Born in Kingston, Jamaica W.I., and raised in southern California, singer/songwriter Philip Bardowell was introduced to music at an early age when he began piano lessons at the age of five. He was influenced early on by songwriting greats: The Beatles, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Queen, Earth Wind And Fire and Bob Marley to name a few.
By the age of twelve, he taught himself how to play guitar and formed his first band, along with his brother Habib and their friend "Full House" actor, John Stamos. At the young age of 20, already an accomplished pianist and guitarist, Philip found himself on the road backing the legendary surf duo, Jan and Dean as their bassist and backup vocalist. Consequently, Mike Love of the legendary Beach Boys, hired Philip to serve as lead guitarist and vocalist in his Endless Summer Beach Band. By the time he was 25, Philip teamed up with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley of KISS fronting Peter's band "CRISS" as lead singer and rhythm guitarist after a friend suggested that he audition for the position.
It was after serving this role for two years that Philip discovered that he felt a void just singing and playing music for the sole purpose of entertainment and began attending Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA in search of a new purpose for his life. After awhile, he was asked to audition for the praise team, and by the grace of God, he was asked to join the praise team and began serving regularly as a vocalist and musician. This led to his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. “I came to Christ by worshipping Him through song. He entered my heart through my praise and worship of Him and my life was changed forever.” Philip had found a new passion in serving The Lord, but continued in his career as a professional musician. 
Eventually, Philip befriended Beach Boy, Carl Wilson, when Carl heard him sing at a birthday party for Beach Boy frontman, Mike Love. It was there that Philip’s voice caught Carl's attention and prompted Carl to call on Philip to sing his parts as a member of the Beach Boys touring band when he became stricken with cancer. After Carl's passing in 1996, Philip continued in his role as lead guitarist and vocalist for the Beach Boys until 2001 when he left the band to write and record his own music and pursue other endeavors.Philip's first solo album, "In A Perfect World…" was released later that year and was met with success and great reviews. It immediately got Philip's music noticed by the likes of radio personalities Mark and Brian of 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles who invited Philip with his newly-formed band, Day After Rain, to play a one hour set live on-air as the winner of the Mark And Brian Best Unsigned Artist competition. Philip and his band's performance on that show prompted T.V. personality, Wayne Brady to call in and invite the band to appear on the Wayne Brady Show.
Philip is also known for his role as lead vocalist in the Frontline Records Christian Rock band, MAGDALEN together with former House Of Lords members Chuck Wright, Lanny Cordola and Ken Mary. His voice has often been compared to such masters as Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Don Henley (The Eagles) Sting (The Police) and Bono (U2). He has been a part of countless albums in the Contemporary Christian genre appearing on albums for Maranatha Records, Promise Keepers and Reggae Worship volumes 1 and 2 for Frontline Records, to name a few.In 2001, Philip began what would become a path to full time ministry when he took a part-time position as worship leader at a local church at the prompting of the pastor who saw his potential and ability to usher people into God’s presence through music. This experience changed his life and Philip decided that it was time to leave the road behind him and start on the road to a life in Him.
Philip continues to write and record music as he serves as a worship leader in Southern California. His latest album, “Fall To Rise”, was released on August 1st, 2007 on the independent label, Kingstown Music. Most recently, Philip signed on as the lead vocalist of Christian music’s answer to the Trans Siberian Orchestra-The Northern Lights Orchestra, featuring such noted Christian artists as Bob Carlisle, Jon Gibson, Rose Stone and Eddie James.
Support Philip's Ministry Today
Donate to Philip Bardowell
"I have known Philip Bardowell for 25 years as a great friend and fellow believer. God has gifted Philip with amazing musical gifts. Philip, through his faith in Jesus, continues to bless all who hear him."
-David Logeman (Drummer-Jan & Dean, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Jack Wagner and Frank Zappa)
Philip is an extremely talented and giving person. He uses his talents to bless others and
God uses him in a powerful way. I highly recommend Philip for any event or ministry opportunity.
- David Habib Bardowell (Pastor - The Gate Church, RSM, Ca)
"When it comes to musicianship, as well as ministry, Philip Bardowell is soooo on point! Not only is he a gifted singer and skilled musician but he is also a very creative song writer.As a singer and song writer, working with Philip has been a blessing. As a worshiper, worshiping with him, well let's just say, he gives his all, keeps it real and does so in spirit and in truth"!
Get ready to be blessed,
-Alva Copeland (Worship Leader-Saddleback Church)
"Just wanna say what a blessing Phillip is! Thanks for sharing your amazing heart, talents, gifts and awesome music! Truly, I am one of your biggest fans. Your passion for God is bigger then your love for music but I am so glad you have both. ;)
-Alva Copeland (Worship Leader-Saddleback Church)
"Philip's talent is obvious from the first note you hear from him but he is way more than a great singer & musician...he is an inspiration to me and I am proud to not only work with him, but to also call him my friend. His faith is both humbling and inspiring and when combined with his tremendous musical abilities, he is capable of bringing tears to my eyes. I wholeheartedly recommend anything and everything he's done."
-David Marks-Original Beach Boy
"Philip is that rare combination of incredible talent, work ethic and spiritual integrity. Any chance I have to utilize him, is a true blessing!"
- Sam Taylor (Grammy Nominated, Dove Award winning Record Producer)