Annie Herring
Annie Herring | |
|---|---|
 Annie in concert in Livermore, California: 2001 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Annie Ward |
| Born | September 22, 1945 North Dakota, United States |
| Genres | Contemporary Christian, Jesus music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Voice, piano |
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Labels | Myrrh, Sparrow, Live Oak Records, Spring Hill |
| Website | annieherring.com |
Annie Herring (born Annie Ward September 22, 1945)[1] is one of the pioneers of the Jesus music genre, later to be called Contemporary Christian music. She was more notably a part of the trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts in which she wrote most of the songs and sang lead and harmony vocals with her brother Matthew Ward and sister Nelly (Ward) Greisen. However, during her musical career with the 2nd Chapter of Acts from 1973 to 1988, she also recorded solo albums. She continues to record and perform her solo work to the present time (2007).
Early history
Annie Herring’s music and ministry was, in no small part, forged from personal family tragedy. In 1968 her mother, Elizabeth Ward, died of a brain tumor; two years later her father, Walter, died of leukemia leaving her youngest sister, Nelly, and brother, Matthew, orphaned. The Ward siblings decided that Annie and her new husband, record producer Buck Herring, should take in the two younger Ward siblings.[2]
Annie was a self-taught singer and songwriter who wrote and played her songs around the family piano. Her brother and sister would often join in as she played, and eventually they developed extremely tight and intricate harmonies.[3][4]
As they gradually started singing for local coffee houses and small gatherings, they eventually gained the notice of Pat Boone who arranged a contract to record and release two singles with MGM, "Jesus Is" (1972) and "I'm So Happy" (1973). The fledgling trio also came to the attention of 1960s folk singer Barry McGuire, who had recently become a Christian and was preparing to record his first Christian music album, to be produced by Buck Herring. The siblings provided background vocals for Seeds and McGuire's 1974 follow-up, Lighten Up. The group would take the name "The 2nd Chapter of Acts", and Annie continued to sing with her siblings as part of 2nd Chapter of Acts until 1988, when each member of the group felt called to different careers.[5]
Solo career
During her time with 2nd Chapter, Annie had released two solo albums, "Through a Child's Eyes" and "Deep Inside", as well as an album for children, "Kids of the Kingdom". After 2nd Chapter dispanded, Annie continued her solo career.[6] Annie continues to tour the US, and, as of 1996, gave 40-50 concerts a year.[7][8] She also continues to receive songs and record solo albums, to which her siblings from 2nd Chapter often add backup vocals.[9] She also occasionally adds her vocals to other artist’s albums. In 1995, she was featured in the Warren Chaney docudrama, America: A Call to Greatness.[10]
Discography
- Kids of the Kingdom with Annie Herring, 1976 (Sparrow Records)
- Through a Child's Eyes, 1976 (Sparrow Records)
- Search Deep Inside, 1981 (Sparrow Records)
- Flying Lessons, 1989 (Live Oak Records)
- Waiting for My Ride to Come, 1991 (Live Oak Records)
- There's a Stirring, 1992 (Sparrow Records)
- All That I Am, 1993 (Sparrow Records)
- Glimpses, 1996 (Spring Hill)
- Wonder, 1998 (Spring Hill)
- Picture Frames, 2000 (Spring Hill)
- Here in My Heart, 2001 (Baah Records)
- One on One, 2006 (Baah Records)
- Dance of the Horses and Other Animal Tracks, 2010
Compilations
- Come Together: A Musical Experience in Love — Various Artists (Annie sings on a number of songs), 1974
- If My People: A Musical Experience in Worship and Intercession — Various Artists, 1974
- Firewind: A Contemporary Dramatic Musical — Various Artists (song: "New Jerusalem"), 1976
- Sparrow Spotlight Sampler — Various Artists ("Some Days"), 1978
- The Witness: A Musical of Easter — Various Artists, 1978
- The Glory of Christmas — Various Artists (Annie portrays Mary, the Mother of Jesus), 1980
- The Birthday Party Candle ("I Will Shine, I Will Sing"), 1980
- The Victor: A Musical — Various Artists, 1984
- Come Together Again: A Musical Experience in Worship and Commitment — Various Artists, 1986
- The Lord Reigns — Bob Fitts ("I Stand in Awe"), 1988
- Handel's Young Messiah — Various Artists ("Behold the Lamb"), 1990
- Let It Rain — Dennis Jarnigan (duet with Dennis on "You Come Raining"), 1992
- Giving You the Rest of my Life — Various Artists ("Over and Over"), 1994
- Sisters: The Story Goes On — Various Artists (duet with Bonnie Keen on "Will You Go to the Father for Me?"), 1995
- First Love — Various Artists ("My Redeemer"), 1998
- Praise 16: Power of Your Love — Maranatha! Music ("Great is the Lord"), 1999
- Worship Moments: I Love You Lord — Maranatha! Music ("Great is the Lord"), 2004
- Hands Lifted High — Dennis Jernigan (duet on "Faithful and True" and duet with Matthew Ward on "When the Night is Falling"), 2005
- Edge of the World — Randy Stonehill (she appears on "We Were All So Young"), 2006
Publications
- Glimpses: Seeing God in Everyday Life 2006
References
- ^ Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music by W. K. McNeil, page 332
- ^ A City on a Hilltop: The History of Contemporary Christian Musicby Daniel J. Mount
- ^ Matthew Ward: 2nd Chapter Of Acts and Pioneering CCM
- ^ The Frame Never Outdid the Picture: The 2nd Chapter of Acts Story
- ^ The Frame Never Outdid the Picture
- ^ MusicMoz: Annie Herring
- ^ Annie Herring: Tours
- ^ Donaldson, Rewind
- ^ The Frame Never Outdid the Picture
- ^ America Movie (Musicians)
Additional note: Not mentioned as much: the 2nd Chapter of Acts did a tape/album on the Chronicles of Narnia and this is a great selection of 10 songs dedicated to the "glory of God"
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