Mac Powell

Mac Powell is an American singer, songwriter, and musician widely recognized as the iconic former frontman of the multi-platinum Christian rock band Third Day.With a distinct, warm Southern rock voice and deep spiritual lyricism, he has spent over three decades shaping the landscape of contemporary Christian music and American roots-inspired worship.

After Third Day concluded its legendary run with a farewell tour in 2018, Powell successfully transitioned into a vibrant solo career, exploring both country and contemporary worship genres while maintaining his status as a pillar of the faith-based music community.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Born in Clanton, Alabama, Mac Powell moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area during his sophomore year in high school.It was there that he met guitarist Mark Lee. Sharing a mutual passion for music and a strong foundation in their Christian faith, the two teenagers began writing and performing music together. What started as casual high school band projects eventually evolved into one of the most successful and enduring groups in Christian rock history: Third Day.

Career and Breakthrough with Third Day

In the mid-1990s, Third Day officially formed and quickly captured national attention. Powered by Powell’s powerful, blues-tinged baritone vocals and deeply reflective songwriting, the band became a dominant force on Christian radio.

Throughout a nearly three-decade career, Third Day sold over 10 million albums, earned four Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and 24 GMA Dove Awards, and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Anthems like “Thief,” “Consuming Fire,” “My Hope Is In You,” and “Soul On Fire” became defining tracks for a generation of believers.

Solo Career and Genre Exploration

Following Third Day’s final bow in 2018, Powell briefly ventured into country and roots music, releasing independent projects under the moniker Mac Powell and the Family Reunion.

He returned squarely to his contemporary Christian roots in October 2021 with his critically acclaimed solo album, New Creation, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Album chart.The project’s lead singles, “River of Life” and the multi-week chart-performer title track “New Creation,” proved that his resonant voice and songwriting talent remained as vital as ever.He followed this up with the release of his studio album I Love Jesus in late 2024.

Musical Style and Legacy

Mac Powell’s vocal style is instantly recognizable—a rugged, soulful Southern baritone that effortlessly bridges energetic rock-and-roll with intimate, reverent worship. Aside from his recording career, he serves as an artist-in-residence at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is actively involved in local church ministry.

Current Career and Recent Activities

The year marked a massive milestone for Powell and his legacy as he reunited with his former bandmates for a highly anticipated, nationwide Third Day 30th Anniversary Tour. Playing to packed arenas across the United States, the reunion celebration allowed millions of fans to relive decades of classic music. Alongside the reunion trek, Powell continues to write, record, and lead worship, remaining a cherished and enduring voice in Christian music.