Newsboys

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Newsboys
Lead singer Peter Furler performing in June 2007.
Lead singer Peter Furler performing in June 2007.
Background information
Origin Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia
Genre(s) Christian pop
Pop rock
CCM
Christian rock
Years active 1985–present
Label(s) Inpop
EMI CMG
Sparrow
Star Song
Virgin
Refuge
Website newsboys.com
Members
Peter Furler
Jeff Frankenstein
Duncan Phillips
Paul Colman
Former members
Phil Joel
Bryan Oleson
Jody Davis
John James
George Perdikis
Phil Yates
Jonathan Geange
Vernon Bishop
Sean Taylor
Kevin Mills
Corey Pryor

Newsboys (sometimes stylized as newsboys) is a Grammy Award-nominated Christian pop rock band. The band was formed in Australia in 1985 and has been one of the most popular and best-selling Christian music artists of the past two decades.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Formation–1985

Newsboys' original core members, bassist Sean Taylor, vocalist John James, and drummer Peter Furler, formed the band in Mooloolaba, Australia in 1985 along with Furler's guitarist school mate, George Perdikis. The band's original name was The News, but once in the U.S. they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with another U.S.-based band. The band came to the United States in late 1987 after getting signed with Refuge Communications, and released the album Read All About It in 1988 in the United States. After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums from 1990 to 1991: Hell Is For Wimpsand Boys Will Be Boyz. None of the three albums garnered much attention, and the band's lineup changed with every release.

[edit] 1992–2000

It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed (which featured a re-make of the DeGarmo & Key hit "Boycott Hell"), that the band gained notice in the Christian music scene. The title track of the album became a huge hit on Christian radio and elevated the band's profile considerably. Notably, Steve Taylor, a quirky singer well-known within the Christian music community, began a partnership with the band, producing the band's record and writing most of the lyrics for their songs; Furler remained the band's primary songwriter.

In 1994, amidst continued lineup changes (which included mainstays Jody Davis & Duncan Phillips), the band released Going Public, their fifth album and first smash success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a Dove Award for "Rock album of the Year" in 1995 [1]. It also produced #1 hits such as "Spirit Thing", "Let It Rain", and, most notably, "Shine". "Shine" quickly became an enormous hit and one of the most recognizable songs in Christian music, also taking the 1995 Dove for "Rock Recorded Song of the Year". In 2006, CCM Magazine listed "Shine" in the top ten in its ranking of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian music. Going Public turned Newsboys into one of the top acts in Christian music.

The eagerly-anticipated follow-up, Take Me To Your Leader (1996), did not disappoint fans, either. The additions of Phillip Joel Urry & Jeff Frankenstein finalized a regular roster of musicians for the band and generally showcased a bigger rock sound than in past projects. Because of the large size of the band, their concerts were full of energy with various members trading instruments as well as introducing Peter's rotating drum set. The album produced more #1 hits: "God Is Not A Secret", "Reality", "Breakfast", and the title track. This album also snagged the groups third Dove, this time for "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year" [2]. The album solidified the band's place in the Christian music industry.

In 1997, John James announced he would be leaving the band to become a pastor. Despite the loss of the longtime frontman, the band pressed on. Furler easily switched from drums to vocals (as he had recorded most of the songs on past albums) and Duncan Phillips, who had previously played keyboards and percussion for the band, became the new drummer. From 1998 to 2003, the band's lineup of Furler, bassist Phil Joel, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and Phillips stayed constant. Often, at concerts and festivals such as Spirit West Coast, the band played "Breakfast" as the final song. It was customary for fans to purchase boxes of Captain Crunch and throw the cereal onto the stage, cued by "And Captain Crunch is waving farewell". A Captain Crunch fight between band members would ensue.

When Newsboys released its first post-James record, Step Up to the Microphone (1998), it quickly became clear that the band's popularity was still intact; the album sold well and produced, among other hits, the ubiquitous hit "Entertaining Angels", whose video won the 1999 Dove for "Short Form Music Video of the Year" [3]. During the resulting "Step Up To The Microphone" tour, the band featured the drums on a rotating platform that could tilt downward up to 90 degrees. In fact, there were two sets of drums and Peter Furler (the original drummer) and Duncan Phillips would wear seat belts and have a rotating drum-off. This feature is still used on their tours and has grown to be quite popular.

The band returned in 1999 with the oddly-titled Love Liberty Disco, the band's only album to majorly deviate from their pop rock sound. Featuring 60s era-inspired pop and disco, the album delivered radio single hits such as "Beautiful Sound", "Good Stuff", and "Love Liberty Disco".

