Avalon is an American contemporary Christian vocal quartet. The group has earned multiple RIAA-certified gold records. 3 Grammy Nominations, 6 Dove Awards, 22 #1 songs, 1 American Music Award.
On August 7, 2018 after a decade as members of Avalon, Jeremi and Amy Richardson stopped touring. Avalon announced in their Facebook page the return of Jody McBrayer and the addition of new member, Dani Rocca. On October 24, 2018 Avalon announced that they had signed as the flagship artist with Red Street Records, a new label launched by Rascal Flatts bass player, Jay DeMarcus. On November 1, 2018 they sang their debut concert as Avalon in Jacksonville, Florida on the opening night of the Greatest Hits Tour, organized by Newsong.
Avalon was formed in 1995 in Nashville after Norman Miller of Proper Management took the idea of a vocal group to Grant Cunningham, A&R Director at Sparrow Records. Miller’s vision was to have two male and two female vocalists who could sing tight harmonies and carry the Gospel to the world. Cunningham publicized his intentions and received many demo tapes, but nothing fit his desires. After letting the idea of Avalon rest a while, Cunningham attended an artist showcase in Nashville to listen to a singer. However, another artist, Michael Passons, caught his attention, and Passons was the first of the group’s founding members. Soon after, former Truth vocalist and South Carolina native Janna Potter (Long) heard about Avalon’s formation. Rikk Kittleman and Tabitha Fair became part of the group, but each left after a short time. Fair was offered a solo record deal, and Kittleman left for other opportunities. With two member openings, Long contacted former Truth vocalist Jody McBrayer, who became a member of Avalon a few days later. Nikki Hassman Anders was the fourth founding vocalist of Avalon. Hassman recorded two albums with Avalon, Avalon (December 26, 1996) and A Maze of Grace (December 1997), but left in May 1998 to pursue a solo career with Sony Records.
On June 20, 2019 Avalon announced the name of their new album, “Called”. Their first single for the album, “Keeper of my Heart”, launched on December 7, 2019, 10 years after Avalon’s previous radio single, “Alive”, from the album Reborn.
Work Cited: Wikipedia
