In a contrast to the high-speed pace that our world operates in, Danny Cosby lives a life that prioritizes the importance of slowing down, being present, and paying attention to people that society tends to overlook. In 2014, Danny published a memoir titled Heroin Jesus, in which he recounts his personal experience with homelessness, life in prison, and his struggle with addiction. Since his release from prison in 2009, Danny has spent his time performing in the Hope Presbyterian Church band, leading worship services in homeless shelters and prisons, and helping countless individuals navigate the complicated journey of sobriety. “Every day when my feet hit the floor, if I am not thinking about my music, I’m thinking about developing a vision of helping others get out of their personal quicksand and back on their feet,” Danny says.

Danny describes his childhood as “growing up in a house full of love.” Both his parents came from abusive homes, but they pledged to break that cycle for their children. Danny spent Sunday mornings in a church where his father would preach. However, Danny characterizes his experience with the church as “one of those churches that if you do better, God loves you more. And if you mess up, He will come after you with a gavel and judge you. This bled into my viewpoint and understanding of God as a judge waiting for me to mess up.” At 18, Danny dove headfirst into addiction. He describes this period in his life as running away from anything and everything that had to do with God and religion.

For the next 7 years, Danny’s addiction spiraled out of control with prescription pills and other hard substances. As a result, he was homeless and stealing to fund his addiction. Danny had the option of returning home to his parents, but that would require him to get sober, something he was unwilling to do. But, on September 18, 2005, Danny’s life changed when a taxi cab driver stopped and asked if he needed a ride; the driver took him to a homeless shelter. When he arrived, a pastor was preaching a sermon that fixated on God’s unfailing love for his children despite the mistakes they had made. This was something Danny had never heard before. He remembers this pivotal moment as “something happened in me, and I think it was because I had finally opened my heart to receive love from God. God loves me, and he is not coming after me to judge me.” For the next month, Danny stayed in the shelter, attended more services, and focused on getting healthy.

Soon after, on October 27, 2005, Danny appeared in a courtroom at 201 Poplar to face a misdemeanor charge. He was not expecting the list of additional felonies the state had compiled against him, and Danny was arrested immediately. His sentencing required him to serve two years in Memphis and two years in Mississippi. When asked about his experience in prison, Danny replied, “prison became a palace because I had Jesus.” He considered his four-year sentence as a time to slow down, reflect, and share his testimony with other inmates. Many of whom had a similar story to Danny. During his incarceration, Danny wrote his first album titled “Bunk 51." It is a ten-track album that encapsulates the peace Danny has made with his past but also encourages anyone dealing with their struggles, whatever they may be, that you, too, can surrender the burden of your past self.

When Danny was released from prison, he described it as “an amplification and continuation of the life God wanted to build for him.” Despite his extremely successful music career, Danny still finds time to lead worship services in prison and homeless shelters. Not only does Danny lead worship services, but he also understands the importance of passing along crucial life skills. He leads classes that are not only focused on the spiritual side of things but also the practical such as writing checks and understanding how to balance financials.

Danny met his wife Johanna 12 years ago. He describes Johanna’s meaning in his life as “God used her to love the unlovable parts of me.” If it was not for Johanna’s unyielding support and encouragement of Danny, he claims he would have never written his book, recorded, and released his two CDs.

You can find Danny’s memoir Heroin Jesus available for purchase online. You can also stream his two albums, “Bunk 51” and “Christmas Time,” on Spotify. He is currently finalizing his third album with producer Garry Goin and Grapevine Squared. If you are interested in learning more about Danny’s ministry, please visit his Facebook page: Danny Cosby Music Ministries