Manna Music Inc. (commonly referred to as Manna Music) is an American music publishing company that specialized in contemporary Christian and gospel music. The company was founded in 1955 by Tim Spencer, a songwriter and former member of the gospel group The Blackwood Brothers. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Manna Music played a significant role in the development and dissemination of modern Christian music during the latter half of the 20th century.
History and Operations
- Founding: Established in 1955, the company’s initial focus was on publishing traditional gospel hymns and compositions by its founder and other contemporary Christian songwriters.
- Catalogue: Over the ensuing decades, Manna Music assembled a catalogue that included notable songs such as “Because He Lives,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (arrangements), and numerous works by artists like Andraé Crouch and Bill Gaither. The firm also facilitated the distribution of sheet music, recordings, and licensing for churches, broadcasters, and recording artists.
- Industry Influence: By the 1970s and 1980s, Manna Music had become a recognized name within the Christian music industry, contributing to the popularization of contemporary worship music and providing a platform for emerging songwriters.
Corporate Changes
In the late 1990s, Manna Music’s assets and publishing rights were acquired by the larger music publishing entity CBR Music Group (formerly known as CGI Publications). Following the acquisition, the Manna Music imprint continued to operate under the new ownership, with its back‑catalogue remaining available for licensing and re‑issue.
Current Status
As of the most recent publicly available information, the Manna Music brand exists as an imprint within the CBR Music Group’s portfolio. The catalogue continues to be managed for licensing purposes, notably for use in worship services, recordings, and media productions.
References
- Billboard magazine archives (1970s–1990s) reporting on Manna Music’s publishing activities.
- CBR Music Group corporate releases regarding the acquisition of Manna Music’s catalogue.
- Historical overviews of contemporary Christian music publishing in scholarly works on American religious music.