their culture, using contemporary music in worship. 'Many of the hymns we venerate today as "quality" music were originally sung to popular tavern tunes,' he said.

Graham's writing styles - from reflective prayer songs to joyfully exuberant African, Latin and Caribbean rhythms - have won the hearts of diverse sections of the Church around the world. Special commissions from such charities as Tear Fund, the Children's Society, Church Army and Care for the Family, have resulted in songs of compassion and justice. They have been sung at major public occasions - including the Dunblane memorial service. 'Barely a day goes by without a Kendrick song being sung by a group of Christians somewhere on the planet,' wrote Cole Moreton in The Independent on Sunday.

His compositions help many Christians understand and celebrate key aspects of faith such as the incarnation (Servant King, Meekness And Majesty). The cross (Amazing Love, Lead Me To The Cross) or life and witness (Shine Jesus Shine, Knowing You).

Since 1986, Graham's music has been the catalyst for the global March for

Jesus (MfJ), of which he is a co-founder. Beginning in the humble surroundings of London's Soho, MfJ grew into a massive interdenominational prayer, praise and proclamation event, involving a total of around 55 million people over its years as a globally co-ordinated event.

In year 2000 a major new project using his songs was released on CD, cassette, video and DVD, described as 'a visual and musical journey through 12 songs inspired by the life and message of Jesus Christ'. It features many internationally recognised vocalists and performers - including Phantom Of The Opera star Michael Crawford, Michael W Smith and Grammy award winner M_ire Brennan.

Now six years on from his last new worship album Is Anyone Thirsty, Graham has recently recorded What Grace. The collection features praise songs especially for the Church, with guest appearances by popular worship leaders and friends Matt Redman and Martin Smith. Producer is Andy Piercy, himself a writer of praise and worship songs, whose work has also included producing the Cutting Edge and King Of Fools albums for Delirious?.

Graham has lived in south London for many years, where he has served on the leadership team of Ichthus Christian Fellowship. He and his wife Jill - who helps run their company Make Way Music - have four daughters.

Graham received a Dove Award in 1995 for his international work and is listed in Who's Who. In 2000 he received an honorary doctorate in divinity from Brunei University in recognition of his contribution to the worship life of the church.

So what's the secret of his success? Graham is typically modest. 'I don't have any formal musical training and often envy people who do,' he said. 'I've learned mainly by trial and error. I take the "hit and miss, try it this way, try it that way, hope for happy accidents" approach.

'It's probably not the most efficient way of writing songs! But now and again it works.'

It certainly does, Graham.

C O N T A C T   D E T A I L S
Contact: Make Way Music
Website: http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk
Email: info@makewaymusic.com
Address: PO BOX 263, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 5AP, UK
Phone: (020) 8656 0025
Fax: (020) 8656 0342