Cory Asbury facts for kids

Cory Hunter Asbury, born on October 15, 1985, is an American Christian musician and songwriter. He is also a worship pastor, which means he helps lead music during church services. Cory used to be part of a well-known group of Christian artists called Bethel Music.

Cory's musical journey began in 2005. He started as an intern at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. Over time, his music career grew. He worked with other musicians and released his first solo album, Let Me See Your Eyes, in 2009. He also appeared on many albums from the International House of Prayer. Some of his popular songs from that time include "Where I Belong" and "Holy Ghost Party." In 2012, Cory moved to Colorado Springs. There, he joined New Life Church and became a worship pastor. He also became part of their music groups, Desperation Band and New Life Worship.

In 2015, Cory joined Bethel Music. He first appeared on their album Have It All in 2016. He became very famous with his song "Reckless Love," released in late 2017. This song was a huge hit and came before his successful album, also called Reckless Love, in 2018. The album was popular in the United States and other countries. "Reckless Love" was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019. His third album, To Love a Fool, came out in 2020. It included popular songs like "The Father's House" and "Dear God."

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Cory Asbury was born on October 15, 1985. Music was very important to him when he was a child. He grew up in western North Carolina and started writing his own songs there. When he was seventeen, Cory began leading worship music at his local church.

After finishing high school in 2004, Cory thought about going to college. However, his friends suggested he join the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) in Kansas City instead. So, on January 1, 2005, Cory started an internship at IHOPKC. This is where his professional music career truly began.

Cory's Music Journey

Starting Out: The IHOPKC Years (2005–2012)

Cory spent seven years in Kansas City at the International House of Prayer. He started with an internship program. His first appearance on an IHOPKC album was in December 2007. This album was called Immersed.

On July 10, 2008, Cory released an album called Holy with another artist, Matt Gilman. They each sang six songs on the album. Then, on September 1, 2009, Cory released his first solo album, Let Me See Your Eyes. This album featured other singers like Jaye Thomas. It was produced by Seth Yates and had a mix of indie pop, soul, rap, and electronic music. "My Beloved," featuring Jaye Thomas, was the first song released from this album.

In 2010, Cory was featured on two more IHOPKC albums: Where I Belong and Joy. The song "Shekinah," which Cory performed live with Jaye Thomas, became very popular. It even reached number 11 on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart. In 2011, Cory sang "Reason to Dance" on the album Before His Eyes.

On July 24, 2012, another live album, Magnificent Obsession, was released. Cory sang on "All Is for Your Glory" and "Never Gonna Leave Me Dry." This album became very successful. It reached number 17 on the Christian Albums chart and number 10 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.

New Adventures: Colorado and Bethel Music (2012–2016)

After seven years, Cory and his family moved to Colorado Springs in June 2012. He joined New Life Church as an associate worship pastor. He led worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays.

On August 13, 2013, New Life Worship released an album called Strong God. Cory sang on two songs, "All to Him" and "Ascribe." This album was very popular. It reached number 6 on the Christian Albums chart. Cory also helped write the song "Fun" for the Desperation Band's album Banner in 2014.

In May 2015, Cory signed with Bethel Music. He became part of their group of artists. His first song with Bethel Music was "Son of God" on their album Have It All, released on March 11, 2016. Have It All was a big success. It reached number 2 on the Christian Albums Chart. Cory also toured with Bethel Music and led worship at their annual Heaven Come Conference. He led worship at Bethel Church in Redding, California, too.

In December 2016, Cory moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. He started serving as a worship pastor at Radiant Church there.

The Hit Song: "Reckless Love" (2017–2020)

On October 27, 2017, Cory released his song "Reckless Love." This song quickly became very popular on the radio. His second solo album, also called Reckless Love, was released on January 26, 2018, by Bethel Music.

The album quickly became number 1 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart. It also reached number 53 on the main Billboard 200 chart. The song "Reckless Love" itself reached number 7 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. It was also very popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Switzerland. The song stayed at number 1 on the Christian Songs chart for eighteen weeks! "Reckless Love" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019.

In January 2020, Cory released a new version of "Reckless Love" with singer Tori Kelly. He also released a devotional book called Reckless Love: A 40-Day Journey Into the Overwhelming, Never-Ending Love of God.

Latest Music: "To Love a Fool" (2020–Present)

On January 24, 2020, Cory released "The Father's House." This was the first song from his third solo album, To Love a Fool. "The Father's House" reached number 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. He also released "Christ Be Magnified" in February 2020.

On April 4, 2020, Cory and Bethel Music released "Egypt." This song reached number 36 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Cory's album To Love a Fool was released on July 31, 2020. It debuted at number four on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

On September 11, 2020, "Sparrows" was released to Christian radio. It became the second single from To Love a Fool and reached number 6 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Cory then released "Dear God" as the third single from the album on October 23, 2020. "Dear God" debuted at number 34 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.

On November 6, 2020, Cory released his first live album, To Love a Fool – A Rooftop Experience. This album featured live versions of the songs from To Love a Fool. It reached number 20 on the Top Christian Albums Chart.

In 2021, Cory was nominated for two GMA Dove Awards. He was nominated for Song of the Year for "The Father's House" and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for To Love a Fool. In August 2021, Cory announced his "Songs and Stories" tour across the United States.

Personal Life

Cory Asbury married his wife, Anna, in 2007. They have four children together.

Albums and Songs

Studio albums

• Let Me See Your Eyes (2009)
• Reckless Love (2018)
• To Love a Fool (2020)
• Pioneer (2023)

Collaborative albums

• Holy with Matt Gilman (2008)

Live albums

• To Love a Fool – A Rooftop Experience (2020)

Awards and Recognition

Cory Asbury has received several awards and nominations for his music.

Billboard Music Awards

GMA Dove Awards

Grammy Awards

See also

• List of Christian worship music artists