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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| image =
|Name = Jody McBrayer
| name = Jody McBrayer
|Img =
⚫
| birth_name = Jody Michael McBrayer
|Img_capt =
| alias =
|Background = solo_singer
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|06|25}}
⚫
|Birth_name = Jody Michael McBrayer
| death_date =
|Alias =
| origin = United States
⚫
|Born = {{birth date and age|1970|06|25}}
| instrument =
|Died =
⚫
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]]
|Origin = {{flagicon|USA}} [[United States|U.S.]]
⚫
| occupation = [[Musician]], [[songwriter]]
|Instrument =
| years_active = 1995–2007, 2016–present
⚫
|Genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]]
⚫
| label = [[EMI Christian Music Group|EMI]]/[[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]]
⚫
|Occupation = [[Musician]]<br />[[Songwriter]]
| associated_acts = [[Avalon (American group)|Avalon]], [[Cana's Voice]]
|Years_active = 1995 – 2007 (Avalon) 2002 - 2007 (solo)
| website =
⚫
|Label = [[EMI Christian Music Group|EMI]]/[[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]]
|Associated_acts = [[Avalon (group)|Avalon]]<br />[[Greg Long]]<br />[[Michael Passons]]<br />[[Janna Long]]<br />[[Cherie Adams]]<br />[[Melissa Greene]]<br />[[Truth (group)|Truth]]
|URL = [http://www.jodymcbrayer.com/ www.jodymcbrayer.com]
|Current_members =
|Past_members =
}}
}}


Jody McBrayer is a former member of the Christian pop group [[Avalon (group)|Avalon]]. He departed the group in 2007 due to a heart condition.
'''Jody McBrayer''' (born June 25, 1970) is an American singer/songwriter and a member of [[Christian pop]] groups [[Cana's Voice]] and [[Avalon (American group)|Avalon]].


== Career ==
He has released 1 solo album on Sparrow Records titled ''This is Who I Am'', in 2002.
McBrayer attended college at [[Liberty University]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 9, 2021|title=Music and Memories: Alumni return for special 50th Anniversary Homecoming Concert » Liberty News|url=https://www.liberty.edu/news/2021/10/08/music-and-memories-alumni-return-for-special-50th-anniversary-homecoming-concert/|access-date=December 18, 2021|website=Liberty News|language=en-US}}</ref> He got his start in contemporary Christian music right out of college in 1992 as a member of the vocal group Truth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=1790|title=Beyond Avalon: Jody McBrayer 101|website=newreleasetoday.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>


In 1994, McBrayer was a vocalist in [[Ray Conniff]]'s Latin America tour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lima |first1=Daniel Victor |title=LATINISIMO - RAY CONNIFF LIVE (PART 1/5) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmk41htteik |website=YouTube |date=September 21, 2020 |access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref>
He's married to Stephanie Harrison and has 1 daughter, Sarah Clayton McBrayer, born in 2005.


In 1995, McBrayer joined the Christian contemporary group [[Avalon (American group)|Avalon]]. He would go on to travel with the group for 12 years, during which the group released nine albums, garnered 21 No. 1 songs, three Grammy nominations and three Dove Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.homecomingmagazine.com/article/three-gospel-powerhouses-join-to-form-the-trio-cana-s-voice/|title=Three Gospel Powerhouses Join to Form the Trio "Cana's Voice" {{!}} Homecoming Magazine|website=www.homecomingmagazine.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=1790|title=Beyond Avalon: Jody McBrayer 101|website=newreleasetoday.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>


In 2002, McBrayer released his first solo album, ''This Is Who I Am'', with [[Sparrow Records]]. In interviews regarding that album, he said the death of his father, Clyde "Sonny" McBrayer, on September 13, 2000, inspired the album. "My father's passing brought a moment of revelation. I returned home with so much on my heart and a vision for how to express it. Though Avalon has a common mission statement, these are feelings too personal for a group."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianmusiclighthouse.com/main/information/avaloninfo/jodyinfo.htm |title=Jody McBrayer 'This is Who I Am' Bio |access-date=March 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105070025/http://www.christianmusiclighthouse.com/main/information/avaloninfo/jodyinfo.htm |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> One of the tracks, "Never Alone", featured [[Jadyn Maria]]. His song "To Ever Live Without Me" received the BMI Christian Music Award for Most Performed Christian Song of the Year in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20040622_bmi_christian_music_awards_proclaim_to_ever_live_without_me_son|title=BMI Christian Music Awards Proclaim 'To Ever Live Without Me' Song of the Year|date=June 21, 2004|work=BMI.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
If you think you already know Jody McBrayer, think again.


In 2007, he announced he would leave Avalon due to a rare form of the heart disease [[hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]].<ref name="avalon">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=4228&z=26 |title=Jody McBrayer Departs Award Winning Group Avalon - CMSpin News Article |access-date=August 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070916023519/http://www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=4228&z=26 |archive-date=September 16, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He released what was thought to be his last record as a member of the group, ''[[Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics|Another Time, Another Place]]''{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}<!-- WP:RS needed; removed link to WP--> in 2008.
As part of the top-selling vocal group Avalon, Jody appreciates the combined might expressed when four vocal dynamos unite together with a shared principle and purpose. It's only recently, however, that Jody's known the soul-searching that comes in a charge that's given to him alone. A landmark personal event produced the pathway that inspired Jody's first-ever solo effort, This Is Who I Am, the musical reflection of an artist whom fans will forever see in a brand new light.


In 2016, showing improvement in the management of his condition, McBrayer and fellow vocalists TaRanda Greene and Doug Anderson formed the group [[Cana's Voice]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.homecomingmagazine.com/article/three-gospel-powerhouses-join-to-form-the-trio-cana-s-voice/|title=Three Gospel Powerhouses Join to Form the Trio "Cana's Voice" {{!}} Homecoming Magazine|website=www.homecomingmagazine.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> They released their first studio album, [[This Changes Everything (album)|''This Changes Everything'']], in May of that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.absolutelygospel.com/agm/2016/05/02/canas-voice-to-release-first-album-this-changes-everything-may-27/|title=Cana's Voice to Release First Album "This Changes Everything" May 27|date=May 2, 2016|work=Absolutely Gospel Music|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> In February, he released a second solo studio effort, ''[[Keep Breathing (album)|Keep Breathing]]'', through StowTown Records.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}<!-- WP:RS needed; removed link to WP--> On October of the same year, a solo Christmas record, ''Christmastime,'' was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=1805|title=Jody McBrayer To Release 'Christmastime' Oct. 21st| website=newreleasetoday.com| access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
For six years, Jody's vibrant vocals and on-stage charisma helped Avalon sell nearly two million albums, land seventeen #1 singles, earn two gold records, take home five Dove Awards and even score a Grammy Award nomination. With the group's bond as solid as ever, Jody's devotion to Avalon continues to swell with hopes of even grander accomplishments in the years ahead. Nonetheless, a life-changing occurrence instilled in Jody a message and vision so personal that its musical expression needed to rest in his lone voice. On September 13, 2000, Jody's spiritual mentor, the man who helped him find his faith and realize his calling, died from an undetected internal growth that attacked his brain. The man was Clyde "Sonny" McBrayer, Jody's father.


In August 2018, McBrayer rejoined Avalon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/exciting-news-from-avalon/|title=Exciting News from Avalon!|last=News|first=CCM|date=August 30, 2018|work=CCM Magazine|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> In addition to his Avalon duties, he continues to perform with Cana's Voice and on solo tour dates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=3366|title=Avalon Reveals the Next Chapter|website=newreleasetoday.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
"My father's passing brought a moment of revelation," says Jody. "I returned home with so much on my heart and a vision for how to express it. Though Avalon has a common mission statement, these are feelings too personal for a group."


== Personal life ==
Optimizing a break between Avalon albums, Jody sought words to capture his inspired new perspectives and music that would accentuate the songs' emotions and feelings. Working with an elite group of producers - Mark Hammond (Avalon, A*Teens, Nichole Nordeman), Dan Muckala (Mandy Moore, Joy Williams), Tedd T. (ZOEgirl, Stacie Orrico) and Joe Priola (ZOEgirl, Pink) – Jody pushed the pop form with an edgier sound reflecting his deep love for R&B and classic soul. Jody, who co-penned almost every song, forged through several new ideas and spiritual principles in the wake of his father's passing. The album encompasses the entire spectrum of the new insight learned in his life's latest lessons while still delivering amped-up praise.
McBrayer is married to Stephanie Harrison and has one daughter, Sarah-Clayton.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianmusiclighthouse.com/main/information/avaloninfo/jodyinfo.htm |title=Christian Music Lighthouse Jody McBrayer Bio |access-date=March 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105070025/http://www.christianmusiclighthouse.com/main/information/avaloninfo/jodyinfo.htm |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In his 2021 memoir ''So Far, So Good (... But It Was Touch and Go There for a While)'', McBrayer recounted the sexual abuse committed against him by a Sunday School teacher and his resulting struggle with depression and suicidal ideation as an adult. He also criticized Christian churches for ignoring depression. Additionally, McBrayer pointed out the hypocrisy he has observed in many churches.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schmitt|first=Brad|title='Shame is killing people in church': Christian singer calls out lack of compassion for mental illness|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2021/12/22/jody-mcbrayer-avalon-christian-artist-memoir-mental-illness-shame/8808609002/|access-date=December 26, 2021|website=The Tennessean|language=en-US}}</ref>
Setting no limits, individual songs incorporate nuances from house-trance to Latin-salsa, the latter influence a nod to Jody's Spanish heritage on his mother's side (further international flavor was added by shooting the album artwork in London). Ultimately, Jody's creative thrust captured an empowering vigor and vitality that plants This Is Who I Am right smack into the middle of today's eclectic musical landscape.


