In 1991, concert promoter David Smallbone lost a quarter of a million dollars on a tour. He knew it would be impossible to recover in Australia, so he and his wife Helen took a big gamble, and moved to the US. With them, they took their seven children. Among them were Rebecca St. James, and Joel and Luke Smallbone, who were destined, years later, to form for King and Country. When they arrived in America, they had nothing but each other. But that struggle was what helped them find their calling, and make it big in Christian music.
In 2019, David and Helen, along with Rebecca, were honoured with a Legacy Award for their contributions to the industry. Talking to Robbo for Vision’s The Story, they explained that their children had grown up with music all around them. David started out managing his brother’s band, Family, then moved onto promoting artists like Stryper and Randy Stonehill.
The kids would often come to the shows David set up. ‘Rebecca’s first Sydney Opera House concert was when she was six weeks old,’ Helen said. ‘It was a Larry Norman concert. Larry made a comment to David afterwards that he could hear a baby crying, which undoubtedly was Rebecca.’
But by the time they moved to the US, music was the last thing on their minds. ‘I was pretty fragile,’ David admitted. ‘I felt like probably I’d failed in supporting the family.’ But God reminded David that in his weakness, God’s strength is found. ‘In our weakest moment, the Christian community loved on us, and even as I’m telling you about it, it’s a bit emotional for me.’
David admitted that though he’d been promoting Christian music, and trying to do something purposeful, his faith might have been lukewarm before that point. He also realised that he needed to reassess his priorities. ‘After that time, it had to be Ministry first, and business second,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the kids had to help keep food on the table. Rebecca, at 14, started working as a babysitter and cleaner. ‘Our eldest son Daniel, at 12, was mowing and raking peoples’ lawns as well as he was working in flea markets. And the funny thing is that they knew when they earned their 20, 40, 60 dollars, whatever it was, they brought it home, put it on the kitchen table.’
Those hard times taught the kids how it felt to be doing something important and purposeful, something Helen believes many children these days don’t experience. But it also taught the family to navigate their challenges together. So a couple of years later, when Rebecca started touring, they all went on the road with her.
The Smallbone children all took on roles as part of the crew, usually working 10 to 12 hour days finishing at midnight. Joel and Luke worked on setting up lighting, and Ben, at 16, got his first video camera to film Rebecca’s performances, starting off his film career.
Helen had chosen to home-school the kids, but when she realised they would be touring most of the year, she started worrying about their education. She prayed to God for guidance. ‘How do I manage schooling? They’re working long hours. We’re busy. What do I do?’
‘And I had a deep assurance in my heart, that God said I’ll teach them what they’ll need to know. And He’s been faithful. I look now, and He has. He’s really taught them unique skills, each individual to themselves, that they’re carrying through now into their adulthood.’
For King and Country will be embarking on their Homecoming Tour in Australia this May. They will be promoting their fourth studio album titled What Are We Waiting For? and will also be featuring previews from their new film, Unsung Hero, which is set to be released in Australia on May 30th.
But there’s another reason why the Smallbone family is special to us here at Vision. When our CEO Phil Edwards finished school in 1986, he was uncertain about his future. But he had always had an interest in media and the music industry. Before long, Phil found himself working in Christian radio, which happened through David Smallbone.
Watch the interview with Phil Edwards below, as he explores his personal connection with David Smallbone and For King and Country.
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