Maranatha! Music

Maranatha! Music was founded in 1971 by pastor Chuck Smith, Sr., as the house label for Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. ∙ The label’s debut, 1971’s The Everlastin’ Living Jesus Music Concert, showcased folk-oriented (or “hippie”) songs then popular with young West Coast parishioners. ∙ Such Christian artists as the pioneering children’s musician Debby Kerner and the popular “Jesus music” band Love Song made their debuts via the label in the ’70s. ∙ Expanding from its folk roots, the label in 1980 became home to punk band The Altar Boys and released ambient instrumental recordings, including a solo saxophone album by George Brooks. ∙ In 1991, the Gospel Music Association awarded Maranatha! Music a Lifetime Achievement Award.