Faith in Every Footstep: A Conversation with Canadian Singer-Songwriter Cory M. Coons

Michael December 12, 2025 6 min read 0

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For decades, Canadian roots-rock artist Cory M. Coons has built a career defined by resilience, sincerity, and a steadfast belief in something greater than himself. His songs—rich with themes of hope, perseverance, and gratitude—reflect a life guided by faith, family, and purpose.

In this intimate interview, Coons opens up about the spiritual foundation beneath his music, the challenges of navigating the industry as an independent artist, and the deeply personal ways his beliefs shape everything from his songwriting to his relationship with his daughter. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who sees music not just as craft or career, but as calling.

Cory, your personal motto is “Family, Faith, Freedom, and Music.” Can you share how your faith shapes not only your songwriting but also the way you approach your career as an independent artist?

Thank you once again for this opportunity with you!

I think having a strong spiritual faith helps to build and maintain a solid foundation in everything we do in life—be it personal or family relationships, and along the musical path I have followed as well. You truly have to find that balance so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labours. If you don’t have a belief system in place with your higher power, spirit, or God, I think success might feel a little empty without being able to share it with those who mean the most in our lives. It can easily become selfish instead of serving a higher purpose. That belief system transforms into the music and lyrics I create. I always try to build upon positive ideas as much as possible. I don’t enjoy negativity or drama. So a strong foundation with family and faith means a lot to me. It’s not knowing what the future holds, but who holds the future. 🙂

Many of your songs—like “Freedom Road” and “Faded Glory (Land of the Free)”—carry a message of hope and perseverance. Do you see your music as a kind of ministry or testimony, even when it’s not overtly religious?

Yes, I think so in some ways. I don’t want to force ideas or beliefs on anyone, but I do believe people can find their way through a higher power. A positive message of hope and faith can guide someone who needs it, helping them turn certain things around. Music is such a powerful tool of healing, and with ingredients like hope, faith, love, truth, and unity, it can be a blessing. I hope my music reflects these elements. I’m grateful for anyone who feels those things through my songs.

As someone who’s spent decades navigating the ups and downs of the music industry, what role has prayer or spiritual reflection played in helping you stay grounded and focused through it all?

It has definitely played a big role. I’ve always had sprinkles of spiritual elements in my music, even going back to my teen years. My mother was very spiritual and religious, and I admired that deeply. I grew up hearing her Gospel records in the house—those things are embedded in my soul. Even though I didn’t attend church regularly in my youth, I’ve always believed in the Lord and Jesus, and I pray regularly now in my own way. It helps keep me grounded, especially when my strength or purpose feels low.

You’ve often involved your daughter Charleigh in your recordings. How does your faith influence the way you model creativity, humility, and gratitude for her?

My family—my daughter and my wife—are everything to me. Any way I can include them in my musical journey, I will. Sometimes the lines between faith, family, and music get so blurred that they just become one in my life. Including my daughter on recordings, having my wife and child involved in videos and photography, sharing road trips—it’s all part of how we experience life together. And I hope she sees creativity, humility, and gratitude in action through those shared moments.

Faith in Every Footstep: A Conversation with Canadian Singer-Songwriter Cory M. Coons

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Your journey has taken you from small-town Ontario to the Grand Ole Opry. Looking back, how have you seen God’s hand guiding your path—even in moments when success didn’t come easily?

I feel like God is always guiding me with the help of spirit guides. I sense my parents watching over me. Even in times when I don’t feel the Lord’s presence, little surprises pop up—like my Opry experience—and remind me He is there. The universe responds to what we put into it. Negativity can amplify just as much as positivity, and I’ve experienced both. So I try to focus on putting out good energy and trusting that God’s timing—not mine—shapes the path.

Being an independent artist can be challenging. How do you maintain peace and trust that God will continue to open the right doors for you and your music?

You just have to believe. Things happen when they’re supposed to. We may want things to come sooner, but they unfold on God’s time. I try to trust that process and make decisions guided by faith. Everything has consequences, so I aim to stay on the positive receiving end.

The music world can feel fast-paced and self-focused. How do you balance ambition with humility, ensuring your work glorifies God rather than just the industry’s definition of success?

I try not to get too self-focused, even as an independent artist. I don’t follow trends or try to be anyone other than myself. If something doesn’t feel honest, I won’t do it. Staying true to yourself always wins in the end—and I believe that’s what God wants from us. Being true to myself means being true to Him. We’re made in His image, so it all aligns.

For listeners struggling to find faith or purpose, what message would you hope they take from your life and music?

I have a motto: “Surround yourself with the right people and the right team of players.” That applies creatively, professionally, personally—and spiritually. Stay true to yourself. If something or someone isn’t real, people will see through it. Be the most authentic version of yourself.

Thanks so much for this interview opportunity!