Geoff Moore (born February 22, 1961) is an American
contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music, also known as CCM, Christian pop, and occasionally inspirational music is a genre of modern popular music, and an aspect of Christian media, which is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and s ...
singer. He began recording as a solo artist in 1984. In 1987, he formed Geoff Moore and The Distance, his touring band, which released eight albums generating a string of No. 1 radio hits throughout their 10+-year tenure. In 1998, Geoff retired the band from full-time touring. After a "farewell tour", Moore has continued as a solo artist, releasing eight more records between 1999 and 2015. ''The Next Thing'' was released in April 2016, making it his 25th album to date.
Geoff is also an advocate for underprivileged children. He has partnered with Compassion International since 1985, being a spokesman and advocate for their work in releasing children from poverty throughout the developing world. He also works with Showhope, an organization founded by his close friends Steven and Mary Beth Chapman. Showhope cares for orphan children and helps assist with international adoptions.
Geoff Moore is co-founder of an outdoor adventure company called Fellowship Adventures. Founded in 2014, Fellowship Adventures focuses on small group hunting, fishing, adventure and expeditions.
Early years
Moore was born in
Flint, Michigan
Flint is the largest city and seat of Genesee County, Michigan, United States. Located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit, it is a principal city within the region known as Mid Michigan. At the 2020 census, Flint had a population of 8 ...
in 1961. His father played
baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each, taking turns batting and fielding. The game occurs over the course of several plays, with each play generally beginning when a player on the fielding tea ...
for the
Toledo Mud Hens
The Toledo Mud Hens are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They are located in Toledo, Ohio, and play their home games at Fifth Third Field. A Mud Hens team has played in ...
, and later ran a
steel
Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...
fabrication plant.
He attended Holly Area Schools at Patterson Elementary, Holly, MI through grade six and then started attending Brandon Schools in Ortonville, MI. He began singing while he was at
Taylor University
Taylor University is a private, interdenominational, evangelical Christian university in Upland, Indiana. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the country.
The university is named after Bishop William ...
living in Wengatz Hall. At the time that he became a classmate to
White Heart
White Heart, also listed as Whiteheart, was an American contemporary Christian music and pop-rock band which formed in 1982. White Heart's discography includes thirteen albums, the most recent of which was released in 1997. Original members Bill ...
s future lead singer,
Rick Florian
Rick Florian (born April 10, 1962) is a musician, songwriter and producer, most known for being the lead singer of contemporary Christian music rock band White Heart from 1986 through to their disbandment in 1998. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee ...
, when he stood in for the lead singer of his roommate's band. He graduated from Taylor in 1983. Newly married, he moved to
Nashville
Nashville is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the seat of Davidson County. With a population of 689,447 at the 2020 U.S. census, Nashville is the most populous city in the state, 21st most-populous city in the U.S., and the ...
soon after college. He was able to break into the music industry with the assistance of
Michael W. Smith
Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957) is an American musician who has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when "Place in This World" hit No. 6 on the ''B ...
when the two met in the clothing store where Moore worked.
He signed a publishing contract with Paragon Music, and began writing songs and singing on demo recordings. While with Paragon he wrote songs for fellow Christian singer and songwriter,
Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman (born November 21, 1962) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, author, and social activist.
Chapman began his career in the late 1980s as a songwriter and performer of conte ...
.
Since that time, they have become best friends and have co-written numerous songs together, including the title track on Chapman's 1992
Dove Award
A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented annually. Formerly held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards ...
and
Grammy
The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pre ...
winning release ''
The Great Adventure''.
During the mid-1980s, Moore recorded three solo albums released on the Power Discs label, including ''Where are the Other Nine?'', ''Over the Edge'' and ''The Distance''. After signing to
Sparrow Records
Sparrow Records is a Christian music record label and a division of Universal Music Group.
History
Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 by Billy Ray Hearn, then artists and repertoire (A&R) director at Myrrh Records. Purchased by Thorn EMI in ...
in 1987, he put together a touring band, called "the Distance", to continue with his career.
Geoff Moore and the Distance
In 1988, Geoff Moore and the Distance released their first official album together, entitled ''A Place to Stand''. They also recorded ''Foundations'' in 1989 for
Sparrow Records
Sparrow Records is a Christian music record label and a division of Universal Music Group.
History
Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 by Billy Ray Hearn, then artists and repertoire (A&R) director at Myrrh Records. Purchased by Thorn EMI in ...
. After a year of touring, they jumped to
Forefront Records
ForeFront Records is a contemporary Christian music and Christian rock record label founded in 1987 by Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key, and Ron W. Griffin. It was purchased by EMI in 1996 from Dan R. Brock and Eddie DeGarmo, and is a divis ...
and recorded ''Pure and Simple'' in 1990.
