When the holiday season comes around, music superstars Amy Grant and Vince Gill will embark on their sixth Christmas tour. The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Amy Grant & Vince Gill kicks off Dec. 7 in Baltimore, MD and wraps with 2 shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. “Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.
In their two hour program, the Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team will present cherished standards and as well as newer seasonal fare.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. In the fall of 2008 she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, and this past March released her first new music in 6 years, with SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD featuring the Grammy nominated song "Better Than A Hallelujah.”
One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill has a love for country music, top-notch songwriting, and world-class guitar playing, all wrapped in a warm tenor and a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough with “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year award. Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has walked away with 20 Grammy Awards and has racked up sales in excess of 26 million. Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. After a long and musically productive spell of writing, touring and recording with other artists, he roars back on his own with “Threaten Me With Heaven,” his first single in four years. The song is the opening salvo from his MCA Records album, Guitar Slinger, released Oct. 24. Gill boasts three best-selling Christmas albums of his own: Let There Be Peace On Earth, Breath Of Heaven and Christmas Collection.
Complete list of dates:
December 7 Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House
December 8 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
December 9 Richmond, VA Richmond Landmark Theater
December 10 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium
December 11 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater
December 12 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
December 15 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre
December 16 Evansville, IN The Centre
December 17 Muncie, IN Emens Auditorium – Ball State
December 19 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
December 20-21 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
It’s not even spring yet, but multi-platinum recording artists Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant have already experienced one of their highlights for 2011: touring alongside each other as longtime friends and creative partners. The pair’s recently-wrapped run of shows called the “2 Friends Tour” brought back a flood of memories not only for fans, but for the performers as well.
“Touring with Amy was absolutely awesome,” Smith says. “Our friendship runs deep and my respect for her as an artist has always been off the chart. But to see her every night – the way she performs and communicates and connects with the crowd – it’s just amazing.”
“I loved standing beside Michael every night,” Grant adds. “I loved watching his amazing, God-given gifts. His smile is as familiar as my childhood and I have missed seeing it close up, standing shoulder to shoulder. I loved singing with him as he brought each crowd into worship. He is someone I trust and I’m never wary about going somewhere he wants to go creatively or spiritually.”
Grant and Smith split the “2 Friends” evening, each performing complete sets of their own material, but also came together for songs they wrote together or are deeply associated with, such as the show-opening “Stay For Awhile” from Grant’s 1986 The Collection compilation, the seminal anthem “Lead Me On” and Smith’s signature breakthrough hit “Friends.” That interplay, combined with the timelessness of each artist’s song list, made for a concert experience The Grand Rapids Press called “a three-hour trip down memory lane, with songs triggering thoughts of times well spent with faithful friends.” The Orange Country Register noted “Smith and Grant blended their voices perfectly, a satisfying touch that would return throughout the show…A fast-paced mix of material that pleased the capacity crowd.”
The tour generated double-digit sold-out shows, including Rocklin, Calif; Anaheim, Calif.; Redlands, Calif.; Phoenix; Holland, Mich.; Omaha, Neb.; Franklin, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio; New York City and Lancaster, Pa. The response was so overwhelming, Grant and Smith have agreed to do what many fans unable to see the show this go-round hoped they would do: they’re taking it back out this fall.
“I don’t think we were out of rehearsals before we were talking about going back out in the fall!” Smith says. “Thankfully, people showed up – there were a lot of sold-out nights and we’re going to do it again this fall. I can’t wait!”
“I loved every aspect of this tour – the music, the bands, the camaraderie, the joy and the crowds,” Grant says. “It was a real gift and I’m excited to do it again next fall.”
That’s not to say these two busy artists are looking past the spring and summer, which are already packed. Smith will head out on a 20-25 date spring tour in support of Wonder (more details forthcoming) before embarking on an active schedule of summer appearances at major festivals around the country. Grant will be spending time at home this spring, writing and recording material for a new album. She will perform several charity events and concerts throughout the summer, and will be featured nationally at several Women of Faith events in the coming months.
Six time GRAMMY ® winner Amy Grant’s single “Better Than A Hallelujah” off of her latest release, Somewhere Down the Road, earned a GRAMMY ® nomination on Wed. evening. The song written by Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford received a nod in the “Best Gospel Song” category. The 53rd Annual GRAMMY ® Awards will take place on Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 at 8pm ET/PT on CBS. The awards will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.
“I am thrilled to see ‘Better Than A Hallelujah,’ and its creators Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford receiving this recognition from the music community,” adds Grant. “I remember the very first time I ever heard the song. It had been sent to me in an email and I sat at my computer hitting replay time after time. The gentle, redemptive and poignant lyrics washed over me and I was so thankful to the songwriters for the scenarios their word pictures painted. I am humbled and honored to have been the one to get to record this song.“
The platinum selling artist will embark on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” tour later this month with husband Vince Gill, and then join Michael W. Smith for the multi-city “2 Friends” tour in early 2011. Visit www.amygrant.com for the latest touring information.
Six time GRAMMY ® winner Amy Grant to host a unique and intimate concert series to benefit worldwide children’s advocacy organization Compassion International for ten shows this fall on the “Pieces of Our Lives” tour featuring a personal concert from Grant along with an exclusive art gallery reception.
The “Pieces of Our Lives” art gallery reception will showcase exclusive art, photography, paintings and lyrics reflecting themes found in Grant’s signature songs. Select items will be available for auction after tour. Each event will be limited to only 300 guests.
The intimate concert series will benefit Compassion International’s Leadership Development Program. The LDP program is geared towards taking young people out of poverty, equipping them with a college education and empowering them to make a difference within their home community.
To find out more about the “Pieces of Our Lives” events, special ticket prices and event concierge service, visit http://www.piecesofourlives.com. A list of tour dates are listed below.
“I’m extremely excited about these special evening events,” says Amy Grant. “I love music, but I love it most in small intimate venues where I get to really connect with the audience. The structure of these evenings is so unique and elegant. Anytime you can combine music, art and a great cause, I think you have something very special. The evenings are really about telling stories, singing songs and sharing art – all to benefit the lives of students and children in need.”
“Pieces of Our Lives” tour
* all dates subject to change, visit www.piecesofourlives.com for most up to date tour info
Sept. 28 Houston, TX - The Hobby Center, Zilkha Hall
Sept. 29 Austin, TX - One World Theatre
Sept. 30 Dallas, TX - The Eismann Center
Oct. 5 Atlanta, GA - The Opera House at Atlanta Events Center
Oct. 6 Orlando, FL - Vision 360 Global Collaboration Ceter
Oct. 12 Chicago, IL - River East Art Center
Oct. 13 Minneapolis, MN - The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom
Oct. 26 St. Louis, MO - Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, Lee Theatre
Oct. 28 Oklahoma City, OK - Oklahoma History Center
Just weeks after releasing the critically acclaimed Somewhere Down the Road, Amy Grant will be seen on ABC’s Nightline tonight, April 23.
The celebrated singer will be featured in the show’s playlist segment which has also covered Jennifer Hudson, Keith Urban and more. Nightline airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m., ET on ABC. For more information on the show, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/.
Somewhere Down the Road is a potent collection that takes the listener on a musical journey that reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. The 12-track set includes six new songs, two previously unreleased tracks from her musical vault, a newly recorded version of “Arms of Love,” and three songs from her catalog.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. Last fall she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, which in addition to four new songs, features tracks that were hand-picked by Grant to include the best songs from her previous albums that result in a classic Christmas album reminiscent of the Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc. albums of old.
Amy Grant’s return proves to be triumphant as her latest Somewhere Down the Road continues to be well received from fans, critics and retail alike.
Grant’s Somewhere Down the Road debuted at No. 2 on the Christian soundscan chart. She consistently nabbed the No. 1 spot on the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel album chart the week of its release where it continues to be in the top 5. Grant is also releasing weekly video podcasts on iTunes ® and HearitFirst.com. To subscribe or view, please check out http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-grant-somewhere-down-the/id365791071 and http://hearitfirst.com/artisthome.aspx?artist_id=1698.
