The members of No Other Name have seen the power that music has to touch lives and spread the gospel. “I would never say that music can take the place of preaching God's word” says Laura, “but at the same time people will listen to a song where they might not listen to a sermon. Music is clearly a language that can communicate to everybody.”
Shooting the video for “Lead You to the Cross” in the Middle Eastern city of Dubai served to underscore the group’s mission to spread the gospel all over the world. There’s nothing like coming face to face with a foreign culture to sharpen one’s appreciation for the Great Commission. It was also a gentle reminder of just how far the threesome had come since meeting in a Nashville music school. All three admit they knew pretty quickly there was a musical chemistry they were anxious to pursue.
During a break in classes, we decided to be tourists and visit the Ryman Auditorium,” Laura says of the Florida natives’ decision to check out the legendary Nashville concert venue. “They were letting people get up on stage that day. So we were all taking turns and taking our pictures. Then Chad got up there and sang. Sam and I looked and each other and said ‘Wow! He is good!’”
Sam and Laura soon recruited Chad, a Louisiana native, to audition for a special concert to be held at the conclusion of the school. “We auditioned and made it on the program and it was a lot of fun,” recalls Sam. “It was good to have somebody like Chad because so often you will have people who are great singers but they are not necessarily great at hearing the harmony. Chad could do both really well.”
Sam and Laura not only realized how well Chad’s voice blended with theirs but how his commitment to ministry mirrored their own. Within a few months the siblings left the Christmas tree farm they had grown up on near Tampa while Chad said goodbye to family in Louisiana. Soon all three young singers took up residence in Music City. Though they could have easily found success as a country or pop act, the style of music they wanted to sing was never in question.
“I was a music major in college. I was involved in every ensemble that you could imagine,” says Sam, “but I think that there is something special about using the gift that God gave you and using your talent as a specific ministry. I truly believe that you can minister with any kind of music. You can be an encouragement to people. However, in our particular case, the love for Christian music was already instilled through our parents and our Aunt Weezy. I cannot really imagine really doing anything else.”
While Sam was attending Nashville’s famed Belmont University as a commercial music major, he caught the attention of legendary record executive Mike Curb who soon tapped No Other Name to become part of the Curb Records roster that includes Natalie Grant, Selah, Plumb and other Christian music notables.
Working with award-winning writer/producer Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Casting Crowns) the trio gathered songs that were equal in strength of message to their vocal firepower. “Laura can take the lead on a song and we can jump behind her and it works,” says Chad. “Or Sam can take the lead and we will jump in behind him and it works. It is refreshing to be able to do that. I think that it also keeps and audience from being able from guessing your next move.”
“Lead You to the Cross” is a vibrant anthem that proclaims the essence of the group’s ministry. “We heard that song and just connected with it. These are the lyrics that we want to sing and this is the message that we want to convey. That is why that song just kind of struck a chord with us,”
Acts 4:12 is a favorite verse of the group; “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The scripture encapsulates the essence of the gospel and defines the mission statement for No Other Name, a trio of talented young vocalists, dedicated to spreading the good news—and spreading it everywhere.
Hi! I hope you are doing well. Please stop by and listen to two New Songs off Elizabeth’s upcoming 2010 album. Two singles off that album, "Have Faith" and "Someday" will be released on iTunes soon!! For updates, please Join Elizabeth’s Email list. And, add Elizabeth’s new Facebook music page: www.facebook.com/elizabethsouthmusic and new Twitter: www.twitter.com/elizabeth_south Thank you! Keep being awesome! Please leave a comment, let Elizabeth know what you think, and tell her how you’re doing!
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