Joel Smallbone
Australian singer (born 1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joel David Smallbone (born 5 June 1984) is an Australian singer and actor. He is a member of the Christian pop duo For King & Country along with his brother Luke Smallbone.
5 June 1984
- Singer
- actor
- Vocals
- piano
- harmonium
- drums
- percussion
- sampler
Joel Smallbone | |
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Smallbone in 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Joel David Smallbone 5 June 1984 Sydney, Australia |
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| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Member of | For King & Country |
Spouse | Moriah Peters (m. 2013) |
Aside from his music career, Smallbone played James Stevens in the 2016 film Priceless and Antipater in the 2023 film Journey to Bethlehem. He directed the 2024 American Christian drama film Unsung Hero, and played the role of his father David Smallbone.[1][unreliable source?]
Early life
Smallbone was born in Sydney, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1991.[2] He is the brother of Luke Smallbone and younger brother of Christian recording artist and speaker Rebecca St. James. Smallbone is also the brother-in-law of Jacob Fink, former bassist for the band Foster the People.[3]
Smallbone's father was a music promoter, and Joel recalls, "going to these rock concerts, sitting on my father's shoulders, plugging my ears...Honestly, in a lot of ways I feel like music chose me and as I grew older, I made a clear decision to fully lean into it."[4]
Career
Smallbone provided backing vocals for his sister Rebecca in addition to light operation and stage management.[5] He collaborated with his brother Luke and in 2008 they released their first EP, A Tale of Two Towns, initially performing under the name Austoville.[2] The group was signed to Warner Bros. Records and later changed their name to For King & Country.[2]
Smallbone began his acting career in 2013 by playing King Xerxes in The Book of Esther and as Jake Reeson in Like a Country Song.[6] In 2016, Smallbone was cast in the leading role of James Stevens in the film Priceless.[7] In December 2025, he was a guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World.[8]
Smallbone won two Grammy awards in 2014 and was nominated for another Grammy in 2016.[9][10]
Personal life
Joel married Christian music artist and actress, Moriah Peters (known professionally as MORIAH) in 2013.
Discography
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Book of Esther | King Xerxes | |
| 2014 | Like a Country Song | Jake Reeson | |
| 2016 | Priceless | James Stevens | |
| 2023 | Journey to Bethlehem | Antipater | |
| 2024 | Unsung Hero | David Smallbone | Also director |
| 2026 | Young Washington | William Fairfax | Filming |
