Colorado Springs, CO

Since joining the ministry at Kansas City's International House of Prayer in 2004, singer/songwriter and Colorado Springs native Jon Thurlow has quietly recorded a string of successful, self-released independent albums. His gentle, hushed voice and strong piano-led faith ballads have gained him a following in the contemporary Christian music community. His diligence was rewarded in 2013 when he signed a deal with Forerunner Music, the Kansas City church's large in-house label and home to several other successful Christian acts. Thurlow's seventh album -- and first live recording -- Stand in Awe was released by Forerunner later that year and features 11 original songs culled from his earlier releases. ~ Timothy Monger