Grant recently wrapped up a whirlwind promo trip for the release of the record making stops at radio stations, retailers and media outlets nationwide. While in New York City, Grant spoke with Nightline, Guideposts.com, Premiere Radio Networks, Fox News Network, SELF Magazine, ABC NEWS NOW, CBS Early Show and Fox & Friends Easter special. In addition, Grant’s first radio single since 2003, “Better Than A Hallelujah” is being welcomed by program directors everywhere excited to hear Grant on the radio again.
After receiving strong reviews from Ladies Home Journal, People magazine, Billboard magazine, Christianity Today and more, Somewhere Down the Road is still garnering critical acclaim. Below is just a sample of what the critics are continuing to say about Grant’s latest.
"Amy Grant has created the project that every other female artist this year wanted to create. Get in line behind her if you've got one on the way… Amy Grants latest, is not a project for just any listener, it's a project for those who enjoy complete musical journeys, and for those who enjoy being moved to smile or maybe even shed a tear while listening. Beware, there are no 'throwaway cuts' in the 12 tracks on Somewhere Down The Road. It's easily one of my top 5 releases in 2010. Thanks Amy, for a passionate musical journey." – NewReleaseTuesday.com podcast
“This incredible collection of story songs is marked by all three of these much longed-for and to-be-treasured realities. Quite frankly, this is my all-time-favorite Amy Grant recording. What we’ve come to expect from Amy is very much here… creative arrangements, tasteful nuancing, impeccable players, believable vocals… but so very much more. As long as I’ve known Amy, the investment in her art has always mirrored the reach of her heart—a reach which has strained and grown in every season of life, and with every record she’s made.” –Worship Leader magazine
“We've waited seven years for Amy Grant to release new material and after several listens to Somewhere Down The Road, I've decided that it was worth the wait… The bottom line for me is that out of 12 songs, there isn't a throwaway tune to be found. This release was good the first listen, really good the second listen and by listen number three, all I could do was shake my head.” - christianmusic.about.com
“… Well thought out album beautifully bridges a few old favorites with smart risks that will likely pay of somewhere down the road.” – Country Weekly
“But among the six new releases are some of her most personal and beautifully crafted work, that make Somewhere Down the Road possibly a down payment on a new era for the Christian singer who has been a star since she was 17 years old.” – Beliefnet.com
Grant will perform her new single, “Better Than A Hallelujah” at the GMA Dove Awards. The awards show will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House and televised nationwide on gmc (http://www.gmclife.com), Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. gmc is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 46 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. Last fall she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, which in addition to four new songs, features tracks that were hand-picked by Grant to include the best songs from her previous albums that result in a classic Christmas album reminiscent of the Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc. albums of old.
Artist: Amy Grant
Album: Somewhere Down The Road
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewer: Alex Judge
With around 30 years of music industry experience, six Grammys, three multi-platinum albums, and numerous chart topping Contemporary Christian songs under her belt, Amy Grant is back with her first release in seven years with six new songs, two previously unreleased tracks, and three classic Grant songs. “Somewhere Down The Road” blends these three types of songs to weave a theme of focusing on the journey of life.
Evident in the songwriting is a variety of stylistic influences ranging from acoustic to pop to African to country. Songs such as “Better Than a Hallelujah” and “Overnight” exhibit the strong, effected drum beat underlying a melodic piano part with pop styled vocals. “Third World Woman” has a strong African rhythmic feel combined with a more hushed vocal to back up the concept of the third world culture. “What is the Chance of That” presents a southern influence with a bit of a twang in the vocal line and a very obvious country music bed. The album closes with a remake of MercyMe’s song, “Imagine,” featuring a verse and melody of“Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus.”
Throughout the album, the theme is one of changes and trials and times of rejoicing that life brings as we journey through it. Highlights of “Somewhere Down the Road” include the opening track, “Better Than a Hallelujah,” which addresses how much more God loves an “honest cry of breaking hearts” than the shouts of praise from a congregation, and the re-recording of Amy’s classic, “Arms of Love,” which takes the piano ballad and adds a full band complete with background vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drums, keys, bass, and electric guitar.
