Jump to content

Rebecca St. James

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Dictouray (talk | contribs) at 21:40, 3 January 2011 (→‎Personal Life: updated engagement info). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Rebecca St. James

Rebecca St. James (born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977), is a Christian pop rock singer, songwriter, musician, published author, actor and a pro-life advocate. She is known for her hit singles including "Wait For Me", "God", "I Thank You", "Yes, I Believe In God", and others. She has sold close to 2 million albums to date.[2]

Early life

Rebecca St. James was born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977 in Sydney, Australia to parents David and Helen Smallbone.[3] She attended Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural, New South Wales in the Hills District of Sydney.

Musical career

Beginnings (1990-1995)

In 1990, at twelve years of age, she opened shows for CCM artist Carman during his Australian tour. The following year she released an independent album titled Refresh My Heart in Australia, under the stage name of "Rebecca Jean".[4][5] Soon after its release, her family moved to the United States where her father received a job offer.[4] She signed with ForeFront Records, and took her stage name at the label's request. In 1994 she released her major label debut titled Rebecca St. James.[6] She also released an EP titled Extended Play Remixes in 1995.[7]

God and Pray (1996-1999)

On June 25, 1996, Rebecca St. James released her second album God, led by the hit title track. The album took St. James' music in a new direction, focusing more on rock. It opened to positive reviews [8] and debuted and peaked at 200 on the Billboard 200.[9] It also charted at No. 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 6 on Billboard's Contemporary Christian chart.[10] In 1997, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album for God and in 2005 the album was RIAA certified gold for selling over 500,000 copies.[11] To promote the album, St. James released a devotion book titled 40 Days with God: A Devotional Journey in 1996.[12]

In 1997, St. James released the sequel to her hit devotional book, titled You're the Voice: 40 More Days with God.[13] On October 7 of the same year, she released her first holiday album, simply titled Christmas. The album charted at No. 12 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart and No. 14 on the Top Contemporary Christian chart.[14]

On October 20, 1998, St. James released her third studio album, Pray, which opened to mixed reviews.[15][16] The album managed to chart at No. 168 on the Billboard 200, and No. 5 on both the Heatseekers Chart and the Contemporary Christian Chart.[17] The album won a Grammy in 1999 for Best Rock/Gospel Album,[18] and in 2006 it was RIAA certified gold for selling over 500,000 copies.[11]

In 1999, St. James released a song titled "Yes, I Believe In God" to radio only, in memory of the lives lost at the Columbine shooting. The song was later released on the album Wait For Me: The Best From Rebecca St. James.[19] Also in 1999, Rebecca released a VHS titled No Secrets featuring interviews of her and her family, behind-the-scenes footage and the music video for the song "Pray".[20] In addition to her own projects, St. James took part in a CD release titled Heaven & Earth: A Tapestry of Worship, which featured female Christian artists such as Nichole Nordeman, Jennifer Knapp, herself and others. The album was released in November of 1999 and features two songs by St. James; "As We Wait" and "River of Life".[21]

Transform, Worship God and 10 Year Anniversary (2000–2004)

On October 24, 2000, St. James released a brand new album titled Transform. The album charted at No. 166 on the Billboard 200, No. 7 on the Heatseekers Chart and No. 14 on the Contemporary Christian Chart.[22] The album garnered positive reviews [22][23] and featured the hit songs "Wait For Me" and "Reborn". Later in 2001, the devotional book, 40 Days with God was re-released with a new layout and five new devotions.[24] Also in 2000, St. James made a cameo in the film Left Behind: The Movie.

In 2002, to promote the hit single "Wait For Me" from Transform, St. James released the book Wait For Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance,[25] which went on to sell over 100,000 copies and spawn a journal [26] and study guide.[27] The song and book promotes sexual abstinence before marriage, and St. James has since become a major spokesperson for the subject.

A year and a half later on February 26, 2002, St. James released the album Worship God. The album opened to extremely positive reviews [28][29] and charted at No. 94 on the Billboard 200, marking St. James' first Top 100 album, and No. 5 on the Contemporary Christian chart.[30] She released a DVD to promote the album November 19, 2002 that featured music videos, interviews, etc.[31]

On March 25, 2003, celebrating 10 years signed to ForeFront Records, St. James released her first greatest hits project titled Wait For Me: The Best From Rebecca St. James which features 16 of her biggest hits and two new songs,[32] including the hit "I Thank You" which managed to peak at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart.[33] The album failed to make the Billboard 200, but charted at no. 16 on the Contemporary Christian chart.[34]

On February 24, 2004, St. James released her very first live album titled Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name which features 7 new songs and 2 studio recorded songs. The album charted at No. 187 on the Billboard 200 and No. 12 on the Top Christian Albums chart.[35] Later that year, St. James released a compilation album titled The Best of Rebecca St. James, and her book SHE: Safe, Healthy, Empowered: The Woman You're Made to Be.[36] Also in 2004, St. James starred in the stage musical !Hero as a modern day Mary Magdalene aka "Maggie".[37] Aside from that, St. James lent her voice to the VeggieTales episode An Easter Carol as Hope the Music Box Angel.[38] She also took part in a pop/rock VeggieTales album titled Veggie Rocks!. She cover "The VeggieTales Theme Song" for the album.[39]

If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something, film debut, and aLIVE in Florida (2005–2007)

Rebecca St. James performing at the Higher Ground Music Festival in August 2007

After taking a hiatus from recording music, St. James returned to the studio in early 2005 to record new songs. On October 24, 2005, the first single from the album, "Alive", was released.[40] The song managed to chart at No. 3 on R&R's CHR Chart [2] and No. 13 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Chart.[41] The new album, titled If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something was released on November 22, 2005. The album opened to fairly positive reviews.[42][43] It charted at No. 14 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart, but failed to make the Billboard 200.[44]

On July 1, 2005 St. James released a Teen Edition of her hit book, SHE [45] and on October 1, 2005, she released another book titled Sister Freaks: Stories of Women Who Gave Up Everything For God.[46]

In early 2006, St. James embarked on her If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something Tour with fellow Christian group BarlowGirl.[47] She also recorded the theme song for the National Day of Prayer. The song was titled "America" and was released to iTunes on May 2, 2006.[48] She also recorded a cover of Chris Tomlin's song "Forever" for the album WOW Worship: Aqua.[49] The same year, ForeFront Records put together a compilation album titled The Early Years, that covered ten songs from her earliest releases: Rebecca St. James, GOD and Pray.[50] Aside from music, St. James made her major character film debut in Unidentified as Colleen in 2006.[51]

In 2007, ForeFront Records took live footage and recordings from the If I Had One Chance... Tour and released a CD/DVD collection on March 20 titled aLIVE in Florida. The album features 14 live songs and an exclusive remix of "You Are Loved".[52] The album charted at No. 43 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart.[53] At the time of the album's release, it was announced that St. James has sold over 1.8 million albums to date.[2]

Film Career Launch, Musical Hiatus, and New Books (2008-2010)

In the midst of a musical hiatus, ForeFront Records put together a two-disc compilation album titled The Ultimate Collection which was released March 11, 2008.[54] Another compilation titled Greatest Hits was released later that year on October 28, 2008.[55] On September 3, 2008 Rebecca released another book titled Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit.[56]

In late 2008, St. James announced she would star as the lead role in a new film titled Sarah's Choice, which was released November 17, 2009 to DVD.[57] The film also features a song by St. James titled "Little One".[58]

On April 16, 2009, St. James released a new song titled "You're Alive" to iTunes [59] as part of an album titled Resurrection Worship: Songs of Hope.

