4 Him says goodbye

4HIM EMBARKS ON FAREWELL TOURNASHVILLE, TN - 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."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.”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.” -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS