Caedmon's Call Biography
Who is Caedmon's Call?
Caedmon's Call is a Contemporary Christian band from Houston, TX, known for blending traditional folk stylings with world music & alternative rock influences. The group formed in 1993, initially centered on Cliff Young and Danielle Glenn, now Danielle Young, with Derek Webb and drummer Todd Bragg joining early in the band's life. Songwriter Aaron Tate helped shape the band's earliest material, writing many of the lyrics without touring as a formal member.
The name Caedmon's Call comes from Cædmon, a seventh‑century Anglo‑Saxon cowherd (cattle herder) who, according to legend, was too shy to sing at feasts because he believed he had no musical talent. One night he left a gathering in embarrassment, fell asleep among the cattle, and dreamed of an angel who urged him to sing. In the dream he resisted, then finally began to sing verses so beautiful they had never been heard before, all in the common language rather than Latin. During the same week Cliff, Danielle, and Aaron each encountered this story independently; they took it as a sign and chose "Caedmon's Call" to reflect an ordinary person receiving a surprising gift meant for the church.
The band released its self‑titled major‑label debut in 1997, followed by the widely praised albums 40 Acres in 1999 and Long Line of Leavers in 2000. These records established Caedmon's Call as a thoughtful voice in Christian music, weaving themes of grace, justice, and faith with a rich musical palette. Percussionist Garett Buell, bassist Aric Nitzberg, keyboardist Josh Moore, and guitarist Andrew Osenga each made important contributions as the lineup evolved.
Derek Webb left in 2003 to pursue a solo career, and Andrew Osenga stepped in as guitarist and vocalist in early 2004. That same year the band released Share the Well, an album recorded in India, Ecuador, and Brazil that emphasized global missions and cultural exchange. Webb returned in 2007 to contribute to Overdressed, which also featured input from earlier members.
After a quieter period following the 2011 release of Raising Up the Dead, Caedmon's Call reunited in 2022 to mark the twenty‑fifth anniversary of their debut album. A Kickstarter campaign funded a complete rerecording of that first record, and the reunion culminated in a concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The band remains active, with several longtime members continuing to collaborate on this project and future plans.