Zach Williams — songs and biography

History and Sound

Zach Williams grew up in Arkansas and, before launching his solo career, played in the Southern rock band Zach Williams & The Reformation.

In his Christian recordings, he retained his raspy voice and guitar-driven sound. “Chain Breaker” became one of the first well-known songs of this period. Dolly Parton joins him on “There Was Jesus,” while the live version of “No Longer Slaves,” recorded at Harding Prison, shows how his music sounds in an intimate setting.

Albums and Recordings

His first solo album, “Chain Breaker,” includes “Old Church Choir,” featuring a gospel rhythm and call-and-response vocals. On “Rescue Story,” Williams recorded “There Was Jesus” with Dolly Parton. In this song, the two singers’ voices support a story about help that a person notices only when looking back. To discover another side of his repertoire, try the live project “Survivor: Live from Harding Prison,” where his voice and guitar are especially prominent.