Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: December 2016

December 2016

*Wednesday, December 28, 2016*

Crowder Shares "Run Devil Run" Performance From The Grand Ole Opry

Rare Country is exclusively premiering Crowder's performance of "Run Devil Run" from the Grand Ole Opry. "All We Sinners," also found on his latest GRAMMY® nominated album American Prodigal, was among the songs included in his set at Nashville's iconic Ryman Auditorium... << Full Report >>

Jekalyn Carr Spends 30 Consecutive Weeks In Top 5 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay Chart

Teen sensation Jekalyn Carr ends 2016 spending 30 consecutive weeks in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart with her #1 hit single “You’re Bigger”. The single debuted in the Top 5 on June 6th and landed at #1 on September 14th spending four non-consecutive weeks in that position. On December 6th THE RECORDING ACADEMY® announced that Carr received a GRAMMY® nomination in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 23, 2016*

American Idol Finalist Chris Sligh Releases New Album

With his first new music since 2013, “American Idol” Top 10 finalist Chris Sligh releases a new CD today through iTunes. The 11-song electropop/worship project titled “Mighty Roar/Healing Flood,” features music written or co-written by Sligh, who also engineered, produced, mixed and mastered the album... << Full Report >>

Hillsong Young & Free Debuts "Falling Into You" Music Video

GRAMMY® nominated Hillsong Young & Free's newest music video for their current radio single "Falling Into You" premiered exclusively with Billboard. To view the video, click here. "We've had the best year in twenty-16 seeing the world and meeting so many new people," Hillsong Young & Free's Laura Toggs shared exclusively with Billboard. "To celebrate, we're releasing a new... << Full Report >>

Reba McEntire Inspires With New Album On February 3

Reba McEntire has never been one to "rest on her laurels" (Associated Press) and continues to prove that her strong work ethic couples well with passion as she prepares to release SING IT NOW: SONGS OF FAITH & HOPE on February 3, 2017 jointly through Nash Icon Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. For an entertainer with an... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 22, 2016*

As We Ascend Signs With Vital Records/Daywind Music Group

Newly formed rock band, As We Ascend, is proud to partner with Vital Records and Daywind Music Publishing, a division of Daywind Music Group, distributed by New Day Christian Distributors. Comprised of guitarists Justin Forshaw and Jake Jones (both former guitarists of We As Human), and Robert Venable on drums, As We Ascend has already released their first single, “Wash Away” to radio, where it is currently climbing the Billboard Christian Rock chart... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, December 20, 2016*

Over 130,000 Celebrate Christmas With Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Jordan Smith

With 32 shows nationwide, an excess of 130,000 people celebrated the holiday season with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Jordan Smith. Kicking off on Nov. 11 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater, multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY® award winning artists Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith co-billed their popular symphony-filled Christmas tour joined by Republic... << Full Report >>

Hillsong's "Let Hope Rise" Film Debuts On DVD Today

This Christmas season, Hillsong – Let Hope Rise, the movie that chronicles the spectacular and miraculous rise to prominence of the Australia-based worship band, Hillsong UNITED, and features powerful performances of their most iconic and beloved hit songs such as, “Oceans” “Mighty To Save” and “Hosanna”, will be available on Digital HD, On Demand, DVD and Blu-ray... << Full Report >>

JFH News Shorts: Andy Mineo, Twenty One Pilots, Jamie Grace, Oh Sleeper, J.Givens

Twenty One Pilots and Mutemath teamed up to drop a collaborative project last night entitled TOP x MM (The Mutemath Sessions). The EP reimagines five songs from Twenty One Pilolts with Mutemath playing various instruments--all shot on camera and available to watch on YouTube. The project will be available for free download for 30 days after its release. Grab your copy now via WeTransfer... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 19, 2016*

Zach Williams Drops Full-Length Album Unannounced - Out Now!

