Matthew Joseph West, born on April 25, 1977, in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a popular Christian singer-songwriter. He was raised in a suburb of Chicago, IL, where he discovered music at an early age. As the son of a minister, he grew up in the front pew, listening to his mom harmonize and following her lead. By the time he reached high school, Matthew remained involved in music and received a scholarship to study music at Millikin University in Illinois. During his first year of college, Matthew began playing guitar and writing songs. By his senior year, he was performing at various venues, from fraternity houses to churches and youth groups.