Amy could easily have relied on her previous accomplishments to drive this album, but instead poured into it her heart and soul, bringing a relevant modern release of new material and a bit of the classic Amy Grant style to appeal to the faithful fan base that has been with her for years.
Amy Grant’s long awaited release of new music, Somewhere Down the Road, is receiving a standing ovation from media, radio and fans alike as the album streets this week. Somewhere Down the Road is also the current No. 1 album on the Christian & Gospel iTunes ® chart.
Critics are praising Grant’s first collection new music in six years. Below is just a sample of the review feedback.
“She’s back and better than ever…”
– Ladies Home Journal
“This is a soothing set of inspirational pop, as the pure-voiced Grant exudes a simple warmth …”
– People magazine
“…all the songs on this collection weave together into a beautiful musical tapestry—--each as warm, thoughtful and gently compelling as the woman singing them…. we are all better for Grant having shared this emotional road map.”
– Billboard magazine
“These songs sound right for today’s Grant. Somewhere Down the Road once again bravely broaches the here and now with candor while also pointing out hope on the other side. For the music world, Amy Grant is a treasure. This record seconds that notion.”
– ChristianityToday.com/music
“Real, honest, and beautifully done, Somewhere Down the Road is a story worth hearing again and again.”
– JesusFreakHideout.com
“Amy's music shines bright as simplified, polished, honest stories that you can embrace, and her first new album in seven (7!) years is no different… Let's hope this is the start of renewed passion in her illustrious career.”
– NewReleaseTuesday.com
“If you’re already a fan of Grant’s music, you’ll be excited to have the new tunes. If this is your first introduction to Grant, I’m confident you’ll become a fellow Granthead.”
– NashvilleParent.com
"Amy Grant's new CD, Somewhere Down the Road is alive with songs that reach out and touch the heart of the listener. She captures the essence of woman in this CD and she delivers it flawlessly."
- CountryMusicTattleTale.com
Grant is will be traveling all across the US this week in support of Somewhere Down the Road. She has been visiting major radio stations such as KLTY, FISH and JOYFM as well making in store appearances in Atlanta, Dallas and Sarasota. You can follow all of Grant’s street week travel by joining her facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/amygrant, as well as following her on twitter, http://twitter.com/AMYGRANT.
Her first radio single since 2003, “Better Than A Hallelujah,” is already climbing the charts and being very well-received at radio. With spins increasing weekly, program directors everywhere are talking about how great it is to have Grant back on radio with an amazingly powerful and meaningful song::
“Wow! What a gift to have Amy back on the airwaves,” says Carmen Brown, of the Joy FM’s Morning Cruise in Tampa, FL. “It's like reuniting with that old friend, and even though some time has passed, you haven't missed a beat. I experienced that reunion this week with Amy & our listeners. ‘Better Than a Hallelujah’ is such an honest song. It articulates the message that our faith isn't about simply waiting on the goose bumps & good days. It's based on God's faithfulness in the hard times and loving us despite the mess we are.”
Later this week, Grant will be speaking with Nightline, Guideposts.com, Premiere Radio Networks, Fox News Network, SELF Magazine and more as well as performing on the CBS Early Show on Saturday morning and taping a performance to air on Fox & Friends Easter Sunday. For a complete list of airing times for your area, visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/06/earlyshow/saturday/main1183891.shtml for the CBS Early Show times as well as http://www.foxnews.com/fnctv/ for the airing of Fox & Friends in your area. Amy currently graces the cover of CCM magazine’s April digital issue.
The thousands of fans on Grant’s facebook page are also communicating their love of Somewhere Down the Road saying:
“Amy I am listening to Somewhere Down The Road from Mexico City, It is amazing, Just God gives inspiration to us for serving the world! God bless you.”
“Just bought Somewhere Down the Road on iTunes ®. It's beautiful, amazing, and inspiring. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself, Amy!”
“I have been a devoted fan of yours since the beginning of your career. Every time you have a new album, it becomes my favorite. This one will be no exception. I am really enjoying it, and I have no doubt it will give needed support and encouragement to many people. You are such an inspiration. Wishing you many, many blessings. ?”
