AVALON

Avalon is a Contemporary Christian group. To date, the group has achieved multiple RIAA-certified Gold record albums, and scored 20 #1 Christian hits.

The band was formed in 1995 by Grant Cunningham, A&R Director at Sparrow Records. Cunningham was in search of a vocalist group that could sing tight harmonies and carry God's message to the world. Cunningham publicized his intentions and demo tapes flooded him, but nothing fit for what he wanted.

After letting the desire for the idea rest a while, Cunningham visited a coffee shop to listen to a potential singer one day. However, another artist, Michael Passons, actually caught his attention. Cunningham contacted Passons about his plan for his idea. Passons prayed about God's will and then decided this was where God was leading him.

Soon after, Truth vocalist Janna Long (at the time, Janna Potter) heard of the intentions for this band. Cunningham happened to hear her sing at a Truth concert and liked her because she was "such a good singer"

With the group still having two member openings, Long remembered previous fellow Truth artist, Jody McBrayer. Long contacted McBrayer about his interest in the group and McBrayer auditioned. A few days later, Cunningham contacted McBrayer stating that he was now a member of the band.

Finally, Nikki Hassman (now Nikki Anders) was hired to become the fourth vocalist of Avalon. Hassman recorded two albums with the band, Avalon and A Maze of Grace, but left in May 1998 to pursue a solo career with Sony Records.

Cherie Paliotta (now Cherie Adams) was selected to replace Hassman after one of Avalon's co-managers listened to a country music demo tape recorded by Adams. Even though country is not a style Avalon records, executives chose Adams knowing she would be a perfect fit. Adams recorded three albums as a member (In A Different Light, Joy: A Christmas Collection and Oxygen) as well as a remix album. Adams left to pursue a solo ministry that is geared towards single women; she was replaced by Melissa Greene, another former member of the now disbanded group Truth

In 2003, the band released a greatest hits record, 'Testify to Love: The Very Best of Avalon,' which featured the #1 hits 'Everything to Me' and 'New Day.' It was the last album on which Michael Passons sang; the group member known as 'Father Avalon' left after the album's release to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Janna Long's husband, Greg Long.

In between projects, Jody McBrayer released a solo album, 'This is Who I Am,' off which the Top 10 hit 'Never Alone (Nunca Solo),' a duet with Jadyn Strand (now known as Jadyn Maria), was culled, as well as a #1 single, "To Ever Live Without Me". Janna Long also released a solo album, 'Janna,' off which the #2 smash 'Greater Is He' was lifted.

In 2004, the band released the studio album 'The Creed.' Three singles were released off 'The Creed': the carrier 'All,' which made it to #2 on the Adult Contemporary Christian Songs chart; the Jody McBrayer showcase 'You Were There,' a #2 Inspirational Charts hit, and the Greg Long-led 'I Wanna Be With You.'

The group's sixth studio album, 'Stand,' was released in January 2006. Carrier single 'Love Won't Leave You' peaked in the Top 20 of both Billboard Hot Christian Songs and Hot Christian Adult Contemporary charts. New single 'Orphans of God' was sent to radio on April 7, 2006, and peaked in the Top 5 of Radio & Records' Inspo chart the week of August 11, 2006.

The band also released a Hymns record, titled "Faith", on October 17, 2006, along with 1 single off of it, "In Christ Alone".

During the summer of 2007, Jody McBrayer decided to depart the group due to a heart condition. But before he left, he found time to record one last album with Avalon. On February 26, 2008, the band will release their 9th album: Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics. According to cadiaonline.com, they will be touring with new Fervent Records girl group Cadia to promote this album.

The first single released from Another Time, Another Place was their cover of the Twila Paris classic "God is in Control". The second single, which will be released on November 5, is the remake of the Sandi Patty/Wayne Watson song "Another Time, Another Place", which will feature a Jody/Janna duet.

On November 13, the band will release a digital EP featuring 3 songs from the upcoming album.

Avalon's newest member Jeremi Richardson joined the group after Jody McBrayer had to leave due to a health issue concerning his heart. On November 11th 2007, Melissa Greene announced at a show in Spring Arbor, Michigan, that it was the first concert with Richardson officially being a member of the group.

Don’t miss their collection of WOW CDs, Accompaniment Tracks, and music DVDs.

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