Don Moen’s early years were rooted in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He embarked on his educational journey there, attending high school in the transformative year of 1968, which marked a significant turning point in history.[1] As he moved forward, Don’s path led him to the hallowed halls of Oral Roberts University, a renowned Christian liberal arts institution. Little did he know that these formative years would set the stage for a remarkable career in Christian music and worship.
A Love Story: The Marriage of Don and Laura
In the tapestry of Don Moen’s life, 1973 became a year to remember, not just for him but for someone special, Laura. This was the year when Don Moen and Laura embarked on a beautiful journey together, uniting their lives and love.[1] This deep connection and support from his wife would play a pivotal role in Don Moen’s musical odyssey.
The Harmonious Career of Don Moen
Don Moen’s musical journey began with him as a Living Sound musician for Terry Law Ministries. He embarked on this path, traveling alongside Terry Law for an impressive decade, contributing his talents and passion to the ministry’s musical endeavors.[2]
Following his time with Terry Law Ministries, Don Moen transitioned to Integrity Media, where he left an indelible mark for over 20 years. Within Integrity Media, he held various significant roles, including serving as the creative director and president of Integrity Music, president of Integrity Label Group, and an executive producer of Integrity Music albums. This was a period marked by immense growth and influence in the realm of Christian music.
In December 2007, a new chapter was unveiled as Don Moen embarked on a fresh initiative – The Don Moen Company. This venture took an exciting turn when The Don Moen Company acquired MediaComplete, a notable church software company responsible for the creation of MediaShout.
Don Moen’s journey took another melodious turn when he became a radio host for “Don Moen & Friends” in 2009. His dedication and contributions to the world of music were duly recognized when he received a Dove Award for his work on the musical “God with Us,” in addition to nine nominations for his songs.
Collaborative Crescendos: Working with Musical Icons
Don Moen’s musical career was characterized by collaboration with several notable artists, including Claire Cloninger, Paul Overstreet, Martin J. Nystrom, Randy Rothwell, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Debbye Graafsma, Paul Baloche, Tom Brooks, Aline Barros, and many others. Among the talented musicians he worked with were Justo Almario, Carl Albrecht, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuña, Paul Jackson, Jr., Lenny LeBlanc, and Chris Graham.
One of Don Moen’s most significant contributions was as a catalyst in launching the careers of renowned artists like Paul Baloche, Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, and the globally acclaimed Hillsong United.
Harmonious Production: A Legacy of Worship Albums
Don Moen’s production endeavors were nothing short of prolific. He produced 11 volumes for the Hosanna! Music series of worship albums. His first album under his own name, “Worship with Don Moen,” was a musical milestone, released in 1992. His music achieved global recognition, with total sales exceeding five million units.
A Golden Note: The Success of “Give Thanks”
One of Don Moen’s early masterpieces, “Give Thanks,” recorded for Hosanna! Music, rose to acclaim, becoming the label’s bestseller. This musical gem, produced by Tom Brooks, achieved the illustrious status of being certified Gold by the RIAA.
A Multilingual Melody: Spanish Albums and Musical Diversity
Don Moen’s artistry extended to different languages, with two notable albums, “En Tu Presencia” and “Trono De Gracia,” catering to Spanish-speaking audiences. His work wasn’t confined by borders; it transcended them.
A Dove-Winning Crescendo: “God with Us”
The musical composition “God with Us” earned Don Moen a prestigious Dove Award for Best Musical. This was just one of the many accolades in his illustrious career.
Global Harmonies: Captivating Audiences Worldwide
Don Moen’s music resonated with audiences worldwide. His 1999 Asian tour saw him record “The Mercy Seat” at Singapore Indoor Stadium and “Heal Our Land” at Yoido Park in South Korea, which was later released in 2000. The global reach of his music was further exemplified when he recorded “I Will Sing” at the Christian Broadcasting Network, further solidifying his international impact.
A Compilation of Hits: “God Will Make a Way”
In 2003, Don Moen released “God Will Make a Way: The Best of Don Moen,” a compilation featuring 19 of his greatest hits. The title track of this compilation held a poignant story, as it was written in honor of his sister-in-law and her husband, who faced the tragic loss of their eldest son in an auto accident, while their other three children miraculously survived but with serious injuries.
A Musical Sanctuary: “Hiding Place”
Don Moen’s discography expanded with his first studio album, “Hiding Place,” recorded at Paragon Studios in Franklin, Tennessee. This musical offering, released in the autumn of 2006, continued to resonate with his listeners.
Belief in Abundance: “I Believe There Is More”
In late 2008, Don Moen released “I Believe There Is More,” a testament to his unwavering faith and belief in the limitless possibilities of music.
Navigating Uncharted Territory: A Kickstarter-Funded Album
In a bold move, Don Moen’s third studio recording, aptly titled “Uncharted Territory,” was successfully funded through Kickstarter and released on March 27, 2012. This endeavor showcased his willingness to explore new horizons in the ever-evolving music industry.
A Season of Hope: “Christmas: A Season of Hope”
The festive spirit came alive in Don Moen’s music with the release of his Christmas album, “Christmas: A Season of Hope,” on October 22, 2012. Some of the album’s tracks were recorded at a studio in the Czech Republic, infusing an international flavor into the holiday season.
Milestone Celebration: “Hymnbook”
As a testament to his far-reaching influence, Don Moen celebrated the milestone of reaching over 1 million likes on his Facebook page with the release of “Hymnbook.” This album was a harmonious celebration of his digital community’s support and a reflection of the enduring power of his music.
