The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir (out of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church) is directed by Carol Cymbala, the wife of Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala and the daughter of the church founder, the late Rev. Clair Hutchins. Although the Choir is composed of vocally untrained church members, it has been used by the Lord to present the love of God all over the world. The 285-voice choir has recorded three videos, three DVDs, and numerous albums, winning six Grammy Awards.
It is a highly unlikely ensemble, a mixture of ethnic and economic backgrounds. The choir is made up of attorneys and street people, nurses and ex-crack addicts, a unique cross section of humanity.
Pastor Cymbala explains: “None of us would have met if it weren’t for Christ. Our backgrounds are just too diverse. But all of us have one thing in common: we have all been lifted up and saved. So the Choir sings—not about a theological position—but about what has happened to them. It’s not a theory; it’s a reality.”
Amy Grant was the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit #1 on the pop charts and the first to perform at the Grammys. And while much was made of her making secular albums, her testimony opened the door for people to share their faith in the broader music market.
Born in Augusta, Georgia in 1960 during the residency of her doctor father, Grant was still a baby when her family (she’s the youngest of four daughters) moved back to its native Nashville. She had been singing in church and school for years and a friend, producer Brown Bannister, allowed her to use the studio she interned at to duplicate a tape of her original songs that she wanted to give to her family. A Word Records producer heard the tape and played it over the phone for company executives - and she was immediately given a recording contract at the ripe old age of 15.
Back in the mid-80s, Amy Grant SHOCKED the Christian community by taking her act to the secular music market. It wasn't the first time that a beloved Christian artist went mainstream, but it deeply affected people at the time. You might remember the song Baby, Baby - Back then, that was tantamount to sacrilege. Now, it's muzak in elevators.
She branched out to country music as well. The past decade, Amy Grant has been back to making Christian records. She and her husband Vince Gill are all over the place; Christian, Country, Pop - they have great Christmas records as well!
Random Tidbit: Amy Grant's old background vocalist and keyboard player was Michael W. Smith!
A Star: In 2006 Amy Grant was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Steven Curtis Chapman has released over 20 albums. He has 5 Grammy awards and 50 GMA Dove Awards. He's sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
Several years ago the Chapman's youngest daughter died in a car accident at the family's home. Through this experience, the family has shown unwavering faith and committment to the calling on their lives.
Accolades: After speaking at Anderson University's graduation this Spring, Chapman was awarded an honorary doctorate. This September, the Christian Music Broadcasters awarded SCC the first-ever Rich Mullins Impact Award, recognizing his long-time contributions to the music and ministry of Christian Radio.
Family Business:Show Hope is the family's adoption ministry. Chapman's two sons Caleb and Will have a band called CALEB. Mary Beth (Steven's wife) is an acclaimed author, with her latest book Choosing To See is a New York Times bestseller.
'Tis The Season To Be Gotee Too
Compilation (featuring Jamie Grace and more!)
Joy
Steven Curtis Chapman
Noel
By Josh Wilson
Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy
by Jason Gray
Joy To The World
by Lincoln Brewster
It's Christmas (Christmas Angel Edition)
by Mandisa (re-release with new songs)
ARTIST OF THE DAY Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew modeled his early career after Rich Mullins. He was a lone gun, describing his methodology as, "I've always been kind of the hammer - walk in, speak the truth, blow up the town, walk off and let all the pastors apply that truth or pick up the pieces." If you've seen him in concert you know that he isn't afraid to stop mid-song and tell the crowd exactly how he feels.
But in 2008 Todd went from flying solo all over the world to owning a home, getting married, and becoming a step-dad. You can imagine that changes your perspective. His latest album is filled with a sense of Joy, Hope, and Love that had been missing in both Todd's life and his music.
His latest album How To Be Loved is filled with the lessons of grace Todd has learned over the past couple of years being a family man.
Avalon was formed in 1995 by Grant Cunningham, A&R director at Sparrow Records. Cunningham was in search of a vocal group that could sing tight harmonies and carry God's message to the world. He pooled talent from mega group Truth and other struggling soloists to form the harmony driven vocal group - and its been a whirlwind of excellence for the last 16 years!
So who has that sort of success and says "I think we need to shake things up a bit?" That's exactly what Avalon did with their latest album Reborn. As artists they wanted to be more than just relevant, but to push the envelope and deliver music with a message that will reach the world.
Avalon by the Numbers:
4 million records sold
21 chart topping singles
13 albums
6 Dove Awards
3 Grammy nominations
1 American Music Award
Current Line-up:
Janna Long
Greg Long
Jeremi Richardson
Amy Richardson
Former Members:
Rikk Kittleman
Tabitha Fair
Nikki Anders
Cherie Adams
Michael Passons
Jody McBrayer
Melissa Greene
It's Black Friday!
Are you shopping, resting, decorating or working?
And yes - that is Christmas music you are hearing!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Circleslide
“Throughout all the traveling, the goal has always been to make music that would inspire people, touch hearts and lead them to Christ,” asserts front man Gabe Martinez.
For over five years, Circleslide has been relentlessly touring and leading young people to Christ. But it hasn't been easy. There have been breakdowns, surgeries, loss and more. A couple of years ago Nashville flooded, which destroyed band members' homes, along with lots of equipment. There were times it would have been easy to quit. But Circleslide perserveres.
“It could be someone without a job, someone else having a hard time in general with the economy, a person dealing with death, a single mom with a crazy schedule or a college kid chasing a dream – no matter who you are, we want to remind you that you’re not alone and God has given you the ability to keep going, no matter how hard it gets,” Gabe Martinez
Prolific: Lead Singer Gabe is also a member of the band Stomp Town Revival.
Josh Wilson grew up the son of a preacher in Lubbock, Texas. His debut album Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup became one of 2008's biggest success stories. The album was called “the future of Christian pop." and his songs Savior Please and Before the Morning rocked Christian radio coast to coast. This year, Josh Wilson released See You and a Christmas album called Noel - both of which have already garnered him awards and accolades, along with radio hits.
“Faith is being sure of what we hope and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
The tension between faith and sight is what See You is all about. Josh is quite the accomplished musician, playing 20 instruments on the record, including, ukulele, hammered dulcimer, and the glockenspiel!
I Refuse evolved as Josh was reading David Platt’s book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. While reading the book, Nashville was hit with a huge flood. It was devastating to Josh's community and spurred him to not just cop out with prayer and go along his merry way - but to step out in action to help his community.
Awards: This summer at the ASCAP Christian Awards (held in Nashville), Josh Wilson was awarded for his songs I Refuse, Fall Apart and Jesus Is Alive - PLUS at the end of the night we was awarded as the ASCAP's Songwriter/Artist of the Year!
NewWorldSon defies most musical labels - but here's how the band describes their sound: a melting pot of gospel, R&B, reggae and jazz fused together with an innate pop sensibility.
The Canadian quartet has been winning JUNO Awards and GMA Canada Covenant Awards for years. Wildly popular abroad, we are just now falling in love with them stateside. The group was featured on newsboys' wildly popular "GO" tour and received invitations to headline festivals in Australia, Germany, Holland and Sweden, quickly extending its international reach.
Joel, Josh, Rich and Mark take their musical artistry very seriously. But they are adament that the music means nothing without Christ. They believe that music can make you feel good, but life isn't all happy rainbows and shiny stars. Salvation is the root of every single one of their songs.
Jars of Clay formed in 1994, when Dan Haseltine and Charlie Lowell became friends at Greenville College. By the end of 1995, few had not heard their breakout song Flood. Ever since, this college rock band has pursued their art form with relentless touring, recording and writing.
