About the Artists/Muscians
4HIM
4HIM has spent more than a decade inspiring and encouraging Christians with their music. Their ministry contains a newfound urgency to call Christians together. The hands and feet of Jesus must be made visible to change a world seeking stability in the midst of instability. Celebrating its landmark 10th studio album, eight-time Dove Award-winning group 4HIM provides inspiring resolution in its message and one of noble empowerment in its capacity to encourage listeners.. After 13 years together, Andy Chrisman, Kirk Sullivan, Mark Harris and Marty Magehee, show 4HIM's exceptional success as one of the most beloved groups in Christian music. http://www.4him.net/index.html
AVALON
Avalon emerged in 1996 with this self-titled album packed full of four beautiful voices that blend and harmonize together to form the very powerful sound that they soon became so well known for. Avalon members Jody McBrayer, Melissa Greene and Janna and Greg Long have had a busy last couple of years. They have performed in front of over 500,000 fans, hit the 3 million sales mark and seen their 20th radio single reach #1 and another radio single jump to #1. Of course, they weren't exactly sitting idle prior to 2004, In the history of Avalon, they have had ... Seven successful studio projects; Two RIAA-certified gold records; 20 No. 1 radio hits; 20 Dove nominations; six Dove Awards; Two Grammy nominations; A 2002 American Music Award for Contemporary Inspirational Music; and "Group of the Year" for three years in a row with the 2002, 2003, 2004 CCM Reader's Choice Award. http://christianmusic.about.com/od/alprofiles/a/aaavalonprofile.htm and http://www.avalonlive.com/
BARLOW GIRL
The Barlow sisters are out to rock their generation with messages of faith, hope and living in God's perfect image. Becca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow are radical girls for God. While the Barlow sisters have spent the last four years honing their pop/rock performances, sisterly harmonies and poignant songwriting, "Barlow Girls." With the platform already established for BarlowGirl, the girls are ready to take the world by storm with their passion for music and leaving a mark. http://www.barlowgirl.com/
BUILDING 429
Ephesians 4:29 "Let nothing unwholesome come out of your mouths accept that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it might benefit those who listen". Since their arrival on the scene, Building 429 has made many fans among industry types and the news about the band is spreading quickly. As a result of the successs of "Glory Defined," other opportunites have come their way. The band is also working with Interlinc, a company dedicated to creating resources for youth pastors nationwide. By taking part in talk back sessions with youth pastors, its dedication to connecting with youth and young adults grows. "Our honest goal is to play for college-age and young adults," Roy says, "and we focus hard on that, because we know those can be the most trying times, where they're out on their own and learning what makes their faith their own."
The band members admit they don't have the answers for everyone in the audience. "We're still growing up and trying to grow as godly men," says Roy. "We go through many struggles and trials and I believe that we all come to a crisis of faith in our life of faith. That's part of the journey. In life as a band, we see God change us. We look back and see the road, and how he's shown his faithfulness everyday. When I have nothing to say, I spend time asking. You have to be faithful to the task---ask your question and then wait for the answer." http://building429.com/
RAY BOLTZ
Boltz has dedicated over fifteen years to music and ministry. Through these years he has captured the attention of the CCM industry by garnering three Dove Awards, two gold albums, a gold video, and twelve number one singles. He has also sold more than four million units of product. Through all this time and these accomplishments Ray's vision for his ministry still remains the same...to produce and perform music that allows listeners and audiences to see Jesus. Since 1996, Boltz has been involved with Mission of Mercy, a Christian relief and development agency, This past year, Boltz traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to visit The New Life Home for Abandoned Babies, one of the many Mission of Mercy projects. The song, "Loving Each Other" was inspired by Boltz' trip to The New Life Home. The song challenges listeners to look past differences and to simply love each other.
