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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Chuck Girard (1943-2025) — Contemporary Christian Music Pioneer & Love Song Founder Passes at 81 [#ChuckGirard]

Chuck Girard (1943-2025) was a true pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music. Please share your favorite Chuck Girard song or memory in the Comments section. If his music ever touched your heart, leave a ❤️ in Comments.

Hi everyone,

Chuck Girard, the pioneering voice behind the Jesus Movement and Contemporary Christian Music, has passed away at the age of 81.

Chuck’s music has inspired millions of people, from his early days with The Castells and The Hondells to co-founding the legendary Christian rock group Love Song, with songs like Sometimes Alleluia and Rock ‘N’ Roll Preacher.

In this video, we look back at Chuck’s incredible journey — from his 1970s conversion at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa California, to decades of ministry through music, to his final days surrounded by family.

See you soon, Chuck. Your music lives on.

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About Chuck Girard:
• Born August 27, 1943 – Passed August 11, 2025
• Co-founder of Love Song — one of the first Christian rock bands
• Released iconic solo albums from 1974 to 2008
• Father of Christian apologist & singer Alisa Childers

Chuck Girard (August 27, 1943 – August 11, 2025) was an American musician widely acknowledged as a pioneer of Contemporary Christian and Jesus Music. Born in Los Angeles, he became active in music as a teenager before embarking on a faith-driven musical journey that shaped an entirely new genre.

As a teenager, Chuck was a member of The Castells, a singing quartet that scored national hits like “Sacred” (No. 20, 1961) and “So This Is Love” (No. 21, 1962).

In the early 1970s, after a period of spiritual searching—including experimentation with Eastern religions and the counterculture lifestyle—Girard embraced Christianity at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa.

In 1970, Chuck and John Mehler co-founded Love Song—one of the first and most influential Christian rock bands—which helped launch the Jesus Movement and the CCM genre.

Beginning in 1975, Girard released notable solo albums such as Chuck Girard (1974), Glow in the Dark (1976), Written on the Wind (1977), Take It Easy (1978), The Stand (1980), The Name Above All Names (1983), and others through 2008.

Chuck’s solo debut featured well-known songs like “Sometimes Alleluia” and “Rock ’N’ Roll Preacher.”

Chuck’s pioneering efforts set the foundation for modern CCM. In 1971, Rolling Stone referred to Love Song as an “acoustical ‘contemporary gospel’ band” playing with clarity and purpose.

Pastor Jack Hayford praised his 1994 album Voice of the Wind, calling it “the greatest worship album he’d ever heard.”

Chuck Girard was the father of Alisa Childers (born Alisa Girard), a Christian apologist and former member of the Christian music group ZOEgirl.

In late 2024, Girard was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, which had metastasized to his lungs. He began chemotherapy in November, but it proved ineffective, and he was taken off treatment.

Chuck passed away on August 11, 2025, at age 81, his wife Karen shared that he died peacefully, surrounded by family, resting in faith and gratitude.

Chuck’s passing received heartfelt tributes across the CCM community. CCM Magazine said, “It would not be an overstatement to say that CCM Magazine, and the entire genre it represents, might not have existed without Chuck Girard and Love Song.”

QUESTION: What’s your favorite Chuck Girard song or memory? Please share in the Comments section so that we can all celebrate his life together.

https://www.facebook.com/chuckgirardmusic/posts/10222825856954803
Source: Chuck Girard Facebook Account, @chuckgirardmusic

This is Chuck’s wife, Karen. It is with great sorrow, yet also great joy, to let you know that Chuck has moved to Heaven and will be eternally with Jesus! He left this earth at rest and in total peace, surrounded by family. We praise the Lord for His great mercy and for His gift of Chuck’s music, message, and heart. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” We’re grateful for Jesus who paid the price for all who receive Him. Thank you to all of you who have prayed for Chuck and held us in prayer.

Chuck Girard (1943-2025) — Contemporary Christian Music Pioneer & Love Song Founder Passes at 81 | Christian Breaking News!