Somewhere Down the Road is a potent collection that takes the listener on a musical journey that reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. The 12-track set includes six new songs, two previously unreleased tracks from her musical vault, a newly recorded version of “Arms of Love,” and three songs from her catalog.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. Last fall she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, which in addition to four new songs, features tracks that were hand-picked by Grant to include the best songs from her previous albums that result in a classic Christmas album reminiscent of the Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc. albums of old.
Six-time GRAMMY Award ® winner and 30 million plus selling artist Amy Grant will release “Somewhere Down the Road” on March 30th, a potent collection that takes the listener on a musical journey that reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. The 12-track set (full list below) includes four new songs, several previously unreleased tracks from her musical vault and a newly recorded version of “Arms of Love.”
Somewhere Down the Road reflects an accomplished artist at a time of renewed creativity and also echoes the life of a woman who is not afraid to write and sing about life’s most heart-wrenching moments as well as the sublime joys.
“There have been times in my life that I was sitting in the cat bird seat and everything was going my way, but currently, this is a time [with] a lot of uncertainty within my extended family as we’ve experienced pain, loss, and joy,” admits Grant who has dealt with aging parents and the loss of a close friend this past year. “This is the kind of record where it takes maturity to put out, so we went back and looked at old songs, unreleased songs, and new songs that fit together in a way that I think will make a really amazing and intriguing journey.”
“From a work stand point, I’ve had the amazing opportunity that anything I’ve ever wanted to try, for some reason, the door has opened. I love music as much as I always have, but I feel very contented when it comes to work. What brings the sizzle back to me is a great idea and it can be somebody saying, ‘hey, I have this idea for a song!’ As soon as they speak the words I go, ‘Ahhh, that’s great. We’ve got to sit down and do it right now.’ That’s how I felt about this project.”
The first single from the new project, “Better Than a Hallelujah,” is Grant’s first new radio single since “Simple Things” in 2003.
“The honesty of it, the vulnerability of the lyrics, the beautiful melody, and that the song found me right where I was in my own journey was incredibly powerful,” says Grant, admitting the song resonated strongly with her as she dealt with the death of her longtime friend musician Ruth McGinnis. “The song is just so poignant and redemptive. In the lyric there is no religious code or lingo going on and the message is true, it’s good news. I love every scenario it’s painting.”
Though Grant is an industry veteran, and one of a short list of artists to have scored No. 1 hits in each of the last three decades, Somewhere Down the Road finds her enjoying several first time experiences---among them recording in the new studio she and husband Vince Gill built in their Nashville home, contributing one of her own paintings as part of the cover art, and for the first time recording a duet on the song “Overnight” with one of her children, 17-year-old-daughter Sarah. The song says if things happened overnight, you wouldn’t appreciate the process, as Grant explains, “If it all just happened overnight, you would never know what it means, and you would never learn to believe in what you can’t see. I’ve wanted to sing with Sarah for a long time and when this song showed up I thought it would be perfect for us to record.”
Among the other new tracks, “Unafraid,” is a poignant ballad that has become a favorite at Grant’s live shows and will be available in physical form for the first time. In addition, “Hard Times” is another new tune on the album, which Grant co-wrote with Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks. “Mindy Smith asked me to sing a background part on her latest record and they were producing it,” Grant says of her introduction to her collaborators. “They already had the idea for the verses and I wrote the chorus and we wrote the last verse together. It’s been hard times on a lot of levels for a lot of people. I don’t know anybody that is saying this is the easiest and best time in life.”
In selecting previously unreleased recordings that fit with the theme of Somewhere Down the Road, two songs stood out as perfect for this collection “Come Into My World” and “What is the Chance of That.” “’Come Into My World’ is the rawest, most vulnerable of the two and it just required a lot of distance from that time in my life. I wrote that in the years prior to going through a divorce, and so the song is really a downer,” she admits. “I don’t feel that same way now and I hadn’t actually heard it in over a decade but was moved by it and thought ‘Wow, I remember how that felt. Thank goodness I don’t feel that way now, but that is a very real feeling for a lot of people at different times in life.’”
