Love Song
Formed in 1970 in Costa Mesa, California, Love Song is widely regarded as one of the foundational bands in the Jesus music movement — a precursor to modern contemporary Christian music. Chuck Girard, Jay Truax, Tommy Coomes, and Fred Field founded the group amid a backdrop of spiritual restlessness, embracing a countercultural lifestyle that included elements of the hippie ethos. Their search for meaning eventually led to faith, and Love Song was born out of both a spiritual and musical awakening.
Shortly after their conversions, the core members began their music ministry at Calvary Chapel and were joined by drummer John Mehler, with guitarist Bob Wall replacing Fred Field before their debut. Their first album, Love Song (1972), was released on Good News Records and sold over 300,000 units — unheard of numbers in the early CCM landscape at the time. Love Song The album became a touchstone of the movement and was voted Album of the Year by readers of Bible Bookstore Journal, even though it wasn’t officially nominated. Love Song
Love Song’s music — included acoustic guitar, warm harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with both born-again Christians and curious seekers alike. Their songs like “A Love Song,” “Little Country Church,” and “Two Hands” became anthems of the 1970s Jesus movement, earning them national radio play and praise from publications like Rolling Stone. They toured extensively in the U.S. and made history with international engagements, including a massive festival in the Philippines where they played to more than 50,000 people.
They released two studio albums (Love Song and Final Touch), a live recording (Feel the Love), and later reunited in 1994 for Welcome Back, which included contributions from Phil Keaggy and John Patitucci. In subsequent decades, they performed occasional reunion tours and completed a docuseries entitled A Band Called Love Song, set for release on Amazon Prime.
Despite lineup changes, reunions, and the passing of founder Chuck Girard (August 11, 2025), Love Song's legacy as Jesus movement pioneers endures. They remain symbols of a unique fusion of folk, rock, and faith that reshaped the Christian music landscape.