Truth (American band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Contemporary Christian music |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | John Roger Breland |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Mobile , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Truth was a prominent American group in the Contemporary Christian genre, active from 1971 until 2001. The ensemble was established by John Roger Breland, a faculty member at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. The name "Truth" is an acronym representing "Trust, Receive, Unchangeable, True Happiness [in Jesus]." Initially formed with approximately 15 members, Truth maintained a rigorous touring schedule throughout the year and frequently produced recordings. Eventually growing to 22 members, the group sustained regular tours for thirty years before concluding their ministry in 2001. In recognition of their impact, Truth was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Origins
The group traces its roots to the youth choir at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, which expanded from eight to 140 participants. Breland created a touring ensemble that combined vocalists with a live band featuring horns. The name "Truth," proposed by Breland’s wife Linda, was chosen to provide a unique identity that avoided sounding either overly preachy or secular. Beginning in 1971, Truth toured extensively across the southern United States, traveling in three station wagons and a truck. Their performances took place at churches, colleges, shopping centers, and youth events. Although their contemporary style initially met some resistance, they popularized songs by the Gaithers and introduced Andrae Crouch's music to audiences in the Deep South.
A pivotal moment came in 1973 when Truth performed "The Church Triumphant" at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas, earning a standing ovation and national recognition. Their first chart-topping single, "Jesus Never Fails," was released in 1981. Over three decades, Truth traveled more than three million miles, delivered approximately 10,000 concerts across 27 countries, and recorded 61 albums involving over 400 members throughout their tenure. Their final performance occurred on June 16, 2002, in Nashville, drawing hundreds of former members and fans.
John Roger Breland continues his musical leadership by directing and touring with the Voices of Mobile, an elite group from the University of Mobile that carries forward Truth’s tradition of performing contemporary Christian music nationwide.
"Jesus Never Fails"
After ten years on the road, Truth expanded its reach beyond local church audiences in 1981 with the recording of Gary Driskell's song "Jesus Never Fails." This track featured Roger Breland as a duet partner with the group providing backing vocals. Included on the 1982 album Keeper of My Heart, the song ascended to number one on Contemporary Christian music charts. Additional duets such as "You'll Still Be Lord Of All" also achieved significant radio success, further increasing the group's visibility.
The 1990s
In 1990, Truth released their third live album entitled Live, which was accompanied by a VHS video production. The lineup at this time included Mark Harris, Andy Chrisman, Marty Magehee, and Kirk Sullivan—who later went on to form the successful group 4HIM. During this decade, founder Roger Breland authored a book documenting Truth’s journey and challenges from its inception through 1990, offering valuable perspectives on the group’s evolution and perseverance.
40th anniversary tour
Encouraged by his sons, Breland brought Truth back together in January 2011 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The TRUTH40: One More Time Tour commenced on July 31 at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. This live concert was recorded and released as a DVD. The tour included a traditional Christmas Spectacular running from Thanksgiving until December 21 in Dallas—initially intended as Truth’s final performance series. However, due to popular demand, the tour was extended until April 27, 2012, concluding at Oak Park Church of God in Mobile. Their last album from this period, The 40th Anniversary Collection, featured refreshed versions of classics like "Majesty," medleys of past hits, and three new songs: "Right Here with You," "Your God Will Come," and "Love So Amazing."
50th Anniversary Reunion and Concert
On June 16 and 17, 2022, former members of Truth gathered in Mobile to celebrate their 50th anniversary with an alumni banquet followed by a concert held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. The occasion featured notable performers who had furthered their musical journeys after their time with Truth, including Russ Lee, Tiffany Coburn, Jody McBrayer from Avalon, Alicia Wilkinson Garcia, representatives from 4HIM, Natalie Grant, Steven V. Taylor, Leigh Cappillino, and Dick & Melodie Tunney.
Greg Golden, who began as Truth's sound technician in 1973 and later served as their booking agent, characterized the reunion as more than an ending: "The Reunion Concert served as a powerful tribute to this extraordinary ministry’s enduring influence and worldwide reach."