It’s a sad day for the music community, and especially for Jay DeMarcus. The singer is mourning the loss of gospel music writer, Don Koch, co-founder of Red Street Records. Koch passed away from cancer on Monday, January 15.
“Don Koch and I started the Red Street Records journey together in 2018,” Demarcus writes. “It seemed so fitting that we had come full circle since he was the one who ultimately brought me to Nashville and got [Neal Coomer] and I our first record deal with Benson Records. I owe this man a lot, and I learned so much from him as a song writer-he was a wonderful mentor, and friend. Don went home last night, he is no longer in pain. To say that I will miss him seems so trite and insufficient right now, but boy has he ever left his mark!!
“The legacy he leaves behind is remarkable… Songs like ‘In Christ Alone,’ ‘Strange Way To Save The Word.’ ‘For Future Generations.’ ‘Adonai;… The list goes on and on,” he continued. “The power and anointing on this man and his music was palpable when you were in the room with him. I am saddened today for all of us whose lives he touched but I’m filled with the hope and comfort of knowing I will see him again someday on the other side… I love you Don, thanks for the memories, thanks for the music.”
Don Koch and I started the Red Street Records journey together in 2018. It seemed so fitting that we had come full…
Posted by Jay DeMarcus on Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Per the Red Street Records website, Koch had a total of 38 No.1 singles at Christian radio, including “Jesus Saves,” “Mercy Said No,” “Land of Mercy” and more.
In 2021, DeMarcus praised Koch for being part of his own career since the beginning.
“He and I started the label in 2018,” DeMarcus said in a video shared on Facebook. “Don heard a demo tape of mine when I was in college, and that band player went on to become East to West, signed to the Benson record label. An amazing songwriter, an amazing producer. He’s written some of the biggest songs in Christian music.”
In 2022, DeMarcus announced the expansion of Red Street Records into country music as well, signing Ryan Griffin as the flagship artist, followed by Chris Lane.
Funeral services for Koch have yet to be announced. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to Koch’s family and DeMarcus.