While Grant could easily rest of her considerable laurels, the dawning of a new decade finds her as passionate as ever. “It’s all about the idea,” she says. “I love the song ‘Better Than A Hallelujah.’ I love the opportunity to get to do a song with my daughter. I love the concept of Somewhere Down the Road. I am personally moved by the concept of our journey through life and because of all the years that have come before, I find myself in a unique and somewhat rare position to be able to sing about that journey, and that’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.”
UPDATE:
Click here to visit the auction!
Porter’s Call, the Franklin, TN organization that offers free counsel, support and encouragement to recording artists and their families, has partnered with the premier celebrity auction website, www.clothesoffourback.org, to host an online celebrity auction September 14th – 30th. The auction’s direct link is www.clothesoffourback.org/porterscall.
The auction is an effort to sustain the organization’s long-term financial health and to continue to offer free services to the community of recording artists. More than 30 music and sports stars, television personalities and best-selling authors have donated several one-of-a-kind, autographed items for this auction. Some highlights include:
- Autographed Guitars from Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Gene Simmons, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me, and Paramore
- Autographed wardrobe items from Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Big Kenny, Michael W. Smith and tobyMac
- Concert and meet & greet packages from Casting Crowns, Diamond Rio and Mandisa
- Titans and Predators tickets with special passes
- Framed autographed handwritten lyrics from Vince Gill and Amy Grant
- Autographed books from Mike Huckabee, Steve Harvey and Rick & Bubba
- Other autographed items from Jonas Brothers, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Billy Bob Thornton, Alison Krauss, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans and Josh Turner
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming show of support we’ve received from the participating artists-many of whom we’ve never met,” said Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “This auction collection holds a diverse and unique array of items that is sure to excite and delight their fans. While we know these items will raise significant funds to further the work of Porter’s Call, we hope that awareness for the service we provide is already rising significantly within the music community and that we will be able to serve more artists in the months to come.”
Started 9 years ago with an initial grant, Porter’s Call was created to meet a need to come alongside artists in their pilgrimage of life and music and faith. Because of this, many artists are able to avoid the pitfalls so common in the industry. Since its doors opened, Porter’s Call has offered its service at no charge to artists. This has been made possible through the generous support of record labels, artists and those working throughout various facets of the music industry.
Located in an historic home in Franklin, TN, it’s a safe and confidential place for artists where questions can be asked and explored; where broken lives can be restored and healed; where God can be encountered and discovered; where creative gifts can be deepened and enhanced.
Counselors Al and Nita Andrews have welcomed almost 500 artists through their doors since its inception.
The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle," "Raising the Bar") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe. For more information and to bid, log onto www.clothesoffourback.org.
Nashville, Tenn. May 20, 2009… Amy Grant will appear alongside Kathie Lee and Hoda on tomorrow’s edition of Today on NBC. The singer will discuss her latest EP titled She Colors My Day and her partnership with the skincare brand philosophy.
Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda airs on NBC at 10am EST Mon. through Fri. For more information, visit http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/.
Alongside her Today appearance, the musician, philanthropist and mother will also speak with Fox News Radio regarding her latest initiatives as well as their Fox on Faith podcast and Fox affiliate servicing. For more information about Fox News Radio & Fox News, visit www.foxnews.com.
Fox & Friends will also be taping an interview with Grant to talk about the upcoming Challenge America. Grant is joining forces with husband Vince Gill to present Challenge America at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 8, 2009, honoring wounded warriors and launching the nationwide Challenge America initiative. Special musical guests slated to join Grant and Gill at the Monday night Kennedy Center launch event include Michael McDonald, Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Melinda Doolittle and Mac McAnally with NY Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield. For Challenge America tickets, visit www.kennedy-center.org.
Grant will also be speaking with the Washington Post, US News and World Report among others in support of Challenge America.
She Colors My Day released on May 5 with an exclusive debut on iTunes ®. The four song EP features “She Colors My Day” and “Unafraid,” the first new, non-Christmas music from Grant in five years as well as the classics “Baby, Baby” and “Oh, How the Years Go By.” Amy Grant and songwriters Cristina Carlino (philosophy founder and creator) & Stuart Mathis are donating all artist and publishing royalties generated by the sale of the song “She Colors My Day” to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s’ Cancer Research Fund. The colorful music video for “She Colors My Day” also had an exclusive Amazon.com debut on May 12.