JEREMY CAMP
Camp's journey began when he left his home in Lafayette, Indiana, bound for Bible college in Southern California. He wasn't sure what God had planned for him, but he knew he wanted to be ready. As he soaked up all the biblical knowledge he could and pondered a career in ministry, Jeremy filled his downtime strumming a guitar. On Feb. 5, 2001, his wife Melissa went to be with the Lord, As she took her last breath, Jeremy stood with her family and began worshiping God singing the same songs they had played so often for Melissa during her hospital stays. "I didn't want to do it," he says, "but I knew I was learning something about obedience."
Melissa's life and death changed Jerem's perspective on the music he makes. "Watching Melissa go to Heaven made me realize what's important. Music is not my life. Christ is my life. The only thing that really matters is what we do for Jesus on this Earth, and as a result of what I've been through, I express even more the goodness of God and how faithful He is." http://jeremycamp.com/
CASTING CROWNS
Casting Crowns began as a student worship band in Daytna Beach, FL in 1999. After 2 years of serving at First Baptist Daytona Beach, God called Mark Hall (lead vocal), Juan DeVevo (guitar and vocals), Melodee DeVevo (vocals and violin), Hector Cervantes (guitar and vocals), and Darren Hughes (production manager) to Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA in October 2001. After arriving here, the Lord led Chris Huffman (bass guitar), a former student from FBC, Daytona, and Megan Garrett (keyboard, vocals, accordion), to join the band immediately. Then about a year later, Andy Williams (drummer), joined the group. www.castingcrowns.com
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Steven Curtis Chapman's insights and ideas are wiser and more wide-eyed than ever before on his compelling sixteenth studio album. With two decades in the music industry, some of his accolades include: five Grammies, a record-breaking fifty-one Dove Awards, nine-time Songwriter of the Year winner, over 9 million total albums sold, over 41 No. 1 radio hits. There's no question that Steven Curtis Chapman remains one of Christian music's most heralded artists.
The Chapman family has also prompted awakening to the desperate current needs of others around the world. Steven's oldest biological daughter convinced her parents to adopt a little girl from China and that experience led them to adopt two more children and create a foundation to financially addist thousands of couples in bringing home orphans from many countries, including the U.S., into forever families. "After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing---our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that," Steven says; the Chapmans spent month-long stretches in 2006 and 2007 working at Chinese orphanages. www.stevencurtischapman.com/bio.htm
CLAY CROSSE
Clay Crosse is a husband, father, singer/songwriter and an ordained minister. He has been honored three times with Dove Awards including 1994 New Artist of the Year and 2000 Inspirational Song of the Year "I Will Follow Christ." He has toured extensively and been in the center of contemporary Christian music for over a decade.
Clay and his wife, Renee, founded HolyHomes Ministries in 2001 after a life changing season of growth that they both experienced. Various speaking engagements as well as a variety of musical concerts keep Clay very busy on the road. While at home, (Memphis, Tennessee) Clay enjoys life with Renee and their three daughters. http://www.holyhomes.org
CHRISTINE DEAL
"To tell, to give, to live." What's in the music: Chris has often told her children that one of their most powerful weapons is in their speech... "We just have moments...and in those moments what we say can change a life... it can be one word, or two, or a sentence... so always give God a chance to say something through you."
As a pastor's wife, the mother of four children and a human services professional, Chris is first to say that "ministry is everywhere... in the church, and every where we go... so be watching... make your moments count." "Music is my escape with God... a vessel to share things that I may never have the privilege to share. Music has been a venue to share what God has done and is doing... a chance to show the vulnerability of the heart... to encourage others in the love of God."
As a worship leader, song-writer, singer, and flutist, Chris is quick to say that it is not the music, but the heart, and what God is saying in the moment.
RONNIE FREEMAN
When Ronnie released his debut five years ago, it was just one more step in a music progression that began in Montgomery, Alabama, as a 7-year-old performing for his church. A skilled songsmith and accomplished worship leader, Freeman began to see his audience expand after that first release. Not wanting to push his creativity, he took his time to reach a new place of intimacy with the Lord before releasing his latest project, "God Speaking." http://www.ronniefreemanonline.com/
AMY GRANT
If you want to know Amy Grant's story, all you really have to do is listen to her songs. From the first time she picked up a guitar as a teenager and sang for her school friends, to the albums she's recorded that have racked up multi-platinum awards, Amy's always found a musical way to share her life. And in the process, she's not only become an icon in Christian music but also one of the most celebrated artists in pop music today.
Amy's first album, at age seventeen, introduced the world to a fresh-faced and fresh-voiced young woman with a contagious faith and engaging spirit. Amy soon found herself traveling and singing across the country in churches, festivals, camps and schools. With many more albums to follow. www.amygrant.com
NATALIE GRANT
The world is full of dreamers. And rightfully so, God created us that way. But at some point in our lives, we have the choice: to keep the dream for sleeping, or to wake up and live it. For Natalie Grant, critically acclaimed artist and three-time Dove Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, the choice was to awaken.
Awaken, Natalie's second Curb Records studio album, is the follow-up to her hit-laden label debut, 2003's Deeper Life (which featured the mainstream radio/film soundtrack "No Sign of it"), and the critically acclaimed 2004 Integrity Music release, Worship with Natalie Grant and Friends.
Unearthing a deeper, richer, risk-taking artistry, Awaken is more self-aware and socially conscious and finds Natalie Grant writing and singing the songs of her life. Not because she's supposed to; not because it was on the calendar to record again; but because her heart was jolted into a reality she didn't know existed, because she had an encounter with the worst imaginable. http://www.nataliegrant.com
MARK HARRIS
Perhaps it was a well-lit birthday cake that pushed Mark Harris, one-fourth of the bestselling, Dove Award-winning group 4HIM, to consider that tiny speck-of-a-line. After all, anyone with decent vision over the age of 30 knows how fast the decades fly. So when you're staring at that cake, your face all a-glow, it's only logical to survey the part that has been 'lived' so far and think about the road ahead. But for Mark---a happily married husband and father of two great kids who loves nothing so much as being at home---the release of his first solo album, The Line Between the Two, is more than an exercise in logic. After more than 15 years of music ministry, this project is one of the ways God has been daring him to re-think his life, his music and the purpose for both. http://www.markharrisonline.com/
KUTLESS
After three full-length albums, several countries, hundreds of shows, thousands of miles and 1.6 million faces rocked, Portland, Oregon-based fivesome Kutless has decided it's just as great to give as it is to receive. Kutless includes: vocalist Jon Micah Sumral, guitarists James Mead and Ryan Shrout, drummer Jeffrey Gilbert and bassist Dave Leutkenhoelter, Kutless formed while still in college in 2000, signed to Tooth & Nail/BEC in late 2001 and had released its self-titled debut the following year.
"Christ Took our beating and paid the wages of our sin. (Romans 6:23) He took our cuts for us....Leaving us "Kutless"." http://www.kutless.com/kutless.aspx
BRIAN LITTRELL
Honored in 2006 with his first Dove Award (Inspirational Recorded Song for "In Christ Alone" from WOW #1's), Brian Littrell is widely-known as a 13-year member of the legendary pop group Backstreet Boys. He has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 75 million records and has amassed legions of fans around the globe. Last summer, Backstreet Boys released "Never Gone", the group's first studio album in five years while at the same time Littrell released his solo debut, "Welcome Home", on Reunion Records, a gospel album which has already produced a No. 1 single.
