According to frontman and DC Talk member Michael Tait, the band Tait was born in 1996 when he met drummer Chad Chapin. The two performed a cover of the song "Curious George," followed by a bevy of Pearl Jam tracks. From this, Tait emerged and added two new members, former Grammatrain member Pete Stewart and former Petra bass player Lonnie Chapin. The group is named for Michael Tait's late father, of whom he says "taught me how to appreciate the human experience whether it be a sunny day, a beautiful lawn, or amazing trees set before an amazing mountain. He taught me how to love and embrace mankind, whether it be a Chinese girl hanging out with a black guy whose mom is a white lady." As for the band's mission, Michael Tait says, "...ultimately I hope and pray [people] see the Gospel... People look for so many other ways to fill the emptiness in their lives, and there's just no way to do it besides Christ." Musically, the band blends the styles of modern rock, pop, funk, soul, and R&B. Michael Tait describes the group as "guitar-toting, drum-slinging rockers." Preceding the release of their 2001 debut album, Empty, Tait performed selections from the project all over the world, including Amsterdam. ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide