Philip Batton was raised in a minister's home with a very musical family. His father pastored in several churches throughout the southwestern states as well as the northwest. His parents sang often for revivals and campmeetings. His father was a prolific songwriter and had several songs published and recorded, including one by the late cowboy singer, Rex Allen. Philip began singing publicly around 5 years of age with his seven siblings, carrying the harmony part. He has been singing tenor ever since.
In his adult life, he has sung for revivals and campmeetings around the country. While singing for a campmeeting in Alabama he realized God was calling him into music ministry, although he wasn't exactly sure where that might lead.
In 2005 he was invited to sing tenor for a group known as Joint Heirs. It was there he met Allard Smith, who was singing lead for the group and they began ministering together. In the spring of 2006, they began to feel God's leading in a new direction and together they formed Joyful Sound. God has been blessing their vocal ministry across the northwest.
Philip has one desire and that is to give glory to God through the sound of music and to let God work in his life and lead him and this group.
He is married to his wonderful wife, Susie, who is very supportive and backs him in this ministry endeavor. He has one son, Philip, age 13, who is growing like a weed. Philip and Susie reside in Caldwell, Idaho and attend Grace Bible Church in Nampa.
