Newsboys

"Duncan Phillips" redirects here. For the art collector and founder of the Phillips Collection, see Duncan Phillips (art collector).

Newsboys
Newsboys in March 2009.
Background information
Origin	Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia
Genres	Christian pop, pop rock, CCM, Christian rock
Years active	1985–present
Labels	Refuge, Star Song, Virgin,[1][2] Sparrow, Inpop
Website	newsboys.com
Members
Jody Davis Duncan Phillips Jeff Frankenstein Michael Tait
Past members
Peter Furler John James George Perdikis Sean Taylor Phil Yates Corey Pryor Jonathan Geange Vernon Bishop Kevin Mills Phil Joel Bryan Oleson Paul Colman

Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 14 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold. Currently, the band consists of lead vocalist Michael Tait, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, guitarist Jody Davis, and drummer Duncan Phillips.

History

1980s

The band was formed in Mooloolaba, Queensland in 1985 by two young men: Peter Furler and his school mate George Perdikis. Two other teens were added soon after: Furler's best friend, John James, and guitarist Sean Taylor. The band's original name was The News, but once in the U.S. they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with the U.S.-based band Huey Lewis and the News. 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.

1990s

After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums in 1990 and 1991: Hell Is for Wimps and Boys Will Be Boyz. None of the band's first three albums garnered much attention, and the band's lineup changed with every release.

It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed (containing a cover of the DeGarmo & Key song "Boycott Hell"), that the band gained notice in the Christian music scene. Steve Taylor, a singer-songwriter and producer, 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 and beginning with this album began sharing lead vocal duties with James and continued to do so until James' departure.

In 1994, amidst continued lineup changes (which included the addition of mainstays Jody Davis and Duncan Phillips), the band released Going Public, their fifth album and first real success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a 1995 Dove Award for "Rock Album of the Year".^[3] It also produced three No. 1 hits: "Spirit Thing", "Let It Rain", and, most notably, "Shine". "Shine" won 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.

The 1996 follow-up album Take Me to Your Leader was recorded with an expanded line up with new additions Phil Joel and Jeff Frankenstein. The album produced more No. 1 hits: "God Is Not a Secret", "Reality", "Breakfast", and the title track. This album also won the group's third Dove, this time for "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year".^[4] This album spawned the newsboys only movie Down Under the Big Top (1996), which was based on the song "Reality".

In late 1997, James announced he would be leaving the band.^[5] With his departure, Furler moved from drums to vocals and auditions were held for the now-vacant drum position. Eventually, Duncan Phillips, who had previously played keyboards and percussion for the band moved over to the drum kit. From 1998 to 2003, the band's lineup of Furler, bassist Phil Joel, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and Phillips stayed constant.

The first post-James record, Step Up to the Microphone, sold well with the song "Entertaining Angels" winning the 1999 Dove for "Short Form Music Video of the Year".^[6]

The band returned in 1999 with Love Liberty Disco, the band's only album to significantly deviate from their pop rock sound. Instead, this particular album featured more of a disco sound. Still, it produced several hits, including "Beautiful Sound" and the title track. The LLD tour was significantly more popular than the album. This tour featured an inflatable arena, called the Air Dome.^{[citation needed]}

In 1999 Furler co-founded Inpop Records with Wes Campbell, as an independent contemporary Christian music record label.

2000s

In 2000, Newsboys headlined the annual, traveling CCM concert, Festival Con Dios, with Audio Adrenaline and The O.C. Supertones. That same year, 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 No. 1. After this album, the band did not release any all new material until the spring of 2002 release of Thrive. Also in 2002, The Newsboys recorded the track "In the Belly of a Whale" for the end credits of the 2002 Veggie Tales movie Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie.

The Newsboys then followed with two praise and worship albums: Adoration: The Worship Album in 2003 and Devotion in 2004. Late in 2003, Davis departed and was replaced by Bryan Oleson on guitar. In 2005, The Newsboys co-authored a book of devotions with Jim Laffoon entitled Our Daily Blog which was published by Inspiro and released on 1 November.^[7] In 2006, Oleson left the band in order to focus on his own band Casting Pearls and was replaced by Paul Colman, formerly of Paul Colman Trio.

More 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 31 October 2006, The Newsboys released a pop/rock record entitled GO. GO featured David Eri as a co-writer and the songs "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder" were big hits on Christian Radio.^[8] That December, Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums. On 8 May 2007 the band released GO Remixed which was made up of new versions of the songs from GO and featured remixes by Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges.

On 20 November 2007 the Newsboys released their second greatest hits compilation, The Greatest Hits. The eighteen-song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La..." and "Stay Strong." This album was followed by Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO, a CD/DVD combo recording package of a show from the GO Tour, which was released on 30 September 2008. Also in 2008, the band, with Steve Taylor providing vocals, recorded the song "Yo Ho Hero" for The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie.