In June 2009, St. James released another new song titled "Wish" to her MySpace page.[60] Her latest book Loved: Stories of Forgiveness was released on September 1, 2009.[61]

Musical Return, Film Career, and New Book (Late 2010-present)

On August 19 of 2009, Christian Cinema reported that St. James had wrapped up filming a new movie titled Rising Stars, which was released on October 22, 2010.[62]

On April 28, 2010, it was announced that St. James is working on another film titled Frontier Boys[63], and a book titled What Is He Thinking?, both to be released in 2011.[64] It was also later announced on Facebook that she will star in a film titled Suing the Devil, which will be released in January 2011.[65]

In late 2008, St. James announced she was filming a new movie with Stephen Baldwin and Candace Cameron, titled Faith of Our Fathers (previously To the Wall), which will be released on August 19, 2011.[66]

July 22, 2010, St. James announced via her official website that she is working on a new album, and has recorded her own version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem".[67] The song was released on the album The Essential Christmas Collection, on October 19, 2010.[68] On September 8, 2010, St. James announced via her Facebook that she had recorded vocals for three new songs off her upcoming album.[69] She also announced the album will be a worship album via Twitter.[70] She mentioned a new song titled "Everything" via her Facebook page on November 9, 2010.

On November 18, 2010, St. James announced that she had parted ways with ForeFront Records and will be releasing a new worship album in April 2011 via Beach Street/Reunion Records. The album will be produced by Casting Crowns' Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown fame.[1]

Personal Life

Originally from Australia, St. James currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.[71] Some recent blogs claim St. James became engaged on Christmas of 2010.[72] On January 2, she announced on her Facebook and Twitter accounts that she was engaged to Jacob. [73][74]

Awards

Discography

Main article: Rebecca St. James discography

Bibliography

Year Title ISBN
1996/2001 40 Days with God: A Devotional Journey ISBN 0-7847-0569-0, ISBN 0-7847-1274-3
1997 You're the Voice: 40 More Days with God ISBN 0-7852-7139-2
2002 Wait For Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance ISBN 0-7852-7127-9
2003 Wait For Me Journal: Thoughts For My Future Husband
2004 SHE: Safe, Healthy, Empowered — The Woman You're Made To Be ISBN 1-4143-0026-3
2005 SHE Teen: Safe, Healthy, Empowered, co-authored with Lynda Hunter Bjorklund ISBN 1-4143-0028-X
Wait For Me Study Guide: Discover the Power of Purity
Sister Freaks: Stories of Women Who Gave Up Everything for God ISBN 0-446-69560-2
2008 Pure ISBN 0446500410, ISBN 978-0446500418
2009 Loved: Stories of Forgiveness ISBN 9780446197014
2011 What Is He Thinking?

Filmography

Year Title Role
2000 Left Behind: The Movie Camera Coordinator for GNN
2004 An Easter Carol Hope, the Music Box Angel (voice)
2004 !Hero Maggie
2006 Unidentified Colleen
2009 Sarah's Choice Sarah Collins
2010 Rising Stars Kari
2011 Suing the Devil Jasmine Williams
2011 The Frontier Boys[67] Judy Bracken
2011 Faith of Our Fathers (or To the Wall) Annie

Interviews

2002:

2004:

2005:

2006:

