About DMHO :: Meet Denver Bierman
Lead Singer and Trumpet
Denver points to the One who deserves all praise. Denver Bierman grew up in the middle of a cornfield in Indiana. Since his whole family played instruments and sang, it made perfect sense that Denver would get into music as well. From the minute he picked up the trumpet in 6 th grade, he enjoyed playing. Denver wrote and recorded his first song “Just Believe” in a woodshed on 12-B county road outside Plymouth, IN – his hometown. He entered the song into a state-wide contest, and it made the top 10 best original songs by high school students in the state in 1995. That's when he decided that writing and singing his own music was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
Denver moved to Nashville, TN in the fall of '95, and earned a scholarship to play trumpet at Belmont University. It was during college that Denver decided to become a part of the Christian music industry. The only problem was that it was hard to find many bands that needed horn players. Then it hit him…he should start his own band with lots of horns. Since Denver has a real love for the style (having listened to it for 12 years), he decided to play big-band music.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra was the house band for the 2005 Gospel Music Awards. They have performed in concert with many artists, performed on television shows with Greg Long for the Inspiration Network, played at marriage conferences with Dr. Gary Chapman, performed at Praise Gathering with Bill Gaither, played and interviewed on numerous national and worldwide broadcasts including Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries, the Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral, and Lester Sumerall’s New Harvest Show, and performed at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Denver played at the Presidential Inauguration Ball in 1997 and toured with Jaci Velasquez singing on her Christmas tour in 2001. He also sings on occasion with Travis Cottrell for the Living Proof events.
Denver’s personal mission is to be a man that fears God, loves his family, and lets God make more out his life than he could have ever done on his own. In addition, to be a man who worships Jesus in spirit and in truth, and to be a man of true integrity. Denver often looks back on his life to different memories and events that God used to mold him. He is reassured to see His hand constantly at work throughout all of his life! This helps Denver never forget where it is that he came from, and reminds him of where it is that he is going.
Denver currently resides in Hendersonville just outside of Nashville, TN with his lovely wife Amy, son Boston and their furry cat named Bloo. (That’s short for Bloomington, which is where the Hoosiers play ball!) At his wedding, the groom's cake had music notes on it and said, "Denver's biggest gig". His wedding day was the most perfect day of his life, and by far the best gig he’s ever had!
Artist name:
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Denver Bierman
Given name at birth:
Denver Bierman
**Bonus points to anyone who knows my middle name Hint: The first name of a famous 80's pop singer who was also in a 70's funk band...
Birth date and year:
4-10-77 (which was Easter Sunday!)
Birth place:
Indianapolis, IN
Where do you live now?:
Nashville, TN (sometimes known as "NashVegas") with my lovely wife Amy, son Boston, and our furry cat named Bloo. (That’s short for Bloomington…….which is where the Hoosiers play ball!!)
Instrument/role in band:
I'm the leader of the band. I sing lead vocals, and also play trumpet.
Familial situation:
In the Fall of 2000 I married a BEAUTIFUL lady named Amy Bierman! She is the love of my life! We have one child named Boston.
Briefly explain the early years of your life:
I grew up in the middle of a cornfield called Indiana. My early years were spent in a farmhouse outside a town of 3,500 people. I grew up falling in love with basketball, and music. My father took me to shoot hoops, and my mom took me to piano (and dance!!??!!) lessons starting when I was 5 years old. My brother Nathan and I were brought up by our parents to love Jesus. No one could have given more of what they had. I love them so much.
How old were you when you first got into music?
For as far back as I can remember my mom gave private piano and voice lessons in the living room of our house. I really started to get into the piano when I was around 8 or so, but my mom refused to teach me how to play. She was afraid that if she made me practice too much, I'd hate her, so she found me a private teacher.
Literally my whole family--all my aunt's and uncles, my grandfather, father and mother, all played instruments and sang. A few of them even played music for a living. Everything from the clarinet to the banjo were played at our family reunions growing up, so it made perfect sense that I would get into music as well.
How did you initially get into your style of music?:
Well, I started playing the trumpet in 6th grade band. I enjoyed playing from the minute I picked up the horn. When I got into high school, I realized that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life.
Eventually, I decided to do Christian music. The only problem was that with me playing trumpet, it was hard to find a lot of bands that needed horn players. Then it hit me that I could start my own band with lots of horns. Since I had a real love for the style (having listened to it for 12 years), I decided to play big-band music.
Tell us about the beginning of your musical career:
The first song I ever wrote I recorded in this guy's woodshed on 12-B county road outside Plymouth, IN -my hometown where I went to high school. The song was called, "Just Believe". I entered it into a state-wide contest, and it made the top 10 best original songs by high schoolers in the state in 1995. That's when I decided that writing and singing my own music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life--God willing. I moved to Nashville, TN in the fall of '95, and earned a scholarship to play trumpet at Belmont University. I continued to write and sing for the next 4 years. God ended up giving me opportunities that I'd never dreamed of!
