Zach Williams’ first book, “Rescue Story,” garnered the singer/songwriter his fourth trophy at the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. The chart-topping artist was unable to attend the 2024 ceremony, but he thanked fans via video, saying, “It’s truly an honor to know that you guys are connecting with my story.”
“Rescue Story” is the GRAMMY® winner’s full-circle, first-person account of how Jesus used music to literally save him. Many know Williams for his signature tracks like “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” “Fear Is A Liar,” and the book’s namesake, “Rescue Story,” but few are aware of the past that inspired his songs of hope and redemption. This all-new autobiography gives fans the opportunity to meet the former rebellious rockstar behind the hits.
From his dashed dreams of playing in the NBA to dropping out of high school his senior year and teaching himself to play guitar to his ruthless struggle with drugs and alcohol, the memoir details all the trials of Williams’ early life. When music became his newfound passion, he found himself headlining a string of international tour dates as the frontman of a secular rock band. With his marriage on the rocks and another baby on the way, the “Lookin’ For You” singer hit rock bottom. After hearing Big Daddy Weave’s song, “Redeemed,” on the radio in Spain during a drive to his next concert, Williams surrendered his life to Christ.
Upon returning home, he recommitted to his marriage, commenced his journey toward sobriety and began attending church. Eventually, he started leading worship at that church in Arkansas, and that’s where he was discovered by Jonathan Smith, his longtime co-writer and producer, who just happened to be attending Christmas services with his family and heard Williams sing. The rest is history, as “Rescue Story” affirms.
Prior to winning this year’s Book Impact award, the former rebel previously earned Breakout Single honors in 2017 for his debut smash, “Chain Breaker.” Additionally, Williams took home accolades for Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “There Was Jesus (feat. Dolly Parton)” in 2021.
