Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band, founded in 1985 in Australia.  Bassist Sean Taylor, vocalist John James, and drummer Peter Furler were the founding members.  In 1987, they came to the United States, with a recording contract with Refuge Communications.

Newsboys

The positive thing about being in a group is that the countenance you have day to day is noticed. It’s a good thing because there’s this part of you that wants to stay independent, like the Bible says, “be an island” and be on your own. But the thing about being in a group that includes your crew and your manager and the people who are traveling with you.

The Beginning

Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band, founded in 1985 in Australia.  Bassist Sean Taylor, vocalist John James, and drummer Peter Furler were the founding members.  In 1987, they came to the United States, with a recording contract with Refuge Communications.  They released their debut album, Read All About It, a year later.

After the debut release, Newsboys signed a new contract with Star Song Communications, and released two albums in 1990 and 1991.  Neither received much attention, and the band's roster changed from one release to the next.  

Building a Niche

In 1992, Newsboys released their first commercially successful album, Not Ashamed.  Six singles were released to the radio. The track, I am Not Ashamed, became an enormous hit on Christian radio.  Their 1994 release, Going Public, was even more successful.  It produced #1 hits, Shine, Let It Rain, and Spirit Thing.  The album earned two Dove Awards:  Rock Album of the Year and Rock Recorded Song of the Year for Shine.  Shine was also included in CCM's Top 100 Greatest Songs of Christian Music.

By 1996, the roster of the band was finally in place, and they had adopted a heavier rock sound.  After the release of their '96 album, which was again very successful, lead singer John James left the band, and Peter Furler moved into the spot of lead vocals.  Their 1998 release, Step Up to the Microphone, proved that the band had not lost its popularity with the loss of James.  It was commercially successful and the releases enjoyed heavy radio play.  Six more albums with Furler in the lead vocal spot and years of aggressive touring have placed Newboys in spotlight of Christian music.

Here and  Now

In 2009, the band withstood a number of roster changes.  During that time, Furler decided to step into a supporting role in the band; Michael Tait became lead vocalist.  They have announced that their 2010 release, Born Again, is due to be released in mid-2010.  According to the Facebook page, they are planning a tour to start in October, 2010.  

Over the course of their career so far, they have been recipients of twenty-five Dove Awards, four Grammy Awards, and two International Angel Awards.  The band has indicated in interviews and online how useful the internet has been in sharing the Word and selling their music.  They have made links available at their site and on their Facebook page for the purchase of mp3 downloads of their music.

Did you know . . .

1. The band was initially known as The News, but they changed their name when they came to the United States to avoid legal issues with Huey Lewis and The News.

2. The single, He Reigns, is the band's most played single to date.

3. Newsboys have twenty-three #1 singles to date.

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