Children of the Day
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Marsha Carter, Wendy Carter, Peter Jacobs, Russ Stevens |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Products | Albums: Come to the Waters, With All Our Love, Where Else Could I Go, Christmas Album, Never Felt So Free, Butterfly |
Children of the Day emerged as a trailblazing ensemble within the Jesus music movement, active between 1970 and 1980, and is widely acknowledged as the inaugural group in this musical style. Marsha Stevens, a key member, is frequently regarded as a foundational figure in contemporary Christian music.
Career
Following their conversion to born-again Christianity, Marsha Carter joined forces with her sister Wendy and their friend Peter Jacobs, alongside Russ Stevens, to establish the band. Their vocal harmonies were honed during car rides to church services, initially leading worship before officially adopting the name Children of the Day. The group featured all four members contributing vocals; Marsha and Wendy played guitars, Peter handled guitar and piano duties, while Russ performed on standup bass.
Their first album, Come to the Waters (1971), was produced with financial backing of $900 provided by Chuck Smith, pastor of Calvary Chapel, and released under Maranatha! Music. This record included their hallmark track, For Those Tears I Died, penned by Marsha Stevens. Subsequent releases on Maranatha! encompassed With All Our Love (1973), Where Else Could I Go (1975), and a Christmas Album also in 1975. Later, the band signed with Light Records and issued Never Felt So Free (1977) and Butterfly (1979). Following Peter Jacobs’ departure, Jeff Crandall joined to provide vocals on Butterfly. The group dissolved after this final album.
After disbanding, Marsha and Russ Stevens ended their marriage; Marsha publicly identified as a lesbian, marking a notable moment in the history of contemporary Christian music. In the mid-1980s, she founded BALM (Born Again Lesbian Music) and continues to compose, record, and perform at venues that affirm LGBTQ+ identities across the country. Through BALM’s "UP Beat!" initiative, she offers mentorship to emerging LGBT Christian artists.
Peter Jacobs pursued a career in music production, creating works such as Praise 2 and Praise Strings 2 for Maranatha Music. He assembled the Praise Symphony Orchestra from volunteer musicians within churches and co-developed the children's television series Colby's Clubhouse for Trinity Broadcasting Network. With a production portfolio exceeding 100 albums, Jacobs currently leads the Pete Jacobs Wartime Revue—a 15-member big band specializing in hits from the 1930s and 1940s—which has performed at high-profile events including President Trump’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar A Lago. Additionally, he composes for his jazz ensemble Pete Jacobs Quintet as well as for his tribute act Hollywood and Vinyl.
Wendy Carter married Kit Fremin, who served as the band's roadie, in 1974; they have two daughters together. She currently provides private instruction in voice and guitar in Murrieta, California, while maintaining collaborative projects with Peter Jacobs.
Members
- Marsha (Carter) Stevens
- Wendy (Carter) Fremin
- Russ Stevens
- Peter Jacobs (1971–79)
- Jeff Crandall (1979)
Discography
- Come to the Waters (1971)
- With All Our Love (1973)
- Where Else Could I Go (1975)
- Christmas Album (1975)
- Never Felt So Free (1977)
- Butterfly (1979)
External links
- Vintage footage featuring Marsha Stevens and Children of the Day performing "For Those Tears I Died" on Kathryn Kuhlman’s television show around 1971 [1]