Out of the whirlwind
Out of the Whirlwind is a GRAMMY® considered nouveau gospel Christian band based out of the gospel stronghold south side of Chicago. Made up of veteran songwriters and musicians who came together to put out a style they refer to as nouveau gospel. Genre-busting – always interesting.
69ᵗʰ GRAMMY® For Your Consideration
Best Gospel Song
Out of the Whirlwind
About UNTIL JESUS TAUGHT ME TO LOVE
Chicago-based Christian band Out of the Whirlwind has released its latest single, “Until Jesus Taught Me to Love,” an upbeat, inspirational track written by the band’s keyboard player, Larry Blake.
The new song offers a joyful reflection on the transformative power of faith and the way an encounter with Jesus can reshape how we understand love, compassion, and one another. John Ludwig, one of the band’s founding members, says that the song, “Deals with the consequences of having the right or wrong teacher” and says that the track was done, “in a style harkening back to Fats Waller and featuring a sweet sax solo from Suzanne Grzanna.”
“Until Jesus Taught Me to Love” continues Out of the Whirlwind’s mission of sharing the Gospel through its distinctive “nouveau gospel” sound—a genre-defying blend of traditional gospel, jazz, blues, contemporary Christian, funk, R&B, rock, folk, zydeco, and country influences.
The single follows a period of growing recognition for the independent ensemble. The band’s song “Sing Praise” recently received an Honorable Mention in the Christian category at the 2026 Global Music Awards.”
Fellow FYC GRAMMY ® entrants – we too are listening. If you have anything being considered, please let us know. Click here or email john@songsbyjohn.com.
About Out of the Whirlwind
ABOUT OUT OF THE WHIRLWIND
Out of the Whirlwind hails from the musically rich south side of Chicago, the birthplace of gospel music almost a century ago, They respect those traditions but also spin them in some new directions. They like to refer to their music as a nouveau gospel – a melting pot that emanates from the member’s diverse backgrounds. The seasonings range from traditional gospel, jazz, blues, contemporary Christian, funk, R ‘n B, rock, folk, zydeco and even a touch of country. Formed in 2022, the six members have decades of musical experience among them. That knowledge shows in the carefully crafted melodies and vocal harmonies, all the while never forgetting the passion that defines the core of the gospel experience.
Band naming back story: The name comes from the Old Testament book of Job. For 37 chapters Job and his friends attempt to explain the views on what one might call God, life, the universe and everything. Then in Chapter 38 we read, “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer Me”” Over the next few chapters, the Lord quizzes Job with a series of questions that only the Creator could answer. Job then humbly declares he will speak no more and repents from his perspective- less attempts at wisdom. The band seeks to represent the voice out of the whirlwind in all they do and say, as opposed to human voices that are full of their own understanding. To God be the glory!
Band nights for Out of the Whirlwind start with a prayer, and their prayer in your direction is that the salvational story they proclaim will also strengthen your walk.
To the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be the glory!