While Jars of Clay's legacy as great songwriters is cemented, their latest album The Shelter is something a little different. They wanted something new to push their sound and their message past the wall of their own comfort zone. So they grabbed their friends who happen to be amazing song-writers and performers and got some fresh new ideas for song writing and recording. Making cameos as performers and/or song writers on The Shelter: Laura Story, Phillip LaRue, Mac Powell, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Leigh Nash, TobyMac, and more!
The Shelter broaches topics of social justice, per usual for Jars of Clay, but also a touch of something they have not focused on before: The Church. The Shelter is a love song to how the body of Christ can interact when following Christ in a broken world.
By the numbers, Selah has an impressive resume. Their current line-up is Allan Hall, Amy Perry, and Todd Smith. The group, like most people, has weathered many storms. From the death of children, through illnesses and line-up changes, the group has stayed faithful to what God has called them to do - to sing, to worship, and to tell people about Jesus Christ!
From their inception, Selah has always been synonymous with hymns. In fact, the trio’s 1999 debut, Be Still My Soul, helped initiate a hymn revival in Christian music that is still thriving today.
The New Single: Selah's latest release, It Must Be You is from the amazing Bible themed album Songs Inspired by The Story and is from the perspective of Moses. A man who fled after committing a murder. A man who could not speak well. But a man that God chose to lead His people. "If there's anything that's good in me, it must be You."
The Present: Birthed from seasons of personal hardship, Selah’s latest is a celebration of the hope Todd Smith, Allan Hall and Amy Perry have discovered through surrender to God, and a testimony to the group’s collective desire to share these stories of hope with broken people through music. With Hope of the Broken World, Selah recognizes their opportunity to relate with and help listeners heal through songs that poignantly contrast worldly hurt with spiritual hope.
The Past: Nicole Sponberg is Todd Smith's sister and was a founding member of the group.
Shaun’s own salvation story began at the age of six with a dash down the aisle during an altar call given by a fiery revival meeting preacher. Shaun’s decision that day was fueled by fear; he knew he needed to be saved from eternal separation from God. But that knowledge alone didn’t bring Shaun peace. At age 12 Shaun found the peace he was missing when he learned that God actually loved him. Fueled with a strengthening relationship with Christ, Shaun developed a love for music that propelled the weakest member of the school band all the way to the first chair, and on to a full music scholarship at Baylor University.
The life plan Shaun created at Baylor made sense: marry his sweetheart Becky, become a church minister and write Christian songs on the side. But an internship with a Nashville music publisher led to a job, and that led to interest around town in his singing and songwriting. Shaun signed a recording contract at the end of 2000, just a week before the birth of the couple’s first child.
Shaun Groves' 2001 debut Invitation to Eavesdrop scored five songs on the charts and a half dozen Dove Award nominations, including New Artist and Song of the Year for Welcome Home. He was soon touring coast to coast and around the world with Bebo Norman, Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith. “New plan,” he thought.
After a few years of working the music scene, and rarely seeing his family, Shaun found himself doubting the trajectory of life. After becoming involved with Compassion International, Shaun found his special purpose. He and his family began working with families in El Salvador and speaking at churches around the US, bringing light to the situation. Now, more than just a musician, the Groves family consider themselves communicators bent on connecting the first world to the third - for the betterment of both.
Formed at the University of Mobile, the quintet known as Big Daddy Weave has earned a reputation both for the musical conviction that has carried their songs to the top of the charts and for the joy and passion that have made their live performances such moving and memorable experiences.
The new album Love Come To Life is three years in the making and has literally gone through the fire... A devastating fire swept through guitarist/producer Jeremy Redmon's house and studio. That along with health issues, exhaustion and a number of other trials have served to deepen the faith of this band of brothers (technically Mike and Jay are brothers).
Jeff the drummer adds that this new album is by far the most intimate look into what God has been doing in the lives of the band-members. Mike Weaver says, "This is a record of the realities of life and of how God is faithful, always.”