Recording a solo project has enabled Littrell to share his source of greatest hope. "Welcome Home" is a straight-ahead pop record --- lyrically illuminating God's unequivocal love for humanity and revealing the possibilities for life when people dedicate themselves to higher calling. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife Leighanne and their three-year-old son Baylee. http://www.brianlittrell.com/news.php
MERCYME
Propelled into the mainstream spotlight by the smash hit "I Can Only Imagine", MercyMe is conquering uncharted areas for a Christian rock group. The laid-back band from Greenville, Texas, quickly evolved from being Christian music's fastest-selling new act in 2001 to one of the most successful bands in all musical genres, selling more than 2 million records in only three years and earning an American Music Award nomination. MercyMe followed Almost There in 2001 with 2002's Spoken For, which was certified gold and produced two more No. 1 hits. Now the band, which has been together for about ten years, has grown beyond its label as "a Christian band" and became nationally known as a great rock group that tackles such serious themes as God and love. Their music is appealing to both devout Christians who study the Bible and young teens who devour Rolling Stone. http://www.mercyme.org/
GEOFF MOORE
With little more than a deep, gravelly voice and a three-song demo produced by a childhood friend, an avid outdoorsman left the comfort of his Michigan home and the security of the family business to pursue the long-shot of making it in Nashville's music industry. Twenty-two years and sixteen albums later Geoff Moore can look back now knowing he made the right choice, hearing God's voice through the clamor of life. Moore's first demo, recorded in 1983 with Billy Smiley (Whiteheart) producing and a then-unknown Michael W. Smith playing keys, was the initial trigger that launched his unexpected career as an artist. http://www.geoffmoore.com/
MONK & NEAGLE
Monk & Neagle officially become a twosome after signing with Flicker Records, the friendship that birthed their alliance began over ten years ago. Growing up in the dusty little Texas town of Amarillo, Monk and Neagle met in college and became close friends while fishing and picking out guitar tunes together. As the years passed, Monk pursued the path of independent artist, becoming a favorite among followers of indie distributor Grassroots Music with the release of two solo projects, I Wait (1999) and Stars Would Fall (2003). Meanwhile, Neagle dedicated himself to full-time ministry as a worship pastor for a church in Abilene, Texas. In the fall of 2003, Monk & Neagle suddenly found their divergent musical paths coming together once again. When Monk was asked to join Inpop Records duo Shane and Shane on the groups highly successful "Carry Away" tour, he asked his longtime friend Neagle to join him for the trip. http://www.monkandneagle.com/
NICOLE C. MULLEN
"I sing to hurting audiences," Mullen suggests, "because I live in a hurting world so I feel like it's part of my job to present hope. My goal in life is to encourage those that are out there listening. How can I make the next four minutes of this song worth more than just four minutes? How can I leave somebody with hope? That's my goal and if I accomplish that then it's worth more than a Grammy, worth more than a Dove, worth more than any of them."
Nicole C. Mullen's passion for reaching out guides her work and her life. Whether she's tending to her own children, providing support to other kids in need of a parent figure, empathizing with a friend in emotional upheaval, or working on behalf of the afflicted on the other side of the world, her stage is never a pedestal-only a platform to communicate her relentless message of hope. www.nicolecmullen.com/
RICH MULLINS (1955-1997)
Mullins began his musical career with Zion Ministries in the late 1970's, While working for this ministry, Mullins penned a song called "Sing Your Praise To The Lord", which was recorded by singer Amy Grant in 1982 and became an immediate hit on Christian radio.
Mullins became a songwriter in the Contemporary Christian Music industry by 1984, penning songs for variety of artists. Mullins wrote the song called "Awesome God". Mullins recorded that song and released it on his third album, Winds of Heaven... Stuff of Earth and it quickly became a hit on Christian radio and a modern day hymn sung in churches around the world.
His music was not the only way that Rich touched peoples' lives. He spent much of his time working with Native Americans in the southwest and with Compassion International. Mullins once stated, "I hope that I would leave a legacy of joy, a legacy of real compassion, because I think there is a great joy in compassion. I don't think that you can know joy apart from caring deeply about people-caring enough to actually do something."
In 1993, Mullins assembled a group of musicians to form A Ragamuffin Band, which was named after The Ragamuffin Gospel Contemporary Christian.
Singer/songwriter Rich Mullins was killed in an automobile accident on, September 19, 1997, in LaSalle County, Illinois. Although the accident claimed Mullins' life, his legacy will continue through the music that he recorded during his ten year career as an artist at Reunion Records. Rish's life and his songs always reflected truth and honesty, stripped of all superficiality and conventionality.
