For more than two decades, The Amundruds have been sharing their heartfelt gospel music, a ministry that began with Glen and Linda Amundrud and has grown to include their children. Over the years, three of their children have continued the family legacy, carrying the group’s ministry forward with the same passion and devotion. Hailing from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, the Amundruds released their first recording in 2005 and have since graced stages across Canada and the United States, including the prestigious National Quartet Convention. Along the way, they have earned acclaim as award-winning artists in both Southern Gospel and Country Gospel, blending family, faith, and music into a ministry that continues to inspire audiences everywhere.
Daryl Amundrud gives us an inside look at their ministry and what it’s like to be part of this talented family.
How did your family first get started in music?
Our family always had a love for music. My parents bought us instruments at a young age and encouraged music in the home. We were also involved in our local church’s music ministry before we began traveling as a family. My dad’s uncles were very musical, and he recalls sitting side-stage as a little boy, listening to them many times—always in awe of the music and enjoying every minute. That sparked a passion and a love for music in him that has carried on through the generations. As the Lord opened doors of opportunity for our ministry, it began to grow, and summer touring became a very busy part of our lives. We have so many wonderful memories from those early years on the road with friends.
What did those early days look like?
Although we recorded a few cassette tapes in the early years, our first official project (a CD) was recorded in 2005 with some of Nashville’s finest session players backing us up. That was an amazing experience, to sit in the session and hear our songs truly come to life. I remember standing in the vocal booth, getting ready to sing, when the musicians started playing the intro to our song “Time,” which we had written just months earlier. I have no words to describe how incredible it sounded and how amazing it was to have them polish that song and make it radio-ready.
How has the group changed over the years?
The group has gone through a few changes over the years. Originally it began with Mom and Dad (Linda and Glen Amundrud) and their four children: Gary, Daryl, Lorilyn, and Sheri. As the children grew, changes began to take place. Lorilyn got married and came off the road to join her husband on their grain and cattle farm. Melissa Fehr, a friend of ours from La Crete, AB, then joined the group and sang lead and harmony vocals. After a few years, Melissa was called to missions work in Haiti. Amy (Olson) Lenko (formerly of Canada’s Double Portion) joined the group after Melissa left. She added violin and vocals to the group for many years before marrying and leaving the road to begin her new family. We were glad to add our good friend Travis Howard, whom we had ministered with on occasion, as our full-time guitarist. My parents, Glen and Linda, recently took on semi-retirement roles but still travel with the group occasionally, driving the bus, running sound, and helping with childcare. The current group consists of Gary Amundrud, Sheri Berube, Travis Howard, and Jessica and Daryl Amundrud.
What has kept the group going through the ups and downs?
We are always reminded of the reason we do what we do: to reach others with the message of the Gospel, to bring encouragement to the struggling and hurting, and to point people to Jesus. With that as our focus, we are able to endure the difficult times. During 2020, when most concerts and events were canceled, our schedule slowed to a stop. That season allowed us time to pause, reflect, and readjust. We are grateful for the extra time we were able to spend at home with family and for the work that God provided for us during that time.
Have there been challenges in balancing family life with music and travel?
This definitely takes skill and planning. With many of the band members being married and having children of their own, there are a lot of schedules and commitments that need to be considered when planning to head out on the road. We prioritize family time and enjoy every chance we get to have the whole family come along. When we can’t all be on the road together, we miss the family members back home, but we know they are praying for us.
Which song from your group’s repertoire has been the most meaningful to you personally?
There are a few songs that have impacted me deeply. One is “Broken Ones,” which tells the story of a young girl who loved to patch up her broken toys and mend her dolls. Later in life, she helped people struggling with addictions and shared Jesus with the broken and hurting, meeting needs and mending broken hearts. This song took on a whole new meaning when we sang it at Hope Mission in Edmonton, AB which is a shelter for those struggling with addictions and homelessness. We were literally singing about “loving the broken ones… and doing what the One who died for them would do.” That was an unforgettable experience, ministering to people who seemed to have no hope left. There are few things greater than when someone tells you a song helped them through a difficult time or encouraged them during a struggle.
Another song with a special place in my heart is “Daddy’s Song,” written by my wife Jessica for our Sweetest Sound project. It speaks of standing up for Jesus even when faced with opposition. It reflects my childhood, watching my dad’s faith lived out in every circumstance. That God-fearing example shaped my life. The song reminds us to fight battles on our knees in prayer and to love with all our hearts. Even when it feels like we are on the front lines of a spiritual war, trusting in Jesus never fails, we’ve proven that time and again.
Do you have a favorite memory from traveling or performing together?
Some of our favorite memories are being with family and friends in Red Deer at Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration. The time spent ministering and fellowshipping with everyone was always a highlight. We also couldn’t wait to get to Denny’s or Boston Pizza after the concerts and hang out late into the night. Another highlight was visiting my wife’s hometown of Springdale, NL, seeing her childhood home, and singing in several towns in her home province. Singing at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards in Toronto was also a very special moment.
Any funny or unexpected moments on the road or in a concert?
Traveling in a bus definitely comes with limitations—namely, fast-food drive-thrus: the bus never fits! Sometimes at night after a concert, we would stop for food. Often the restaurants would be closed, but the drive-thru lane remained open. It was not uncommon for my dad to be seen standing in a drive-thru line, walking up to the window to place his order!
Who are some of the artists or mentors that influenced your family group?
Growing up, we were heavily influenced by The Quist Family from Canada. We attended the same church and often followed their tour schedule, watching them every chance we had. We loved their music, and it helped shape who we are today.
As a piano player, I admired Anthony Burger. As a child, I remember thinking that maybe one day I could play like him. I noticed we both had the same number of keys to work with! I would watch his DVDs, pausing and rewinding to listen to every note. Meeting him in person was a highlight, and later being nominated for his Instrumentalist of the Year Award was a huge honor. Other pianists who encouraged me along the way include Tim Lovelace, Tim Parton, Tim Acey, Jeff Stice, Buddy Hyatt, and Gary Prim. (I just realized most of them are named Tim!)
What direction do you see the group’s music heading in the coming years?
We are always brainstorming new songs and writing down ideas. We do have plans for new projects and love creating music with a positive message that encourages people. While we don’t travel as much as we once did, we still love to pack up the bus and head out whenever we can. As our families grow and more children come along, we have a lot of fun on the road together. My parents’ grandchildren think it’s the best adventure ever!
What message do you most hope to share through your music today?
Our goal is to reach others with the message of the Gospel, bring encouragement to those who are struggling, and point people to Jesus.
If you had to pick one “theme song” that represents your family’s ministry, what would it be?
If I had to pick a theme song, it would be “At the Crossroad,” written by Mosie Lister’s daughter, Barbara Lister Williams, which we recorded in 2011. The song tells my dad Glen Amundrud’s testimony of being at a crossroads in life in his early twenties and choosing to serve Jesus wholeheartedly. This song means so much to us, and we are grateful for the impact it has had on others as well.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the Amundruds live! To see their upcoming dates or to book them for an event, email info@amundruds.com or visit their website at theamundruds.com.
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