David Leonard might be relatively new to Christian radio as a solo act, but the Arkansas native, who now resides in Franklin, Tennessee, is far from a musical rookie. Leonard has been a member of various Christian outfits through the years and has written more songs than most people realize. He’s played keys for NEEDTOBREATHE on the road. He’s fronted alt-pop band Jackson Waters, and perhaps most notably, he’s served as one-half of beloved worship-folk duo All Sons & Daughters. In recent years, he’s grown his own production company, The Creak Music, where he’s produced tracks for artists like CAIN, Brandon Lake and Cody Carnes, among many others. In addition, the “Good Lord” singer stewards a solo career even as he continues to write with and for other acts. This fall, he’ll resume the second leg of the “Live and In Color” tour with CAIN and Katy Nichole.
Taking a break from remodeling his new studio space — a former historic church in downtown Franklin — the singer/songwriter sat down to answer a round of 21 Questions for KLOVE.com where he revealed the artists and songs that have inspired him, what he loves most about being on the road with CAIN and just how many times he’s sung “Great Are You Lord.”
K-LOVE: Favorite lyric you’ve ever written?
David Leonard: “Pinpricks of glory strung out across the sky. Memories of darkness undone by the light. Reminding me You are right here by my side.” — from “Constellations,” by Ellie Holcomb
K-LOVE: Best thing about being on tour with CAIN?
David Leonard: The environment they create. They are constantly taking care of people, making sure everyone fits in. They are so kind, and it’s a blast to be out there.
K-LOVE: Song you wish you’d written?
David Leonard: “Jesus Freak,” by dc Talk
K-LOVE: Meaning behind “Every Hour” with Josh Baldwin?
David Leonard: “Every Hour” is the constant recognition of needing God every day. The slowing down, stopping, knowing that God is with us in every moment.
K-LOVE: Favorite record you’ve ever produced?
David Leonard: I could never choose just one! Each record carries its own beauty and special place in my heart.
K-LOVE: Number of times you’ve sung “Great Are You Lord”?
David Leonard: 673,427 times :)
K-LOVE: One thing most people don’t know about you?
David Leonard: I love to go duck huntin’.
K-LOVE: Reason you love leading worship?
David Leonard: Constantly being reminded that worship is more than our circumstances. Seeing people respond that shouldn’t respond in the midst of their circumstances creates even more desire to worship God.
K-LOVE: One book you can’t put down?
David Leonard: “Greenlights,” by Matthew McConaughey
K-LOVE: First job you ever had?
David Leonard: Washing cars at a car dealership.
K-LOVE: Go-to late night snack?
David Leonard: Chips
K-LOVE: Favorite Bible verse?
David Leonard: Isaiah 43:19: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
K-LOVE: An instrument you’d like to learn how to play?
David Leonard: Cello
K-LOVE: Best family vacation you’ve ever taken?
David Leonard: Going to the beach with our family – we always have a blast!
K-LOVE: One song most people would be surprised to learn you’ve written?
David Leonard: “Great Are You Lord”
K-LOVE: Artist who’s always on your playlist?
David Leonard: Jordan Davis
K-LOVE: Favorite way to spend a day off?
David Leonard: Golf
K-LOVE: An artist or songwriter you’d love to write with?
David Leonard: Steven Curtis Chapman
K-LOVE: First record you ever owned?
David Leonard: I went to Walmart and purchased two CDs from Boyz II Men and the Eagles.
K-LOVE: Most treasured thing you own?
David Leonard: Things are overrated. Friends and family matter to me more.
K-LOVE: A song by another artist that’s meant something to you personally?
David Leonard: “Lord, I Need You,” by Matt Maher