Big Daddy Weave is:
Mike - Songwriter/Lead Vocals/Guitar
Jeff - Drums
Jay - Bass/Vocals
Joe - Saxophone/Keyboards
Jeremy - Guitars/Vocals
Tomorrow morning at 10 AM, we'll be digging into the Gospel of John at Get'n Grounded Coffee Shop in Princess Anne, MD. We'd love for you to enjoy some free coffee and great fellowship!
Thanksgiving Countdown: 8 Days
NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
iTunes Session EP
by Crowder | Genre: Praise & Worship
A Wild Rose
by Julie Elias | Genre: Adult Contemporary
Platinum Collection
by Skillet | Genre: Rock
O God Save Us All
by Disciple | Genre: Hard Rock
So It Continues
by S.O. | Genre: Rap
CHRISTMAS
It's Christmas EP
by MIKESCHAIR | Genre: Christmas
Songs For Christmas V1 EP
by Starfield | Genre: Christmas
Sixteen Cities is a Christian pop rock four-piece band from Portland, Oregon. The band started out as a public school worship and prayer ministry in 2002. They started meeting at their school each week, in an attempt to reach their friends for Christ. It wasn't long before the band knew they were called to use music as a way to reach their generation.
After graduating high school, they decided to go into the music industry full-time, embarking on an indie artist career in the northwest. In 2009 Sixteen Cities signed with Centricity Music and in 2010 they released their first major release.
Their songs were featured on TV shows including One Tree Hill on The CW and have been played in the retail store Hollister. A busy tour schedule has taken Sixteen Cities all over the world, playing at festivals, conferences, churches, schools and camps with artists such as Casting Crowns, Kutless, Building 429 and Sanctus Real.
Last Fall, Sixteen Cities released a worship EP called Your Love Is, followed by the full-length Love Is Making A Way this year. The band is currently working on new material for a 2013 worship project.
Line-Up: Josiah Warneking, Josh Miller, Joel Warneking, and Chad McCutchen
Beginning as a worship leader at a small church in Southern California, Cheri Keaggy has ministered through music and testimony for twenty years. Her debut album, Child of the Father, was released to rave reviews in 1994 earning her a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year. Countless conferences, eight albums, nine #1 songs, three Dove Award nominations and a Dove Award win later, Cheri is back with a new album fueled by one of the darkest periods of her life.
The new songs were penned following the end of her nearly twenty-three year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Eddie Keaggy (nephew to CCM pioneer Phil Keaggy). Many of the songs are reminiscent of some of David's Psalms; forlorn, hurt, but faithful.
Cheri says, “If God can use our challenges and heartaches to build character that makes us more effective for the Kingdom, than that’s what I want. He can use me however He sees fit.”
Family Life: Cheri’s son, Cameron is now married, while her daughter, Sarah, still lives at home in Franklin, TN. Cheri enjoys reading, writing, and walking her beloved shih-tzu, Daisy Doo.
How about some breaking Christian music news? It's sad news - but still.
After an incredible award-filled, album crushing, world-touring career, BarlowGirl is announcing their retirement. Here's a LINK to their final song as a band.
Thanksgiving Countdown: 12 Days
This afternoon at 5 PM, Josh will be talking to Peggy Kissinger about Laurel Wesleyan Church and The Georgia House restaurant in Laurel, DE's Thanksgiving meal.
The goal is to provide a full spread - Thanksgiving experience for families who would otherwise miss out on Thanksgiving.
For more information, to make a reservation, or recommend a family for the feast - call 302-875-5380.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Phil Stacey
Phil Stacey is another Christian artist that got his start on American Idol. He made it all the way to the Top 5 on Season 6 before getting the boot - and things are working out just fine for this Christian radio staple. This native of Kentucky brings a southern rock charm to emotional lyrics, and an honesty that is just plain ole endearing.