[edit] 2000–present

In 2000, Newsboys helped start and headlined the annual, traveling CCM festival Festival Con Dios with Audio Adrenaline and The O.C. Supertones. The festival was known for featuring popular Christian bands and for its motocross stunts.

Also in 2000, Newsboys released a greatest hits compilation, Shine: The Hits, which did not include any songs from the Love Liberty Disco album but included four new songs, two of which ("Joy" and "Who") went to #1. The band did not release any all new material until the spring of 2002 when they released Thrive. Featuring a return to pop-rock, the album also showcased one of the band's biggest hits: "It Is You".

The success of the worshipful "It Is You" perhaps paved the way for newsboys' first praise and worship album in 2003: Adoration: The Worship Album. The album soon became the band's best-selling to date, based on the strength of singles "He Reigns" and "You Are My King (Amazing Love)". Late in 2003, guitarist Jody Davis left the band to care for his sick daughter, Bethany; he was replaced by Bryan Oleson, who agreed to be a temporary replacement until the band found a replacement for Davis.

The band returned in 2004 with another worship album: Devotion, led by the single, "Presence (My Heart's Desire)". The album was not nearly as successful as its predecessor, one reason arguably being the modest impact the singles had on Christian radio. In 2006, Bryan Oleson left the band to focus on his own band, Casting Pearls. Paul Colman, a respected Australian Christian singer-songwriter and long time personal friend of Peter Furler, replaced him as guitarist.

Although the band is currently based in Nashville, its lineup remains predominantly Australian. Of the current lineup of Furler, Frankenstein, Phillips, and Colman, only Frankenstein (Michigan) hails from outside Australia.

The band's latest radio hits came in 2006 with a live version of "I Am Free" (originally written by Jon Egan of the Desperation Band), and "Wherever We Go". On October 31, 2006, Newsboys have released their newest pop/rock record entitled GO, as well as an iTunes GO EP, including the songs "Wherever We Go", "GO", and "I Am Free". The album was the band's first under their new Inpop Records label, and received strong reviews, praising the group's return to its original rock sound. "GO" featured upcoming Christian artist David Eri as a co-writer. Their song "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder" were big hits on Christian Radio.[4]

Newsboys music is featured in the Christian video game Dance Praise. "Woo Hoo" from Step Up To The Microphone is included with the game. "You Are My King" and "It Is You" can be added to the song list via the Dance Praise Expansion Pack Volume 1: Modern Worship. "Devotion" can be added to the game via the Dance Praise Expansion Pack Volume 3: Rock & Pop Hits.

In December 2006, Phil Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums, bringing his time with the band to a close.

In May, 2007 The Newsboys announced that they will release the remixed version of the hit album "GO" which will include the smash hits "Wherever We Go" and "Something Beautiful. The CD was released on May 8, 2007" Featuring unique mixes by famed producers Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein of newsboys, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges. The "GO Remixed" album has been released and is available for purchase.[citation needed]

On November 20, 2007 the Newsboys released their newest album entitled The Greatest Hits. It features newer hit songs like "Wherever We Go," "Something Beautiful," "It Is You," "Million Pieces," and "You Are My King," in addition to older hits like "Reality," "Shine," "Not Ashamed," and many more. The 18 song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La" (which features the singing of "La's" by the crowd from the Six Flags St. Louis Newsboys Concert of the GO Tour 8/11/2007), and "Stay Strong."

In late September 2008, Newsboys are set to release "Newsboys Live: Houston We Are Go" a CD/DVD combo recording package of the Newsboys Go Tour.

[edit] Every Nation Ministries links

The Newsboys have significant links to Every Nation. The group's lead singer, Peter Furler, is a member of Bethel World Outreach Center, an Every Nation church.

The Newsboys have also co-authored a book with the chief prophet of Every Nation, Jim Laffoon.[5] A daily teaching by Laffoon, was also given prominent space on the Newsboy's webpage.[6][7]

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

  • Peter Furler - lead vocals, guitar, drums, song writer, producer (1985 - present)
  • Jeff Frankenstein - keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1993 - present)
  • Duncan Phillips - drums, percussion, formerly keyboards (1993 - present)
  • Paul Colman - guitar, backing vocals, bass (2006 - present)

[edit] Former members

[edit] Lead vocals
  • John James (1985–1997)

[edit] Guitar
  • George Perdikis (1985–1987) — Left the band before their first album, but co-wrote most of the songs on it.
  • Phil Yates (1987–1989)
  • Jonathan Geange (1990–1991, 1992) — Returned to the band briefly after Vernon Bishop left, before Jody Davis joined.
  • Vernon Bishop (1991–1992)
  • Jody Davis (1992–2003) — Left the band to spend more time with his family, and to care for his sick daughter.
  • Bryan Olesen (2003–2006) — Was only a temporary replacement until the Newsboys could find a full-time lead guitarist not tied up with another project.

