William McDowell continues to inspire with 'I give myself away'
Worship leader William McDowell's powerhouse worship song, "I Give Myself Away," continues to affect thousands of people. Every week the song is being sung and opening the hearts of worshippers in congregations around the world.
Written about the foundation of his own worship ministry, "I Give Myself Away" is about the road McDowell has walked, leading him straight to the place of sharing God with the world. The song, featured on McDowell's debut project with Entertainment One Music/eOne, titled As We Worship Live, continues to be heard in more and more churches and due to popular demand, "I Give Myself Away" will soon be shipping to Gospel radio.
Since the project's release in 2009, William McDowell, a Orlando-based worship leader, continues to have a presence on the sales charts by steadily selling close to 40,000 units to date, as well as being one of the most downloaded songs on iTunes. Helping the sales of this double-disc is McDowell's worldwide touring and his viral video of him performing "I Give Myself Away", which has received a cumulative one million views on YouTube. William McDowell has only just begun to make his mark, and while this may be the first time you've heard his name, it surely won't be the last.
"Throughout the years William has always been a man of incredible integrity," states his friend Israel Houghton. "He has been blessed with the gift of being not only a powerful worship leader but a true worshipper. God has anointed him for such as time as this!"
Growing up in Cincinnati, McDowell developed his passion for worship, which eventually led him to Orlando to attend Full Sail University, the well-known multimedia arts school. While he was a student there he became the music director and keyboardist for Ron Kenoly, one of McDowell's mentors who helped prepare him for the international calling on his life.
Upon graduating he went on to become the worship pastor at the multicultural The Gathering Place Church in Lake Mary, Florida, a post he held for four years before stepping out to lead his very own music ministry. And it was during his time at The Gathering Place that As We Worship Live, his first for eOne, was recorded.
Now leading his own music ministry, McDowell shares his music with churches and conferences across the globe to encourage, equip and revolutionise the way churches view the simple act of “loving on God”. At a recent concert in Trinidad, he was in front of over 6,000 people, all who were singing along to "I Give Myself Away". The single has also become a No 1 radio hit in Jamaica where McDowell performed earlier in the year to a crowd of over 8,000.
"After having the pleasure of ministering with William McDowell, I've discovered that he is not just a skillful musician, but is also a passionate man after God's heart who carries an anointing that speaks to this generation," declares Ricardo Sanchez, songwriter, artist and worship leader, Free Chapel in Gainesville, Florida.
"I believe William's voice will penetrate the nations and break the barriers of ethnicity, denomination, and culture. He is one of the most humble and faithful servants I have had the privilege of knowing."
When he is not songwriting or traveling for his ministry, McDowell owns The Delivery Room, one of the largest recording studios in Orlando, where he produces his own songs as well as for other Christian artists. Delivery Room Studios has hosted Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Martha Munizzi, Group 1 Crew, Freddy Rodriguez, Dwayne Woods, KJ-52 and Trent Cory, among countless others.
According to acclaimed worship leader Martha Munizzi, "William McDowell is an incredible worship leader. I have the privilege to be blessed by his ministry every week at our home church. He has a gift to successfully lead God's people into a powerful place of worship. The anointing on his life is very unique and his leadership is beyond his years. He is a blessing to me and my family."
McDowell and his wife LaTae are expecting their first child in September, and he is excited about discovering all God has in store for his family and his ministry. William McDowell plans to continue “giving himself away” to be used by God to impact the Kingdom, while helping to raise up a generation of worshippers willing to do the same.