Selah

Selah is a highly acclaimed American contemporary Christian vocal trio based in Nashville, Tennessee.The group currently consists of Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Amy Perry, though it was originally formed by siblings Todd and Nicol Smith alongside Allan Hall.Known for their powerful voices, beautiful harmonies, and spiritual artistry, Selah has become a defining presence in the Christian music industry since their debut in the late 1990s.

Selah is best known for their unique ability to breathe new life into timeless Christian hymns by blending traditional melodies with modern arrangements, as well as incorporating African musical elements into their repertoire.Over the span of their impressive career, the trio has sold more than four million records, achieved multiple Gold-certified albums, and won eleven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

With massive hits like “You Raise Me Up,” “Bless the Broken Road,” and “You Amaze Us,” Selah has amassed over 900 million streams across digital platforms.Transitioning from a purely vocal-driven hymn ensemble into a chart-topping inspirational pop powerhouse, the group continues to resonate deeply with listeners seeking comfort, hope, and an authentic connection to their faith.

Early Life and Background

Selah was founded in 1997 in Nashville, Tennessee, by a trio of young friends with a shared passion for Christian worship.The group’s original lineup featured siblings Todd Smith and Nicol Smith (later Nicol Sponberg) alongside their close friend Allan Hall. Todd and Nicol brought a unique cultural background to the group; born in Detroit, Michigan, they spent eight years of their childhood living in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in Sub-Saharan Africa.Their parents served as Christian missionaries, and this deeply immersive experience exposed the siblings to diverse musical traditions.Allan Hall, serving initially as the group’s accompanist and background vocalist, anchored their sound with his piano skills.

How Their Music Career Started

Drawing from their missionary upbringing, the Smith siblings had been singing in front of church congregations since they were very young.Todd often credited their visits to sponsoring churches in the United States as their training ground for public performance.When the trio officially formed Selah, they decided to combine the rich, traditional hymns they loved with a more modern, contemporary sound.They also proudly integrated African musical elements into their work, performing fluently in both English and Kituba. Their distinct sound quickly caught the attention of Curb Records, leading to their first major recording contract.

Career and Breakthrough

Selah experienced immediate commercial and critical success with the release of their debut album, Be Still My Soul, in 1999. The project established their reputation for transforming classic Christian hymns into emotionally resonant, modern arrangements.In 2004, the group released Hiding Place, a massive breakthrough album that reached number two on the Christian charts and featured the hit song “You Raise Me Up”.

That same year brought significant changes to the lineup.Nicol Sponberg departed the group to pursue a solo career.After a brief period with Melodie Crittenden filling in, Selah held auditions to find a permanent replacement.Out of fifteen vocalists, Amy Perry was selected for her exceptional vocal abilities and deep spirituality.During this transition, Allan Hall also stepped forward to take on a more active role as a lead vocalist, completing the current enduring trio of Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Amy Perry.

Musical Style and Influences

Selah is widely celebrated for their soaring vocal harmonies and masterful reinterpretation of classic hymns.Their musical style effortlessly bridges the gap between traditional church music and contemporary Christian pop.Because of the Smiths’ upbringing in Africa, their early music featured distinct global influences and tribal rhythms. As the group evolved, they embraced a broader inspirational pop sound, often incorporating sweeping orchestral strings, acoustic piano, and powerful vocal crescendos that highlight the individual strengths of Smith, Hall, and Perry.

Notable Songs and Albums

With a discography spanning over two decades, Selah has released numerous chart-topping albums.Following their debut, projects like Press On (2001) and Bless the Broken Road: The Duets Album (2006) dominated the Christian music charts.Their 2014 album, You Amaze Us, made history when its title track debuted at number one on Billboard’s Christian Soft AC chart, remaining at the top for twelve consecutive weeks.The group is beloved for their emotional renditions of songs like “You Raise Me Up,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “I Got Saved,” and “Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me”.

Awards and Recognition

Selah is one of the most decorated groups in contemporary Christian music.They have won eleven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards over the course of their career.Their collection of trophies includes multiple wins for Inspirational Album of the Year for acclaimed projects like Be Still My Soul, Bless the Broken Road, Hope of the Broken World, and Firm Foundation.In addition to their awards, the trio has sold over four million records, achieved two Gold-certified albums, and amassed nearly a billion digital streams worldwide.

Personal Life

The members of Selah frequently draw upon their personal struggles and triumphs to fuel the authenticity of their music.Todd Smith and his wife, Angie, have been exceptionally open about their journey through grief following the tragic loss of their newborn daughter, Audrey, who lived for only two hours.Rather than walking away from their faith, the family leaned into their beliefs, heavily influencing the vulnerability and raw emotion heard in Selah’s later albums. The members view their music not just as a career, but as a dedicated ministry to comfort those facing similar heartbreak.

Current Career / Recent Activities

Remaining a vibrant force in the music industry, Selah continues to tour and release new music.In 2020, they launched their own independent record label, 3Cre8tive, and released the album Step Into My Story. To celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary in 2022, they released a long-awaited Christmas album, At This Table, alongside Greatest Hymns, Vol. 3. Looking ahead to late 2024, the trio announced a brand new project titled Higher Name, marking a significant creative shift as it features entirely original songs written and co-written by the group members themselves, proving their continuous growth as artists.