Lots of news today!
- Enter to win a trip to Nashville for a backyard BBQ with the newboys! Click here to enter (you can enter once per day!)
- Watch new, exclusive videos with Amy Grant: She plays her new song "Unafraid" just for hearitfirst.com! Watch now!
- Matthew West had vocal surgery and wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to sing again. His recovery was chronicled in the documentary, Nothing To Say, and you can watch the first episode (and many many exclusive Matthew West videos) at hearitfirst.com/matthewwest!
GRAMMY ® Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, philanthropist and mother, Amy Grant will release her first new, non-Christmas music in five years with the release of She Colors My Day EP exclusively on iTunes ® the week of May 5 and in partnership with the skin care brand philosophy.
Grant will debut two new songs for Mother’s Day: “She Colors My Day”, a fun pop-song about a mother’s love for her daughter, and the beautiful soul-stirring “Unafraid” which is a tribute to Amy’s own mother. Available May 5 with a debut exclusively on iTunes ®, the 4-song EP also includes classic Grant hits “Baby Baby” and “Oh, How The Years Go By”. The colorful music video for “She Colors My Day” will have an exclusive Amazon.com debut on May 12.
“I’m so glad to be releasing some new music,” says Grant. “I’ve been working on a lot of new material and two of the new songs seemed to fit perfectly for a special Mother’s Day release. ‘Unafraid’ is motherhood from every angle --- partner, parent, caregiver -- a perspective that every 40-something mom knows all too well. And ‘She Colors My Day’ makes me smile thinking of how my own daughters brighten up my life.”
Amy Grant and songwriters Cristina Carlino (philosophy founder and creator) & Stuart Mathis are donating all artist and publishing royalties generated by the sale of the song “She Colors My Day” to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s’ Cancer Research Fund.
Alongside Grant’s EP, philosophy is partnering with online photo and artwork company Snapfish to create personalized books for Mother’s Day. For each book that is created, Snapfish will donate 50 percent of the net proceeds to the “She Colors My Day” project, a philosophy non-profit initiative to assist in raising funds to create a cure for breast cancer. philosophy is also releasing a bubble bath in honor of the charity.
Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 8, 2008… Amy Grant will be making many stops in New York to promote her most recent Christmas release The Christmas Collection including a performance on the “CBS Early Show” on Dec. 9. Her newest Christmas release in nine years, The Christmas Collection features four new songs plus many of Grant’s classic Christmas favorites.
Grant will perform “Baby It’s Christmas” with husband Vince Gill, a song they co-wrote, on the CBS “Early Show” tomorrow, Dec. 9. The program airs from 7-9am EST on weekdays, and they are scheduled to appear in the last hour of the program.
“Fox & Friends” will also be taping a performance and interview with Grant to talk about her most recent Christmas project, with an airdate TBD.
TV Guide Network also included an interview with Grant in their “Gifts, Games & Gadgets” program. The show covers everything from the most recent gadgets to celebrity news, and this episode will focus on Christmas. The episode will premiere Sunday, Dec. 7 at 8:00pm EST, more airing times can be found on TVGuide.com.
Among her other media stops, Grant is doing interviews with “Fox News Radio” and “ABC Radio’s Entertainment News” as well as “Oprah & Friends Radio with Dr. Robin.”
The current single from the album, “I Need A Silent Night” was the second most added song at AC Christian Radio last week and has been added to mainstream AC radio. Resonating with fans, the single is Grant’s most downloaded song in recent months at iTunes and other digital providers.
Additionally, Grant will be taking over Hearitfirst.com’s website tomorrow. With over 186,000 members, HearItFirst.com is the premiere destination for exclusive content that connects fans with the artists they love. The site takeover features exclusive interviews, contest, previews of music and more. www.HearItFirst.com/AmyGrant.
