Jim & Melissa Brady Share a Message of Hope in “Jesus Stays”

AMY TURNER

The Southern Gospel family has long recognized the talents of Jim and Melissa Brady. Their journey together is one of passion for ministry through song. From their individual musical beginnings to their time with The Shulers and The Booth Brothers, and now as a duet, Jim and Melissa have touched many with their music.

Their latest single, “Jesus Stays,” offers a message of constant support and faithfulness. Melissa Brady shared her thoughts on the song, saying, “I love the line, he’ll never leave you. He’ll never forsake you. He’s always there.”

Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Jesus Stays · Jim & Melissa Brady Ever Faithful ℗ 2021 Daywind Records

These words reflect Matthew 28:20 that tells us, “…follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(NASB.) The lyrics of the Brady’s song says that even, “in the dark night of the soul when disappointments all you know and your hopes and dreams have all been stripped away,” there is unwavering companionship. The lyrics reassure listeners that “He’ll never leave you. He’ll never forsake you. You’ll never face this world alone.”

Melissa further explained the personal connection to this message, saying, “Because if we can say anything from the past year, actually from our entire lives, the Lord has walked with us every step of the journey, whatever hardship we have faced, he’s always been there.”

The song’s comforting words continue, reminding listeners that “Down every road, he’s right beside you. Everywhere you go, and even when the journey leads to an unexpected place. Every second, every minute, every hour of every day, Jesus stays.” This repetition reinforces the idea of an ever-present support, regardless of life’s challenges.

Through their music, Jim and Melissa Brady share a message of hope and the certainty that, as the title states, “Jesus Stays”.

The Journey of Jim and Melissa Brady in Southern Gospel Music

JEFF TURNER

Jim and Melissa Brady have become a duo with a familiar voice in Southern Gospel music. For over a decade, they have combined their talents, faith, and dedication to create a ministry that has reached many people. Their story is not just about music—it is about partnership, commitment, and faith.

Courtesy jimandmelissabrady.com

Melissa Brady has spoken about the unique dynamics of their relationship, saying, “We’ve had people ask and they go, ‘Oh, you and Jim are very different,’ in that he likes to watch football, I like to read books, I listen to music softly, he loves to listen to it really, really loud. And so that might be a surprise to some people.” Even though they are different in many ways, Jim and Melissa are united by the things they hold most dear. “We love each other, we love God, we love music, and that’s what it all comes down to,” Melissa said, explaining the foundation of their partnership.

Both Jim and Melissa grew up in families that valued music. Jim began singing with his family at the age of five and started writing songs when he was 16. Melissa also had a strong background in music, performing with her family, The Shulers, from a young age. When Jim and Melissa got married, they quickly began performing and traveling together. For nearly ten years, they were part of The Shulers, touring across the country. Then, Jim received an important opportunity when The Booth Brothers, a rising group in Southern Gospel, asked him to join. Melissa encouraged him to take the offer.

“It was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up,” Jim said, “and thankfully, Melissa was 100% supportive.” This decision became a turning point in Jim’s career. Over twelve and a half years with The Booth Brothers, the group saw great success and received more than 100 industry awards. Jim earned multiple Baritone of the Year and Songwriter of the Year awards, establishing his place in Southern Gospel music.

The Booth Brothers – Photo courtesy Boothbrothers.com

During Jim’s years with The Booth Brothers, Melissa was a steady source of encouragement. Although Jim often performed over 100 concerts a year, the two found ways to continue singing and ministering together whenever they could. Melissa’s career also grew during this time. She wrote songs, contributed columns to several magazines, and hosted the Something Beautiful Women’s Conference. She performed with well-known Gospel groups like The Hoppers and The Martins. As their love for songwriting developed, they created a catalog of over 200 songs. Melissa’s skills as a songwriter were widely praised, and her song “Homecoming Day” was named Song of the Year by Absolutely Gospel.

Jim has often praised Melissa’s talents. “I know I am probably rather biased,” Jim said with a smile, “but when Melissa steps on stage to sing, or when she puts a pen to paper to write a song, or when she walks into her kitchen filled with family, the energy of the room rises because of her enthusiasm and her love for people. She has so many God-given talents, and I am so blessed to call her my wife and ministry partner.”

In the summer of 2014, Jim and Melissa began a new chapter in their ministry. They formed The Jim Brady Trio, which allowed them to perform together more often. After four years as a trio, they decided to transition to a duet in 2019. This change brought them closer as a couple and allowed them to connect more directly with their audience.

Now, as a duet, Jim and Melissa Brady continue to travel every weekend, sharing their music and their faith. Their concerts reflect their story—a story of commitment to each other, to God, and to the Gospel music they both love. Their journey shows how two very different people can come together to create something special. Jim’s enthusiasm and Melissa’s quiet strength complement each other, both on stage and off. As Melissa says, it all comes down to love: love for each other, love for their faith, and love for the music that continues to inspire them and others.

Jim and Melissa Brady Reflect on Friendship and New Music

AMY TURNER

Jim & Melissa Brady have been a beloved part of the Gaither Homecoming Friends, occasionally joining the legendary tour for special performances. For Melissa, the tour is about more than just singing—it’s about the deep relationships that have grown over the years. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, “I’m just grateful for that homecoming family. It’s just one of the most loving… I call them family, right? Because they’re friends who become family and I love every single one of them.”

Melissa fondly recalls the special moments behind the scenes, particularly the camaraderie with her fellow artists. “My favorite moments were with the girls in the dressing room,” she shares. “The God conversations and the funny stories that happened back there. It was just really great.”

As Jim & Melissa continue to make an impact through their music, their latest song, “Covered,” is another heartfelt reminder of the comfort and grace found in faith. Fans of the couple are blessed by not only their incredible talent but also the warmth and authenticity they bring to their performances and relationships.

Listen for Covered on Texas Gospel Canada!