Amy Grant/FOA "EXTRA" 4/95, Part 1 of 2
LoriMc4FOA
GREETINGS, CYBER PALS!
This is an electronic posting of the current FRIENDS OF AMY mailout.
This IS NOT a newsletter, it is a supplement or "EXTRA".
The next newsletter will be in June, but I just couldn't ask our
subscribers to wait that long for an update. Enjoy!
-Lori Mc
----------------------------
Written Monday, March 13, 1995
Hey, Everybody -
I'm back in Nashville for a three-day break in the middle of a
46-city tour. What a great boost to be in familiar surroundings after
two months of a different city/ different hotel room every day. You
know what I miss? Standing inside the refrigerator at 1:00 am
looking at left-overs. Simple pleasures...
By the way - the tour is going great! Best crowds ever! I love
seeing the F.O.A. "Helping Hands" T-shirts in the crowd. In fact, this
has been the most personally (emotionally) rewarding tour I've ever
done. Maybe it's the combination of old and new songs, or the way
the band gets along or the relaxed atmosphere of the shows or
having Gary as the opening act; whatever it is - I like it. I like
sharing the evening with the people I've been singing to for all these
years.
Hope all is well with you.
I'll be home the second week of April.
Till then,
God bless y'all.
Love, Amy
--------------------------------
SO WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER...
(a.k.a. The View From Lori's Chair)
It was a delight to hand-deliver the December issue to Amy just
three days before Christmas. The whole order wasn't even finished,
but the printer put together three copies for me to take to her. Her
eyes just lit up as she scanned the pages, reading all the names of
contributors, saying that she couldn't believe I did this, etc. I had a
few other items of business, but each one was punctuated with, "Can
I go read this now? I just want to go curl up by the fire and cry." So
glad to hear that so many of you enjoyed the "friends and family"
edition, too!
-----------------------
The 2nd Annual
AMY GRANT'S TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS
was again a huge success! And again we can anticipate celebrating
Christmas in this very special company of friends in 1995!
Amy also had a little unwelcome excitement on her way to the last of
the three shows. Her car was totaled in a low-speed collision
involving two other cars. Her air bag inflated and no one was
seriously injured. Though she was a bit shook up - being a true
professional - the show did go on - swollen nose and all!
--------------
I missed the traditional New Year's Eve-at-the-farm
party as we had just driven in from Pennsylvania on that day. My
husband, Stephen, went as the family representative. Apparently
Amy disappeared early in the evening. Stephen went looking for her to
thank her before he left and found her upstairs getting guitar lessons
from Millard Powers and Bill Owsley. What dedication!
The climax of the night is always the torching of the tree.
However, this year in celebration of the 10th New Year's Eve spent at
the farm - Gary and the guys laced, doused and lit TEN TREES! It was
quite an ex-TREE-
vaganza! They stood them upright and spaced them out running
a line of gasoline from tree to tree and a trail off to the side
from which to ignite the show from a safe distance. The last tree had
the most fire works in it and I'm told it went off for about
ten minutes. Only one rocket threatened the crowd when it flew up
on the porch and exploded above everyone's head right between the
pillars - but no one was injured! As Amy has said before, "The way
we look at it is - if we can survive the tree, we can survive the year."
(NOTE: This celebration takes place on the Chapman's 200 acre farm - well
out
of city limits - with members of the Williamson county fire and sheriffs
departments on hand to keep everything under control.)
-------------
For those of you who saw Amy's segment on "Naked Cafe" (VH-1) -
You got a brief tour of "Hidden Trace" - a beautiful 600 acre chunk of
Tennessee recently purchased to keep developers out of the
neighborhood. The restoration work on the 200+ year old cabins on
the property is nearly finished.
-------------
Amy shot a music video in London for the next pop radio single, "Big
Yellow Taxi" in early January. Amy says it is her personal favorite of
the videos she's done to date. It was shot with Amy walking/running
on a conveyor belt in front of a blank wall. She is literally moving
throughout the whole thing. Her surroundings look "organic", but it
is all computer-generated graphics! No release date for the song -
tentatively early spring/late summer.
---------------
January 8 - Amy appeared with a multitude of music stars, sports
and television personalities to honor George and Barbara Bush on
their 50th wedding anniversary at the Grand Old Opryhouse -
Nashville. Amy performed "If These Walls Could Speak". She
attended a private reception for the couple and played a round of
golf with Barbara at the Opryland green. The show was also a
benefit for The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, The
George Bush Presidential Library Foundation and NARAS's Musi-
Cares program. TNN taped the event for a later showing. No air date
known.
---------------
(Photo of Amy & Gary performing at The Tennessee Christmas
Symphony Show December 1994.)
(Photo of Amy practicing juggling balls backstage at the San
Francisco show.)
---------------
Amy was awarded BEST POP/ROCK ALBUM at the 1st ANNUAL
NAMMIES (Nashville Music Awards) January 18. She also
performed "If These Walls" with Michael Omartian, Mark O'Connor
and a dance troupe from Wharton Middle School (the beneficiary of
proceeds from the event).
---------------
February 21 is a night Gary Chapman and son Matt won't soon
forget...
Gary had been invited to sing The National Anthem at the Phoenix
Suns game. He and Matt were watching the game from the sidelines
when A.C. Green ran over them in an attempt to recover the ball.
Gary attempted to shield Matt and was knocked out in the process.
Matt was only shook up, but Gary suffered a fractured orbit above
his eye and numerous bruises. It was shown several times on ESPN
and of course, our local news. His dad told him, "Some people will do
anything for a little publicity!"
---------------------------
Miss Amy was blissfully unaware of all the basketball excitement as
she was in the studio recording her contribution for "My Utmost For
His Highest". This major praise and worship project, produced by
Brown Bannister, consists of original songs based on or inspired by
the writings of Oswald Chambers' devotional book of the same title.
Gary's contribution is "Man After God's Own Heart" and Amy's is
"Lover of My Soul". The album is to be released in April 95 with
plans for a major concert tour in 1996 (ala "Young Messiah"). Amy
and Gary will both be joining contributing artists to debut the songs
live at the kickoff concert for Gospel Music Association Dove Week
events Sunday night, April 23.
-------------------------
Amy, Gary and golf band "The Mulligans" (Gary, Michael James and
Bobby Price) will be performing at a charity dinner March 20 (these
people just don't take a day off!) in honor of retiring PGA Golf
Commissioner, Dean Beman. The $500/plate event will benefit these
Jacksonville, Florida agencies: T.C.P. Village, The Nancy Reagan Drug
and Alcohol Rehab Center and The Duval House.
-------------------------
Speaking of golf, Amy and Gary will be playing in and playing
(musically) at the Sarah Lee Golf Classic held May 3 - 7 at The
Hermitage. I've been told the "celebrity" portion of the game is not
televised. Both will be playing again in The Vinny here in Nashville
July 9 - 10.
-----------------
Amy will be touring this summer.
No itinerary has been released.
Some local venues have been announcing shows, but these are not
confirmed dates. It simply means this tour has a "hold" on the venue.
It will be during June, July and August. Gary will not be opening.
They are making several program changes from the arena shows.
Watch for your itinerary in the mail, check out the internet sources
or call the concert hotline number: 1-900-825-TOUR
Cost of call 95 cents per minute. Average call is 2 minutes. Must be
at least 18 or have parental consent to call.
SORRY, THERE ARE NO BACKSTAGE PASSES OR COMPLIMENTARY
TICKETS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM FRIENDS OF AMY.
ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ALWAYS WRITE IN PENCIL.
NOTHING IS FINAL UNTIL AFTER IT HAPPENS!
--------------------------
Something to look forward to...
You may have heard about the annual Nashville Country Music Fan
Event of the summer - Fan Fare. Well, a group is trying to organize a
"fan fare" for Christian artists giving their fans an opportunity to
meet and talk with them here in Nashville the week before the GMA
Dove's! They had hoped to make it happen this year, but couldn't
quite get it off the ground. I'll certainly keep you posted for next
year!
****************
STUFF, STUFF AND MORE STUFF...
