NewSong is a Christian contemporary group founded in 1981 in Valdosta, Georgia. They signed with Covenant Records in 1982. They left Covenant for DaySpring Records in 1991, then joined up with the Benson Music Group in 1993. However, they parted ways with the label in 2004. In November 2004, they moved to Integrity Music.
Since the release of their first single in 1984, “Who Are You,” the group has garnered twelve Dove Award nominations. They have also been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The group has recorded three albums on their own, and a number of other custom albums. Those include Sheltering Tree in 2000 and One Heart At A Time, the Best of NewSong in 2006.
After the group was named Musical of the Year by the GMA Dove Awards, they released their first Christmas album, The Christmas Hope. This album was nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
In addition to their music, the group has also supported charities that work with children in need. Currently, NewSong is involved with Holt International and World Vision. Some of their projects include the New Song Academy, a year-round curriculum that challenges students to become leaders in their communities. As a long-term investment in the Sandtown-Winchester area, the academy provides educational opportunities and supports students in developing leadership skills.
The Christmas Blessing, a recording of the Christmas single that NewSong performed, was later made into a TV movie by CBS. It was also released as a book, The Christmas Blessing.
“The Christmas Shoes” was another popular Christmas song, and it became the Christmas number-one radio hit in Billboard chart history. It reached the top of the Adult Contemporary Chart, and it was also nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Christian Album.
Russ Lee, a member of NewSong, left the group in 2000. His replacement was Steve Reischl. He then joined Third Day. Other members of the group were Mike Harland, Donna VanLiere, Eddie Middleton, Bobby Apon, and Scotty Wilbanks.
During the ’90s, the group began to work with Holt International, an organization that helps abandoned children. NewSong also contributed to the mission of the Bible Study House, an organization that creates books and other resources for church and school groups.
While the band has gone through a few changes in the years, the group has always been consistent in their love for the Lord. Their latest project is a new album, Lighting Up the Sky, which is due out February 24th via BMG Records. Until then, the band will only tour as a live act.
After their last studio album, the group will embark on a North American tour in October. A portion of ticket sales will go toward organizations that provide reproductive care and abortion services. The group has partnered with Faithful Friends to match local New Song Community Church members with children in need. Moreover, the group will be featured at the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas in October.