Keith & Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty are a Grammy-nominated musical duo from Northern Ireland who have become two of the most influential figures in modern Christian worship music.As composers, recording artists, and the founders of Getty Music, they are widely recognized for their efforts to reinvent the traditional hymn form for contemporary audiences.Their biblically rich, Celtic-influenced songwriting has helped shape congregational singing worldwide, earning them numerous accolades and a vast global audience.

Best known for the modern classic “In Christ Alone” (co-written by Keith and Stuart Townend), the Gettys have spent decades crafting music that bridges the gap between classical hymnody and contemporary Christian music. Through their annual Sing! Conference and their independent label, they continue to steward a global movement focused on deeply theological, congregationally accessible worship.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Both Keith and Kristyn Getty were raised in Northern Ireland, heavily influenced by church music and the rich musical heritage of their homeland.Keith, born in Lisburn, grew up in a household where both parents were Presbyterian church musicians.He began playing the classical guitar at age eleven and picked up the flute a year later.His early exposure to classical music, Irish folk traditions, and congregational singing laid the foundation for his future compositions.

Kristyn Lennox was born in Belfast and began singing as a teenager in her family’s church. Her early musical development was largely rooted in the local church community, where she developed the clear, emotive vocal style that would later define the duo’s sound.

Education

Keith pursued formal musical training at St Chad’s College, Durham University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, graduating in 1995. During his academic career, he expanded his expertise through conducting opportunities at the Canford Summer School of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center.He also participated in a prestigious master class led by renowned Irish flautist Sir James Galway.Kristyn chose a different academic path, studying English literature at Queen’s University of Belfast, a background that heavily influences her lyric writing today.

How Their Music Career Started

Keith’s entry into the music industry began as an arranger and orchestrator, working with both secular and sacred artists while still in high school.He established a strong reputation early on, eventually founding New Irish Arts.

The couple first connected in 2002 when Kristyn, then a university student, reached out to Keith for musical advice after being introduced by her uncle, John Lennox.Their professional collaboration quickly blossomed into a personal relationship, and the couple married in 2004. This partnership marked the official beginning of “Keith & Kristyn Getty” as a dedicated musical and songwriting duo.

Career and Breakthrough

While Keith had already achieved significant success in 2001 by co-writing “In Christ Alone” with Stuart Townend, it was the formation of the duo with Kristyn that fully launched their global platform.Their breakthrough strategy focused on writing new hymns that maintained theological depth but were accessible to modern congregations.

They began touring extensively, bringing their unique blend of Irish folk, classical orchestration, and contemporary worship to international audiences.Their live performances, which have sold out prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall, firmly established them as leading voices in modern worship music.

Musical Style and Influences

The Getty sound is highly distinctive, characterized by a fusion of Celtic melodies, classical instrumentation, and contemporary folk arrangements.Their music heavily features acoustic instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, classical guitar, and piano, reflecting their Irish heritage.Lyrically, they focus on biblically rich, narrative-driven songwriting designed specifically for congregational singing rather than individual performance.

Notable Songs and Albums

Over their career, the Gettys have released more than two dozen albums.Their discography includes highly successful projects like Facing a Task Unfinished, North Coast Sessions, and the Billboard-topping Evensong (Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day).Their 2021 album, Confessio: Irish American Roots, earned critical acclaim and mainstream recognition.

Beyond “In Christ Alone,” their catalog includes numerous widely sung hymns, such as “His Mercy Is More,” “He Will Hold Me Fast,” “The Power of the Cross,” “Speak O Lord,” and “By Faith”.

Awards and Recognition

The duo’s impact on Christian music has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.They earned a Grammy Award nomination for Confessio: Irish American Roots and have won multiple GMA Dove Awards, including Inspirational Album of the Year for North Coast Sessions.

In 2018, Keith Getty was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music and modern hymn writing, making him the first contemporary Christian songwriter to receive the honor.Kristyn is a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and received a “She Leads UK” award at Windsor Castle.Both hold honorary doctorates from various institutions.

Personal Life

Keith and Kristyn Getty split their time between their home in Portstewart, Northern Ireland, and Nashville, Tennessee.They have four daughters.Much of their work is focused on family and community, themes that frequently appear in their music and their educational initiatives.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Today, the Gettys lead Getty Music, a multifaceted organization that includes a record label, a publishing company, a touring group, and a charitable foundation. They are perhaps best known currently for hosting the annual Sing! Conference in Nashville, which draws thousands of pastors, musicians, and believers to focus on congregational worship. In September 2026, they hosted the 10th anniversary of the conference, titled Sing! 2026: Symphony of Scripture, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.The duo continues to write, record, and tour globally, remaining at the forefront of the modern hymn movement.