No Other Name
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.
****
Ministering together for over 10 years, No Other Name brings a creative, interesting and powerful presentation of songs full of truth and meaning. Featuring thoughtful and scripturally based lyrics with a tight harmony, they have ministered in churches all over the nation. From arenas to the local church, No Other Name's message is evident - it's all about Christ and what He did on the cross.
Worship serviceNo Other name strives to be flexible and meet the needs of any service. If it's a Sunday morning song service, they'll work closely with the pastor and music minister to "match" the music to the mood and the sermon theme. Of course, they also can fill an entire service with music, leading to a poignant time of worship and introspection.
ConferenceNo Other name has provided music for many pastors' conferences, conventions and other special events, including the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
RevivalNo Other Name enjoys being part of a revival team, working with the pastor, evangelist and even the choir to make the music and preaching as seamless and effective as possible.
Choir participationNo Other Name has several fun, singable songs that are perfect for including church choir or even a band or orchestra. You can get materials in advance for your church's musicians to learn and then hold a rehearsal with No Other name prior to the service. Your choir and congregation will love it!
What People Say
"No Other Name offers a unique blend of spiritual power and musical excellence. Their music reflects their vibrant relationship with Christ. It is a joy to hear No Other name lift their voices in praise unto the Lord."
-- Dr. Tommy Green, Pastor, First Baptist Church Brandon, Fla.; former president of the Florida Baptist Convention
"I know personally the members of No Other Name. What qualifies their performances as moving and powerful is their sincere heart for ministry. Their musical excellence is made all the more real by their ministry vision. In a day when many pastors are hesitant to recommend individuals or groups for fear of the lack of integrity, I recommend No Other Name without reservation. They're the 'real thing' because they know the 'real person of Jesus Christ.'"
-- Dr. Kevin Shrum, Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville, Tenn.; former president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention
"No Other Name is a fresh approach to gospel music. Our church enjoyed their warm, spirit-filled leadership in our worship ... in fact, we were so impressed we are having them back again this year!"
-- Chuck Weatherford, Music Minister, Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, MS.
"I love everything about No Other Name -- their tight harmonies, total honesty and great sense of humor. But the thing that stands out the most about them is their clear focus on the gospel."
-- Stacy Beam, Singer/songwriter, Nashville, Tenn.