Immersed in a household steeped in ministry and the old hymns her grandfather often sang, Charity Gayle began using her singing voice at three years old. By six, she had asked Jesus into her heart. And by 16, she was leading choir practice at her local church, following in the footsteps of her parents — both pastors.
Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Gayle will tell you she had a “mature taste in music” from the beginning, preferring jazz and Gospel choirs to the modern pop artists of the day her peers were consuming on repeat. An obvious old soul, Gayle’s maturity is reflected still today in the original songs she writes, records and leads, often alongside her husband, Ryan Kennedy — songs that swiftly usher listeners into a posture of worship and draw people closer to Christ.
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After earning a degree in vocal performance from the University of Buffalo, the New York native spent two years in Nashville, honing her skills as a songwriter for the Church.
Having served as both an English literature teacher and a children’s choir director, Gayle’s favorite pastime remains the art of bringing words and melodies together. “I love harmonies in Gospel music,” she offers. “I think about heaven being full of every type of voice from every nation, finding their part and praising God at the top of their lungs together around the Throne.”
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Giving listeners a glimpse of her own slice of eternity, Gayle released her debut, “Lord, You Are My Song,” via Jennie Lee Riddle’s People & Songs community in 2018. The songstress rose to prominence on the strength of her powerful single, “I Speak Jesus,” which appears on her sophomore effort, 2021’s “Endless Praise.” Although the acclaimed offering was originally penned by Here Be Lions, it was Gayle’s version that elevated the emotive selection to a global anthem of hope. It has since been recorded by countless artists, including Darlene Zschech, Newsboys and Josh Baldwin, among others.
The rising worship leader released her highly anticipated third full-length project, “Rejoice (Live),” in April 2024. Gayle recorded the album during a night of worship held at The Mulehouse, an old-church-turned-event-space in Columbia, Tennessee.
Now based in Texas, the “I Believe” singer and her husband share two children. Together, they cultivate GatherHouse, a movement revolving around 24-hour prayer and worship. Additionally, the couple continues to write and steward Gospel-centered songs, which they lead at worship services, conferences and events all over the world.
