- Casting Crowns
-
For their eponymous debut album, see Casting Crowns (album).
Casting Crowns 
Casting Crowns performing in 2011 on the Come to the Well Tour.Background information Origin Daytona Beach, Florida, USA Genres Contemporary Christian
Christian rock
Soft rockYears active 1999–present Labels Sony BMG/Beach Street/Reunion (U.S.)
Sony Music Philippines (Philippines)Website castingcrowns.com Members Mark Hall (lead vocals)
Juan DeVevo (lead guitar)
Hector Cervantes (rhythm guitar)
Melodee DeVevo (violin, backing vocals)
Megan Garrett (piano)
Chris Huffman (bass guitar)
Brian Scoggin (drums)Past members Andy Williams (drums) Casting Crowns is a Grammy Award and Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian/Christian Rock band. Casting Crowns was started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida[1] as part of a youth group. He now serves as a lead vocalist. Later they moved to Stockbridge, Georgia and more members joined creating the band now known as Casting Crowns. Some members of the band currently work as ministers for Eagles Landing First Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia.[2]
Contents
History
Formation and self-titled debut
Christian rock group Casting Crowns began as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, FL, in 1999. Led by singer, songwriter, and youth pastor Mark Hall, the group initially included guitarists Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes and violinist Melodee DeVevo. The group relocated to Stockbridge, GA, in 2001, adding Chris Huffman on bass, Megan Garrett on keyboards and accordion, and drummer Andy Williams. This augmented version of Casting Crowns released two independent albums on CD, both of which were well received in the Atlanta area. Both independent albums were efforts on the part of Mark Hall and the rest of the group as outreach projects for youth in the area.[3] The group won the GMA regional songwriters competition at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida in both the "Best Song" and the "Best Artist" categories in 2004. Although the group was not searching for a record label, one of the group's albums found its way into the hands of Mark Miller, lead singer for country group Sawyer Brown, who was struck by Casting Crowns' driving pop/rock style and Hall's vocal delivery of his hard-hitting but devout songs. Miller signed Casting Crowns to his fledgling Beach Street Records, a division of Reunion Records with distribution by the Provident Label Group, making Casting Crowns the first artist signed to Beach Street Records.[4]
Mark Miller took the group into the studio along with co-producer Steven Curtis Chapman, himself a popular artist on the CCM musical scene. The resulting eponymous album, Casting Crowns, was released in 2003 on the Beach Street imprint. The album quickly made them one of the fastest selling debut artists in Christian music history. The album's third single, "Voice of Truth", spent a record-breaking fourteen consecutive weeks at #1 beginning in 2003. "Voice of Truth" is also by the trailer and the ending from the movie Facing the Giants. The album was certified platinum in 2005,[5] and in 2011, the group received their first gold certification for a single for the song 'Who Am I' from their debut record.
Lifesong and Lifesong Live (2005-2006)
Lifesong followed in 2005, debuting at #9 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. The album had three singles: “Lifesong”, “Praise You in this Storm”, and “ Does Anybody Hear Her?”. "Lifesong" spent nine weeks in the top spot, with "Praise You in This Storm" remaining at #1 for seven weeks. Apart from being successful in the charts, Lifesong earned Casting Crowns their first Grammy Award for their work on the album in 2006.
In 2006, the group released Lifesong Live, which included live performances of songs from their studio album Lifesong.
The Altar and the Door and The Altar and the Door Live (2007-2008)
The band's third studio album The Altar and the Door debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart[6] and #1 on the Hot Christian Albums chart upon its release in August 2007. Ten weeks after the album’s release date, it was certified gold by the RIAA.[7] On September 27, 2007 the band embarked on the ‘Altar and the Door’ tour with Leeland and John Waller . The tour was highly successful, grossing $4.4 million ticket sales.[8] Casting Crowns broke their own record in 2007 when the single "East to West" from The Altar and the Door hit sixteen consecutive weeks at #1. The song ended up enjoying the top spot for a total of nineteen weeks, now their most successful single to date. "Slow Fade" was also released as a single, and was included in the soundtrack of the Kirk Cameron film Fireproof.
In 2008, Casting Crowns scored their eighth number one hit with "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", a track from their newly-released Christmas album entitled Peace on Earth.
Until the Whole World Hears (2009-2011)
In early 2009, drummer Andy Williams left to pursue a further calling with blessings from the band. The drummer was replaced with Brian Scoggin and his red locks of hair, an irony Mark mentions on tour.
Casting Crowns was one of the only American bands to ever have been invited to North Korea. They attended the 2009 April Spring Arts Festival in Pyongyang where they performed with The Annie Moses Band. This was Casting Crowns second time invited to the Festival sponsored by Global Resource Services, the first time being in 2007.[9][10] On August 30, 2009 Casting Crowns performed on Huckabee, Mike Huckabee's political show.
Casting Crown's fourth major studio album, Until the Whole World Hears, was released on November 17, 2009, debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 167,000 copies in its first week alone, setting a new record for the highest Christian album debut in history.[11] It was certified gold within 4 weeks.[12] The title track and first single from the album became the groups ninth #1 single in January 2010. Before the album was released, the band went on tour with Matt Redman for the fall Until The Whole World Hears Tour. They went on the first spring leg of the tour with Kutless, and toured with Tenth Avenue North on the second spring leg.
In April 2010, Casting Crowns won the Dove Award for Artist of the Year, their first ever win in that category. A music video for the title track of Until the Whole World Hears was posted on the band's YouTube page on August 23, 2010.
The track Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) was released as a single in 2011 and reached #1 on Billboard Christian Songs during the week of April 23, 2011.
Come to the Well (2011-present)
Main article: Come to the WellCasting Crowns' latest song, "Courageous", was released as a single on July 19, 2011. The music video for the song was released on June 13, 2011 and promotes the film Courageous. The song was featured on their latest album, Come to the Well, which was released on October 18, 2011.
Ministry
Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall calls the band's work a ministry akin to what the world would call "preaching to the choir." In keeping with The Great Commission, Hall describes their music as a "ministry of discipleship."
Four members of Casting Crowns currently minister at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA where they play during the Contemporary Worship service on Sunday mornings. They do the band part-time around their full-time work of mentoring teenagers at the church.[2] They often tour from Thursday- Saturday so that they can be home for church on Sunday morning and Wednesday night.[13]
Members
Current
- Mark Hall – lead vocals and songwriter (1999–Present)
- Hector Cervantes – lead guitar and background vocals (1999–Present)
- Juan Devevo – guitar and background vocals (1999–Present)
- Chris Huffman – bass (2001–Present)
- Megan Garrett – piano, keyboards, backing vocals (2001–Present)
- Melodee Devevo – violin, backing vocals, cello (1999–Present)
- Brian Scoggin – drums (2009–Present)
Former
- Andy Williams - drums (2001–2009)
Books
- Lifestories by Mark Hall
- Your Own Jesus by Mark Hall
- The Well by Mark Hall
Producers/Executive Producers
- Steven Curtis Chapman - Producer for album Casting Crowns
- Mark A. Miller - Producer for albums Casting Crowns, Lifesong, The Altar and the Door, and Until The Whole World Hears
- Terry Hemmings - Executive Producer for album Lifesong, The Altar and the Door, and Until The Whole World Hears
Discography
Main article: Casting Crowns discographyStudio albums
- 2003: Casting Crowns
- 2005: Lifesong
- 2007: The Altar and the Door
- 2008: Peace on Earth
- 2009: Until the Whole World Hears
- 2011: Come to the Well
Live albums
- 2004: Live from Atlanta
- 2006: Lifesong Live
- 2008: The Altar and the Door Live
- 2010: Until the Whole World Hears... Live
Music videos
- American Dream
- Does Anybody Hear Her
- Slow Fade
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Courageous
Achievements
- Career sales have exceeded 5 million records.
- Voted CCM Readers' Choice Awards "Favorite Band", "Favorite New Artist" and "Favorite Album" in 2005.
- "Lifesong" voted "Inspirational Single of the Year" by online music fans in the 2005 CCMSingles.Net Awards.
- "Praise You in this Storm" was the fifth most played song of 2006 according to R&R magazine[14]
- "East To West" voted "AC Single of the Year" and "Inspirational Single of the Year" by online music fans in the 2007 CCMSingles.Net Awards.
- Casting Crowns was the most played artist on Christian Radio in 2007, according Radio & Records Weekly charts (12/10).