Present

Newsboys in concert, 13 March 2009, with Jody Davis and Peter Furler

On 5 January 2009, Colman announced he would be leaving The Newsboys to return to his solo projects. At the same time it was announced that Davis would return to the band, after a 5 year hiatus. “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis, “this is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.”^[9]

In 2009, it was announced that Furler, having toured with The Newsboys since the band's inception, had decided to step back into a support role and would continue as the band's primary songwriter and producer. Because of this, a replacement lead vocalist was required so the band could continue touring. On 9 March 2009, it was announced that Michael Tait, formerly of dc Talk, would be the new lead singer. "Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future Newsboys recordings."^[10] On 17 March, Tait performed his first full concert as lead singer in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

The Newsboys released the studio album In the Hands of God on 5 May (on Inpop Records) with Max Hsu (Superchick and tobyMac) producing the album. Long-time collaborator Steve Taylor co-wrote all the songs and sang on one song.^[11] During their 11 September concert in Orlando, Furler announced that this would be his final guest appearance with the band.^[12]

The Newsboys' latest studio album, Born Again, was released on 13 July 2010^[13] and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200"Newsboys Album & Song Chart History". billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200#/artist/newsboys/chart-history/29236. Retrieved August 21, 2011. , their highest debut position,^{[citation needed]} and sold over 45,000 copies in its first week. On 12 October 2010 they released the Christmas album, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday.^{[citation needed]} In 2011, the song "City to City" from GO Remixed was featured in the trailer for the Disney Pixar movie, Cars 2.

Newsboys announced they are recording a new worship album for 2011 on their website. It's title is God's Not Dead and is due November 15, 2011.^[14]

Books

On July 15, 2002, the band released their first book, Shine: Make Them Wonder What You've Got. This book stresses the need for Christians to be unafraid to show their faith, and includes a glow in the dark cover and journaling space. In April 2003, this book was re-released in a Spanish version.

The band co-authored a book with Pastor Jim Lafoon, named Our Daily Blog: Devotions by Pastor Jim Lafoon. This book, released in 2005, contains daily devotions written by Lafoon, with reflections by the band.

Members

Current members

• Duncan Phillips (1993–present) Drums, percussion, formerly keyboards
• Jody Davis (1992–2003, 2009–present) Lead guitar, backing vocals
• Jeff Frankenstein (1994–present) Keyboards, synth bass, backing vocals
• Michael Tait (2009–present) Lead vocals

Former members

Lead vocals

• John James (1986–1997) Left after admitting to drug and alcohol addiction.
• Peter Furler (1992–2009) Left to focus on family and other interests.

Drums

• Peter Furler (1985–1997) Switched to lead vocals exclusively.

Guitar

• George Perdikis (1985–1987,1989–1990) 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)
• Randy Williams (2003) Filled in for Jody Davis on several shows, before Bryan Olesen came.^{[citation needed]}
• Bryan Olesen (2003–2006) Left to front his original band VOTA on a full time basis.
• Paul Colman (2006–2009) Left to work on his solo career.

Bass guitar

• Sean Taylor (1986–1992) Left to pursue a career in education.
• Kevin Mills (1992–1996) Left the band to manage White Heart. Died in a motorbike accident on December 3, 2000.
• Phil Joel (1996–2006) Left band to pursue "personal interests", a solo career, and ministry opportunities.

Keyboards

• Corey Pryor (1988, 1990–1993) Left to play with his wife in a band called SoZo.

Major tours

• Not Ashamed Tour (1993) (W/Code of Ethics and Tony Vincent; also had some dates with Eric Champion)
• Going Public Tour (1995)
• Take Me to Your Leader Tour (1996–97) (with Third Day and Plankeye)
• Counter the Culture Tour (1997)
• Step Up to the Microphone Tour (1999)
• LoveLibertyDisco AirDome Tour (2000) (with SONICFLOOd and Beanbag)
• Festival Con Dios (2001, 2003)
• Winter Jam Tour (2002, 2006, 2010,^[15] and 2011)
• Thrive-It's All In the Word Tour (2002) (with Zoegirl, Superchick, and By The Tree)
• Adoration Tour (2004) (with Jeremy Camp and Rebecca St. James)
• GO Tour (2007) (with Kutless and Stellar Kart)
• GO Tour "Encore" (2nd GO Tour with Kutless and Newworldson) (2007)
• GO Tour "Finale" (3rd and final installment of the GO Tour)w/ Rush of Fools, Newworldson and Article One (2008)
• Join the Tribe Tour (2009 February–May, with DecembeRadio, VOTA and Bread of Stone)
• The Way We Roll Tour (2009–2010, with Seventh Day Slumber, Bread of Stone, and Me In Motion)
• A Very Merry Christmas Tour (2010) with Newsong and Kerrie Roberts
• The Born Again Experience Tour - A Night for the City to Serve the City (2011) (with Kutless and Disciple)
• The Story music tour (December 1-18, 2011) with Francesca Battistelli, Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Anthem Lights and Selah

