The smooth, rich sounds of multi-Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated recording artists, The Martins and Michael English can be heard in Smithfield, on Friday, Aug. 10, at the Paul A Johnston Auditorium on the campus of Johnston Community College. The event will begin at 7 p.m.
It’s a New Day for legendary vocal group, The Martins. Their three-year labor of love is complete, and the end result is a new recording, appropriately titled New Day. The recording, released last summer, was produced by multi-platinum selling Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus and marks their first in a decade. During the 1990s, The Martins rose to national and international success, showcasing their stunning and distinctive harmonies before a vast array of audiences, from Bill Gaither’s multi-award winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House to Carnegie Hall. Over the years the trio garnered six Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, a Grammy nomination and multiple hit songs. After a 10-year hiatus from touring together, the siblings have returned with a renewed family bond. In addition to the release of New Day, Gaither Music Group released a DVD, entitled The Best Of The Martins, which captures some of the trio’s most unforgettable highlights from the multi-platinum selling Gaither Homecoming Video Series. The recording includes a detailed interview between the The Martins and gospel music legend and Martins’ mentor, Bill Gaither, as they candidly share their personal story and the fresh step forward they are taking both musically and spiritually.
English is among the most powerful communicators in gospel music. Music is quite literally bred into his DNA. He learned early in life how to harmonize and communicate a song as part of a traveling musical group with his father and brother. Shortly after high school graduation, the North Carolina native joined his first full-time quartet, The Singing Americans, where he recorded an anthem that would become his signature song, “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy.” Michael joined the Gaither Vocal Band in 1985 and his soulful, power-packed voice quickly launched him to the forefront of the Christian music world. In spite of his battles with stage fright and frequent panic attacks, English’s phenomenal gift for communication birthed a thriving solo career, which grew out of the popularity he gained with the Gaither Vocal Band. The popularity also led to multiple battles with various addictions and a spiral into a deep depression that he chronicles in his autobiography, The Prodigal Comes Home. After a life-changing encounter with God, and a renewed commitment to the calling placed on his life as a young boy growing up in North Carolina,his career has indeed come full circle. In 2009, he rejoined the Gaither Vocal Band, as a group member, but also continues to perform solo concerts, sharing the message of hope and grace and new life that can be found through Christ.
The Martins and Michael English will share their enouraging message of hope, faith and grace in this special musical evening in Smithfield. Complete information may be obtained about this event by calling 919-209-2099 or visiting www.jccperformingarts.com.
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