Maranatha! Music

Maranatha! Music was established in 1971 by Pastor Chuck Smith Sr. of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. The organization was founded as a non-profit ministry to promote the "Jesus Music" emerging from the Jesus People Movement. It functions as a record label and music publisher dedicated to providing worship songs for church use. The name "Maranatha" is derived from an Aramaic phrase meaning "Come, Lord." The label is known for producing the *Praise* series, which began in 1974 and helped popularize contemporary worship music. This series included landmark recordings such as *Praise 1: The Praise Album*. Maranatha! Music has released music across various styles, including folk-rock, hymns, and modern worship. The organization also expanded into the children's music market with products like *The Kids Praise Album!*. The Maranatha! Music catalog includes well-known songs such as "Seek Ye First," "Blessed Be Your Name," "As the Deer," and "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High." The label has maintained long-term distribution agreements with major Christian music distributors, including Capitol Christian Music Group. In 1991, Maranatha! Music received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association.