Discography

Main article: Newsboys discography

Studio albums

John James era

• Read All About It (1988)
• Hell Is for Wimps (1990)
• Boys Will Be Boyz (1991)
• Not Ashamed (1992)
• Going Public (1994)
• Take Me to Your Leader (1996)

Peter Furler era

• Step Up to the Microphone (1998)
• Love Liberty Disco (1999)
• Thrive (2002)
• Adoration: The Worship Album (2003)
• Devotion (2004)
• Go (2006)
• In the Hands of God^[16] (2009)

Michael Tait era

• Born Again (2010)
• God's Not Dead (November 2011)

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Year	Nominated work	Award	Result
1992	Not Ashamed	Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album	Nominated
1994	Going Public	Best Rock Gospel Album	Nominated
1996	Take Me To Your Leader	Best Rock Gospel Album	Nominated
2003	Adoration: The Worship Album	Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album	Nominated

Dove Awards

Year	Nominated work	Award	Result
1993	"I Cannot Get You Out of My System"	Short Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
1995	The Newsboys	Group of the Year	Nominated
	Going Public	Rock Album of the Year	Won
	"Shine"	Rock Recorded Song of the Year	Won
		Short Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
		Song of the Year	Nominated
1997	"God Is Not a Secret"	Rock Recorded Song of the Year	Nominated
	"Take Me To Your Leader"	Recorded Music Packaging of the Year	Won
		Rock Album of the Year	Nominated
		Short Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
1999	"Step Up To The Microphone"	Rock Album of the Year	Nominated
	The Newsboys	Group of the Year	Nominated
	"Entertaining Angels"	Short Form Music Video of the Year	Won
		Song of the Year	Nominated
2000	One Night In Pennsylvania	Long Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
2001	City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise	Special Event Album of the Year	Won
	"Love Liberty Disco	Short Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
2003	Thrive: Live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame	Long Form Music Video of the Year	Nominated
2004	The Newsboys	Group of the Year	Nominated
	Adoration: The Worship Album	Praise & Worship Album of the Year	Nominated
	"He Reigns"	Song of the Year	Nominated
		Worship Song of the Year	Nominated
2005	"Devotion"	Praise and Worship Album of the Year	Nominated
2008	GO:Remixed	Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year	Nominated

Billboard Music Video Awards

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

Intl. Angel Awards

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

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

SESAC Awards

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

References

1. ^ "NbD: The Newsboys". Newsboysdeluxe.com. http://www.newsboysdeluxe.com/articles/virginrecords.html. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
2. ^ "Music And Life | Christian Radio Online". Cross Rhythms. 2007-01-26. http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/print.php?Article_ID=25790. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
3. ^ 1995 Dove Awards^{[dead link]}
4. ^ 1997 Dove Awards^{[dead link]}
5. ^ "John James: The Newsboys Ex-lead Singer Speaks About His Fall And Restoration". Crossrhythms.co.uk. 2007-01-26. http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/print.php?Article_ID=25790. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
6. ^ 1999 Dove Awards^{[dead link]}
7. ^ "Our Daily Blog: Devotions by Pastor Jim Laffoon: Books: Jim Laffoon, Newsboys". Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Daily-Blog-Devotions-Laffoon/dp/0310811694. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
8. ^ 2007 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs, R&R magazine, Retrieved 6 January 2008
9. ^ "Jody Davis Returns To Newsboys!". Newsboys.com. http://newsboys.com/2009/01/jody-davis-returns-to-newsboys/. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
10. ^ "Michael Tait To Join Newsboys". Newsboys.com. http://newsboys.com/2009/03/michael-tait-to-join-newsboys/. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
11. ^ "Peter Unfurled". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2009/peterfurler-0209.html. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
12. ^ "Furler Makes Final Newsboys Appearance In Orlando". Jesus Freak Hideout. 14 September 2009. http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/09/14.JFH%20MORNING%20NEWS%20SHORTS%20FOR%20MONDAY%20SEPTEMBER%2014%202009.asp. Retrieved 14 September 2009. 
13. ^ "Special Preview EP available on WinterJam tour!". Newsboys.com. 2010-01-09. http://newsboys.com/2010/01/special-preview-ep-available-on-winterjam-tour. Retrieved 2010-01-11. 
14. ^ "“GOD’S NOT DEAD” SET FOR RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 15TH". Newsboys.com. http://newsboys.com/v09/2011/09/gods-not-dead-set-for-release-on-november-15th/. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 
15. ^ Michael Tait excited to be with Newsboys for Winter Jam 2010, DallasNews.com, 2010-02-25, Retrieved 2010-08-01
16. ^ "Newsboys News: New Album Debuts at No. 1". Newsboys.com. http://newsboys.com/2009/05/new-album-debuts-at-no-1/. Retrieved 2011-10-15. 

External links

• Official site
• Inpop Records