Grant is currently on the Christmas With Amy & Vince Tour. The 15-date tour debuted Dec. 4, in Manchester, NH, and will finish in Nashville Dec. 22 and 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The two-hour show will feature the two Grammy winners backed by a 12-piece band. “Christmas audiences are special,” says Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.”
For more information on Grant, The Christmas Collection and her tour, please go to http://www.amygrant.com.
Don't miss
Amy Grant this December! Next week Amy will be in New York promoting
her latest album, The
Christmas Collection. Get up early on Tuesday, December 12th
to see Amy Grant and Vince Gill perform "Baby, It's Christmas"
on The Early Show (CBS). Amy Grant will also be stopping by Fox &
Friends (air date yet to be announced). If you missed the "NBC
Holiday Celebration on Ice" Thanksgiving weekend hosted by Amy Grant and
Michael W. Smith, you can catch it later this month on the STYLE network
(December 21 - 10-11am EST, December 22 - 4-5 pm EST, December 24 - 2-3 pm
EST)
Be
sure to check out Amy and Vince together on tour this month. To see
if they're coming to a city near you, visit amygrant.com.
Amy's
latest release, along with a collection of all her Christmas songs and a
podcast series about her latest Christmas album are available at iTunes.
The Christmas Collection
Christmas: The Complete Collection - a collection of all of Amy's Christmas
recordings
Amy Grant: The Christmas Podcast
Hawk Nelson's "One Little Miracle" EP is now available featuring the original studio version of One
Little Miracle, the acoustic version with Amy Grant (available for the first
time digitally today), and the Live From Creation ’08 version with Amy Grant. Click here to check it out on iTunes!
NASHVILLE, TN-- Sept. 29, 2008 --Amy Grant and Vince Gill will embark on a 15-date Christmas With Amy & Vince Tour Dec. 4, in Manchester, NH, and bring it home Dec. 22 and 23 with two shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium.
“The job of spreading Christmas cheer has simply gotten too big for Santa and Rudolph to do alone,” Gill explains. “So Amy and I are pitching in. Besides, these holiday tours have become our favorites.”
Grant agrees: “Christmas audiences are special. They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.”
In their two hour program of cherished standards and newer seasonal fare, the Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team will be backed by a 12-piece band that features a horn section and two harmony singers, one of whom is Gill’s daughter, Jenny. “Some of our earlier Christmas tours were with a symphony orchestra,” Gill notes. “This time, though, we wanted to create more of an intimate, living room feel.” Plans are underway to work with local charities in order to give back to these communities.
On Sept. 30, Grant will release her first new Christmas album in nine years. Called The Christmas Collection, it is made up of selections from her three earlier Christmas CDs—plus four new tunes, including “Baby It’s Christmas,” a song Grant and Gill wrote together. Keeping with the festive mood, Grant will tape on Nov. 11 an NBC-TV special, Holiday Celebration On Ice. It co-stars Michael W. Smith and a corps of world-famous skating champions and will air Nov. 30.
One of the most beloved and respected performers in American music, Gill was inducted last year into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is a long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry and winner of 19 Grammy awards. Gill boasts three best-selling Christmas albums of his own: Let There Be Peace On Earth, Breath Of Heaven and Christmas Collection.
Here are the dates, cities and venues for Christmas With Amy & Vince:
Dec. 4 Manchester, NH/Verizon Wireless Arena
Dec. 5 Augusta, ME/Augusta Civic Center
Dec. 6 West Point, NY/Eisenhower Hall Theatre
Dec. 7 Mashantucket, CT/MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods
Dec. 10 Baltimore, MD/Lyric Opera House
Dec. 11 Albany, NY/Times Union Center
Dec. 12 Worcester, MA/DCU Center
Dec. 13 Elmira, NY/First Arena
Dec. 15 Atlanta, GA/Fox Theatre
Dec. 16 Charlotte, NC/Ovens Auditorium
Dec. 18 Grand Rapids, MI/Van Andel Arena
Dec. 19 St. Louis, MO/Scottrade Center
Dec. 20 Bloomington, IL/US Cellular Colliseum
Dec. 22 & 23 Nashville, TN/Ryman Auditorium