He challenged us to live with purpose and meaning and to know God intimately. The legacy he left us with will live on through his music. "Rich seemed to have more than his share of startling, profound, life giving insights into the heart of God-more than even the usual quota for prophets, poets, or saints-and they rhymed." http://www.jamsline.com/b_mullins.htm
NEWSBOYS
A top band in the genre, the Newsboys, originally from Australia, have sold more than 5 million albums during their career. Once known for complex concert productions that successfully empolyed everything from outer space motifs to inflatable domes and circus tents, Newsboys have taken a less-is-more approach since last year when the gold-selling, award-winning ADORATION: THE WORSHIP ALBUM was released. The journey continues with devotion, featuring first single presence ("My Heart's Desire"), co-written with Tim Hughes ("Here I Am To Worship"). The lead singer and songwriter Peter Furler acknowledges the change and increasing spiritual maturity, saying "We probably couldn't blow the fuzz off a peanut back then, so we needed a silver suit. Now we've got thousands of people praying for us...We've got the power of God in a show...We're looking for people to have lasting fruit instead of just getting an emotional high." http://www.newsboys.com/
BEBO NORMAN
Bebo Norman has crafted so many spirited songs over the years, yet his creative energy reaches new peaks on his latest release, Try. Bebo soaked up newfound inspiration and poured it into an album filled with honest, compelling music.
The Georgia-born performer celebrated his most successful album to date, 2002's Myself When I Am Real. The album topped Billboard's Heatseekers chart and yielded back-to-back Top 5 radio hits with "Great Light of the World" and "Falling Down". Bebo likewise joined the elite group of Dove Award winners thanks to his City on a Hill - Sing Alleluia hit "Holy is Your Name". As the momentum mounted, he joined national headlining tours, hopped the pond for European dates, and graced the covers of CCM and Premier magazines. He even landed a coveted slot on the Imagine Tour with MercyMe and Amy Grant. http://www.bebonorman.com/index.html
MICHAEL OLSON
Michael Olson says that he was just about born on a church pew in a Wednesday night service, or so the story goes. Raised among a church-going family in the western suburbs of chicago, Michael's father held positions as organist and deacon, while Mom Olson served as assistant choir director, effectively securing Michael's love for music at an early age.
"I can't remember ever not being interested in music, I used to fall asleep at night to the walls vibrating from my dad playing the organ down in the living room, and I grew up going to choir rehearsals every Thursday night. The church drummer used to try and hide his sticks from me in a different place every week. It didn't really work all that well, and that's pretty mcuh how I learned to play."
Inspired by the likes of Michael W. Smith, James Taylor and Sting, Olson always knew he was meant to be a singer/songwriter and even won the Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival merit award for male vocal solo while in high school. In 2002, he graduated from North Central University in Minneapolis with a general music degree (vocal emphasis/piano minor). In addition to working as a session vocalist and musician (he plays piano, guitars, and drums) Michael Olson excels as a songwriter. http://michaelolsonmusic.com/
OVERFLOW
Overflow, which takes its name from Psalm 23:5, sprang from their church youth group. "The band formed right before we started high school," recalls Tom. First, Tom and Will started playing together. Mark and Matt came in high school. Josh is the group's most recent addition, starting as the group's road manager, then joining on bass when the opportunity arose. http://www.overflowrocks.com/newsite/
MARK SCHULTZ
Storytelling is a lost art. Although the communication form of choice during ancient times---Jesus himself greatly favored it when He taught the multitudes---the conventions, inventions, and formulas of the modern age unceremoniously dethroned storytelling as the preferred vehicle for conveying truth. Fortunately, Mark Schultz knows better.
"For my first two records, all my songs were coming from my experiences---and I was either recording or touring," Schultz, 32, notes. "But for this record, I got to spend a lot of time back home reconnecting with people who are important to me. This album's all about the depth of relationships."
In the end, "Stories and Songs" represents who Schultz is at the core. Fun. Real. Full of depth. Most of all it invites us to step out of our own stories where we are the focus and into God's larger story, where we can discover what we wll do with the time that is left. http://www.mark-schultz.com/
SELAH
These are the paradoxes of Selah. Three gifted young musicians---a brother and sister brought up in the African heartland, A Tennessee native who had barely set foot outside of his home state---united now as one voice raised in praise to God.
