Skillet was formed in Memphis, TN, by John Cooper, Ken Steorts, and Trey McClurkin in ’96 and the band signed with Ardent Records. They released their self-titled debut album in 1996. The Band went through several line-up changes early in their career, leaving founder John Cooper (led vocals, bass) as the only original member remaining in the band.

The name ‘Skillet’ is one topic that comes up often among fans. John Cooper, the lead vocalist, explains that it was a joke at first. Each starting band member was already in a separate band, and all decided to start a side project. Since each other band had a different sound and style to it, the side project was said to be like putting all of those styles in a big skillet to come up with something unique, hence the band name ‘Skillet’. The band name is still somewhat of a joke between the band members, especially Cooper, who claims to still not like the title.