Both grandfathers and his dad were pastors, so Phil has grown up in the Church, and that is where his heart is. Phil attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN where he became part of the highly acclaimed Lee Singers. In fact, he says that once he made the singing group, he stayed in school JUST to be a part of the group. He even made the ranks of their prestigious Second Edition touring group.
He serves as music minister at his home church and is very busy balancing a music career, church life and his family. Phil was also in the Navy. He enlisted (as did thousands of others) following the events of September 11, 2001.
Warr Acres (formerly known as VMusic) is the worship team from Victory Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They are a group of musicians, singers, dancers, audio & video artists, and songwriters who have committed to taking the creativity that God has given them, and use it to give back to Him.
The band finds its roots in the life-changing story of Pastor Mark Crow’s wife, Jennifer, being healed of depression and multiple physical ailments. That's when VMusic was formed and the ministry has continued to evolve. Out of Jennifer Crow's healing, she began to write songs expressing the love and thanksgiving that flowed out of her heart to God.
As VMusic, the band penned six #1 hits on Indie Christian radio from 2008 through 2010, was featured twice on Worship Leader Magazine’s Song Discovery CD, and was nominated for the Dove Awards in 2011 and the Premios Arpain 2010.
Christian recording artist Kristy Starling joined VMusic and began leading worship at Victory Church in 2006 when her husband Adam joined the Pastoral team at Victory.
The Name: Warr Acres is the name of the community outside OKC where Pastor Crow planted Victory Church in 1994 - and where the ministry continues to grow and impact lives.
And the winner is...
I know many of you are disappointed by the outcome of the election. Honestly, I am too. But this passage of Scripture from 1 Timothy reset my priorities this morning: "Pray for rulers and for all who
have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of
worship and respect for God." 1 Timothy 2:2 Thanksgiving Countdown: 14 Days
ARTIST OF THE DAY Drew Cline
Drew Cline is an artist, a songwriter, a producer, a writer and church/worship consultant who has served in the local church for over 20 years. He's led and taught worship all around the world, including at Saddleback and Willow Creek churches (two of the biggest, most influential American churches of the age).
For a little over a year, Drew was also the lead singer of NewSong - during which time they were nominated for a Dove Award for The Christmas Hope. He is also the creative director for TheLastLetter.org (a mission and justice ministry). More recently, Drew went from being a worship pastor, to a lead pastor at his church in Nashville, TN.
He is a father of two daughters (Daisy and Jovie) and husband to Lori. All credentials aside, it's his family that is his first love.
The Power of Christian Music: Prone to peer pressure and a need for acceptance during high school, Drew Cline says it was Steven Curtis Chapman’s song Waiting For Lightning that led to him getting serious about his relationship with Jesus.
Did you vote?
I'm just relieved that this will all be over soon...
JOIN US!
Tomorrow morning at 10 AM, we'll be digging into the Gospel of John at Get'n Grounded Coffee Shop in Princess Anne, MD. We'd love for you to enjoy some free coffee and great fellowship!
Thanksgiving Countdown: 15 Days
NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
Miracle
by Third Day | Genre: Rock
For The Glory
by The O.C. Supertones | Genre: Ska
*First Supertones album in over 8 years!
Twenty Three Live at Lakewood Church
by Cindy Cruse Ratcliff | Genre: Praise & Worship
Perfectly You
by Chelsea Musick | Genre: Country
Motion Towards The Miles
by Attaboy | Genre: Pop/Rock
Anthology 1999-2013
by Underoath | Genre: Hard Rock
As Long As You Love Me
by L.O.Y.A.L.T.Y. | Genre: Gospel
CHRISTMAS
Love Is Christmas
by Daniel Kirkley | Genre: Christmas
Francesca Battistelli is busy. She has a two year old son (Matthew), an award winning music career that includes her husband who plays drums in her band, lots of #1 radio hits, music videos to shoot, a Christmas tour to wrap up and oh yeah, then there's the holidays spread out between two families... girlfriend could probably use a break. But she ain't gettin' one!