They followed in 1992 with ''A Friend Like U''. This album would garner them their first real US Christian radio exposure with its title song. This started their most prolific period with the
Grammy
The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pre ...
-nominated albums ''Ev-O-Lu-Tion'' in 1993 and ''Homerun'' in 1995. This album produced US Christian radio hits like "Evolution Redefined", "Life Together" and "Home Run". The video for "Home Run" featured former Major League All-Star pitcher
Tim Burke.
In 1995, Benson released a compilation of hits from Moore's first solo albums titled ''The Early Years''. The following year the band released a double-disc greatest hits compilation which contained new unreleased bonus tracks as well as a live performance from
Rome, Georgia
Rome is the largest city in and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia metropolitan area, Rome, Georgia, metropolitan statisti ...
. In 1997, the band released ''Threads'', another Grammy-nominated album which featured a cover of
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist and singer John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered ...
's "I'm Free" as its lead single. After more than ten years with the Distance, which he called "an incredible journey" in the ''Star Tribune'', Moore decided to disband the group and go his own way in 1998. In 1999 Moore returned to the studio to begin work on a new solo record. This began a new season of his music career which is still active today.
The Distance members were:
* Roscoe Meek – guitar (1990–1995)
* Guy Platter – guitar (1993–1994)
*
Dale Oliver
Dale Oliver is an American music composer, guitarist and producer, who is signed to Impact Wrestling, where he is the head of Impact Wrestling Music. Oliver was formerly a guitarist for the American country music group Blackhawk, Reba McEntire, S ...
– guitar (1987–1989)
* Lang Bliss – drums (1987–1989)
* Arlin Troyer – bass guitar (1987–1990)
* Geof Barkley – keyboards, vocals (1988–1998)
* Gary Mullett – bass guitar (1990–1998)
* Greg Herrington – drums (1990–1994)
* Chuck Conner – drums (1995–1998)
* Joel McCreight – guitar (1996–1998)
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Solo career
In 1999, after a short time off, Moore emerged with his eponymous solo album on Forefront Records. In 2002 he followed it up with ''A Beautiful Sound''. Near the end of 2005 he released two new studio albums independently, ''Every Single One Part I'' and ''Every Single One Part II,''. The albums combined original songs and re-recorded selections from the out of print
Forefront Records
ForeFront Records is a contemporary Christian music and Christian rock record label founded in 1987 by Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key, and Ron W. Griffin. It was purchased by EMI in 1996 from Dan R. Brock and Eddie DeGarmo, and is a divis ...
albums with The Distance.
Moore's next project ''
Speak to Me
"Speak to Me" is the first track on British progressive rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album, ''The Dark Side of the Moon'', on which it forms an overture. Nick Mason receives a rare solo writing credit for the track, though recollections differ as t ...
'', released in 2007 on
Rocketown Records
Rocketown Records was an independent record label which was started in 1996 by Michael W. Smith. In the fall of 1995, met with Don Donahue, A&R director at Reunion Records, to discuss creation of the label.
In 1996, Word Records bought a minority ...
was nominated for a
Dove Award
A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented annually. Formerly held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards ...
for Inspirational Album of the Year. After putting together ''All Along the Road Part I'' and ''All Along the Road Part II'', a re-release of ''Every Single One'' with alternate tracks, Moore released ''Saying Grace'', a collection of songs that reflect back to his upbringing, expressing "gratefulness" for family, for tradition, and grace in the midst of uncertainty. In 2013, Moore compiled ''25 Favorites'', a "best of" double-disc, including the re-recorded material and remastered songs.
In 2015, work began on ''The Next Thing'', his first crowdfunded recording that is scheduled to release in April 2016.
In addition to songwriting, recording, and touring, Moore enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. He and his wife have been married for 32 years, and have two sons and two adopted daughters from China.
Discography
; Early recordings as a solo artist (1984–1988)
* ''Where Are the Other Nine?''
ower Discs, 1984 emastered CD, Girder Records, 2020* ''Over the Edge''
ower Discs, 1986 emastered CD, Girder Records, 2020* ''The Distance''
ower Discs, 1987 emastered CD, Girder Records, 2020
; Geoff Moore & the Distance (1988–1998)
* ''A Place to Stand''
parrow, 1988* ''Foundations''
parrow, 1989* ''Pure & Simple''
oreFront 1990]
* ''A Friend Like U''
oreFront, 1992* ''Evolution''
oreFront, 1993* ''Evolution: Extended Play Remixes''
oreFront, 1995* ''Home Run''
oreFront, 1995* ''Home Run: The Single''
oreFront, 1996* ''More Than Gold: The Single'',
oreFront 1996* ''Greatest Hits'' (double-disc set, including the "Live Set")
oreFront, 1996* ''Threads''
oreFront, 1997
; Recordings as a solo artist (1999 – present)
* ''Geoff Moore''
oreFront 1999]
* ''A Beautiful Sound''
oreFront, 2002* ''Every Single One – Part I'' and ''II''
ndependent, 2005* ''All Along the Road – Vol I'' and ''II''
ndependent, 2006*
''Speak to Me'' ocketown, 2007* ''Saying Grace''
ndependent, 2011* ''25 Favorites''
ouble-disc set, released 2013* ''The Next Thing''
elease date: April 2016
; Other compilations and collaborative projects
* ''Air Raves – Christian Radio's Best'', "Where are the other Nine?"
