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After a 16-year career defining Christian music
with their signature harmonies and inspirational songs, 4HIM has announced the
release of their final studio recording on INO Records November 22, 2005.
Composed of Andy Chrisman, Kirk Sullivan, Mark Harris and Marty Magehee, this
landmark group began their 4HIM career in 1990, after becoming acquainted with
one another during their time in the vocal group Truth. Throughout their time
together, 4HIM has received much acclaim for their 11 hit albums including an
RIAA Gold certified album (The Basics of Life), 24 No. 1 radio singles,
eight Dove Awards including three “Group of the Year,” and a Grammy Award
nomination as well as Alabama’s Music Hall of Fame for The Governor’s
Achievement Award. In addition to their numerous tours across the nation,
the group has also been featured performers with the Billy Graham and Louis
Palau crusades.
Of their career Mark Harris comments, “I feel amazed that 15 years have
passed. The fact that we are the same four guys together is evidence of
God’s sovereignty and His calling.”
Andy Chrisman adds, “I was 24 years-old when 4HIM started. It seems as
though I’ve grown up with the other guys. We’ve been in each others’
weddings, been present when babies were born and so much more.”
Just as their fans have recognized 4HIM’s ability to touch hearts, in regard
to their impact on the industry, Gospel Music Association President John Styll
states, “4HIM’s longevity as a group is a testimony to the fact that great
voices, combined with great material, never really go out of style.”
Taking a walk down memory lane, 4HIM has begun recording new versions of their
biggest hits on the farewell project, appropriately titled Encore…For
Future Generations. Once again their longtime producer Michael
Omartian will produce the project, which will feature nine favorite 4HIM
songs, in addition to a medley and one new track. The first radio single,
“Unity (We Stand),” which will go for adds in October. Four bonus solo
songs from each band member will also be included. To support the release,
4HIM will begin a 40-city ENCORE tour this fall thru Spring 2006.
“This project will hopefully capture the spirit of the songs and where we are
now in 2005 musically, spiritually and thematically it will be a trip down
memory lane with a new twist,” Harris explains. “We wanted to do this
last project as a gift to our loyal fans—to commemorate all the years of
faithful support we have received from them.”
Thinking forward to the ENCORE tour, Kirk Sullivan states, “As I sit here and
think about the farewell tour and about 4HIM's final performance, I can still
vividly remember the very first day we were on the road. Although I am extremely
sentimental about doing a final tour, I know that this is God opening the door
to the next season of my life.”
Marty Magehee adds, “I always have to ask myself - has it really been more
than 15 years! I feel a sense of fulfillment in that we each did what God
called us to do. And if this was our race to run that we ran it and we ran it
well. This was a collective agreement that it was time for us to explore each
other's individual ministries. It seemed like the natural next step.”