References

  1. ^ a b c http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2010/11/18.REBECCA%20ST.%20JAMES%20PARTNERS%20WITH%20PROVIDENT%20LABEL%20GROUP.asp
  2. ^ a b c http://www.emicmgdistribution.com/products/detail.aspx?iid=510222
  3. ^ "Rebecca St. James Discography". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  4. ^ a b "Rebecca St. James Bio". ChristianMusic.com. Retrieved 2008-12-18. [dead link]
  5. ^ Kowalik, Pam (2007-06-03). "Rock Gospel star appears at Artpark June 15". Buffalo News. (accessmylibrary.com). Retrieved 2008-12-18.
  6. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rebecca-st-james/id18220313
  7. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rebecca-st-james-extended/id49826721
  8. ^ reviewshttps://www.allmusic.com/album/r236197
  9. ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3023906&cdi=7078238&cid=07%2F13%2F1996
  10. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r236197
  11. ^ a b http://www.riaa.com/
  12. ^ http://www.amazon.com/40-Days-God-Devotional-Journey/dp/0784705690/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245465911&sr=8-1
  13. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Voice-Devotional-Journey-Continues/dp/0785271392/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245465911&sr=8-2
  14. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r315095
  15. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r379656
  16. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Pray.asp
  17. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r379656
  18. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r379656
  19. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Me-Best-Rebecca-James/dp/B00008L3QZ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245466452&sr=8-2
  20. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/RebeccaStJames.asp
  21. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Earth-Tapestry-Various-Artists/dp/B0000296XM
  22. ^ a b https://www.allmusic.com/album/r503164
  23. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Transform.asp
  24. ^ http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/bookdetail.php?book_id=175
  25. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Me-Rediscovering-Purity-Romance/dp/0785288252/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245467258&sr=8-4
  26. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Me-Journal-Thoughts-Husband/dp/0785263969/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245467258&sr=8-1
  27. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Me-Study-Guide-Discover/dp/1418501956/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245467258&sr=8-10
  28. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/WorshipGod.asp
  29. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r573954
  30. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r573954
  31. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/WorshipGodDVD.asp
  32. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r632549
  33. ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=355&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Hot+Christian+Songs&ci=3051404&cdi=8063702&cid=10%2F25%2F2003
  34. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r632549
  35. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r679554
  36. ^ http://www.amazon.com/SHE-Healthy-Empowered-Woman-Youre/dp/1414300263/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245467464&sr=1-1
  37. ^ http://www.herouniverse.com/start.php
  38. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/RebeccaStJames.asp
  39. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Veggie-Rocks-Various-Artists/dp/B0001GWAMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1293605267&sr=1-1
  40. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=81429188&s=143441
  41. ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=355&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Hot+Christian+Songs&ci=3064899&cdi=8564437&cid=03%2F18%2F2006
  42. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/IfIHadOneChanceToTellYouSomething.asp
  43. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r806307
  44. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r806307
  45. ^ http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=163341
  46. ^ http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=167356
  47. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/concerts/IfIHadOneChanceToTellYouSomethingTour06.asp
  48. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AmericaTheEP.asp
  49. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wow-Worship-Aqua-Various-Artists/dp/B000EQ47RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293605131&sr=1-1
  50. ^ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/TheEarlyYearsRSJ.asp
  51. ^ http://www.unidentifiedthemovie.com/
  52. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1028597
  53. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1028597
  54. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1314694
  55. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1437520
  56. ^ http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=560433
  57. ^ http://store.pureflix.com/index.php?p=PRODUCTS%2CView&id=324&id=324
  58. ^ http://rebeccastjames.forefrontrecords.com/news/?id=1726923
  59. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=310921229&id=310921213&s=143441
  60. ^ http://www.myspace.com/rebeccastjames
  61. ^ http://rebeccastjames.forefrontrecords.com/news/?id=1383118
  62. ^ http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=1111
  63. ^ http://www.thefrontierboys.com
  64. ^ http://rebeccastjames.forefrontrecords.com/news/?id=1803269
  65. ^ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117562751593267&ref=search
  66. ^ http://www.faithofourfathersmovie.com/
  67. ^ a b http://rebeccastjames.forefrontrecords.com/news/?id=1813986
  68. ^ http://www.providentmusic.com/pgs/releases.aspx?Key=10&ID=830610925
  69. ^ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000332770274#!/RSJames?v=wall&story_fbid=129874017060248&ref=mf
  70. ^ http://www.twitter.com/RebeccaStJames
  71. ^ http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/RSJames?v=info
  72. ^ http://www.jaysmusikblog.com/2011/01/rebecca-st-james-engaged.html
  73. ^ https://www.facebook.com/RSJames/posts/178655712168029
  74. ^ https://twitter.com/RebeccaStJames/status/22037795312771073
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rebecca St. James.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rebecca_St._James&oldid=405759048"