Unsung Hero

Most Christians have heard music from either Rebecca St. James or for KING + COUNTRY over the past 30 years but many don’t know the story of their parents David and Helen Smallbone losing their business and home in Australia and moving to Nashville in 1991 with nothing more than their suitcases, six children (1 more on the way) and their love of music. Unsung Hero hits theatres across North America on April 26 and is the remarkable true story of David (played by for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) setting out to rebuild their lives in America. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical giftedness in their children, first with Rebecca St. James and then for KING + COUNTRY who would become three of the most successful artists in Christian Music history. Although they have shared stories of their family’s journey from the stage, the heartache, struggles and ultimately the way God answered their prayers and provided for their family had me captivated while watching the pre-screening of the film.  

Even if you don’t know their music this movie will have you emotionally invested from the opening scene as these parents struggle to provide for their family in those first few years in Tennessee with no job, furniture, medical insurance or even a vehicle. Joel’s portrayal of his father’s pain and pride comes across as if he is a seasoned actor even though this is only his second lead role in a feature film. The film was directed by Joel, and he also co-wrote the screenplay, while Luke Smallbone took the helm as Producer.  I had the chance to interview Luke while on a promotional tour for the movie and asked him what led them to embark on the biggest project of their lives, “After years of sharing parts of our story from stage many people asked when we would write a book about it. One day while talking to a film producer friend the idea soon became a reality. But two months before filming was set to begin the production company left to pursue another project. So we were not sure if the project would even go ahead but after we made just a few calls we were able to secure investors to fund the film.” I asked Luke if any moments in their family’s journey did not make the final cut, “No, we condensed all the major moments in our family’s life into the two-year feeling of the film. I believe in the power of family…I think family is more important today than ever, but I don’t think we value it as we should. There is a quote in the film from Mother Teresa that says that if you want to change the world go home and love your family and that at the end of the day that is core message of the film.”

Coinciding with the release date of the film, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning duo will release The Inspired By Soundtrack” album that features the previously released title song “Unsung Hero” alongside many 90’s songs that impacted their family. When I asked Luke what song and special guest they first reached out to for this project he quickly responded, “Place In This World” by Michael W Smith is a very special song and one of the motivations to include it was that it could be more applicable today than it was when it originally released. Michael wrote it after reading a letter from a fan who was struggling with their mental health, trying to find their place in the world. “I find that today we are dealing with those issues more than ever and that lyric has really stood the test of time and it was an honour to have him join us on this new recording.”  Other guests include their sister Rebecca St. James on Seal’s hit “Crazy”, “Checking In” with Lee Brice, “Lead Me On” feat. Amy Grant. “To Hell With The Devil” featuring Lecrae & Stryper and “I Surrender All” ” featuring Hillary Scott & Michael W. Smith.  Smallbone says, “What a field day we had with this album, we have more special guests than any album we’ve ever done, having had the opportunity to take these incredibly nostalgic 90’s songs and re-imagine them was an adventure.”