Don Koch

Music industry veteran, producer, and songwriter Don Koch passed away on January 15, 2024. He was 62. 

Koch was born in San Jose, California, where his parents were missionaries. His education would eventually lead him to Belmont University in Nashville, where he earned a degree in sound engineering. Living in Music City also inspired Koch to begin songwriting. In 1986, he signed his first publishing deal with Benson Record Company. It was through Benson Records that he’d meet Jay DeMarcus and help his then band “East to West” get their first record deal. 

Koch made his mark in the Christian music scene as a songwriter. Throughout his career, he wrote 38 No. 1 hits and would go on to earn six GMA Dove Awards for hits such as “In Christ Alone,” “Jesus Saves,” and “Land of Mercy,” among many others. 

In 2018, Koch and his longtime friend, Jay DeMarcus, launched Red Street Records, where he was instrumental as a publisher, producer, and songwriter. Additionally, Koch was an integral part of launching Red Street Record’s Christian label division.