Originally launched in the mid-sixties Light Records has served as a pioneering force for many of today’s Gospel legends. The independent label has helped catapult the careers of Andre Crouch, Walter Hawkins, The Winans, and Commissioned. Started by Ralph Carmichael, Light Records in conjunction with Word Records compiled a repertoire of artists that would eventually take Gospel music from Church
to mainstream. In 1968, Light Records signed Andrae Crouch, one of the most influential artists in Gospel music. With timeless hits like “My Tribute”, “Jesus is the Answer”, “Soon and Very Soon”, and “Take Me Back”, Crouch further established Light Records as a Gospel powerhouse. While the popular imprint was immensely successful musically, in the mid-eighties, Carmichael and Light Records were forced to cease day-to-day operations. In 2001, after a nearly twenty year hiatus Light re-emerged onto the Gospel music scene with the signing of Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston, followed by Rizen, Shirley Caesar, and Bishop Paul S. In May 2010, the label was purchased by the Canadian media company Entertainment One. With an affluent roster of Dorinda Clark-Cole, Shirley Caesar, Coko, Youthful Praise, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Ricky Dillard, and Paul Porter (of the Christianaires), the label has solidified its position. Over the last decade, Light Records has built a burgeoning roster of artists that has secured their footing in the industry. Light Records has navigated its way across the Billboard charts, created immense radio success with hits like Bishop Morton’s “Let It Rain”, Shirley Caesar’s “I Know The Truth”, and Youthful Praise’s “Incredible God”, and been recognized among industry peers through a host of awards and acknowledgements. Stay tuned as Light Records continues to make history.