Jan 24,2023 – Nashville, TN – The Red Street Records family is mourning the loss of their colleague and dear friend, Don Koch. After over thirty years of faithfully and joyfully serving the music community, Don passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, January 15th after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Don was a hit songwriter, producer and an instrumental part in the launch of the Christian division of Red Street Records and Publishing, serving as the label’s EVP A&R/Publishing. Don brought with him a plethora of accolades and industry experience, sharing his unrivaled expertise with those around him and leaving behind a legacy career.
After attending Belmont University in pursuit of a sound engineering degree, Don caught the songwriting bug. His writing journey would earn him forty-one #1 songs and six GMA Dove Awards, including 1994 Song of the Year for “In Christ Alone” and Inspirational Song of the Year in both 1993 and 2006 for “In Christ Alone” and “Adonai,” respectively.
An outpouring of condolences and memories of Don have been shared by members of the Christian music community, including GRAMMY-award winner Jason Crabb, American Music Awards winners Avalon Worship, Dan Dean from 4-time Dove Awards winning band Phillips, Craig, and Dean and many more.
Jay DeMarcus, Red Street Records CEO and longtime friend of Don, shares, “Don was a wonderful friend and mentor, and our relationship dates back to the early 90s when he was responsible for getting me my first record deal with Benson Records with a little band called, ‘East To West.’ Some twenty-five years later we would start this Red Street journey together, and he will always be at the heart and soul of what we do. It would be nearly impossible to try to quantify the impact or count the lives that were touched by his music. Don’s legacy is remarkable as he leaves behind a list of songs that will live on forever. I can’t help but smile when I think about him walking alongside of the Savior he so eloquently and fervently wrote about. What a sight that must be. Rest in peace my brother, my friend.”
Don Koch was a deeply valued member of the Red Street Records and Red Street Publishing staff. He leaves behind a loving family and an unmatched legacy in Christian music. To share memories and/or photos of Don, please email thedonkochlegacy@gmail.com.
About Don Koch:
Don Koch was born in San Jose, Costa Rica to missionary parents. Living throughout South America and the U.S. throughout his childhood, he made Miami his home until moving to Nashville in 1980 to attend Belmont College and pursue a career in sound engineering. While trying his hand at songwriting, one of the first songs he wrote with a friend was recorded and he was instantly bitten by the songwriting bug.He signed his first publishing deal with Benson Record Company in 1986 and went on to write 41 No. 1 songs. Some of his best-known hits include "In Christ Alone," "Mercy Said No," "Adonai," "Mercy Came Running," "Jesus Saves," and "Land of Mercy." Koch became a successful Publisher and record producer, working with artists such as 4Him, Newsong, Avalon, Charles Billingsley, Al Denson, Dallas Holm, and Matthew Ward, among others.
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Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]
