Behind the Song: Whatever it Takes

Surrendering everything to the Lord and be willing to do whatever it takes to get there is difficult. I’ve both experienced and heard stories of the struggle to get to this point to state “Whatever it takes to draw closer to you Lord.”

Stating “Whatever it takes”, is a statement of faith and a way to boldly approach the throne.

The song was written by Lanny Wolfe. Wolfe was born in 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. He learned to play the piano by ear and used his talent in his local church growing up.

He attended Ohio State University and majored in business. He received a Bachelor’s and Masters in music in California.

He has served as  a music instructor at South Texas Bible Institute and Worship Leader at churches across the nation. He has also served as a Dean of the School of Music for a Bible School.

He is described by one source as “a pioneer in progressing modern church music”.

He has been performing with the Lanny Wolfe trio for decades. He originally composed his works for the trio which originally involved family members, before expanding to others.

In the 1970s he received two back to back Gospel Composer of the year awards and in 1984 a GMA Dove Award for Gospel Songwriter of the Year and song of the year {More than Wonderful}.

Lanny Wolfe also wrote other popular songs such as Surely the Presence of the World, Greater is He that is in Me, and More than Wonderful.