[edit] Bass guitar
  • Sean Taylor (1985–1992)
  • Kevin Mills (1993–1995) — Left the band to manage White Heart; Died in a motorbike accident on December 3, 2000.
  • Phil Joel (1995–2006) — Left band to pursue "personal interests", a solo career, and ministry opportunities; Jeff Frankenstein is currently playing synth-bass on keyboards while Paul Colman records bass in the studio.

[edit] Keyboards
  • Corey Pryor (1988, 1990–1993)

[edit] Major Tours

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

[edit] Singles

Year Single Album Hot Christian
Songs Peak		 Hot Christian
AC Peak		 Spins
(since 1998)
source: Mediabase
1988 I Got Your Number Read All About It 4
1990 All I Can See Hell Is for Wimps
1990 In the End
1990 Ten Thousand Miles
1991 Simple Man
1991 One Heart Boys Will Be Boyz
1991 Kingdom Man
1991 Stay With Me
1991 Israel
1991 You and Me
1992 I'm Not Ashamed Not Ashamed 17,002
1993 Where You Belong/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 835
1993 Upon This Rock
1993 I Cannot Get You Out of My System
1993 Strong Love 217
1993 Dear Shame
1994 Be Still Going Public 1,452
1994 Shine 29,714
1995 Let It Rain 56
1995 Spirit Thing 2,353
1995 Real Good Thing 87
1995 Truth and Consequences 200
1995 Going Public 24
1995 Reality Take Me to Your Leader 1,636
1996 Take Me to Your Leader 983
1996 Let It Go 716
1996 Breakfast 5,236
1997 Breathe (Benediction) 73
1997 It's All Who You Know 4
God Is Not a Secret 120
Cup O' Tea 6
1998 Entertaining Angels Step Up to the Microphone 8,659
1998 Believe 2,945
1998 Step Up to the Microphone 480
1998 Woo Hoo 584
Hallelujah 135
Truth Be Known - Everybody Gets a Shot
(video only)		 7
1998 Shine 2000 (remix) Entertaining Angels EP
1998 Not Ashamed (remix)
1999 Love Liberty Disco Love Liberty Disco 958
2000 Beautiful Sound 16,878
2000 I Surrender All / Good Stuff
(released as a double A-side single,
with the former geared towards AC radio,
and the latter towards the CHR/Rock format,
which ended up as the bigger hit)		 90
("I Surrender All")
253
("Good Stuff")
2000 Joy Shine: The Hits 24,573
2001 Mega-Mix 508
2001 Who? 5,897
God Is Not a Secret
(featuring TobyMac)		 38
Praises 161
2002 It Is You Thrive 44,270
2002 Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye) 32,744
2002 John Woo 78
2002 The Fad of the Land 5
2002 Giving It Over 5
2002 In the Belly of the Whale
(featuring Steve Taylor)		 Jonah:
A VeggieTales Movie
Soundtrack		 49
2003 He Reigns Adoration:
The Worship Album		 #4 #6 81,620
2003 You Are My King (Amazing Love) #1 #1 70,503
2003 In Christ Alone
2003 Adoration
(possibly not a radio single, but received
enough airplay to make it on the charts during the Christmas season)		 #34 #31 1,854
2004 Presence (My Heart's Desire) Devotion #4 #4 41,465
2004 Devotion #16 #16 16,619
Blessed Be Your Name
(featuring Rebecca St. James)		 363
Strong Tower 97
2006 I Am Free (Live) GO #11 #11 18,235
2006 Wherever We Go #3 #15 13,561
2007 Something Beautiful #4
(#5 of 2007)[4]		 #6 25,448
2007 In Wonder #4+ #5+ 14,974
2008 Yo Ho Hero
(featuring Steve Taylor)		 The Pirates Who
Don't Do Anything:
A VeggieTales Movie
Soundtrack
2008 Stay Strong The Greatest Hits #20+ #21+ 27