Newly minted GRAMMY® nominee Zach Williams has just dropped his new full-length album, Chain Breaker (Essential Records). Williams made the surprise album announcement this past weekend during a hometown show in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Available now at iTunes, the Chain Breaker LP offers ten songs - five from his EP of the same name along with five new tunes. Click here to download the album... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 16, 2016*

Grammy-Nominated KARI JOBE Announces Her New Studio Album THE GARDEN

GRAMMY-nominated and renowned worship leader Kari Jobe will release her third studio album titled The Garden on February 3, 2017. This album follows the highly acclaimed live project Majestic that produced the hit single "Forever" and "I Am Not Alone." The Garden was written and recorded during a season of pain and loss for Jobe's family... << Full Report >>

The Beatitudes Project, An Album, Book, Documentary Film To Release Early 2017

The Beatitudes Project – a book: Words From the Hill (An Invitation to the Unexpected) from NavPress, a full-length album: Beatitudes with The Fuel Music, and a documentary film currently in the works – reveals a wide world of connected stories: real people from all faiths and walks of life who embody mercy, poverty, meekness, the hungry and thirsty, the peacemakers, the mourners, and the pure in heart... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 15, 2016*

Thousand Foot Krutch Fights With �A Different Kind Of Dynamite�

Known for its adrenaline-fueled anthems that consistently fire-up sports enthusiasts around the world, Thousand Foot Krutch’s “A Different Kind Of Dynamite” has been tapped as the official theme song for the Dec. 18 WWE "Roadblock: End of The Line" pay-per-view event. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 180 countries and 25 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. “A Different Kind Of Dynamite” is from TFK’s current album... << Full Report >>

Christy Nockels Releases Christmas Album, "The Thrill Of Hope"

Upon a successful debut, Christy Nockels' first-ever Christmas record The Thrill Of Hope is receiving widespread praise from critics, citing the album as "the most original and inspired holiday album" and "a beautiful yuletide reminder." Along with features on WSMV's Today In Nashville, The Tennessean, American Family Radio, Moody Radio and more, Nockels made a guest appearance during LifeWay's annual Christmas Chapel... << Full Report >>

Casting Crowns Receives RIAA Platinum Certification for "Peace On Earth"

Multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY-award winning band CASTING CROWNS has been awarded RIAA Platinum certification for their Christmas album Peace On Earth. This marks their fifth career Platinum certification in addition to their 2x multi-Platinum album, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, seven RIAA Gold albums, four Gold DVDs, one RIAA Platinum single and five RIAA Gold certified digital singles. The group continues to hold the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 14, 2016*

Kari Jobe Announces Dates For 2017 The Garden Tour

Grammy®-Nominated and Dove Award-Winning Recording Artist and Worship Leader Kari Jobe announces dates for The Garden Tour, which features songs from her highly-anticipated upcoming album The Garden. The Garden Tour marks the first time Jobe has toured in nearly three years, and it kicks off in Tampa, Fla. on February 23, 2017 and visits 30 cities around the country through April 2017. Special guests for select dates include... << Full Report >>

More Than 50,000 To Unite Under One Roof At Passion 2017

More than 50,000 young adults from across the globe will gather to worship and hear from renowned speakers Monday, Jan. 2 through Wednesday, Jan. 4 for Passion 2017, returning to Atlanta's Georgia Dome for the first time since 2013. Spearheaded by Passion Founders Louie and Shelley Giglio, attendees will hear from Christine Caine, Beth Moore, John Piper, Levi Lusko... << Full Report >>

RCA Inspiration Receives Nominations for 2017 NAACP Image Awards

RCA Inspiration has been honored with two nominations, unveiled today for the upcoming 48^th NAACP Image Awards in 2017. Gospel icons Donnie McClurkin and Fred Hammond garner nominations in the Outstanding Gospel Album category for THE JOURNEY (LIVE) and WORSHIP JOURNAL LIVE... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, December 13, 2016*