What is your personal mission statement?:
That I would be a man that feared God, loved his family, and let God make more out his life than he could have ever done on his own. To worship Jesus in spirit and in truth, and to be a man of true integrity.
What is the one thing about you that helps define who you are, but the general public does not know?:
I am a very reflective person. I often look back on my life to different memories and events God used to mold me. I am reassured to see His hand constantly at work throughout all of my life! This helps me never forget where it is that I came from, and reminds me of where it is that I am going.
What artists most inspire your writings?
I am lyrically inspired by Rich Mullins. He wrote so poetically, but always relayed the truth plain as day. He was also a down to earth person that really wanted to serve people, and devote every aspect of his life to Christ. He's my "Christian music" example of how to live the life. I am musically inspired by all kinds of genres, but I have to say I LOVE Harry Connick Jr. He has written a variety of styles in his music, but everything he touches is gold in my book!
What artists do your fans and friends say that you sound like the most? (You don't have to agree with them):
WELL, here's a no brainer! One of the biggest compliments that I hear almost every day, is that I sing like Harry Connick Jr. Some people get sick and tired of hearing they sound like someone else, but anytime my name gets thrown into the same sentence as Harry's, it's a compliment that I humbly and gratefully accept. (Now, I'm dreamin' of the day I get to hear what Harry thinks of my music).
What is your a message, thought, doctrine, theme, inspiration that you can't stop talking about and need to tell the audience?:
Our lives are very short! Life passes by so quickly, and I have often questioned what is my purpose in this life? How am I spending these very fleeting days that I have been given, and is there anything about my life that is lasting? God has told us in His word that the purpose of our lives is to give Him glory. God’s word also says that there are two things that will last forever. God’s kingdom, and God’s word. I want to live a life of God’s love that will give Him glory, and leave a legacy on this world that doesn’t say Denver Bierman, but says Jesus Christ! When we invest our lives into God’s kingdom and God’s word, we will be investing into all of eternity. God will use us to altar the course of life for so many in need, altering life eternally and life abundantly here on earth. Let us not waste our lives in vain, but live for the Glory of our Lord, and the greatness of His name!
Artists that you have performed with and major events/functions that you have been a part of:
- We have performed with and backed Jonathan Pierce.
- I also toured with Christafari and played at the Presidential Inauguration Ball in Wash. D.C. (1997).
- We’ve done television shows with Greg Long for the Inspiration Network.
- We have played marriage conferences with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the famous book, “The Five Love Languages”.
- We have performed at the Praise Gathering with Bill Gaither in Indianapolis, IN.
- We have performed on the Crystal Cathedral.
- We've performed for Charles Stanley's "In Touch Ministries".
- We've played for the opening ceremonies of the 2006 National Religious Broadcasters Convention
- We were the house band for the 2005 GMA Music Awards (Dove Awards).
- I also sing on occasion with my best bud, Travis Cottrell for the Living Proof events featuring author/speaker Beth Moore.
Any other major accomplishments and awards, nominations, etc. that you have received:
I was the Lip Sync champion of my high school for three years straight!
Favorite Bible verse/passage and why?:
Well, I have two.
The first is Ephesians 3:16-21. I love this passage because it is so empowering, inspiring us to truly experience the measureless power and hope found in the love of Christ, and fullness of God.
I also love Philippians 2:1-11. It outlines why Jesus came to earth, and what He accomplished on the cross. It is a great example of how we are to live our lives!
Pet peeves:
My biggest pet peeve is when I'm talking on the phone with a friend, and someone else is asking me questions about my phone conversation. I end up having to tell them to leave me alone, because that's just too much for me to handle all at once. I know it sounds weird.....but that's just the way I am!
Strange habits/mannerisms:
Well, I bite off all my fingernails when I get REALLY nervous! If we're getting ready to play a big show, you can guarantee I'll have no fingernails left by the time I step on stage!
Favorite food:
I LOVE BARBECUE!!! There is nothing better than good barbecue! It can be sweet, sassy, and sometimes on fire….just give me some baked apples, baked beans, and some LOUD BLUES music and wheeeeewheww! We’re in for a GREAT meal!!
BUT, my most favorite restaurant is located in the little town of Culver, Indiana, and it's called the Edgewater Grill. If you ever go there, just order the cheese fries with bacon in the appetizer section of the menu...I've never ordered cheese fries in my life...but was recommended to try these....they will change your life!
Favorite drink:
Well, I've changed my mind. My number one most favorite drink on the planet is Goose Island's Root Beer! They are based in Chicago, ILL. I have always loved their Orange Cream Soda's, but for kicks tried their root beer once, and love it even more! It's the best!!
I also really love their Orange Cream Soda! I also LOVE Stewart’s orange cream soda. Don't ask me why.......it reminds me of those orange creamcicles I used to eat as a kid….and I’m a real kid at heart! I also love A&W's Cream Soda. Man, that stuff is good!