==References==
Jody tackles commitment and values with the song "The Only Thing That Matters," and he shows heartfelt confidence in "There For Me," a song acknowledging that both God and his father's spirit will always be near. Pulling back the velvet rope, the guest list includes fresh new labelmate Jadyn Strand joining the mix on the Latin-laced R&B track "Nunca Solo (Never Alone)" and the Katinas kicking out the octaves in the scorching anti-prejudice anthem "Shake It."
{{reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
"This Is Who I Am shows solid focus," says Jody, "because it says everything that I wanted to say on each song. It tells my story. The album also conveys the love of Christ and his unconditional acceptance without alienating a non-believer or seeker. This Is Who I Am will help reach people who typically wouldn't listen to Christian music because the album's inspiration starts with the powerful and universal theme of loss."

Turning back the calendars, the Tampa-born Jody McBrayer first realized his musical aptitude in high school when he tried out for "Oklahoma!" and landed the lead. His college years, though, were head high in business books as he majored in business and only minored in music at Virginia's Liberty University. Jody then toured with the vocal group, Truth, before finally moving to California, where he took a job in the casting department of Disney Studios.

Remembered as one of the lowest points in his life, Jody's three-plus years in the Golden State struck the barrel's bottom when a high profile vocal audition coincided with an illtimed throat problem, negating his opportunity. As a result, Jody isolated himself in a beachside hotel for three days during which he got his spiritual priorities back in order.

Not long after, Jody found himself pulled toward the musical lure of Nashville. There he found his calling with Avalon and met his wife, Stephanie. Through all the painful experiences expressed in Jody's new album, Stephanie remained inseparable from her husband making this story as much hers as it is Jody's. And through all the ups and downs, it was Jody's father that always steered him in the right direction.

Jody concludes, "My dad used to wake me up and ask, 'What are you going to do today to change the world?' I always laughed it off. I started thinking about it a lot, though, after he died. I realized that now is my opportunity to do my part to the change the world, even if it's just a small part."

Take the journey with Jody and experience the heart of an artist tested, broken, and recharged in a way that only God's light can lead.


After nearly 12 years with award-winning vocal group Avalon, founding member Jody McBrayer will be leaving the group at the end of the year (after the 40-city fall tour) due to health problems.

In March 2007, McBrayer was diagnosed with a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (More about the condition). Although the disease is manageable with treatment, it often affects a person's ability to do physical work. After many lengthy discussions and much prayer with his family, doctors and the other members of Avalon, McBrayer decided that he needed to resign from Avalon and focus on his health and his family’s welfare.

In a press release, McBrayer said, “The past 12 years have been such a tremendous blessing, and I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given as part of this amazing group. While the decision to leave Avalon saddens me, I feel that it is necessary in order to prolong my health both for myself and my family. I am so thankful for the love and support that my family has received from Janna, Greg and Melissa through this challenging time in our lives.”

“I am saddened to see Jody leave Avalon,” said Avalon’s Janna Long. “He has walked this amazing road with me from the very beginning. And while we will all miss him tremendously as an outstanding vocalist and friend, I know it is in his best interest to step down and take care of himself. Even though he will not be performing with us, we all look forward to his friendship lasting a lifetime.”


