Jimmy Owens

James Lloyd Owens was born in Clarksdale, MS in 1930.

Jimmy attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.; Southwestern College in Memphis, Tennessee; Cathedral School of the Bible, Oakland, California; Cabot College, San Leandro, Calif.

He has served as Minister of Music at The Neighborhood Church, Oakland, Calif., 1951-1966; Minister of Music, United Community Church, Glendale, Calif., 1966-1968; Minister of Music, Anaheim Christian Center (now Melodyland Christian Center), Anaheim, Calif., 1968-1969.

Jimmy and Carol are among the pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music and the modern worship movement. They are Grammy and Dove nominated composers of some 250 published and recorded songs, including 12 musicals. They have taught songwriting for over 25 years. As founders of School of Music Ministries International, Jimmy and Carol, with their teams of artist/teachers, have strengthened both the technical skills and spiritual foundations of thousands of musicians, worship leaders and songwriters around the world.

Many of his songs were performed and recorded by artists such as Randy Stonehill, Pat Boone, Dean Jones, Jack Hayford, Andrae Crouch, Annie Herring, Matthew Ward, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry McGuire, Jamie Owens-Collins, The Imperials, Michael and Stormie Omartian, Larnelle Harris, Paul Baloche, Darlene Zschech and Graham Kendrick.

With his wife Carol, Owens has composed four Christian musicals. He has recorded several albums.