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Home: J : Jump5 : Biography
Biography (courtesy
of Sparrow/EMI Records)
"Don't let anyone look down on
you because you are young, but set an example for the believers
in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
In a mere five years since their official
formation as teen power-pop group, Jump5—Brandon, Brittany, Chris and
Lesley—has been building considerable momentum, releasing
five studio recordings, a re-mix record and their current
release, The Very Best Of Jump5. The 12-song collection showcases
all of the favorites on one recording—the musical evolution
of Jump5, with nine of their most loved, most popular hits
and three new songs, 'Beautiful To Me', 'Don't Run Away'
and CCM classic, 'Friends'.
Under the guidance of some of the best
producers the business has to offer—Mark Hammond (Josh Groban, Amy Grant,
Nichole Nordeman, Brian McKnight, Luther Vandross), Dan Muckala
(Mandy Moore, Joy Williams, N'Sync, Point Of Grace, Aaron
Neville), Tedd T (ZOEgirl, Mute Math, Rebecca St. James,
Stacie Orrico, Plus One, Avalon, Toby Mac), Shaun Shankel
(writer of American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke's smash
single "Eighth World Wonder")—the quartet
continues to raise the entertainment bar for 'tweens'—today's
hottest marketing target group—and to prioritize positive
impact as much as popularity. These energetic teens choose
to give 'tweens and teenagers what they want without sacrificing
what they need—healthy, positive messages about being
true to yourself, respecting and accepting others, and enjoying
all life has to offer.
Jump5—well-known as a magnetic, energetic foursome—knows
how to do one thing extremely well; connect with their hundreds
of thousands of fans around the world. And kids aren't the
only ones who appreciate Jump5's inspirational messages,
proving without question that this is music for the whole
family. "It's been awesome to watch them grow as singers,
musicians, and performers through the years," producer
Mark Hammond says. "But much more profound has been
watching them grow personally. Now more than ever I see a
tremendous desire within each one of them not just to make
great music, but to use the gifts and opportunities they've
been given to make a positive difference in the lives of
the kids that look up to them."
Sherri Huitt, mother of a 14 year-old
daughter, agrees. "Role
models are so important, and so is the message they send—because
kids want to be like them, no matter who it is, they want
to be like them." With Jump5, she adds, the message
and model underscores the positive values she's been teaching
her kids at home.
Lesley, Chris, Brittany and Brandon are growing Christians,
working diligently in the mainstream, and welcomed in churches
and major venues alike. They have created a universally understood
'just for us' genre that kids can't get enough of. That welcoming
embrace has allowed Jump5 to perform in front of millions,
with appearances on Nickelodeon, ABC Christmas Morning with
Regis and Kelly three years in a row, two walk-ons on CBS
Early Show, performances on Crystal Cathedral, PTL and the
Disney Channel. The four athletic performers tour extensively,
having headlined or co-headlined a total of five tours. Four
Jump5 songs have landed on major motion pictures (The Lizzie
McGuire Movie, Sleepover, Ella Enchanted, Brother Bear),
which would thrill any teenager, but Chris, Brittany, Lesley
and Brandon are most honored by their performance for President
George W. Bush at The White House.
Jump5 has, since the beginning, naturally chosen songs with
lyrics promoting positive self-esteem and faith-based values
that inspire and empower kids, making a successful evolution
from song to song. The Very Best Of Jump5 collects 12 songs
that underscore the notion that these ordinary teens really
get what matters most. They understand that kids like them
want and need positive reinforcement. And they enjoy being
able to tell their peers that they have the power to choose
their own path.
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