William McDowell is an American worship and gospel singer and songwriter, born in 1976 in Cincinnati and based in Orlando, Florida. Active since his first album As We Worship (2009), he is known for I Give Myself Away, Withholding Nothing and live recordings such as Sounds of Revival.
Born in 1976 in Cincinnati, Ohio, William McDowell moved to Orlando to study at Full Sail University, where he earned a degree in Entertainment Business. He then served as music director for worship leader Ron Kenoly, who mentored him, and continued his formation under Sam Hinn. His first album, As We Worship, came out on February 3, 2009 on Entertainment One Music and reached number 3 on Billboard's gospel albums chart. It includes I Give Myself Away, which McDowell had put online before the record was released.
Arise (2011) went to number one on Billboard's gospel chart, then Withholding Nothing (2013) did too, entering the Billboard 200 at number 28 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album. Sounds of Revival, recorded before a congregation at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge and released in 2016, was followed by Sounds of Revival II: Deeper (2017), then The Cry (2019). Dreams, Revelations and Moments, an 18-track project, came out on July 31, 2026.
- Origin
- Cincinnati (Ohio), based in Orlando (Florida), United States
- Style
- Worship, gospel
- Active since
- 2009 (As We Worship)
- Good to know
- Pastor of Deeper Fellowship church in Orlando, he mostly records live albums
How did William McDowell begin?
William McDowell grew up in Ohio, then moved to Orlando to study at Full Sail University, graduating in Entertainment Business. He entered music through service: he was music director for Ron Kenoly, then was mentored by Sam Hinn, alongside whom he served as worship pastor at The Gathering Place Church.
His first album, As We Worship, came out in 2009 on Entertainment One Music. One song, I Give Myself Away, circulated first as a video before the record was released, which helped make it known. Arise (2011), then Withholding Nothing (2013), confirmed his place in American gospel worship.
What makes William McDowell distinctive?
William McDowell works mostly live. Sounds of Revival was recorded on June 5, 2015 at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge before about 3,000 people, and the album reached number one on the UK Christian and Gospel albums chart. The Cry (2019) is also a live recording.
His most recent project, Dreams, Revelations and Moments (2026), was captured over three years of gatherings on three continents, and brings together Nathaniel Bassey, Joe Mettle and Dunsin Oyekan, among others. The record follows a thread from celebration to Maranatha, the cry for Christ's return.
Where should you start to discover William McDowell?
Start with I Give Myself Away and Withholding Nothing, his best known songs, then listen to Spirit Break Out and The Cry for his live worship. Continue with the albums As We Worship (2009), Sounds of Revival (2016) and Dreams, Revelations and Moments (2026).
songs
I Give Myself Away
From his first album As We Worship (2009): it circulated as a video before the record came out and became one of his most sung songs.
Withholding Nothing
Title of his 2013 album, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album.
Spirit Break Out
Sung with Trinity Anderson, it appears on the live album Sounds of Revival (2016).
The Cry
Recorded live, it comes from the album The Cry: A Live Worship Experience, released in 2019.
Discography
- 2026Dreams, Revelations and Moments· Live, 18 tracks
- 2019The Cry: A Live Worship Experience· Live
- 2017Sounds of Revival II: Deeper
- 2016Sounds of Revival· Live
- 2013Withholding Nothing
- 2011Arise
- 2009As We Worship· First album
Read also
Frequently asked questions
Who is William McDowell?
William McDowell is an American worship and gospel singer and songwriter, born in 1976 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and based in Orlando. His first album, As We Worship, dates from 2009.
Is William McDowell a Christian artist?
Yes. He records worship and gospel music, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Withholding Nothing, and is pastor of Deeper Fellowship church in Orlando.
What are William McDowell's best known songs?
I Give Myself Away, Withholding Nothing, Spirit Break Out and The Cry are among his best known songs, along with I Won't Go Back, widely sung in churches.
What is William McDowell's latest album?
His most recent album is Dreams, Revelations and Moments, an 18-track live project released on July 31, 2026. It follows The Cry (2019).
Where was Sounds of Revival recorded?
The album was recorded live on June 5, 2015 at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before about 3,000 people, and released in 2016.
Where can you listen to William McDowell?
His music is available on the main streaming platforms and on his official YouTube channel, which features many live recordings.