A stream of successes---five Dove Awards, two #1 Inspirational radio singles and five Top 10 hits, enthusiastic receptions at venues ranging from the "The 700 Club" to Carnegie Hall---that began almost by accident and built into a Christian music phenomenon. A new album, Hiding Place, on which the group intermingles Congolese, Irish, R&B and pop melodies alongside hymns and worship songs into what has now become known as the "Selah sound."
Finally, there's the name itself: Drawn from the Psalms of David, Selah suggests taking the time to pause and reflect, even as their music invites you to immerse yourself in the joy that it conveys. Yet Selah---Nicol Sponberg, Todd Smith, and Allan Hall---have only begun their journey. www.selahonline.com
MICHAEL W. SMITH
In 1982, Michael was asked to play keyboards in a band that was backing up young artist Amy Grant. He also continued to write songs for himself. The story goes that Amy's managers, Mike Blanton and Dan Harrell could not find Christian record label that would sign Michael. Believing so much in his talents, they started Reunion Records.
Michael made his very first record in 1983 and it was called Michael W. Smith Project. Michael wrote all the music and his wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The now famous song "Friends" debuted on this album.
Known for his prolific songwrititng and a driving passion to see lives changed, Michael W. Smith stands as a pillar in the Christian community and beyond. With a catalog full of impact worship and pop music, Michael could rest on his reputation, but instead he strives to keep making music that is relevant to the human experience and God's love for us. He writes music that meets us where we are and ushers us into the healing presence of God.
Apart from his activism, music still consumes much of the singer/songwriter/producer's daily life, as it has for more than 20 years. Credited with Top 10 mainstream pop hits "Place In This World" and "I Will Be Here for You" plus 28 No. 1 Christian singles. His diverse portfolio includes pop, Christian, praise & worship and instrumental music, as well as feature-film scores. Combined, Smith's work accounts for more than 12 million albums sold, 13 gold and five platinum records, more than 40 Dove Awards, two Grammys and an American Music Award. www.michaelwsmith.com
KRISTY STARLING
Spend any time with Kristy Starling and you will hear her sing. The 22-year old college student is known for singing anywhere, anytime, all the time: in the car, in the kitchen, even (much to the chagrin of new husband Adam) while watching TV. "It's pretty much who I am," the Oklahoma City native admits with a laugh. "If anyone were to describe me, they would say, she sings! Because that's all I do, it's just my life. I guess it's because I can express myself so easily through music." One place Kristy hadn't expected to find herself singing--at least, not at this stage of her life--was before an audience of millions on the country's number one morning news show. One day she's a music student in college, the next she's in New York City performing live before millions on NBC's Today show. Fast forward one month and Kristy is in Malibu, California, recording with Grammy-winning producer David Foster and beginning work on her debut album. http://www.christianbook.com/html/authors/5325.html
THE SWIFT
Formed in North Carolina in 1998, The Swift began as a youth camp/retreat "come and play when you can" worship band fronted by piano man Britt Edwards. Soon Britt was joined by guitarist Chris Byers, drummer and college pal Trae Drose, and bassist/vocalist Mike Simons. And the more they played together, the more they were asked to play, the more they needed original music, the more time they spent on the road. And well, you get the picture.
By early 2002, The Swift had signed with Flicher Records, and later that year released their self-titled debut, which garnered a top 10 SHR single "Under the Sun" and the AC single "More Than Gold." A DVD of top-notch music videos soon followed, as The Swift picked up touring dates with the meteoric MercyMe. All the while, this ministry-focused band continued playing and leading worship for more than 40 weekends each year for student events like Planet Wisdom and "Life 2004: The Journey" in Phoenix, Ariz., where The Swift play nightly before an estimated crowd of 10,000. www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/swift http://www.the-swift.com/
THIRD DAY
Third Day, who's stood atop the Christian rock world for the better part of the decade, continue the work they started in earnest on the Grammy-winning, gold-selling album. With a keen eye for introspection, the Atlanta-based rockers leave over-arching testaments of faith.