Meredith Andrews To Appear On Todd Starnes' Annual Christmas Show

Word Worship artist Meredith Andrews is set to appear on The Todd Starnes Christmas Show December 24 and 25 on FoxNews.com. This annual Christmas show was taped live at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN on Tuesday, December 6. The program will air at 6:30 PM CT on hundreds of Fox Radio, American Family Radio and Bott Radio stations... << Full Report >>

Skillet Announce Second U.S. Leg of The Unleashed Tour

2016 is proving to be a milestone year for Skillet and 2017 is shaping up to continue the trend. Coming off the band’s most successful European headline run to date that included numerous sold-out performances, Skillet will embark on the second U.S. leg of The Unleashed Tour. The 26-city tour will kick off on February 8^th in Clifton Park, NY and will make stops in Philadelphia, PA; Spokane, WA; Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO to name a few... << Full Report >>

TobyMac Debuts "Bring On The Holidays" Music Video

Yahoo! Music exclusively premiered the official music video for TobyMac's festive single "Bring On the Holidays," the first Christmas offering from the GRAMMY winner in five years. "The holidays are definitely my favorite time of year," the multi-platinum selling artist tells Yahoo! Music exclusively. "I wanted to write a song about my struggles as a traveler trying to make it home to... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 12, 2016*

JFH News Shorts: Demon Hunter, Fever Fever, Hearts Like Lions, Owl City

As we are approaching winter, Demon Hunter took this as an opportunity to release a song off their new album Outlive entitled "Cold Winter Sun." Outlive is currently slated for a release in March of 2017, and the band is currently accepting pre-orders through a PledgeMusic campaign. Click here to watch the lyric video... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 10, 2016*

TobyMac Invites Listeners To "Bring On The Holidays" with New Single

To the surprise of thousands of fans, GRAMMY® recognized TobyMac debuts his latest Christmas single "Bring On The Holidays," available today. Revealing the song on social media, "Bring On The Holidays" marks the first time in five years the platinum selling artist has released Christmas music. "Bring On The Holidays" is available for purchase, HERE... << Full Report >>

CeCe Winans Premieres "Hey Devil!" From First LP in 9 Years

Head over to NPR Music to check out "Hey Devil!," the soul-stirring new "playful raver" from ten-time Grammy-winner CeCe Winans' new album 'Let Them Fall in Love,' coming out February 3 on Puresprings Gospel/Thirty Tigers... << Full Report >>

John Reuben Teams With Aaron Cole for "Believe" Film Single

"ANGELS and DRUMS," the original song performed in a Bollywood style music video that is featured in the end credits of the motion picture “BELIEVE” (in theatres now), releases to fans nationwide today. After making its radio debut on Dec. 8 on 101.9 BOOST FM in St. Louis, Mo., the song will receive airplay on Hip Hop and CHR format station around the country this holiday season. The single is currently available for free download a... << Full Report >>

Matthew West Named BILLBOARD Hot Christian Songwriter Of The Year

Following numerous No. 1 radio singles, songwriting awards, touring in front of a million people and even co-hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards for a second time, 2016 has been an extraordinary year for award-winning artist and renowned songwriter Matthew West... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 8, 2016*

Hannah Kerr Joins Building 429 on "Christmas in the Round Tour"

Black River Christian singer/songwriter, Hannah Kerr, joins the GRAMMY nominated band, Building 429, on its “Christmas in the Round Tour,” which also features Matt Hammitt and Jonny Diaz. It will be an intimate evening of worship, stories and holiday classics that is based on Nashville’s beloved tradition of “musicians in the round.” The tour launches Dec. 9 in Massachusetts and concludes on the 17th in Fla., and is sponsored by Food For The Hungry... << Full Report >>

Cheri Keaggy's Song "Hope is Believing" Featured in Family Inspirational Film, 'Christmas Ranch'

"Hope is Believing," the new song from Dove Award winning singer/songwriter and recording artist Cheri Keaggy, will be featured in the delightful holiday-themed Family Inspirational feature film, Christmas Ranch, from DBM Films.

