Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns
Name	Casting Crowns
Caption	Casting Crowns performing, 2014
Origin	Augusta, Georgia, United States
Genres	Contemporary Christian music, Christian rock, worship music
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Beach Street Records, Reunion Records
Associated acts	Mark Hall, John Waller, Hawk Nelson, MercyMe, Third Day

Casting Crowns is an American contemporary Christian and Christian rock band founded in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall in Augusta, Georgia. The group rose to prominence with a blend of worship-oriented ballads and radio-friendly rock that achieved crossover success on Billboard charts and within Christian music institutions. Their recorded output and touring have linked them to major acts and events across Nashville, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California, and national Christian conferences.

History

Formed by Mark Hall while serving at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church, the ensemble initially performed locally alongside ministry leaders from North Point Community Church, Saddleback Church, and Calvary Chapel. Early independent releases led to attention from executives at Beach Street Records and Reunion Records, culminating in a major-label debut produced with input from figures associated with David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, and Michael W. Smith. Breakthrough singles placed them on the Billboard 200, the Hot Christian Songs chart, and earned nominations from the Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, and the American Music Awards. Over successive albums they toured with contemporaries such as MercyMe, Hillsong United, Third Day, and participated in festivals including Soulfest, Creation Festival, and the Dove Awards ceremonies.

Musical style and influences

Their sound synthesizes elements of Christian rock, contemporary worship music, and acoustic pop, reflecting influences from artists and collectives like Rich Mullins, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, and Hillsong Worship. Production choices and songwriting themes show affinities with Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns-era peers such as MercyMe and Third Day, while occasionally employing arrangements reminiscent of The Fray and Sixpence None the Richer. Lyrical content often references narratives and figures from the Bible, pastoral ministry practiced by leaders at Saddleback Church, Willow Creek Community Church, and experiences tied to youth ministries inspired by movements linked to Youth for Christ and Promise Keepers gatherings.

Members

Current and past personnel have included a rotating ensemble of worship leaders, instrumentalists, and songwriters drawn from church ministries and collegiate music programs at institutions including Lipscomb University, Liberty University, and Belmont University. Key figures associated with the band include founder Mark Hall, guitarist and songwriter Juan DeVevo, bassist Melodee DeVevo, drummer Brian Scoggin, and multi-instrumentalist Mattan (Matt) (lineup changes have occurred over recording cycles). Touring rosters have featured musicians who also performed with MercyMe, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue North, and worship leaders from Sovereign Grace Music and Bethel Music gatherings.

Discography

Their catalog comprises studio albums, live recordings, and special releases issued via Beach Street Records and Reunion Records, many charting on Billboard 200 and Top Christian Albums lists. Notable studio albums include their major-label debut that produced charting singles on Hot Christian Songs, follow-up releases that mirrored contemporary worship trends led by artists like Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United, and later records that continued collaborative networks with producers who worked for Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. Several singles attained persistent radio rotation across stations affiliated with K-LOVE, Air1, and syndicated Christian formats, while compilation and live albums captured performances from venues such as Ryman Auditorium and festivals like Creation Festival.

Awards and recognition

The group has earned multiple accolades from institutions including the GMA Dove Awards, Grammy Awards nominations, and placements in year-end lists produced by Billboard and industry publications that also critique works by Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, and Third Day. Individual songs received songwriting honors aligned with organizations such as ASCAP and have been recognized by ministry-focused outlets connected to CCM Magazine and Christianity Today-adjacent awards. Touring achievements included sell-out performances at venues featured in reporting by Pollstar and nominations for touring honors alongside acts like Switchfoot and Needtobreathe.

Tours and live performances

The band has headlined national tours and supported major Christian tours with headliners such as MercyMe, Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, and TobyMac. They have performed at multi-day festivals including Creation Festival, Soulfest, and Kingdom Bound, and at conference stages for organizations like Passion Conferences, National Religious Broadcasters, and regional gatherings tied to Assemblies of God USA and the Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings. Venues include amphitheaters and auditoriums in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, and appearances broadcast on platforms associated with TBN and ministry networks.

Category:American Christian musical groups