[edit] Extended Plays

Year Title Label
1998 Entertaining Angels Star Song
2003 8 Great Hits Sparrow Records/EMI CMG
2006 GO EP Inpop Records/EMI CMG

[edit] DVDs and Videos

Year Title Label
1991 Boys Will Be Boyz (NTSC/VHS) Star Song
1993 Not Ashamed (NTSC/VHS) Star Song
1996 Down Under the Big Top (NTSC/VHS) Star Song
1999 Live One Night In Pennsylvania (NTSC/VHS) Sparrow Records
2000 Shine: The Hits Live-One Night In Pennsylvania (DVD) Sparrow Records
2002 Thrive: From The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame (DVD) Sparrow Records

[edit] Music videos

Year Title
1990 "Simple Man"
1991 "One Heart" (shot at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK)
"Kingdom Man"
1992 "I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
1993 "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Where You Belong)"
"Dear Shame"
1994 "Shine"
1996 "Take Me To Your Leader"
1998 "Entertaining Angels"
1999 "Love, Liberty, Disco"
2000 "Truth Be Known (Everybody Gets a Shot)"
2002 "Million Pieces"
"In the Belly of the Whale" (for the Veggie Tales movie Jonah)
2003 "He Reigns"
2008 "Something Beautiful"

[edit] Awards & Nominations

[edit] Grammy Awards

  • 1992 Nomination for Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album
    • Not Ashamed
  • 1994 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
    • Going Public
  • 1996 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
    • Take Me to Your Leader
  • 2003 Nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
    • Adoration: The Worship Album

[edit] Dove Awards

  • 1994 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
    • "I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
  • 1995 Award for Rock Album of the Year
    • Going Public
  • 1995 Award for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
    • "Shine"
  • 1995 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
    • "Shine"
  • 1995 Nomination for Group of the Year
    • Newsboys
  • 1996 Nomination for Song of the Year
    • "Shine"
  • 1997 Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
    • Take Me to Your Leader
  • 1997 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
    • Take Me to Your Leader
  • 1997 Nomination for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
    • "God Is Not a Secret"
  • 1997 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
    • "Take Me to Your Leader"
  • 1999 Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year
    • "Entertaining Angels"
  • 1999 Nomination for Song of the Year
    • "Entertaining Angels"
  • 1999 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
    • Step Up to the Microphone
  • 1999 Nomination for Group of the Year
    • Newsboys
  • 2000 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
    • One Night in Pennsylvania
  • 2001 Award for Special Event Album of the Year
    • City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise (Various Artists, including Peter Furler's "Unified")
  • 2001 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
    • "Love Liberty Disco"
  • 2003 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
    • Thrive: Live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • 2004 Nomination for Group of the Year
    • Newsboys
  • 2004 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
    • Adoration: The Worship Album
  • 2004 Nomination for Song of the Year
    • "He Reigns"
  • 2004 Nomination for Worship Song of the Year
    • "He Reigns"
  • 2005 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
    • Devotion

[edit] Billboard Music Video Awards

  • 1999 Award for Best CCM Video
    • "Entertaining Angels"

[edit] Intl. Angel Awards

  • 1995 Award for Video
    • "Shine"
  • 1999 Award for Video
    • "Entertaining Angels"

[edit] Nashville Music Awards

  • 1999 Award for Favorite CCM Album
    • Step Up to the Microphone
  • 2000 Nomination for Contemporary Christian Album of the Year
    • Love Liberty Disco

[edit] SESAC Awards

  • 2000 Award for Christian Songwriter of the Year
    • Peter Furler

[edit] References

  1. ^ 1995 Dove Awards
  2. ^ 1997 Dove Awards
  3. ^ 1999 Dove Awards
  4. ^ a b 2007 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs, R&R magazine, Retrieved January 6, 2008
  5. ^ Amazon.co.uk: Our Daily Blog: Devotions by Pastor Jim Laffoon: Books: Jim Laffoon,Newsboys
  6. ^ Web Archive of Newsboys site from March 13, 2005
  7. ^ Newsboys web site

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Newsboys
Peter Furler • Jeff Frankenstein • Duncan Phillips • Paul Colman
Former members
Phil Joel • Bryan Olesen • Jody Davis • John James • George Perdikis • Phil Yates • Jonathan Geange • Vernon Bishop • Sean Taylor • Kevin Mills • Corey Pryor
Studio albums
Remix albums
Live albums
Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO (September 2008)
EP's
Entertaining Angels • 8 Great Hits • GO EP
Compilations
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsboys"
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