Mylon LeFevre (1944-) was born into a Southern Gospel family, The Singing LeFevres, but stopped attending church when he left home. At 17 years old, he wrote his first song, "Without Him," while in the Army. The gospel song was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1963, and within the next year, 126 artists had recorded his songs. He also wrote the classic song “Gospel Ship." His early gospel songs and recordings sold millions of copies.

LeFevre used the money from his gospel success to found a rock band that later became the Atlanta Rhythm Section. In his secular career, he recorded or toured with Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Little Richard and the Who, Ten Years After, Traffic, George Harrison, Mountain, ZZ Top, and Grand Funk Railroad. He used cocaine for ten years. After a heroin overdose in the early 1970's, he slowly began his return to the Christian faith.

In 1980, LeFevre "committed [his] life to Jesus", quit rock and roll and became a janitor at his church in Atlanta. He started a Christian band named Mylon and Broken Heart in 1981. Over the next ten years, he released twelve CDs and traveled over a million miles. In 1988 his band was honored with a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus for their album "Crack the Sky." LeFevre and his band were awarded two Dove Awards, and sold another million records. About this period (1982-1991), LeFevre said, "I was a Christian musician who preached a little, worshipped a little, and rocked a lot." He suffered a massive heart attack in 1989.

Later, LeFevre became a preacher and teacher, and his recordings focused on worship and praise music. He has since spoken at motorcycle rallies, NASCAR owner/driver chapel services, NFL and NBA chapel services, and in the former Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Cayman Islands, Mexico, and Hawaii.

He is the father-in-law of Peter Furler of the Christian band the Newsboys.

External Links

• Mylon LeFevre Ministries
• Tribute to Mylon LeFevre