Newsboys

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Newsboys
Image:Peter Furler2.jpg
Lead singer Peter Furler performing in June 2007.
Background information
Origin Image:Flag of Australia.svg Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia
Genre(s) Christian rock
Pop/rock
CCM
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 is a Christian pop 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-1992

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 US they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with another US 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. After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums from 1990 to 1991: Hell Is For Wimps, and 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, 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 [2]. 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. Generally showcasing a bigger rock sound than in past projects, 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". [3] The album solidified the band's place in the Christian music industry; however, their position seemed to move onto shaky ground when lead singer John James left the band in 1997. The band pressed on, though; Furler switched from drums to vocals 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". [4] 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 60's 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 artiste David Eri as a co-writer. Their song "Something Beautiful" was a smash hit and continues to be one still, staying in the top 10 most popular songs in Christian Music.

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 2007, 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." 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."

[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. At one point, the Newsboys Web site included a link where visitors could purchase Biblical Foundations, a Bible study workbook published by Broocks and Murrell. It is popularly known as "The Purple Book". The link pointedly asks the question, "Have you done The Purple Book?" This is a reference to an Every Nation bible study that has its origins in a Maranatha Campus Ministries Bible study called Bible Studies for a Firm Foundation. The site also included a letter from Furler describing how "doing The Purple Book" has changed him.

The Newsboys have also co-authored a book with the chief prophet of Every Nation, Jim Laffoon.[1] A daily teaching by Laffoon, was also given prominent space on the Newsboy's webpage.[2]

[edit] Members

[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 (1987–1994)
  • Kevin Mills (1993–1995) — Left the band to join 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.

[edit] Keyboards

  • Corey Pryor (1988, 1990–1993)

[edit] Major Tours

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

Year Album Label Billboard 200 Peak Top Contemporary Christian/
Top Christian Peak 		RIAA Certification
1988 Read All About It Refuge/Star Song
1990 Hell Is For Wimps Star Song
1991 Boys Will Be Boyz Star Song
1992 Not Ashamed Star Song #11
(113 weeks on chart)
1994 Going Public Star Song #2
(97 weeks on chart) 		Gold
1996 Take Me to Your Leader Star Song, Virgin Records #35 #1
(91 weeks on chart) 		Gold
1998 Step Up to the Microphone Star Song, Virgin Records #61 #1
(65 weeks on chart) 		Gold
1999 Love Liberty Disco Sparrow Records #80 #5
(34 weeks on chart)
2000 Shine: The Hits Sparrow Records #122 #5
(50 weeks on chart) 		Gold
2002 Thrive Sparrow Records #38 #3
(44 weeks on chart)
Newsboys Remixed Sparrow Records #21
(15 weeks on chart)
2003 Adoration: The Worship Album Sparrow Records #33 #1
(62 weeks on chart) 		Gold
2004 Devotion Sparrow Records/EMI CMG #56 #5
(36 weeks on chart)
2005 He Reigns: The Worship Collection Sparrow Records/EMI CMG #35
(12 weeks on chart)
2006 GO Inpop Records #51 #4
(50 weeks on chart)
GO - Special Edition (with DVD) Inpop Records
2007 GO Remixed Inpop Records #49
(1 week on chart)
2007 The Greatest Hits Sparrow Records #35
(1 week on chart)
2008 GO Live [3] Inpop Records

[edit] Singles

Year Single Album Hot Christian
Songs Peak 		Hot Christian
AC Peak 		Audience
(since 1998)
source: Mediabase
1988 I Got Your Number Read All About It 0.010
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 93.762
1993 Where You Belong/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 2.922
1993 Upon This Rock
1993 I Cannot Get You Out of My System
1993 Strong Love 0.782
1993 Dear Shame
1994 Be Still Going Public 5.049
1994 Shine 139.367
1995 Let It Rain 0.005
1995 Spirit Thing 5.603
1995 Real Good Thing 0.026
1995 Truth and Consequences 0.602
1995 Going Public 0.019
1995 Reality Take Me to Your Leader 8.512
1996 Take Me to Your Leader 2.094
1996 Let It Go 2.647
1996 Breakfast 22.701
1997 Breathe (Benediction) 0.087
1997 It's All Who You Know 0.012
God Is Not a Secret 0.001
Cup O' Tea 0.000
1998 Entertaining Angels Step Up to the Microphone 35.684
1998 Believe 6.813
1998 Step Up to the Microphone 0.359
1998 Woo Hoo 0.924
Hallelujah 0.076
Truth Be Known - Everybody Gets a Shot
(video only) 		0.052
1998 Shine 2000 (remix) Entertaining Angels EP
1998 Not Ashamed (remix)
1999 Love Liberty Disco Love Liberty Disco 1.160
2000 Beautiful Sound 88.952
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) 		0.546
("I Surrender All")
0.251
("Good Stuff")
2000 Joy Shine: The Hits 109.847
2001 Mega-Mix 1.808
2001 Who? 20.978
God Is Not a Secret
(featuring TobyMac) 		0.145
Praises 0.291
2002 It Is You Thrive 210.103
2002 Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye) 155.313
2002 John Woo 0.504
2002 The Fad of the Land 0.008
2002 Giving It Over 0.031
2002 In the Belly of the Whale
(featuring Steve Taylor) 		Jonah:
A VeggieTales Movie
Soundtrack 		0.266
2003 He Reigns Adoration:
The Worship Album 		#4 #6 397.141
2003 You Are My King (Amazing Love) #1 #1 351.995
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 5.737
2004 Presence (My Heart's Desire) Devotion #4 #4 187.332
2004 Devotion #16 #16 72.261
Blessed Be Your Name
(featuring Rebecca St. James) 		1.896
Strong Tower 1.703
2006 I Am Free (Live) GO #11 #11 89.234
2006 Wherever We Go #3 #15 61.893
2007 Something Beautiful #4 #6 110.447
2007 In Wonder #4+ #5+ 31.395

[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 "Let the 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"

[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. ^ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Daily-Blog-Devotions-Laffoon/dp/0310811694
  2. ^ Web Archive of Newsboys site from March 13, 2005[1]
  3. ^ Newboys to release "GO Live" On February 12th, 2008.

[edit] External links

 v • d • e Newsboys
Current Members: 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
Discography
Studio albums: Read All About It • Hell Is for Wimps • Boys Will Be Boyz • Not Ashamed • Going Public • Take Me to Your Leader • Step Up to the Microphone • Love Liberty Disco • Thrive • Adoration: The Worship Album • Devotion • GO
Remix albums: Newsboys Remixed • GO Remixed
Live albums: GO Live
EP's: Entertaining Angels • 8 Great Hits • GO EP
Compilations: Shine: The Hits • He Reigns: The Worship Collection • The Greatest Hits
da:Newsboys

de:Newsboys nl:Newsboys pl:Newsboys pt:NewsBoys fi:Newsboys

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