- Casting Crowns is the second fastest Christian band in history to have their first two albums certified platinum, the fastest being Jars of Clay.[7]
- GMA Dove Awards[15]
Year Award Result 2004 New Artist of the Year Nominated Song of the Year ("If We Are the Body") Nominated Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("If We Are the Body") Nominated Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Casting Crowns) Nominated 2005 Artist of the Year Nominated Group of the Year Won Song of the Year ("Who Am I") Won Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Who Am I") Won Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("American Dream") Nominated Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year ("Voice of Truth") Won Worship Song of the Year (“Who Am I”) Nominated 2006 Artist of the Year Nominated Group of the Year Won Song of the Year ("Lifesong" and "Voice of Truth") Nominated Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Lifesong") Nominated Pop Contemporary Album of the Year (Lifesong) Won 2007 Artist of the Year Nominated Group of the Year Won Song of the Year ("Praise You In This Storm") Nominated Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Praise You In This Storm") Won 2008 Artist of the Year Nominated Group of the Year Won Song of the Year ("East to West") Won Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ("The Altar and the Door") Won Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("East to West") Won Praise & Worship Song of the Year ("Praise You In This Storm") Nominated 2009 Artist of the Year Nominated Group of the Year Won Christmas Album of the Year (Peace on Earth) Won Short Form Music Video of the Year ("Slow Fade") Won Long Form Music Video of the Year (The Altar and the Door Live) Nominated 2010 Artist of the Year Won Group of the Year Nominated Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Until the Whole World Hears") Nominated 2011 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Until the Whole World Hears) Nominated Long Form Music Video of the Year (Until the Whole World Hears... Live) Nominated Year Award Work 2005 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Lifesong Partnerships and Endorsements
Partnerships
- Jumpstart Resources
- World Vision
- Covenant Eyes[17]
- Global Youth Ministry[18]
Endorsements
- Gibson Guitars
- Avalon Guitars
- Vesper Guitars
- Audix Microphones
- Westone In Ear Monitors
- Pro Mark Drum Sticks
- Ultimate Microphone Stands
- Paul Reed Smith Guitars
- Istanbul Agop Cymbals
- C&C Drums
References
- ^ Norris, Jane (18 May 2009). "There's No Slow Fade in the Forecast for Casting Crowns". The Daily Progress. http://www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/entertainment/music/article/theres_no_slow_fade_in_the_forecast_for_casting_crowns/40282/. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
- ^ a b "CASTING CROWNS SETS SALES RECORD AS HIGHEST DEBUTING CHRISTIAN MUSIC ARTIST IN SOUNDSCAN HISTORY; UNTIL THE WHOLE WORLD HEARS FIRST-WEEK SCANS EXCEED 167,000". Jesus Freak Hideout. 25 November 2009. http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/11/25.CASTING%20CROWNS%20SETS%20SALES%20RECORD%20AS%20HIGHEST%20DEBUTING%20CHRISTIAN%20MUSIC%20ARTIST.asp. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
- ^ Owen, Linda (2005 November). "Casting Crowns’ "Who Am I"". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2005/novdec/14.13.html. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
- ^ Herman, Michael (2004). "Overnight Sensation". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2004/castingcrowns-0204.html. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ^ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH.
- ^ "Casting Crowns ‘The Altar and the Door’ Debuts at No. 2". CCM Magazine. 2007 September. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11553550/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
- ^ a b "The Altar and the Door Certified Gold by RIAA in Ten Weeks". CCM Magazine. 2007 September. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11553550/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
- ^ "Casting Crowns Dominates Christian Music in 2007". CCM Magazine. 2007 December. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11562037/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
- ^ Young, Eric (2009-04-21). "Casting Crowns Heads Home After North Korea Trip". Christian Post. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090421/casting-crowns-heads-home-after-north-korea-trip/index.html. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
- ^ French, Rose (2009-04-11). "Musicians hope to ease tensions in North Korea". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/tennessee/2009-04-11-2447326404_x.htm?loc=interstitialskip. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
- ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/11/25.CASTING%20CROWNS%20SETS%20SALES%20RECORD%20AS%20HIGHEST%20DEBUTING%20CHRISTIAN%20MUSIC%20ARTIST.asp
- ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/12/21.CASTING%20CROWNS%20CERTIFIES%20RIAA%20GOLD%20IN%20FOUR%20WEEKS.asp
- ^ http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/mark-hall-of-casting-486668.html
- ^ As played on the January 7, 2007 Weekend 22
- ^ "Dove Awards History Artist: Casting Crowns". Gospel Music Association. http://www.doveawards.com/history.php?x=artist. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
- ^ "Grammy Award Winners". The Recording Academy. http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
- ^ Casting Crowns Partnership web site
- ^ [1]
External links
- Casting Crowns official site
- Jump Start Resources web site -- this web site was created by Mark Hall as a source of materials for Christian youth leaders on low budgets. The web site is given on the CD tray label of the British version of the first album.
- Casting Crowns Artist Profile on Christian Music Review
- The Altar and the Door album review on Christian Music Review
- Casting Crowns on WorshipSong
- The Altar & The Door Tour 2009 concert review from NewReleaseTuesday.com
Studio albums Casting Crowns · Lifesong · The Altar and the Door · Peace On Earth · Until the Whole World Hears · Come to the WellLive CDs/DVDs Live from Atlanta · Lifesong Live · The Altar and the Door Live · Until the Whole World Hears... LiveSingles "If We Are the Body" · "Who Am I" · "Voice of Truth" · "Lifesong" · "Praise You in This Storm" · " Does Anybody Hear Her? · "East to West" · "Every Man" · "Slow Fade" · "Until The Whole World Hears" · "If We've Ever Needed You" · "To Know You" · "Joyful, Joyful" · "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" · "Courageous"Other songs Related articles Reunion Records · Casting Crowns discographyCategories:- American pop music groups
- Christian rock groups from Florida
- Grammy Award winners
- Musical groups established in 1999
- Musical septets
- People from Volusia County, Florida
- Sony BMG artists
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