Just in time... << Full Report >>

Hillsong Young & Free Honored With First GRAMMY� Nomination

.Youth Revival (Live) has earned Hillsong Young & Free their first GRAMMY® Nomination. Thesophomore album was named as a nominee in the BestContemporary Christian Music Album category. Making an impact at Christian radio, Youth Revival (Live) has garnered two Top 5 singles, as their newest "Falling Into You" quickly climbs the charts. The Recording Academy will present.. << Full Report >>

NewSong Celebrates "The Best Christmas Ever!"

With their popular annual Christmas tour in full swing, holiday singles currently impacting mainstream and Christian radio, and key national television appearances on tap, GRAMMY®-nominated NewSong is celebrating the season with their latest critically-acclaimed release, The Best Christmas Ever! The group performed the album’s title-cut on Monday’s live broadcast of “The 700 Club,” and the show... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 7, 2016*

Acceptance To Return With First New Album In 12 Years In February

Rock band Acceptance only released one studio album, titled Phantoms, back in 2005 before breaking up. Now, twelve years later, the band is releasing a brand new studio album, titled Colliding by Design on February 24th through Rise Records... << Full Report >>

Danny Gokey Partners With Bon-Ton Stores With Christmas Song

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced the launch of a partnership with American Idol alum and BMG recording artist Danny Gokey. Gokey’s exclusive recording of the classic “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” serves as the Bon-Ton Stores’ signature song for the 2016 holiday television campaign. The song will also be a bonus track on... << Full Report >>

Lauren Daigle Earns Second Career GRAMMY Nomination

Centricity Music artist Lauren Daigle was honored with her second career GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” for “Trust In You” from her award-winning and Gold-selling album, HOW CAN IT BE. Recently completing her sold-out, debut headline tour, “A Night With Lauren Daigle,” Daigle is currently on the road in support of her new Christmas album, BEHOLD, with for King & Country on the “A for King & Country Christmas Tour... << Full Report >>

Natalie Grant and Bernie Herms Earn A Combined Five GRAMMY Nominations

Award-winning Natalie Grant received two GRAMMY® nominations for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album” for Be One and “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” for “King Of The World.” Grant’s husband, producer and songwriter Bernie Herms... << Full Report >>

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like "A Tennessee Christmas" for Amy Grant

In describing Tennessee Christmas to Billboard, multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter Amy Grant called it “a lovely blend of family and real-life experience, with all the happiness and sadness that comes from this time of year when people are really nostalgic, and all the good and bad kind of bubbles up.” PEOPLE.com is exclusively unveiling the music video... << Full Report >>

Integrity Music's All Sons & Daughters, Michael Farren Garner GRAMMY Awards� Nominations

Integrity Music is pleased to announce that All Sons & Daughters were honored with a GRAMMY Awards® nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music” album for their new project, Poets & Saints, and songwriter Michael Farren was honored with a nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” as cowriter of Lauren Daigle... << Full Report >>

Marc Martel Releases First Solo Christmas Project "The Silent Night EP"

Queen Extravaganza and former Downhere vocalist, Marc Martel, has released his first solo Christmas project, “The Silent Night EP.” The record was produced by Martel, with help from Jordan Wiberg, and features seven holiday classics presented with the powerful vocals of Martel. The first single from the record, “What Child Is This?” is one of the most added Christmas songs of 2016, and debuted... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, December 6, 2016*

"American Prodigal" Earns Crowder Third GRAMMY� Nomination

Crowder's newest recording, American Prodigal, has garnered a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. The recognition marks the third consecutive GRAMMY® nod for Crowder following honors from his first solo album, Neon Steeple. The Recording Academy will present... << Full Report >>