In September, Francesca was surprised on stage by the President of Word Entertainment - who awarded her a gold album for her debut, My Paper Heart. This marks the first debut album from a CCM artist in nearly a decade to receive RIAA-certified Gold status for sales in excess of 500,000 units. (Casting Crowns’ release in 2003 was the last debut album to receive RIAA Gold certification)
At only six years old, Francesca was an aspiring actress. She longed to be on Broadway - singing and dancing and acting. Francesca’s passion for life on the stage wasn’t all that surprising, given her mom and dad’s extensive theater background. In fact, they met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” while her mom played Anna, the show's female lead opposite Yul Brynner.
And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to clear her head. “Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I absolutely loved,” Francesca shares. “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”
Awesome: Francesca is featured on both of the A Very Special Christmas compilation projects benefiting the Special Olympics.
“My one focus and desire is to usher people into the presence of God and love on Jesus the way He deserves to be loved on.” - Phil King
Phil King is a 23 year–old musician, singer/songwriter. He began songwriting at just 9 years old. At age sixteen, Phil began leading praise and worship where he attended church in central California and by the age of seventeen he had picked up the guitar and piano. Phil King’s passion for Praise & Worship and his love for the Lord and people are clearly evident in his music.
Some of Phil’s musical influences are greats such as: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jonny Lang, Stevie Wonder, and Eric Clapton. It's a bluesy, rock n roll, eclectic mix that makes his music sound fresh, but also familiar. Phil calls it soul. His peers agree - with Israel Houghton comparing him to GRAMMY winner Jonny Lang.
Phil is currently serving at Grace Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where he co-leads worship - and is preparing for the launch of his music career. His full-length debut is expected early Spring 2013.
Pumpkin...everything...
There's a crispness to the air that is making me excited about Thanksgiving...
Which is only 19 days away!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Passion Worship
Louie Giglio founded the Passion Conference in 1997 to specifically target young people (high school seniors and college aged men and women 18-25 years old) with the Gospel of Christ. With the help of his friends: Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Christy Nockels, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill, Francis Chan, John Piper... uhm ... pretty much everybody, really - the conferences became a global force for spreading passion for Christ to the next generation.
Louie Giglio and company also founded the Passion City Church in Atlanta as their local ministry to the city which has become the hub for the conferences worldwide.
The battle cry for the Passion movement comes from Isaiah 26:8: Yes Lord, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you, for your name and your renown are the desire of our souls.
2012's theme was White Flag - focusing on total surrender to the cross. The live worship album features Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill - plus many more.
Passion 2013 is already slated for Jan 1-4 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. You can order tickets HERE.
Crazy Fact: More than 40,000 people attended the 2012 Passion conference in Atlanta.
We are back on the air!
Thanks to our engineer Bryan, all of you for your prayers and to The Bridge & WMDT for spotlighting our needs over the last few days.
God is good - and we invite you to share the good news that Joy 102.5 is back on the air!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Audio Adrenaline
Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss met at Kentucky Christian College (now Kentucky Christian University). Stuart and his brother David were putting together a rock band and McGinniss struck up a friendship with the pair. Along with David and Barry Blair they launched the band, originally called A-180. The band recorded two independent albums before signing a record contract with Forefront Records. It was then that they officially launched Audio Adrenaline.
Christian music would never be the same - or youth camp. Hits like Big House and We're A Band propelled the band to the forefront of a thriving Christian rock scene in the mid-90s. They were headliners for every Christian festival on the planet - and toured ceaselessly. Ultimately, that took a toll on their families and relationships. Ultimately it was exhaustion and family strain that led to the end of Audio Adrenaline.
But that end could not last forever...
Now Audio A is BACKwith a new lead singer (former DC Talk-er Kevin Max) and a new album due out early in 2013! The new album Kings & Queens is inspired by and will help fund the Hands & Feet Project founded by the band almost a decade ago! Album:Kings & Queens(due out in 2013)
