kids encyclopedia robot

William Murphy (musician) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
William Murphy
Birth name William Henry Murphy
Also known as William H. Murphy III, William Murphy III
Born (1973-08-02) August 2, 1973 (age 51)
Detroit, Michigan
Origin Atlanta, Georgia
Genres gospel, black gospel, Christian R&B, contemporary R&B, urban contemporary gospel, traditional black gospel
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instruments vocals
Years active 2005–present
Labels Epic, Central South, Verity

William Henry Murphy III (born August 2, 1973) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor. He started his music journey in 2005 with his first album, All Day, released by Epic Records. This album became popular on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

His second album, The Sound, came out in 2007 and also appeared on the Top Gospel Albums chart. In 2011, he released We Are One on his own, which also made it onto the Top Gospel Albums chart and the Heatseekers Albums chart. His fourth album, God Chaser, was released in 2013 by Verity Records. This album reached high spots on both the Gospel Albums chart and the overall Billboard 200 chart. Besides his music, William Murphy is also the pastor of the dReam Center Church of Atlanta, which he started.

William Murphy's Early Life

William Murphy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 2, 1973. Music and faith run in his family, as both his father and grandfather were pastors. In 2001, William moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Danielle and their two children. There, he served as a worship leader at a church called New Birth.

In 2006, William Murphy founded his own church, The dReam Center Church of Atlanta. His wife, Danielle, is also a pastor at the church. William also holds an important role as the Bishop of Worship in the FGBCF International ministry, which is a large church fellowship.

William Murphy's Music Career

William Murphy's career in music officially began when he released his first album, All Day, on August 16, 2005. This album, released by Epic Records, quickly became a hit, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

His second album, The Sound, came out on May 1, 2007, through Central South Records. It also did well, peaking at number 23 on the same Gospel Albums chart.

On July 26, 2011, William Murphy released his third album, We Are One, independently. This album climbed to number 16 on the Gospel Albums chart and also reached number 28 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, which highlights new and developing artists.

His fourth album, God Chaser, was released on February 5, 2013, by Verity Records. This album was very successful, reaching number 90 on the overall Billboard 200 chart and an impressive number 3 on the Gospel Albums chart. Music critics like Andy Kellman from AllMusic praised some songs on God Chaser as "potent numbers." The album was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, which is a huge honor in music.

William Murphy's Albums

William Murphy has released several studio albums throughout his career. Here's a look at his main albums and how they performed on the music charts:

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US
Gos
US
Heat
All Day
  • Released: August 16, 2005
  • Label: Epic
  • CD, digital download
22
The Sound
  • Released: May 1, 2007
  • Label: Central South
  • CD, digital download
23
We Are One
  • Released: July 26, 2011
  • Label: Independent
  • CD, digital download
16 28
God Chaser
  • Released: February 5, 2013
  • Label: Verity
  • CD, digital download
90 3
kids search engine
William Murphy (musician) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.