When Abe, Bret, Dave, and Justin stepped onto the music scene as Jericho Road in August of 2001, they could not have imagined where it would take them. Their self-titled debut release broke all sells records for their label, selling over 10,000 in its first week and, ever since then, nearly 150,000 albums sold later, theyve been sharing their music and conviction with fans of all faiths throughout the world. Now, nearly 3 years and 4 albums later, the group is still going strong. Their releases include the contemporary albums Jericho Road, True North, and the EP Deeper Still, a devotional album (What Matters Most), and their latest contemporary release There is More.
Having met at BYU in the performing group the Young Ambassadors, the guys (Abe from St. Louis, Missouri; Dave from Sandy, Utah; Justin from Parma, Idaho; and Bret from Knoxville, Tennessee) developed close friendships performing together and after expressing strong desires to use their performing talents in a way that would be both entertaining and inspiring decided to form Jericho Road.
Jericho Road has been fortunate to team-up with many award-winning songwriters and musicians. These include Christian artists Steve Siler, Lowell Alexander, Scott Kripayne, and many others who, like those just mentioned, have written songs for several well-known groups, such as Point of Grace and True Vibe. In 2003, the guys won a Listeners Choice Award for Album of the Year (True North) and Group Artist of the Year. They also received a 2003 Pearl Award for Performing Artist of the Year and Contemporary Recording of the Year (A New Day, True North).
The fan-base and recognition have steadily grown for Jericho Road, with their albums sales now approaching 150,000 CDs and millions of dollars in sales. Having completed two tours throughout the West coast and Canada in 2002 and 2003, the guys recently performed in Washington D.C., Kansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Radio stations across the country (both contemporary and Christian) have helped JR gain national attention as a group who conveys an uplifting and positive message to all. Finding My Way Back to You, the hit single from their second album, was on the Top 5 most-requested list at KXEN in St. Louis. Its music that makes lyrical and musical sense, said Program Director Jay Madas. I cant wait to see what they release next!
One highlight for the group came in the fall of 03 when they were asked to sing the National Anthem at the 100th Anniversary of the first World Series at Dodgertown (Vero Beach, FL). The Diamond Dreams Fantasy Baseball organization sponsored their trip and even let them play in the games. Ive been around baseball a long time, and Ive never heard the anthem sung like that and thats sayin something, said Hall-of-Famer Bob Gibson, a member of the All-Century Team. Brooks Robinson, Pete Rose, and Ken Griffey, Sr., all echoed similar remarks (about their singing, not their baseball abilities).
In the last two years, the group has gained more international attention and exposure, completing two tours to the United Kingdom and Ireland, a sold-out week-long tour to Chile last July, and recent performances in Florida, Washington, Oregon, and California!
We have been so blessed and are excited about the opportunity we have to spread this message of hope, says Dave. Music is such a powerful medium and we love being able to express our feelings through it.
