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Rebecca St. James

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Rebecca St. James
Background information
Birth nameRebecca Jean Smallbone
Born (1977-07-26) July 26, 1977 (age 47)
OriginSydney, Australia
GenresChristian pop, Christian rock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, author, actress
InstrumentSinging
Years active1987–present[1]
LabelsForeFront Records, Beach Street/Reunion [2]
Websitewww.rsjames.com

Rebecca St. James (born Rebecca Jean Smallbone; July 26, 1977), is a Christian pop rock singer, songwriter, musician, author, and actor. She began performing in Australia in the late 1980s and released her first full-length studio album in 1991. In 1993 she was signed to the record label ForeFront Records and released her major label debut a year later.

St. James rose to fame in the late 1990s with her RIAA certified Gold albums God and Pray, the latter of which won a Grammy Award in 1999 for Best Rock Gospel Album. The albums spawned multiple singles including "God", "Pray", and "Yes, I Believe in God". Since then she has established herself as one of the most prominent musical artists in CCM music with four additional full-length studio albums; Transform, Worship God, If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something, and I Will Praise You. Staple songs such as "Wait for Me", "Reborn", "Song of Love", "I Thank You", "Alive", and "Shine Your Glory Down" have all been derived from these releases. Since the beginning of her career, St. James has sold a total of two million albums.[3]

Outside of her musical career, St. James is an accomplished author and actress. To date, she has released nine published books and starred in five films, a musical stage show, and a VeggieTales episode. Her ninth book What Is He Thinking? was released on September 26, 2011, and she has starred in the films Unidentified, Sarah's Choice, Rising Stars, The Frontier Boys, and Suing the Devil. St. James is also an outspoken sexual abstinence and pro-life advocate, as well as a spokesperson for Compassion International.

Early life

Rebecca St. James was born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977 in Sydney, Australia to parents David and Helen Smallbone.[1] She attended Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural, New South Wales in the Hills District of Sydney.

Career

Musical 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 major album God, led by the title track. The album took St. James' music in a new direction, focusing more on rock. It opened to positive reviews [8] and debuted at 200, and peaked at 168 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.[8] 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.[10] To promote the album, St. James released a devotion book titled 40 Days with God: A Devotional Journey in 1996.[11]

In 1997, St. James released the sequel to her devotional book, titled You're the Voice: 40 More Days with God.[12] 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.[13]

On October 20, 1998, St. James released her third studio album, Pray, which opened to mixed reviews.[14][15] 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.[14] The album won a Grammy in 1999 for Best Rock/Gospel Album,[14] and in 2006 it was RIAA certified gold for selling over 500,000 copies.[10]

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.[16] 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".[17] 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 1999 and features two songs by St. James; "As We Wait" and "River of Life".[18]

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.[19] The album garnered positive reviews [19][20] and featured the songs "Wait For Me" and "Reborn". Also in 2000, St. James made a cameo in the film Left Behind: The Movie. A year later, the devotional book, 40 Days with God was re-released with a new layout and five new devotions.[21]

In 2002, to promote the single "Wait For Me" from Transform, St. James released the book Wait For Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance,[22] which went on to sell over 100,000 copies and spawn a journal [23] and study guide.[24] The song and book promotes sexual abstinence before marriage, and St. James has since become a major spokesperson for the subject.

On February 26, 2002, St. James released the album Worship God. The album opened to extremely positive reviews [25][26] and charted at No. 94 on the Billboard 200, marking St. James' first Top 100 album, and No. 5 on the Contemporary Christian chart.[26] She released a DVD to promote the album November 19, 2002 that featured music videos, interviews, etc.[27]

On March 25, 2003, celebrating 10 years signed to ForeFront Records, St. James released her first compilation project titled Wait For Me: The Best From Rebecca St. James which features 16 of her most popular songs and two new ones,[28] including "I Thank You" which managed to peak at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart.[29] The album failed to make the Billboard 200, but charted at No. 16 on the Contemporary Christian chart.[28]

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.[30] 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.[31] Also in 2004, St. James starred in the stage musical !Hero as a modern day Mary Magdalene aka "Maggie".[32] St. James later lent her voice to the VeggieTales episode An Easter Carol as Hope the Music Box Angel.[17] She also took part in a pop/rock VeggieTales album titled Veggie Rocks!. She covered "The VeggieTales Theme Song" for the album.[33]

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.[34] The song managed to chart at No. 3 on R&R's CHR Chart [3] and No. 13 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Chart.[35] 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.[36][37] It charted at No. 14 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart, but failed to make the Billboard 200.[37]

On July 1, 2005 St. James released a Teen Edition of her book, SHE [38] and on October 1, 2005, she released another book titled Sister Freaks: Stories of Women Who Gave Up Everything For God.[39]

In early 2006, St. James embarked on her If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something Tour with fellow Christian group BarlowGirl.[40] 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.[41] She also recorded a cover of Chris Tomlin's song "Forever" for the album WOW Worship: Aqua.[42] 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.[43] Aside from music, St. James made her major character film debut in Unidentified as Colleen in 2006.[44]

