Phil Wickham Artistfacts

April 5, 1984
Phil Wickham is a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and guitarist from San Diego. His parents, John and Lisa Wickham, were both involved in the '70s Jesus music bands The Way and Parable, and served as worship leaders in their congregation.
Growing up, Wickham's home was always filled with the sounds of worship. Whether it was his dad strumming a guitar, his mom singing hymns, or the whole family gathering to worship together, music wasn't just an interest, it was part of daily life. This constant immersion in melody and faith shaped his passion for worship from an early age.
Despite his outgoing stage presence today, Phil Wickham had a deeply introspective side as a child. While he was energetic and passionate, he also loved spending time alone, writing in journals and composing melodies in his head. Music became his way of expressing himself - a private, emotional outlet that eventually blossomed into his calling as a worship leader.
When Phil Wickham picked up the guitar at age 12, he didn't take formal lessons - he taught himself by mimicking worship songs he heard at home and in church. Hours of practice led to him mastering the instrument on his own, developing the signature playing style that would later define his worship music.
Phil Wickham's musical journey was jumpstarted by a friendly sibling rivalry. His older brother, Evan Wickham, is also a gifted musician, and the two would constantly push each other to improve. They'd spend hours harmonizing, writing songs together, and even competing to see who could come up with the best melodies. This musical back-and-forth not only strengthened their bond but also sharpened the songwriting skills that would later define Phil's signature ethereal worship sound.
Wickham recorded his first independent album, Give You My World, at 18. The project, particularly the song "Shining," caught the attention of listeners beyond his local church community, setting the stage for his future career in Christian music.
In 2014, Wickham underwent throat surgery to remove a polyp on his vocal cords, causing him to take a year of vocal rest and rehabilitation.
Wickham supports Compassion International, a child sponsorship organization, and has traveled to countries like Rwanda and the Dominican Republic to support their efforts.