Michael O’Brien
Book Michael

My Story

Through the years

One of my greatest joys in life is leading God’s people in worship. Here’s how God brought me here.

  1. 1990California

    Someone needs to tell them

    We lived in California at the time and I recorded a project called Someone Needs to Tell Them. That was my first cassette. Heidi and I had met singing in the Heritage Singers, and we’d been married about a year.

    First Cassette Cover
    First Cassette Cover We had a member of our church come and take the shot with me. I forget his name now.
  2. 1994Nashville

    Three songs at number one

    I signed a deal back in 1994 on Benson Records. We ended up with three number one singles on the radio.

    • If Ever I Forget
    • Nothin’ Gonna Turn Me Around
    • What Held You on the Cross
    Twila Paris and the Beyond a Dream team
    Twila Paris and the Beyond a Dream team This was such a great tour. I played keys for opener Clay Crosse and then auxiliary keys for Twila Paris. That’s Phil Keaggy sitting up front.
  3. 1999On the road

    Lead singer of Newsong

    Then I joined Newsong in 1999 as their lead singer. I got to sing “When God Made You” with Natalie Grant, and “Before the Day” and “Psalm 40” off of Rescue. If you add up travel dates and studio dates, I was gone about 235, 240 days out of the year.

    Back with Newsong
    Back with Newsong In 2021, I did a reunion concert with Newsong at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va. Much fun was had by all.
  4. 2006Home

    His ways are best

    I ended up being in the Christian industry for over 12 years. I learned a lot about myself back then, and God was gracious enough to teach me that His ways are not always my ways, but His ways are best.

    At the keys
  5. TodayColeman Falls, Virginia

    Still leading God’s people

    It’s been 32 years of full-time ministry now and over 2,400 events. These days I get to make records with my family. Crown Him has duets with all of us, and All I Have Is Christ has duets with all my children. Heidi and I live in Coleman Falls now, close to Lynchburg, so we can be near the grandkids.

    The Whole Clan
    The Whole Clan The last picture we all took together, at Joseph’s wedding (May 2025).

When asked if I still enjoy doing this, my usual response comes from the movie Chariots of Fire:

“I feel God’s pleasure when I’m leading God’s people in worship.”

Pictures of the past

Early Days
Early Days I also played keys for Allison Durham Speer and the Allies.
Singing with a Choir
Singing with a Choir There is nothing like singing with a choir and orchestra. I don’t do it as often as I would like, but every time I do, it’s an honor.
This is My Band
This is My Band From left to right: David Cleveland (guitars), me, Nolan Verner (bass) and Andy Hubbard (drums).

My family

Heidi and I have four kids and a growing bunch of grands. I love them so much!

Heidi
Heidi 36 years! Love of my life!!
This is my Mama
This is my Mama My Mom has been one of my biggest supporters over the years. Matter of fact, I call her on the phone most every time I hit the road and coming back as well. She is not only my mother, but more importantly my sister in Christ.
My Boys
My Boys From left to right: Timmy, Joseph and Mikey! I love them so much!
The Lambert Family
The Lambert Family Trey and Meghan (my daughter) have had 3 children and one on the way. We moved to Lynchburg so we could be closer to them. It’s been a joy!
Joseph and Taylor O’Brien
Joseph and Taylor O’Brien Joseph is the son who followed in my footsteps and is in Christian Music. He’s incredibly gifted and writes really amazing songs. But his claim to fame these days is Taylor, who he married this past year. He finally found “his person.”
Timmy and Alex O’Brien
Timmy and Alex O’Brien What joy I have with this young man. He loves God’s word and wants to serve the Lord with his life. He is an amazing videographer and is a musical artist as well. And he just married the love of his life Alex. She is beautiful and loves Jesus too.
Mikey and Sarah O’Brien
Mikey and Sarah O’Brien Mikey is my oldest son (named after me) and he won Sarah’s heart while he was at Covenant College in Chattanooga. One of the best things he ever did, if you ask me. He has his own YouTube channel called “Overthrow Disc Golf.” And this year, he is going pro.

And the grands

  • Caelynn
    CaelynnMy oldest and first Granddaughter
  • Cade
    CadeMy First Grandson
  • Addie
    AddieAnother Granddaughter
  • Melie
    MelieGranddaughter
  • Theo
    TheoGrandson
  • Evie
    EvieGranddaughter

For your bulletin

Need something to print in your program or read from the stage? Copy this and use it however you need.

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Read my Statement of Faith

Michael O’Brien is a singer/songwriter who has spent the last 32 years in full-time ministry. In the early ’90s he signed a record deal with Benson Records, garnering three number one singles on the radio: “If Ever I Forget,” “Nothin’ Gonna Turn Me Around,” and “What Held You on the Cross.”

From 1999 to 2006 he was the lead singer of Newsong, singing “When God Made You” with Natalie Grant, and “Before the Day” and “Psalm 40” from Rescue. He has performed at over 2,400 events, touching the hearts of individuals with his powerful message of God’s mercy and grace.

Book Michael

Do you have questions or want to book a concert?

Send me a note and tell me about your church or event. I lead Sunday mornings, conferences and retreats, concerts, Christmas concerts, and marriage events with Heidi.

Or email me directly

michael@michaelo.org

Send me a note