Amy-related items released in 1994 and early 1995...
*Music of the Spirit
The PAX CHRISTI AWARD Ceremony. St. John's University May
1, 1994. Limited number still available from St. John's Book
Store Video and CD/Commemorative view book gift set are
each $9.99.
Shipping is $4.50
6.5% sales tax for Minnesota residents only.
Phone: 612/363-2497 or 612/363-2496 Mon-Fri 8:30 am -
4:30 pm
FAX: 612/363-3223
Email: jfi...@csbsju.edu
*The Lamb & The Lion
Animated Christmas story voiced by Amy and Christopher
(Super Man) Reeve
*"Christmas With Vince Gill" VHS video tape.
This one hour special was originally aired December 1993 on TNN.
* BUILDING THE HOUSE OF LOVE was released NOVEMBER 8. The
following is a printed description that was included in a retailer's
newsletter, then printed to the alt.music.amy-grant usenet
newsgroup and reprinted here:
Directed by Jim Shea. This is an insider's view of the making of Amy
Grant's new album "House of Love". It follows Amy as she writes, records,
and mixes the album. Along the way, we meet co-writers, guest singers, and
producers Michael Omartian and Keith Thomas as they craft each track from
first demo to finished master. The film shows Amy Grant as a woman of the
nineties, balancing the rigors of her career with the demands of family
and friends.
Key songs from the new album are featured, including "Lucky One"; "Say
You'll Be Mine"; "House of Love"; "Children of the World".
Song videos included are: "The Lucky One", "Say You'll Be Mine" and "House
of Love" (black and white/not TV version).
84 minutes.
ALBUMS:
THE LIGHT INSIDE by Gary Chapman
duet with Amy "Razor's Edge"
WHEN LOVE FINDS YOU by Vince Gill
duet with Amy "If I Had My Way"
RETURN TO POOH CORNER by Kenny Loggins
duet with Amy - title song
GRAMMY'S GREATEST MOMENTS VOL. IV
Amy's live performance of "Baby Baby" 2/25/92
MAVERICK, the movie soundtrack
"Amazing Grace" recorded on the Chapman's farm
WOMEN FOR WOMEN includes Amy's "That's What Love is For"
Benefit album to raise breast cancer awareness.
Other artists: Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow and Tina
Turner.
TAPESTRY, The Carole King Tribute Album
Amy sings "It's Too Late" TENTATIVELY SET FOR A
SEPTEMBER 95 RELEASE. Other artists: James Taylor,
Celine Dion, Manhattan Transfer, Faith Hill and Collective
Soul.
Amy Grant's HEART TO HEART Bible Stories for Children
A re-release of the storybook. Less publicized, but also
available and well-worth the special order is the cassette tape
featuring Amy reading 10 of the stories and relating situations from
her own life that illustrate the truths conveyed. Christian retail only.
ISBN# 0-8499-6011-8 (the cassette product number for ordering)
TWO SONGS YOU MAY HAVE WONDERED ABOUT...
1. "Politics of Kissing"
This song was included as a "bonus track" on the international
release of HOUSE OF LOVE only. A credit for mixing the song
accidentally showed up on some of the US inserts.
2. "Life's Gonna Change"
You may remember we printed the lyrics from this one in the
December '93 issue. It is available on the CD single for "Say
You'll Be Mine" - only on the international release.
Why all the extras for the international market? This is part of
A&M's attempt (along with the extensive world touring) to introduce
Amy more widely in foreign markets. Check with your local record
store to see if they carry or can order "import"
items. Or call Tower Records at 1-800-648-4844.
---------------------
Chris Eaton's original "Breath of Heaven" can be found on his new
Sparrow release WONDERFUL WORLD. Same chorus, but Amy
changed the verses for her Christmas rendition.
----------------------
Where have I heard that before?
Some astute listeners have written to ask if "Oh, How The Years
Go By" was a cover. In doing some investigation with the publishing
company I found that it had been released in the United Kingdom
only on September 15, 1992 - a Sony Records release by Simon
Climie entitled "Soul Inspirations" (Record #4722201).
----------------------
Amy's Grammy nomination this year was for her
narration of "The Creation". No Grammy, but this beautiful work is
worth checking out if you haven't already!
THE CREATION: 1st in a series. The story of creation as recorded in
Genesis. Features an a cappella version of "Create In Me A Clean
Heart" Read by Amy Grant, Music by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
Rabbit Ears Productions (1993). Available on CD, cassette and video.
If not at your local video/music outlet - call The Listening Library at
1-800-243-4504.
***********
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVERYBODY!
I am pleased to say that FRIENDS OF AMY is ten years old! The June
issue will be newsletter number 25 for us.
We're still thinking of ways to mark the occasion - feel free to make
suggestions! We also thought in honor of 10 years that we would do
some "top 10" lists. What kind of "top 10"s would you like to see
from our home office?
***********
DOVE NOTES...
Amy has no less than 6 Dove nominations this year:
*Song of the Year: "We Believe In God"
*Song of the Year: "Children of the World"
*Female Vocalist of the Year
*Artist of the Year
*Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year: "Children of the World"
*Contemporary Album of the Year: "House of Love"
Gary's nominations include:
*Male Vocalist of the Year
*Country Album of the Year: "Closer to the Fire" by Michael James,
produced by Gary Chapman
*Recorded Music Packaging: "The Light Inside"
*Musical Album of the Year: "Born is the King" by Beverly Darnall
We mentioned this project in the December issue as it includes
a recording of "Special Request", a Christmas song Amy penned along
with Tom Hemby. Go Bev!
The Dove Award ceremony will be broadcast live April 27
on The Family Channel at 8 pm (Eastern and Pacific). Gary is one of
the event's hosts along with Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and
Ce Ce Winans. Both the Happy Chaps will be presenting this year and,
while it's not confirmed, there is a better-than-average possibility
that Amy will be performing...
*************
SAM'S PLACE - MUSIC FOR THE SPIRIT (Poster artwork printed.)
Gary will be returning to the stage of The Ryman Auditorium for
another round of hosting "Sam's Place" shows. The TENTATIVE
Sunday night
schedule is:
May 7 & 21
June 11 & 25
July 9 & 23
August 6 & 20
September 10 & 24
October 8 & 22
November 5 & 19
There is a plan in the works to tape two "Sam's Place" pilot specials
for later broadcast on TNN. One will be a Christmas special! Amy is
participating in both and the filming is to be done May 14 - 16. No
air dates confirmed.
You can also find Gary at these Christian Music festivals:
April 22 Icthus Wilmore, Kentucky
May 6 AGAPE Greenville, Illinois
June 17 Atlanta Fest Atlanta, Georgia
June 21 Alive 95 Canal Fulton, Ohio
July 20 Jesus Northwest Richfield, Washington
Liberty Records is doing a Beatles tribute album. Gary Chapman and
Susan Ashton have recorded "In My Life" for the project. A variety
of artists will be featured from the country and pop genre as well.
No title and no confirmed release date.
*********************
COVER GIRL...
Look for Amy on the cover of the Easter 95 issue of "Woman's World"
magazine.
Some past covers worth digging for...
May 94 issue of CCM - Amy & Gary on the cover
CCM / 107 Kenner Ave./ Nashville, TN 37205
September/October 94 issue of RELEASE magazine
RELEASE / Royal Magazine Group / 404 BNA Dr / Suite 600, Building 200 /
Nashville, TN 37217
Fall 94 issue of MARRIAGE PARTNERSHIP magazine
MARRIAGE PARTNERSHIP / 465 Gunderson Dr. / Carol Stream, IL 60188
February/March 95 issue of ASPIRE magazine,
a new mass market Christian lifestyle magazine for women.
ASPIRE / Royal Magazine Group (same as above)
TRUE TUNES, Volume 6, Issue 13
True Tunes / 210 W. Front St. / Wheaton, IL 60187
------------
(Photo here of Amy building a Habitat House in Nashville)
To find out how you can be involved, write to:
Habitat For Humanity International
Habitat and Church Streets
Americus, GA 31709-3498
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END Part 1