Sharing God’s Message Through Song
Music has always been more than a calling — it’s been a way to share faith, hope, and the love of Jesus Christ. For over four decades, Marlin Wagler has written, sung, and played songs that speak to the heart, carrying a message of encouragement and truth to churches and communities across the country.
Marlin first picked up a guitar at age 20, gathering weekly with a few local friends to sing, play, and learn. Those early evenings — filled with laughter, harmony, and fellowship — became the foundation of a lifelong musical journey.
That small group began singing in local churches and events, and what started as a simple love for music soon became a ministry. The friendships built during those years continue to this day — a reminder that music is as much about people as it is about sound.
Gospel Road and Sonlight
After those first years, Marlin joined a group with his brother-in-law and others to form Gospel Road, writing the title track of their first album, “My Best Friend.” That song marked the beginning of Marlin’s songwriting journey — music inspired by life, grounded in scripture, and written straight from the heart.
The Next Chapters
From there, Sonlight Gospel Singers was born — a group that stayed together for more than a decade. Featuring Marlin’s three youngest sisters, his wife, and their close friend and lead guitarist Jim Wagler (and Jim’s wife Catherine), Sonlight became a true family of faith and song. Marlin continued to write many of the title tracks for their albums, helping define the group’s uplifting, gospel-driven sound.
CornerStone — A Family Ministry
When their children grew older, Marlin and his wife began singing together with their youngest son under the name CornerStone — another title from one of Marlin’s original songs. Their son played drums, mandolin, and guitar, and contributed to each of their recordings.
Tragically, his life was cut short in a vehicle accident, a loss that deeply shaped the Waglers’ family and ministry. Through grief and faith, Marlin and his wife found renewed purpose — to continue singing, writing, and sharing God’s comfort through music.
A New Beginning: Marlin Wagler Music Ministry
In April 2017, the ministry took on a new name — Marlin Wagler Music Ministry — marking both a new chapter and a reaffirmed mission: to glorify God through music that touches hearts and reminds listeners of His faithfulness.
Marlin continues to write and record new songs, available across streaming platforms and featured in numerous songbooks. His music carries the same spirit it always has — honest, heartfelt, and rooted in the Word.
Music That Blesses the Heart
Whether you’ve followed Marlin’s journey for years or you’re hearing his music for the first time, we invite you to listen — and be encouraged.
Our Prayer is Simple:
That these songs will bring peace to the weary, hope to the hurting, and joy to every listener who opens their heart to hear them.