Linda Doane on Music, Faith, and Stage Four Cancer

“That desire to write was always in me. That desire to sing was always in me, but I just thought it was for myself.”

On this episode of The Song Revolution Podcast, Linda Doane lends her testimony and her insight to John Chisum, detailing her battle with cancer and the release of Powerful, her brand-new album in partnership with Inspiration Worship. Although music was always a part of Linda’s private life, she never shared her talents and her voice until after her second diagnosis with stage four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014. It was then that she and her husband Tom looked at each other and decided to take a leap of faith and pursue Linda’s true calling in music.

“That was a lesson actually I had to learn after recording Whose. I felt like it was God pouring right through me and I felt like when he gave me that song, He said if I am the answer to the questions in Whose, then this is your go time. Go.”

As Linda tried to navigate her diagnosis and treatment, juggling doctor’s appointments alongside her daughter’s illness and a death in the family, she leaned on God and on one word alone- “Faith.” Through it all, her heart for God and desire to keep living and making great music propelled her forward, towards healing and a fruitful partnership with Ian Eskelin, who became Linda’s friend, champion, and producer for Powerful. Linda’s strength, creativity, and deep love for Jesus shine through every word she speaks in this interview, and she takes time to encourage and inspire anyone listening and harboring an unfulfilled dream.

“Early on, Ian said, ‘content is king.’ And I would encourage people to continue writing, continue getting feedback, and just if the desire is truly there, keep moving forward.”

As John and Linda unpack her journey through healing and music, she also talks honestly about the ins and outs of creating music as an independent artist. She discusses how good rejection can feel, refusing to compromise on core values, and using your unique talents to the glory of God. Hearing Linda Doane speak about her journey through sickness to success in Christ will inspire and uplift you.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

  • Introduction // Linda Doane – 0:38
  • Linda’s Passion for Music – 2:33
  • Ian Eskelin and Whose – 4:38
  • Faith and the “Diag-no-sis”- 10:39
  • Inspiration Worship- 16:19
  • Advice for the Talented and Lost- 26:25
  • Growing as an Independent Artist- 29:22
  • Closing Thoughts- 34:55
  • Outro- 37:17

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John Chisum

John Chisum is a pioneer in the Christian music business, serving alongside people such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Twila Paris, Paul Baloche, Don Moen, and many more. As President of Nashville Christian Songwriters, John seeks to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to discover and fulfill their call to write.

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