Jody McBrayer Departing Avalon Due to Health Issue
Jody McBrayer, a founding member of top Christian vocal group Avalon, has decided to leave the Dove and American Music Award-winning act at the end of 2007 having been recently diagnosed with a chronic but manageable form of heart disease.
McBrayer's condition, known as Hypertophic Cardiomyopathy, lessens the heart's ability to pump blood, making it more difficult to endure strong physical demands such as a recording artist's touring lifestyle. Jody explains more about his diagnosis here.
"The past 12 years have been such a tremendous blessing, and I am thankful for the opportunities I've been given as part of this amazing group," says McBrayer. "While the decision to leave Avalon saddens me, I feel that it is necessary in order to prolong my health both for myself and my family. I am so thankful for the love and support that my family has received from Janna, Greg and Melissa through this challenging time in our lives."
Janna Long, another Avalon founding member, says, "I am saddened to see Jody leave Avalon. He has walked this amazing road with me from the very beginning. And while we will all miss him tremendously as an outstanding vocalist and friend, I know it is in his best interest to step down and take care of himself. Even though he will not be performing with us, we all look forward to his friendship lasting a lifetime."
Avalon will continue to record and tour nationally, and McBrayer will sing on the group's upcoming album that is scheduled for release this September via Sparrow Records. The project will be a collection of classic Christian songs that have inspired Avalon personally and professionally. Selections will include Amy Grant's "El Shaddai," Steven Curtis Chapman's "For the Sake of the Call," the Sandi Patty/Wayne Watson hit "Another Time, Another Place," and First Call's "The Reason We Sing" among others.