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".[45] The album charted at No. 43 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart.[45] At the time of the album's release, it was announced that St. James has sold over 1.8 million albums to date.[3]

Film Career Launch, Musical Hiatus, and New Books (2008–2009)

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.[46] Another compilation titled Greatest Hits was released later that year on October 28, 2008.[47] On September 3, 2008 Rebecca released another book titled Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit.[48]

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.[49] The film also features a song by St. James titled "Little One".[50] The song was released almost two years later on September 2, 2011.[51] The film received good reviews from Christian movie critics.[52][53]

On April 16, 2009, St. James released a new song titled "You're Alive" to iTunes[54] as part of an album titled Resurrection Worship: Songs of Hope. Then, in June 2009, St. James released another new song titled "Wish" to her MySpace page.[55] Aside from music, St. James' book Loved: Stories of Forgiveness was released on September 1, 2009.[56]

I Will Praise You, What Is He Thinking? and Film Career (2010–present)

On August 19, 2009, Christian Cinema reported that St. James had wrapped up filming a new movie titled Rising Stars, which was released on October 22, 2010.[57] On April 28, 2010, it was announced that St. James is working on another film titled Frontier Boys,[58] and a book titled What Is He Thinking?, both to be released in 2011.[needs update][59] It was also later announced that she will star in a film titled Suing the Devil,[60] which will be released in August 2011.[needs update] 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.[needs update][61]

On October 19, 2010 Rebecca St. James released her version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" on the album The Essential Christmas Collection.[62] On November 18, 2010, St. James announced that she had parted ways with ForeFront Records and would be releasing a new worship album in April 2011 via Beach Street/Reunion Records. Her ninth studio album, I Will Praise You, was released on April 5, 2011. It was preceded by the single "Shine Your Glory Down", which was released to Christian radio on February 11. The album was met with positive reviews from Christian music critics and was highly successful, debuting at No. 18 on Billboard's Hot Christian Albums chart and later peaking at No. 9. It also peaked at No. 153 on the Billboard 200, her highest charting effort after Worship God.[63] Her ninth book, What Is He Thinking?, hit shelves on September 26, 2011.[64][65]

On June 16, 2011 it was announced that St. James will be starring in a new romantic comedy film titled A Strange Brand of Happy, to be released in 2013. The film revolves around a single Christian life coach Joyce who falls for an agnostic client. The movie began filming on August 15, 2011 in Cincinnati.[66]

Personal life

Originally from Australia, St. James currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.[67]

On January 3, 2011 she announced her engagement to Jacob Fink who is the bassist of the band Foster the People[68] via her website, mailing list and social networking sites. Fink proposed on Christmas Day 2010 at St. James' family farm in Franklin.[64][69][70] The couple were married on April 23, 2011 at the Junípero Serra Museum in San Diego, California.[71]

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? ISBN 0446572675, ISBN 978-0446572675

Filmography

Year Title Role
2000 Left Behind: The Movie Camera Coordinator for GNN
2001 The First Easter Mary Magdalene (voice)
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 The Frontier Boys[73] Judy Bracken
2011 Suing the Devil Jasmine Williams
2012 Faith of Our Fathers Annie
2013 A Strange Brand of Happy Joyce Heller

Interviews

2002:

2003:

2004:

2005:

2006:

2008:

References

  1. ^ a b "Rebecca St. James Discography". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  2. ^ "Rebecca St. James Partners with Provident Label Group". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2010-11-18. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  3. ^ a b c "EMI CMG Distribution". EMI CMG Distribution. 2007-03-20. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  4. ^ a b "Rebecca St. James Bio". ChristianMusic.com. Archived from the original on 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  5. ^ Kowalik, Pam (2007-06-03). "Rock Gospel star appears at Artpark June 15". Buffalo News. (accessmylibrary.com). Retrieved 2008-12-18.
  6. ^ "Rebecca St. James by Rebecca St. James - Download Rebecca St. James on iTunes". iTunes. Apple Inc. 1994-06-01. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  7. ^ "Rebecca St. James Extended Play Remixes by Rebecca St. James - Download Rebecca St. James Extended Play Remixes on iTunes". iTunes. Apple Inc. 1995-07-20. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  8. ^ a b God at AllMusic
  9. ^ "Pray - Rebecca St. James - Chart History". Billboard.com.
  10. ^ a b "RIAA Gold & Platinum Searchable Database". Search=St. James, Rebecca. Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  11. ^ St. James, Rebecca. "40 Days With God: A Devotional Journey (9780784705698): Rebecca St. James: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  12. ^ St. James, Rebecca. "You're The Voice: 40 More Days With God - The Devotional Journey Continues (0020049071397): Rebecca St. James: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  13. ^ Christmas at AllMusic
  14. ^ a b c Pray at AllMusic
  15. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "Pray" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  16. ^ "Wait for Me: The Best from Rebecca St. James: Rebecca St. James: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  17. ^ a b "Rebecca St. James Discography, Rebecca St. James Lyrics, Rebecca St. James Artist Database". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 26 July 1977. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  18. ^ "Heaven & Earth: A Tapestry of Worship: Various Artists: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  19. ^ a b Transform at AllMusic
  20. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "Transform" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2000-10-24. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  21. ^ "40 Days With God:, A Devotional Journey (Reprint) by Rebecca St. James | Christian Book Reviews And Information". NewReleaseTuesday.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  22. ^ George, Elizabeth. "Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance (9780785288251): Rebecca St. James: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  23. ^ St. James, Rebecca. "Wait for Me Journal: Thoughts for My Future Husband (9780785263968): Rebecca St. James: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  24. ^ St. James, Rebecca. "Wait For Me Study Guide: Discover the Power of Purity (9781418501952): Rebecca St. James: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  25. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "Worship God" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2002-02-26. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  26. ^ a b "Worship God" at AllMusic
  27. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "Worship God" DVD Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2002-11-19. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  28. ^ a b "Wait For Me: The Best from Rebecca St. James" at AllMusic
  29. ^ "Hot Christian Songs - October 25, 2003". Billboard.com. [dead link‍]
  30. ^ "Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name" at AllMusic
  31. ^ Courtney, Vicki. "SHE: Safe, Healthy, Empowered: The Woman You're Made To Be (9781414300269): Rebecca St. James, Lynda Hunter Bjorklund: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  32. ^ "Hero the Rock Opera". Hero Universe. Archived from the original on 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  33. ^ "Veggie Rocks: Various Artists: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  34. ^ "Alive - Rebecca St. James". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  35. ^ "Hot Christian Songs - March 18, 2006". Billboard.com. [dead link‍]
  36. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2005-11-22. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  37. ^ a b "If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something" at AllMusic
  38. ^ "She Teen: Safe Healthy Empowered: Rebecca St. James: Paperback: 9781414300283". MusiChristian.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  39. ^ "Sister Freaks: Stories of Women Who Gave Up Everything for God: Rebecca St. James: Paperback: 9780446695602". MusiChristian.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  40. ^ "The JfH Concert Reviews and Dates: Rebecca St. James, BarlowGirl, Jadon Lavik Tour 2006". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  41. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "America - The EP" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2006-05-02. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  42. ^ "Wow Worship Aqua: Various Artists: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  43. ^ "Rebecca St. James, "The Early Years" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2006-08-15. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  44. ^ "Unidentified | Now on DVD". Unidentifiedthemovie.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  45. ^ a b "aLIVE in Florida" at AllMusic
  46. ^ "The Ultimate Collection" at AllMusic
  47. ^ "Greatest Hits" at AllMusic
  48. ^ "AUTOGRAPHED: Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit: Rebecca St. James: Paperback: 9780446500418". MusiChristian.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  49. ^ "Sarah's Choice". PureFlix.com.
  50. ^ "Sarah's Choice Countdown: November 17, 2009 Release on DVD". Forefront Records. Archived from the original on 2010-08-07. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  51. ^ "Little One - Single". iTunes. Apple, Inc. Retrieved 2011-10-15.
  52. ^ "WORLD Magazine | Sarah's Choice | Megan Basham | Jan 30, 10". Worldmag.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  53. ^ "Sarah's Choice Movie Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2009-11-17. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  54. ^ "Resurrection Worship, Songs of Hope by Various Artists - Download Resurrection Worship, Songs of Hope on iTunes". iTunes. Apple Inc. 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  55. ^ US. "Rebecca St. James". Myspace.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  56. ^ "New Book Coming This Fall!". Forefront Records. Archived from the original on 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  57. ^ "Rebecca St. James Wraps Filming on "Rising Stars"". Christiancinema.com. 2009-08-19. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  58. ^ "The Frontier Boys". The Frontier Boys. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  59. ^ "04-28-10: Finding Safety in God & More RSJ Info". Forefront Records. Archived from the original on 2010-08-05. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  60. ^ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  61. ^ "Christian Cinema.com: Inspiring Entertainment". Faithofourfathersmovie.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  62. ^ "Provident-Integrity Distribution". Providentmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  63. ^ "I Will Praise You". I Will Praise You Chart History. © 2011Billboard. All rights reserved. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  64. ^ a b "RSJ News". Forefront Records. [dead link‍]
  65. ^ DiBiase, John (2011-09-21)."Rebecca St. James - What Is He Thinking?? - Book Review". JesusFreakHideout.com.
  66. ^ "Rebel Pilgrim Announces New Movie Starring Rebecca St. James (Press release)". Rebel Pilgrim Productions Press Releases blog. Rebel Pilgrim (Blogger.com). 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2011-06-16.
  67. ^ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  68. ^ "Exclusive Interview: Rebecca St. James on How Men Think, Her 'Near-Perfect' Marriage, Christian News". Christianpost.com. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
  69. ^ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  70. ^ RebeccaStJames. "Twitter / RebeccaStJames: I'm ENGAGED!! The man I ha". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  71. ^ "Rebecca St. James Marriage Picture". Marriage Picture. Facebook © 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  72. ^ "Music News, November 2010: REBECCA ST. JAMES PARTNERS WITH PROVIDENT LABEL GROUP". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2010-11-18. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  73. ^ "The Frontier Boys". The Frontier Boys. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
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