==External links==
*[http://www.jodymcbrayer.com/ Official Website]
*[http://www.avalonlive.com/ Avalon's Official Website]


{{DEFAULTSORT:McBrayer, Jody}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McBrayer, Jody}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Liberty University alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Liberty University alumni]]
[[Category:Sparrow Records artists]]



{{US-musician-stub}}
{{US-musician-stub}}

Latest revision as of 13:27, 26 November 2024

Jody McBrayer
Birth nameJody Michael McBrayer
Born (1970-06-25) June 25, 1970 (age 54)
OriginUnited States
GenresCCM
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Years active1995–2007, 2016–present
LabelsEMI/Sparrow

Jody McBrayer (born June 25, 1970) is an American singer/songwriter and a member of Christian pop groups Cana's Voice and Avalon.

Career

[edit]

McBrayer attended college at Liberty University.[1] He got his start in contemporary Christian music right out of college in 1992 as a member of the vocal group Truth.[2]

In 1994, McBrayer was a vocalist in Ray Conniff's Latin America tour.[3]

In 1995, McBrayer joined the Christian contemporary group Avalon. He would go on to travel with the group for 12 years, during which the group released nine albums, garnered 21 No. 1 songs, three Grammy nominations and three Dove Awards.[4][5]

In 2002, McBrayer released his first solo album, This Is Who I Am, with Sparrow Records. In interviews regarding that album, he said the death of his father, Clyde "Sonny" McBrayer, on September 13, 2000, inspired the album. "My father's passing brought a moment of revelation. I returned home with so much on my heart and a vision for how to express it. Though Avalon has a common mission statement, these are feelings too personal for a group."[6] One of the tracks, "Never Alone", featured Jadyn Maria. His song "To Ever Live Without Me" received the BMI Christian Music Award for Most Performed Christian Song of the Year in 2004.[7]

In 2007, he announced he would leave Avalon due to a rare form of the heart disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.[8] He released what was thought to be his last record as a member of the group, Another Time, Another Place[citation needed] in 2008.

In 2016, showing improvement in the management of his condition, McBrayer and fellow vocalists TaRanda Greene and Doug Anderson formed the group Cana's Voice.[9] They released their first studio album, This Changes Everything, in May of that year.[10] In February, he released a second solo studio effort, Keep Breathing, through StowTown Records.[citation needed] On October of the same year, a solo Christmas record, Christmastime, was released.[11]

In August 2018, McBrayer rejoined Avalon.[12] In addition to his Avalon duties, he continues to perform with Cana's Voice and on solo tour dates.[13]

Personal life

[edit]

McBrayer is married to Stephanie Harrison and has one daughter, Sarah-Clayton.[14]

In his 2021 memoir So Far, So Good (... But It Was Touch and Go There for a While), McBrayer recounted the sexual abuse committed against him by a Sunday School teacher and his resulting struggle with depression and suicidal ideation as an adult. He also criticized Christian churches for ignoring depression. Additionally, McBrayer pointed out the hypocrisy he has observed in many churches.[15]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Music and Memories: Alumni return for special 50th Anniversary Homecoming Concert » Liberty News". Liberty News. October 9, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Beyond Avalon: Jody McBrayer 101". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  3. ^ Lima, Daniel Victor (September 21, 2020). "LATINISIMO - RAY CONNIFF LIVE (PART 1/5)". YouTube. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "Three Gospel Powerhouses Join to Form the Trio "Cana's Voice" | Homecoming Magazine". www.homecomingmagazine.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  5. ^ "Beyond Avalon: Jody McBrayer 101". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  6. ^ "Jody McBrayer 'This is Who I Am' Bio". Archived from the original on January 5, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  7. ^ "BMI Christian Music Awards Proclaim 'To Ever Live Without Me' Song of the Year". BMI.com. June 21, 2004. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  8. ^ "Jody McBrayer Departs Award Winning Group Avalon - CMSpin News Article". Archived from the original on September 16, 2007. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  9. ^ "Three Gospel Powerhouses Join to Form the Trio "Cana's Voice" | Homecoming Magazine". www.homecomingmagazine.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Cana's Voice to Release First Album "This Changes Everything" May 27". Absolutely Gospel Music. May 2, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  11. ^ "Jody McBrayer To Release 'Christmastime' Oct. 21st". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  12. ^ News, CCM (August 30, 2018). "Exciting News from Avalon!". CCM Magazine. Retrieved November 3, 2018. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  13. ^ "Avalon Reveals the Next Chapter". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  14. ^ "Christian Music Lighthouse Jody McBrayer Bio". Archived from the original on January 5, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  15. ^ Schmitt, Brad. "'Shame is killing people in church': Christian singer calls out lack of compassion for mental illness". The Tennessean. Retrieved December 26, 2021.


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