Madison, WI – October 23, 2026 – Christian Americana rock artist Howard Gripp has released his deeply personal new single, “When I Was A Kid,” featuring Benjy Gaither. Available now through NRT Music, the song reflects on the spiritual foundation established during childhood, the difficult roads that can lead someone away from faith, and the lasting influence of a mother whose prayers and love never faded.
Written by Gripp alongside acclaimed songwriter and producer Billy Smiley, “When I Was A Kid” draws directly from the artist’s own life. Raised in a small Midwestern town, Gripp grew up with a hard-working father and a devoted Christian mother who sang in the church choir and played the pipe organ. It was his mother who first introduced him to Jesus, sharing Bible stories and establishing a foundation of faith that would prove invaluable decades later.
But like so many who grow up in the church, Gripp eventually found himself drifting away from the beliefs of his childhood. As life grew more complicated, his pursuit of music, personal struggles, and difficult choices gradually pulled him further from the faith he once knew.
After years of performing in rock bands and pursuing a music career, Gripp settled into family life and an IT career. Behind the scenes, however, he was facing a failing marriage and an increasingly difficult battle with depression. At 46, following a divorce and suicide attempt, Gripp found himself sitting in the parking lot of a small church, desperately searching for answers.
What followed was a life-changing return to the faith his mother had planted in him so many years before.
“When I Was A Kid” captures that journey through the eyes of a young boy hearing Bible stories for the first time, growing older and wandering from the truth, and eventually rediscovering the Savior he first encountered as a child. The song ultimately becomes a deeply personal expression of gratitude to the woman who never stopped believing in him.
Featuring Benjy Gaither, the track pairs Gripp’s heartfelt storytelling with an Americana rock sound that reflects his musical roots. Produced by Billy Smiley, whose credits include WhiteHeart and The Union of Sinners and Saints, the single continues to establish Gripp’s identity as an artist unafraid to confront life’s hardest moments while pointing listeners toward redemption and hope.
The release also offers another glimpse into Gripp’s forthcoming album, Welcome To Your Life, scheduled for spring 2027. Recorded in Franklin, Tennessee, at the renowned Castle Studio and Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix, the project was produced by Smiley and mixed by Billy Whittington, whose credits include Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, and Amy Grant.
Drawing from decades of personal experience, Welcome To Your Life blends acoustic rock, heartland rock & roll, and faith-driven storytelling into a collection of songs exploring struggle, addiction, perseverance, second chances, and the transforming power of God’s grace.
Gripp continues to bring that message to audiences throughout the United States and Canada, performing at festivals, county fairs, theaters, churches, and community events. Additional touring plans include three separate 7–10 day runs across North America as he builds toward the release of his new album.
For Gripp, “When I Was A Kid” is more than another single. It is a tribute to his mother, a reflection on the power of a faith-filled upbringing, and a reminder that the seeds planted in a child’s heart can keep growing long after childhood.
“When I Was A Kid,” featuring Benjy Gaither, is available now on all major digital streaming platforms through NRT Music.
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About Howard Gripp:
Howard Gripp is a Christian singer-songwriter whose music blends acoustic rock, heartland rock & roll, and honest storytelling shaped by a lifetime of perseverance, struggle, and faith. Raised in a small Midwestern town, Howard began his musical journey behind the drums before spending years performing with bands and honing his craft. After stepping away from music to raise a family and build a career, a difficult season of divorce, depression, and a suicide attempt became a turning point that ultimately renewed his faith and sense of purpose.
Today, Howard writes openly about pain, failure, redemption, perseverance, and hope, reminding listeners that it is never too late to start again. His upcoming album, Welcome To Your Life, was recorded in Franklin, Tennessee, at Castle Recording Studios and Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix, produced by Billy Smiley and mixed by Billy Whittington. Howard continues to perform at festivals, theaters, churches, community events, and listening rooms throughout the United States and Canada, sharing songs rooted in a life he has lived and a story still being written.
About NRT Music:
NRT Music exists to share and grow the art, Gospel messages, and ministries of a diverse group of Christian artists with a growing spirit of excellence. More information can be found at www.NRTMusic.com and a list of upcoming releases is available at https://nrt.cc/NRTMusicReleaseSchedule.
Follow Howard Gripp:
https://HowardGrippMusic.com
https://linktr.ee/howardgrippmusic
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https://www.tiktok.com/@howardgrippmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@HowardGrippMusic
For more information, promo requests, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Howard Gripp at HowardGrippMusic@Yahoo.com or at https://HowardGrippMusic.com.