Zach Williams Receives First GRAMMY Nomination

Essential Records' artist and songwriter Zach Williams can now add GRAMMY nominee to his name. From the announcement of the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards nominations this morning, Williams was recognized for his debut No. 1 single, "Chain Breaker," in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song category, which acknowledges both the artist and songwriters. Williams wrote the song with Mia Fieldes and Jonathan Smith. Upon receiving the nomination this morning... << Full Report >>

Full Circle Music Celebrates GRAMMY� Nomination Amidst Latest Songwriter Signee

Announced earlier today, Seth Mosley, founder of Full Circle Music, received a GRAMMY® nomination for his songwriting on for KING & COUNTRY's hit “Priceless,” included in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance category.... << Full Report >>

Provident Music Group Celebrates Eight Nominations For The 59th Annual Grammy Awards

Provident Music Group was honored with eight GRAMMY nominations this morning as the nominees were announced for the 59th GRAMMY Awards. Among those nominated were first-time nominee Zach Williams of Essential Records and multiple nominee Kirk Franklin of Fo Yo Soul/ RCA. The Recording Academy will present the 59th GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The awards will be live from Staples Center... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 5, 2016*

Trip Lee Releases Second Single "Billion Years" From "The Waiting Room"

On Friday, December 2nd, acclaimed hip-hop recording artist, author and founder of BRAG ministry, Trip Lee, released the second single, “Billion Years,” from his forthcoming mixtape The Waiting Room. “Billion Years” features a massive hook by Taylor Hill and is a worshipful cut that thunders with hope, “A billion years ahead, this whole world will be nothing/There’s a joy that is coming, like the morning... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 2, 2016*

Emery's Devin Shelton To Release Solo Album "Sensation" January 6

Primarily known as bassist/backup vocalist for Emery, Devin Shelton will be dropping his second solo effort January 6^th, 2017 on BC Music. Shelton wants to give fans an early listen to the title track “Sensation”, out today at DevinSheltonMusic.com. After a successful crowd fund campaign, Sensation will be released on BC Music... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 1, 2016*

WORD Publishing's Tony Wood Puts A Bow on 2016 with 7 New Christmas Songs

As 2016 draws to a close, Word Publishing's Tony Wood celebrates an incredible career spent penning hit songs, with a remarkable 29 No. 1s to his name. Wood is finishing 2016 with seven new co-written Christmas songs: HOW GLORIOUS THE LOVE OF HEAVEN by Stars Go Dim, GOD WITH US by We Are Messengers, SON OF GOD, SON OF MAN by Travis Ryan, DANCE IN THE DAWN by Selah, WELCOME TO THE WORLD YOU MADE by Austin... << Full Report >>

Darlene Zschech�s New Album Set for Release in March

Integrity Music is honored to announce that it has extended its longtime relationship with renowned worship leader, author and pastor Darlene Zschech and is preparing for the March release of a new live album from Zschech and her church, Hope Unlimited, in New South Wales, Australia... << Full Report >>

Premier Productions Announces Dates for RoadTrip Spring Break 2017

Premier Productions announces dates for RoadTrip Spring Break 2017, where Christians from across the country can gather in Panama City Beach, Fla. at Laketown Wharf to experience music from artists such as Elevation Worship, Lauren Daigle and Colony House for an all-new spring break experience. RoadTrip Spring Break 2017 offers a choice of three separate weekends including March 8-11, March 15-18, and March 22-25. Packages are on sale... << Full Report >>

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This Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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Relentless Pursuit My Own Worst Enemy (independent)

This Thursday, April 16, 2026
SINGLES

A.G. McIntosh Better Than the Last - Single (independent)

This Friday, April 17, 2026
ALBUMS

Paul Baloche Yes, We Believe [Integrity]

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SINGLES

Brothrly Quiet - Single (independent)

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Next Friday, April 24, 2026
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Alexander Pappas Sunday - EP [Integrity]

Wilson Fairchild American Songbook: Country Classics and Gospel Favorites [Gaither]

SINGLES

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DVD

Wilson Fairchild American Songbook: Country Classics and Gospel Favorites [Gaither]

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