Bear Rinehart

Bear Rinehart was born William Stanley Rinehart III on September 6, 1980, in Greenville, South Carolina, and grew up in Seneca as the son of a pastor. He played wide receiver for the Furman University football team before co-founding the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, where he serves as lead singer and a primary songwriter.

As the frontman of NEEDTOBREATHE, Rinehart has been part of a catalog that includes songs such as “Washed by the Water,” “Brother” (featuring Gavin DeGraw), and “Highlands.” “Brother” was certified Gold by the RIAA. The band has won 16 GMA Dove Awards and received a Grammy nomination.

In 2019, Rinehart launched a solo career under the stage name Wilder Woods, releasing songs including “Supply & Demand,” “Someday Soon,” and “Sure Ain’t.” He also collaborated with Chris Tomlin on the track “Power,” appearing alongside NEEDTOBREATHE. Across both his band and solo work, his songwriting often explores themes of faith, personal growth, and surrender.