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 leader. He was once a member of the Bethel Music group.

Cory Asbury started his music journey as an intern in 2005. This was at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked with Matt Gilman and released an album called Holy in 2008. His first solo album, Let Me See Your Eyes, came out in 2009. He also appeared on many albums from IHOPKC. Some of his songs from that time include "Where I Belong" and "Shekinah." In 2012, Cory moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. He joined New Life Church as a worship pastor. He also became part of their music groups, Desperation Band and New Life Worship.

In 2015, Cory Asbury joined Bethel Music. He first appeared on their album Have It All in 2016. He became very famous after releasing his song "Reckless Love" in late 2017. This song was a big hit. His second album, also called Reckless Love, came out in early 2018. This album was very successful 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, was released on July 31, 2020. It included popular songs like "The Father's House" and "Sparrows."

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 learned to write songs there. When he was seventeen, Cory started leading worship 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, Cory began his internship at IHOPKC on January 1, 2005. This is where his music career truly began.

Music Career Highlights

Early Albums and IHOPKC Years (2005–2012)

Cory Asbury spent seven years at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. He started with their internship program. His first appearance on an IHOPKC album was Immersed in December 2007. He worked with other artists like Misty Edwards on this album.

On July 10, 2008, Forerunner Music released Holy. This was a special album Cory made with Matt Gilman. They each sang six songs on the album.

Cory released his first solo album, Let Me See Your Eyes, on September 1, 2009. This album was also with Forerunner Music. It featured other singers like Jaye Thomas. The album had an indie pop sound and mixed different music styles. "My Beloved," featuring Jaye Thomas, was the first song released from this album.

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

On July 24, 2012, another live album, Magnificent Obsession, was released. Cory sang on songs like "All Is for Your Glory." This album became very successful. It reached number 17 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart.

Joining New Life Church and Bethel Music (2012–2016)

After seven years at IHOPKC, Cory Asbury and his family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. He joined New Life Church on June 1, 2012. There, he became 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 reached number 6 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart. Cory also helped write a song called "Fun" for the Desperation Band's album Banner in 2014.

In May 2015, Cory Asbury signed with Bethel Music. He became part of their group of artists. On March 11, 2016, Bethel Music released their album Have It All. Cory sang on the song "Son of God," which was his first song with Bethel. Have It All was very popular. It reached number 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. Cory also toured with Bethel Music and led worship at their Heaven Come Conference.

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

The Success of Reckless Love (2017–2020)

On October 27, 2017, Cory Asbury released his song "Reckless Love." This song quickly became very popular on the radio. His third album, also named Reckless Love, was released on January 26, 2018. Bethel Music released this album.

The Reckless Love album debuted at number 1 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart. It also reached number 53 on the main Billboard 200 chart. The song "Reckless Love" itself climbed into the top ten of the Hot Christian Songs chart. It stayed at number 1 on the Christian Songs chart for eighteen weeks. The album also did well in other countries, like the United Kingdom and Australia.

"Reckless Love" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019. This was for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

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

Recent Music: To Love a Fool (2020–Present)

On January 24, 2020, "The Father's House" was released. This was the first song from his third solo album, To Love a Fool. The song reached number 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Cory also released "Christ Be Magnified" as a single on February 28, 2020.

On April 4, 2020, Cory and Bethel Music released "Egypt." This song was part of Bethel Music's album, Revival's in the Air. 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. "Sparrows" reached number 6 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Cory released "Dear God" as the third single from To Love a Fool on October 23, 2020.

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

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

Personal Life

Cory Asbury married his wife, Anna, in 2007. They have five children. The family lives on a farm outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Let Me See Your Eyes (2009)
• Reckless Love (2018)
• To Love a Fool (2020)
• Pioneer (2023)
• Cover to Cover (2025)

Collaborative Albums

• Holy with Matt Gilman (2008)

Live Albums

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

Tours

Headlining Tours

• Songs and Stories Tour (2021)
• The Pioneer Tour (2023)

Awards and Nominations

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

Billboard Music Awards

• 2019
  • Cory Asbury: Nominated for Top Christian Artist
  • Reckless Love: Nominated for Top Christian Album
  • "Reckless Love": Nominated for Top Christian Song

GMA Dove Awards

• 2018
  • "Reckless Love": Won Song of the Year
  • "Reckless Love": Won Worship Song of the Year
  • "Reckless Love": Nominated for Worship Recorded Song of the Year
  • Cory Asbury: Nominated for New Artist of the Year
  • Reckless Love: Won Worship Album of the Year
• 2021
  • "The Father's House": Nominated for Song of the Year
  • To Love a Fool: Nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

Grammy Awards

• 2019
  • "Reckless Love": Nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

See also

• List of Christian worship music artists