Least favorite food/drink:
I cannot stand green bean casserole. My mom made it a lot when I was growing up, and it makes me want to puke! To this day, I hate it! I also am not a big milk fan. I was allergic to it when I was younger, and even though it does a body good, I'm not into it. I also don't like cous-cous....is that how you say it? My sweetheart made this cous-cous casserole (sensing a connection with casseroles?) during the first year of our marraige, and I think it's the only meal I ever asked her NEVER to make me again.
Best gig I've ever had:
Well, at my wedding, the groom's cake had music notes on it and said, "Denver's biggest gig". My wedding day was the most perfect day of my life, and by far the best gig I've ever had!
Just as wonderful, was the day my son Boston was born. Words can't even describe that feeling when you see a part of yourself staring back at you. Easily the two greatest days of my life, shared with the most precious people in my life...
Worst gig I've ever had:
Well it’s a toss up…….one show the power went out in the second song. A bunch of lame jokes and 15 minutes later when the power turned back on, we were pretty rattled! Our band played pretty bad that night! There was the time that an appreciation banquet went WAY LATE, and my drummer had to leave after the 2nd song!! Well, it’s hard to have a big band play without drums…so I asked if anyone else in the band had ever played drums before…..well, the bass player had played drums before, but he was a sub that night only, and had not ever heard any of our music before…..so away we played……that was a doozy!! The final one was on the way to a gig…..we were in the middle of the Rocky mountains in Wyoming in the middle of April. We were at an altitude of about 8,000 feet, and at 6 A.M. we were traveling to Denver (ironically) Colorado for out next show….AND THE BUS CAUGHT ON FIRE!! There were flames coming out the back….and we pulled over on the interstate next to an exit sign for “Happy Jack Road”…..how ironic……well 8 hours and 2 passenger vans later, we got to our hotel in Denver….easily being the scariest and worst traveling experience we’ve ever had!
Favorite book(s):
My favorite book is not that hard of a choice considering I've probably read more music notes than words in my life. I really loved the book, "No Compromise," which is the biography of Keith Green. I learned a lot about how a person in Christian music should strive to live their life through this writing.
Favorite movie(s):
Anyone who knows me, also knows I'm from Indiana because I'm proud to be a Hoosier! And that's exactly what my favorite movie of all time is....Hoosiers! It's the perfect inspirational movie.....a bunch of nobody's all having the same dream....and with a lot of work and a bit of divine help, their dreams come true. It's also a great movie to get into, because I happen to be a basketball junkie......LONG LIVE LARRY BIRD!!!
I have to slip this in there as well, if any of you know me really well, (I'm being very vulnerable in saying this...) I love Disney animated films. My favorite two being, Alladin, and Jungle Book, but closely behind would have to be Peter Pan, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I love the music, the creativity, and imagination that is found in those movies, and they have inspired me to be more artistically creative in my own writing and performing.
So there, I said it... I'm a Disney fan!
Favorite television show(s):
American Idol and ESPN Sportscenter. Be honest fellas--what other program in the world is so good that we'll watch the EXACT same show twice in a row when it's back to back? It's the only thing I can use to convince my wife that we still need cable.
Favorite sport(s):
If you've read these questions to this point, that's an easy one! When I was in high school (believe it or not), I played on the varsity basketball team, and was consumed with basketball since age 7. I still play at 5:30 in the mornings on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday when I'm home off of the road. If that isn't love, (or insanity) I don't know what is!
Favorite sport team(s) and players:
GO HOOSIERS! My brother Nathan went to Indiana University, and while he was at school there, he took me to a few basketball games at Assembly Hall. There is nothing like that experience on the planet.
They are my favorite! Till my dying breath I'll root on the Hoosiers.
I've always loved the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics because they had a player/coach by the name of Larry Bird! Growing up, I had 76 posters and pictures of him up on the walls of my room! I also love the New York Yankees...26 world series championships...I feel cheated in the Yankees don't win every single year! My favorite baseball player of all time is Don Mattingly.... famous first baseman of the 1980's.
Good old Donny Baseball...he's now the Yankees hitting coach,and a strong Christian. You're the best, Don! What's ironic, is that both of those guys are from Indiana.....am I sensing a connection?
I love the Indianapolis Colts (Peyton Manning ROCKS), and someday they'll win the super bowl! I also love Notre Dame football, the Fighting Irish. I grew up 30 miles south of the golden dome, and on saturdays in the fall, that was an exciting place to be growing up. So GO NOTRE DAME! PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY!
Well, that’s me!! There’s not a whole lot more to tell….DMHO is truly a huge blessing in my life. I’m so appreciative of everything I’ve had the opportunity to experience and do in my lifetime. I give all thanks and glory and honor to Jesus…my savior, and my friend!