reentree, 1986* ''Christmas,'' "Jingle Bell Rock" (with The Distance)
parrow Records, 1988* ''All the Good Music''
ower Discs, 1988* ''On the Forefront: The Best Of Rock & Rap – Volume 1'', "Rescue Me"
oreFront, 1991* ''Christmas'', "Jingle Bell Rock" (with The Distance)
parrow, 1993* ''Familiar Stranger: The Early Works of Geoff Moore'' (compilation 1984–1987)
enson, 1995* ''The Early Years'' (compilation 1988–1992)
oreFront, 1995* ''One Way: The Songs Of Larry Norman'', "U.F.O" (with The Distance)
oreFront, 1995* ''WOW 1996: The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists & Songs'', "Home Run"
parrow, 1995* ''More Than Gold: A Christian Music Tribute'', "Home Run," "More Than Gold" (with The Distance)
oreFront, 1996* ''WOW 1997'', "More Than Gold"
parrow, 1996* ''Super Saturday Limited Edition CD'', "Only A Fool" (from ''Threads'') (with The Distance)
hordant, 1997* ''Seltzer 2'', "I'm Free" (with The Distance)
oreFront, 1998* ''Get Real! - 1998 Alabama Youth Evangelism Conference'', "Only a Fool" (with The Distance)
tarSong, 1998* ''Ten: The Birthday Album'', "Second Birthday", "Why Should The Devil (Have All The Good Music)", "When All Is Said and Done" (with The Distance)
oreFront, 1998* ''Christmas on the Rock'', "Jingle Bell Rock" (with The Distance)
traightway, 1998* ''Songs 4 Life – Lift Your Spirit!'', "Listen To Our Hearts"
ime Life, 1998* ''WWJD: What Would Jesus Do?'', "The In Betweens" (with The Distance, from ''Threads'')
oreFront, 1999* ''McCaughey Septuplets: Sweet Dreams'', "My Dream Come True"
ony, 1999* ''Pass It On – Leaving a Legacy for a Lifetime'', "Pass It On", "Be There"
000
Triple zero, Triple Zero, Zero Zero Zero, Triple 0, Triple-0, 000, or 0-0-0 may refer to:
* 000 (emergency telephone number), the Australian emergency telephone number
* "Triple Zero", a song by AFI (band), AFI from ''Shut Your Mouth and Open Your ...
* ''Keep the Faith 2000: Overcoming Stress & Anxiety'', "The Vow"
hordant, 2000* ''Secrets of the Vine: Music... A Worship Experience'', "In Christ Alone" (with Adrienne Liesching)
oreFront, 2002* ''I Will Be Here: 25 Of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs'', "If You Could See What I See"
parrow, 2002* ''Left Behind Worship: God Is With Us'', "In Christ Alone"
oreFront, 2002* ''WOW Worship (Yellow)'', "In Christ Alone" (with Adrienne Liesching)
rovident, 2003* ''A Life God Rewards'', "Remind Me O God"
oreFront, 2003* ''It Takes Two: 15 Collaborations & Duets'', "In Christ Alone" (with Adrienne Liesching)
parrow, 2003* ''Songs 4 Love – Songs 4 Life'', "If You Could See What I See"
ime Life, 2004* ''The Ultimate Collection: Love Songs'', "If You Could See What I See"
MI CMG, 2006* ''The Very Best Of'' ''Geoff Moore & The Distance''
oreFront/EMI, 2006* ''The Daraja Children's Choir of Africa'', "Holy Is the Lord"
MI, 2008* ''Ring the Bells – A Christmas Offering,'' "Emmanuel"
008 008, OO8, O08, or 0O8 may refer to:
* The Streetwear Brand @008us , inspired by Ian Fleming & Virgil Abloh
*"030", the fictional 030 Agent of MI6
* '' 038: Operation Exterminate'', a 1965 Italian action film
* '' Explosivo 030'' a 1940 Argentine c ...
* ''Glory Revealed II: The Word of God in Worship'', "Psalm 23" (with Trevor Morgan)
rovident/Sony BMG, 2009
References
External links
*
''Christianity Today'' article
{{DEFAULTSORT:Moore, Geoff
1961 births
Living people
American performers of Christian music
Musicians from Flint, Michigan
Taylor University alumni