March is Women’s History Month!

We wanted to feature a tribute to Darlene Zschech, CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant and more who have played integral roles in the amplification of worship music across the world.

Darlene Zschech

Darlene Zschech has been described as a pioneer of the modern worship movement. Darlene is perhaps most famous for the worship anthem “Shout to the Lord,” a song that has been sung by millions and translated into multiple languages. In addition to “Shout to the Lord,” Darlene’s catalog includes “In Jesus Name,” “Victor’s Crown,” “Worthy is the Lamb,” and over a hundred others which have greatly contributed to the worship in the contemporary Church worldwide. Darlene is passionate about raising and training other worship pastors, leaders, teams, and writers.

Darlene’s success simply stands as a testimony to her life’s passion for serving God, her family and people with all her heart.

CeCe Winans

The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans has long since cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in music history. Her parents and siblings have released music under a wide variety of artist names including Mom and Pop Winans (CeCe’s parents), The Winans (four of CeCe’s Brothers), and BeBe & CeCe (a duet with her brother Benjamin). The musicality of her family remains today as she works closely with her family at Nashville Life Church.

Notable songs: “Believe For It,”" “Worthy Of It All,” and “That’s My King”

Brooke Ligertwood

As the creative force behind Hillsong Worship's globally influential songs like "What a Beautiful Name," "King of Kings" and “Hosanna,” Brooke Ligertwood has redefined contemporary worship with her poetic lyrics and captivating melodies. Ligertwood's artistry seamlessly blends reverence and innovation, resonating deeply with worshippers across diverse cultures and generations.

With a passion for art and theology, Brooke has served the church globally through her long established tenure of writing congregational anthems, whilst also maintaining a mainstream career of over two decades under her maiden name, Brooke Fraser.

“Honey in the Rock” and “Bless God” are newer songs that are being sung Church-wide and blessing congregations across the world.

Kari Jobe

For nearly two decades, well-respected worship leader Kari Jobe has been using her gifts to lead people into the presence of God. Songs like "Revelation Song,” "Forever," and “The Blessing” have become anthems of devotion inviting listeners into intimate encounters with God. Jobe's sincerity and passion for worship have touched countless lives, fostering moments of spiritual intimacy and renewal.

Kari Jobe and her husband Cody Carnes have impacted the global Church and the local one through serving at The Belonging Co in Nashville.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Tasha Cobbs Leonard has built her career on larger-than-life performances and powerhouse vocals that call us to honor and celebrate God in all his power and glory. A pastor’s daughter born and raised in Georgia, Leonard first emerged to widespread acclaim with her breakout 2013 release, Grace, which garnered a GRAMMY, three Doves, and three Stellar Awards on the strength of its chart-topping, platinum-selling lead single, “Break Every Chain.”

On her new album, HYMNS, Leonard goes bigger and bolder than ever before, re-imagining classic hymns of love and grace with a series of sweeping, ambitious arrangements that draw on everything from worship and gospel to country, pop, and R&B.

Rita Springer

Rita Springer is one of the most gifted worship leaders to arise over the last fifteen years. She believes that the joy of being a worship leader is to make those listening, jealous for what has been found in Christ.

In 2008 she began a worship school called DIVE. (Deep - Innovative - Vertical - Expression) The School trains and encourages upcoming worship leaders all over the world with weeklong intensive one-on-one courses. Staying true to her calling, Rita continues to write new songs and leads worship at churches, conferences and events around the country.

Notable songs: “Defender,” “Never Lost,” “There Is A Power”

Christine D’Clario

Christine D’Clario is an award-winning artist, author, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and one of the most relevant voices in the Christian music praise and worship movement. The renowned performer, of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Italian, German, and Irish descent, was born in New York City. After the death of her father, she moved to Puerto Rico. 

Having suffered sexual abuse during her childhood and a deformity in her teeth in her teens, the singer developed a great complex about feeling worthless. Even so, she found hope in music from a very early age, reaching leadership positions in her local congregation.

Notable songs: “Stories on Stories,” “Danzando,” “Que Se Abra el Cielo”

Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant has become an icon in Christian & Gospel music. In addition to garnering nearly 1 billion streams and multiple number #1 albums and singles on the Billboard Charts, she is also a respected author and philanthropist.

She is the co-founder of Hope for Justice, a non-profit organization in the fight against human trafficking, which has 32 offices across 9 countries and 5 continents and has helped 102,803 children in the last year.

Notable songs: “Praise You In This Storm,” “You Will Be Found,” and “Your Great Name”

Celebrating Women Pioneers in Worship Music