AMAZING GRACE Film Soundtrack Available Jan. 23
Martina McBride, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, and Avalon are among the popular artists performing modern versions of classic hymns on MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE AMAZING GRACE, available from EMI CMG beginning January 23, 2007.
The album was produced in cooperation with the makers of Amazing Grace, a new film hitting theatres nationwide February 23. It features Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) as William Wilberforce, the man who championed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire 200 years ago. Still an inspiration to millions today, Wilberforce was joined in his quest to end slave trading by Reverend John Newton, author of the poem "Amazing Grace" that would later inspire the beloved hymn. The movie tells the powerful story of how one man can change the world. See the Amazing Grace preview, cast list, and more here.
Songs on MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE AMAZING GRACE include McBride's stunning version of "How Great Thou Art," a duet between David Crowder and country music's legendary Marty Stuart on "Rock Of Ages," and 2006 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin's new version of "Amazing Grace" featuring the Wilberforce University Choir.
Motion Picture Music executive Lindsay Fellows explains, "Conceptually the hymns for the CD were chosen because they were all close to the heart of Wilberforce. Music was at the very soul of his life, and our goal was to bring this music back into the lives of a new generation of music fans . . . the EMI CMG Label Group team and artists have delivered world class talent and vision to this project."
Other highlights include duets between rising artists Shawn McDonald and Bethany Dillon ("All Creatures Of Our God And King") and hit-maker Jeremy Camp and his wife Adrienne ("It Is Well"). MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE AMAZING GRACE also showcases performances from Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, 2006 GMA Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, gospel music stars Smokie Norful and Kiki Sheard, and MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard.