After Decades of Hits TobyMac Says His Greatest Goal Isn’t Music
TobyMac may be a trailblazing artist with nationwide tours and chart-topping hits, but his bucket is far more grounded -- one shaped by Scripture and a heart for what truly matters. The former DC Talk artist who has made a lasting impact with a solo career was asked during a news conference at the 2025 K-Love Fan Awards to list the items on his bucket list -- that is, the dreams or goals someone hopes to fulfill before they die.
"I think to finish well," he said. "You know, I've been doing this for a while. [That] would be a bucket list thing -- just to finish well. [And] man, to absolutely be in love with my wife when we slow down a little -- and I am in love with her.
"And I'm thankful she tells me she's in love with me anyway," he added, laughing.
"Yeah, those would be kind of bucket list things."
TobyMac is one of the most recognizable names in Christian music history, with 56 songs charting on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart, including 30 Top 10 hits and seven No. 1 singles. In 2012, his album Eye On It made history by topping the Billboard 200 -- the first Christian album to reach No. 1 on the mainstream chart in 15 years. He co-wrote the 1995 hit Jesus Freak, a faith anthem for a generation.
Touring has played a key role in his success, especially through his annual Hits Deep tour, which features a lineup of multiple artists and culminates in a high-energy, crowd-pleasing set by TobyMac. He is 60.
He credits his stage energy to a life on the road and a steady routine of exercise.
"I grew up in a sports family more than a music family, so I've still played a lot of sports, basketball, tennis, -- I'm not gonna say pickleball yet, but one day, one day, it'll come," he said, smiling. "... I've always been into athletics, and I'm not a gym dude, but I'm always moving. I can't sit around. Plus, I've never come off stage, so I didn't have to deal with slowing down. If you do something every night, you know you can still keep doing it."
He's also a golfer.
"I like to walk," he said.
Staying spiritually grounded while on tour, he said, is essential.
"I love the Bible. I read it every day. I think it's important. I have a philosophy where God speaks to us through His Word, and we speak to Him through prayer. So if I'm not talking to God and He's not talking to me -- if I'm not reading the Word and praying, do I really have a relationship with God at all? …Relating to God is the most important thing. …That's how I stay grounded."
Photo Credit: ©Gotee
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 06, 2025.
