Zach Williams' 'Old Church Choir' Sets Chart Topping Record On Billboard's Christian Airplay Chart

Zach Williams "Old Church Choir"
Screenshot from the official lyric video of Zach Williams' 2017 single "Old Church Choir." |

Grammy-nominated artist Zach Williams' single "Old Church Choir" has set a new record for most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart for a song by a solo artist. The song has now spent over 20 weeks at No. 1, just edging out Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes," which previously held the record with 19 weeks at No. 1.

According to Nielsen Music's audience measurement, "Old Church Choir" has now been played to over eight million listeners at radio since its release in 2017 when it became Williams' second solo single.

Upon being notified that his single tied the record with Heath's 19-week No. 1 run in 2008 and 2009, Williams responded to Billboard, "I honestly can't believe it. I am so grateful for the opportunity that God has given me, and truly I am humbled by the response that 'Old Church Choir' has received."

The only track that has reigned at No. 1 more weeks than "Old Church Choir" is now "Word of God Speak" by the group MercyMe, which claimed the top spot a total of 23 weeks, starting in August, 2003. The group Casting Crown's song "East to West" has been at No. 1 for 19 weeks in 2007 and 2008.

Zach Williams became a sensation in 2016 when he debuted with his first solo single "Chain Breaker," going to No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs Chart and Top 10 on Christian radio. The single was followed the same year by a 5-track EP and a full-length album with the same title. In 2017, "Chain Breaker" was nominated by the Recording Academy for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, and in 2018 his solo debut album has been nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards which will be held this Jan. 28 in New York City.

You can watch the music video for "Old Church Choir" below: