OUR STORY
2026 Josie Music Awards • Duo of the Year Nominee
Darrell & Dawn Ritchie are a Christian music duo whose ministry is rooted in faith, testimony, and the hope of Christ. Since beginning their journey together in 2013, they have shared their distinctive blend of original Christian music and timeless hymns with churches, communities, and audiences throughout the Southeast. Their music reflects the joys, struggles, restoration, and grace they have experienced in their own lives, creating an authentic connection with listeners wherever they go.
With more than 40 combined years of experience in music and ministry, Darrell & Dawn continue to use their gifts to encourage others and point people toward Christ. In 2026, their music and ministry received national recognition when they were named a Josie Music Awards Duo of the Year nominee. Whether through an original song, a familiar hymn, or the testimony behind the music, their desire remains the same: to share the hope of Christ and remind others of God's faithfulness.
DARRELL’S LIFE VERSE:
PHILIPPIANS 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Darrell, a native of Thomasville, North Carolina, began recording Christian music in 1989. As the duo’s principal songwriter, he has built a catalog of original music rooted in faith, life experience, and personal testimony. His recordings include Stand and Believe (1992), No Turning Back (1993), Big Time (1995), New World Coming (1997), All Good Things... (2004), and Shelter (2013).
A prolific lyricist, Darrell has even written songs inspired by and dedicated to each of his three children and six grandchildren. For more than three decades, his ministry has served as a reminder that God is faithful to His children, hears us when we call on Him, and remains a never-ending source of help in times of need.
Darrell is an avid muscle car enthusiast, he’s particularly fond of Camaros, and is on a first name basis with State Troopers across the south.
DAWN'S LIFE VERSE:
JOHN 4:13–14
Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.
Dawn brings a unique blend of life experience, faith, and performance to Darrell & Dawn Ritchie. Originally from Fresno, California, Dawn’s musical background began far from traditional gospel music, with early performing experience in musical theatre and karaoke. Those experiences helped shape her expressive vocal style, stage presence, and natural ability to connect with an audience.
After serving in the United States Army as a combat medic, including a deployment to Afghanistan, Dawn experienced a life-changing journey of faith and came to Christ in 2012. Soon afterward, music became an important part of how she shared her testimony and encouraged others. Since joining Darrell in ministry, she has brought both her personality and her passion for worship to their performances.
More recently, Dawn has begun exploring a new chapter in her musical journey through songwriting, drawing inspiration from her faith, personal experiences of loss, love, and the lessons God has taught her along the way. Whether she is singing a heartfelt ballad, a familiar hymn, or one of the duo's original songs, Dawn’s desire is to use music to point others toward the hope, grace, and restoration found in Christ.
She can also sing the entire score to The Wizard of Oz in character, but that’s another story...