When Powell and Lee started Thrid Day back in 1991 (Tai Anderson and David Carr joined in 93; Avery in 95) they were fresh out of college and still holding down day jobs. Fourteen years later, the group is all grown up with marriages, and babies.
One thing that hasn't changed for the band, however, is its mission: to convey the hope and salvation in the eternity of Christ through their music. "Good times or bad," Avery says, "people always need a reason to hope. God has given us this message and I think the time is right for Third Day to deliver it." www.thirdday.com
JACI VELASQUEZ
There are many ways to describe Jaci Velasquez. She is a confident woman that stands strong on her talent in the entertainment business and has fought through many obstacles of being a successful individual facing challenges in her professional and personal life. Through it all however, she has remained an influential impact in all she does.
After ten years in the business her successes are many, including nine albums---both English and Spanish---and over 3 million albums sold. She has claimed the #1 spot at radio for 16 of her singles as well as numerous awards in both the Christian and general market. Her maturity, drive and talent over the last ten years has brought her to the forefront of the entertainment world and poised her for the success she deserves. Velasquez is a person that has been blessed to carry a destiny for humble greatness---she is stunning, poised and kind. Her beauty has grace. www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/jacivelasquez http://www.jacivelasquez.com/
MATTHEW VOLLBRECHT
Matthew Vollbrecht, a singer who is blind, was the recipient of the Panasonic Youn Soloists Award in 1994. Mr. Vollbrecht's young career began at the tender age of two when he learned how to play the piano. Remarkably, he finished his first composition by the time he was eight, and was honored by VSA arts, an affiliate of John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, at only ten years of age; he remains the youngest recipient of the award in VSA arts history. Demonstrating his exceptional talent for music, Mr. Vollbrecht has performed with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, sung solo for the "Stand for Children" rally for a crowd of 250,000, and performed at the "Race for a Cure." Through a variety of appearances, Mr. Vollbrecht has shared the stage with and performed for First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Vice President and Mrs. Gore and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Mathew is also a featured artist in VSA arts' 25th Anniversary publication, 'The Journey to Here'. www.vsarts.org
WAYNE WATSON
A native of Wisner, Louisianna, the CCM singer/songwriter originally planned to pursue a career playing baseball, but while in college he began dabbling in music, and after graduation regularly performed in area churches. While leading worship at a Christian youth camp, the father of one of the children videotaped Watson's performance and sent it to a Nashville industry rep; his debut LP, Workin' in the Final Hour, followed in 1980. A series of albums like 1982's New Lives for Old, 1984's Man in the Middle and 1985's Giants in the Land followed before his breakthrough record, the Grammy-nominated Watercolor Ponies, appeared in 1987; Watson also notched well over a dozen Dove Award nominations, and launched a number of CCM chart0-toppers including "The class of '95," "Be in Her Eyes," "A Beautiful Place," "Walk in the Dark," "More of You," "It's Time," "Home Free," and "Almight." In 1995 he signed to Warner/Alliance to issue Field of Souls; The Way Home followed three years later. His song "For Such a Time as This" was used as the theme for the 1999 season premiere of CBS's popular series Touched by an Angel, reflecting Watson's own growing popularity in the secular music arena. ~ (Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide)
MATTHEW WEST
New artist Matthew West has built a name for himself in relatively short time. Hailing from the Chicago suburbs, where his father has served as a pastor for 30 years, West developed an interest in music through church and high school, and went on to study the subject in college, where he also tried his hand at songwriting. Upon graduation, after gaining a following as an independent artist, he moved to Nashville and signed a songwriting deal. Since then, he's contributed songwriting to a handful of established Christian artits: Salvador ("Lord I Come Before You"), Sara Groves ("Child of Love" from City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time), and Rachael Lampa ("Savior Song"). By working his way up as a songwriter and continuing to perform as an independent artist, West finally signed a recording contract with Sparrow and Universal South (the latter indicating intentions to market West outside the Christian marketplace). http://www.matthewwest.com/
