Matthew West

Matthew West is a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and actor known for his spiritual pop style and extensive songwriting contributions within the Christian music industry. Before establishing himself as a CCM artist, West wrote songs for artists including Billy Ray Cyrus, Point of Grace, and Rascal Flatts. Initially a standout high school baseball player, he shifted his focus to music after accepting a four-year scholarship from Millikin University, where he recorded several solo albums prior to graduation. His early independent releases, including "September Sun," "Every Step of the Way," and "Sellout," led to work as a songwriter for hire and attracted the attention of Universal South Records.

West's major-label debut, "Happy," earned a Dove Award and featured the single "More," which topped Christian Adult Contemporary charts for nine weeks. His follow-up album, "History," was succeeded by his first headlining tour. After overcoming significant vocal challenges that required surgery and a period of vocal rest, West returned with "Something to Say" and the chart-topping single "You Are Everything."

West's album "Live Forever" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, and his seventh studio album, "All In," included the single "Broken Things." He received the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year and has launched his own imprint, Story House Music. West released the double album "My Story Your Glory," featuring collaborations with artists such as David Leonard and Jenn Johnson. His single "Don’t Stop Praying" charted on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs.

West is a five-time Grammy nominee, recipient of ASCAP’s Golden Note Award, NSAI’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year, and has received an American Music Award, Billboard Music Award, and multiple Dove Awards. He has also been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track of the feature film The Heart of Christmas. In addition to his music career, West is an author with six published books and additional titles forthcoming, recognized for his influence as both an artist and songwriter in the contemporary Christian music industry.