When Michael English
launched his solo career a decade ago, he feared he had no Christian
testimony to share with others. His stunning new Curb Records
album, Heaven To Earth, is ringing proof that the intervening
years have brought him strength, wisdom, and a powerful message.
Few of his peers have faced as many
tribulations. Six years ago, Michael English confessed an extra-marital
affair that nearly destroyed his life. His beloved and always
supportive grandmother died when he began to rebuild his music
career. His only brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
during the production of HEAVEN TO
EARTH. And just as this album's title single was issued as
his comeback single, Michael English spent 30 agonizing days in
treatment to overcome an addiction to prescribed pain medication.
The songs of his 2000 album, HEAVEN
TO EARTH speak directly to the solace, the comfort, and the
healing power of grace that Michael English has found on his painful
journey. From the intense odes of redemption "Finally Free,"
"Heaven To Earth" and "To Live On" to the
uplifting messages of "I Will Be", "Always Be There"
and "I'll Believe In You," these are the performances
of a lifetime.
The North Carolina native was raised
in a strict religious environment. He was on stage by the time
he was in grade school, performing in his family's Singing Samaritans
group between 1972 and 1980. He spent the next two years in the
Southern-gospel ensemble The Singing Americans, then joined the
Happy Goodman Family's troupe in 1982 - 83. After a six-month
stint with the Couriers Unlimited he returned to The Singing Americans
in 1983 - 84. English rose to fame as a member of The Gaither
Vocal Band in 1984 - 91; and Gospel Music Hall of Fame member
Bill Gaither has remained his friend and mentor ever since. The
young powerhouse vocalist never sought a solo spotlight, but the
size of his talent could not be denied. He signed his first solo
recording contract in 1991.
His solo debut, MICHAEL
ENGLISH, created a sensation when it was released in 1992.
It included the landmark performance "In Christ Alone,"
as well as such unforgettable songs as "Mary Did You Know,"
"Solid As The Rock," and "Heaven," the last
named of which became his debut video. In 1993 his HOPE
album spawned the memorable "Message of Mercy", "Love
Moves In Mysterious Ways," and "Holding Out Hope To
You."
During his "exile" from
Christian music English lost his recording contract. But Curb
Records was quick to sign him as a pop artist, by releasing his
"Healing" duet with Wynonna and his 1995 album HEALING.
The company followed through with English's pop album FREEDOM
in 1996. From it, "Your Love Amazes Me" became a top-10
hit on the Adult-Contemporary charts. To his surprise, English
found that although he felt the Christian industry had turned
its back on him, Christian Music fans never did. They showered
him with love and forgiveness when he toured in support of FREEDOM
in 1996 - 97.
In gratitude he went back to his
roots with a 1998 album titled simply GOSPEL.
Containing favorites he has sung all his life, the album was originally
recorded as a personal project to sell to folks who came to his
concerts. Again to his surprise, the demand for it was so strong
that in early 1999 it became his third Curb release. It also won
CCM Magazine's Favorite Contemporary Gospel Album award.
In 2000, through Curb Records, Michael
released a new album, HEAVEN TO EARTH,
premiering it on Trinity Broadcast Network show, "Praise
the Lord." While on this show, Michael gave a powerful testimony
about how the Lord brought him through the pain in his life and
his struggle with his addiction to painkillers, and his rehab
experiences. This testimony offered hope to many viewers that
were hooked on pain killers.
In 2002, Michael married Marcie
Stambaugh in Nashville, TN with family and friends support.
Michael English is one of my favorite performers.
Not only for his talent, but for his personal testimony. I grew
up in a Christian home but never had the faith I needed to make
it 'stick'. I ran from church and God. For years I wandered, involved
in many things I knew were wrong, drinking, drugs, promiscuity.
Then, through a series of events, including an unplanned pregnancy
outside of marriage, leaving the childs father, my father and
mother both battling cancer and my mother losing her life to it,
I was brought back to my knees. I had so much anger inside that
I couldn't see the loving Father waiting there for me. My parents
were forever playing the Gaither music series videos, to the point
of making me crazy. But it was through these tapes, and the songs
of Michael English along with his testimony of falling down and
getting back up in the walk, that my frozen heart began to melt.
I began to see that I could get back up and that my Heavenly Father
is faithful and would be right there waiting for me. Other singers
may inspire, but the fact that Michael has walked the Christian
walk and fallen...the fact that he is human, not a 'perfect' man
or Christian, is what draws me to his music. He's approachable,
sincere and I can identify with him, having fallen numerous times
myself. Thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude
for this man's music and his testimony.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Michael's music and his ministry have made my spiritual
walk a little easier for me. His songs and the anointing the Lord
has placed on his voice have blessed and ministered to me and
kept me focused on the Lord. Anyone wishing to know the latest
on Michael's ministry and his personal life should visit his official
website.
Blessings, Reneé
* * *
MICHAEL ENGLISH
Heaven To Earth ----- Is truly from Heaven, as the Spirit
of the Lord Reaches deep inside to Bless the very depth of my
soul, that has been so wounded by the trials of life. The very
first time I listened to this CD until today my heart is minister
too. If You Only Knew has blessed me so much. I am caring
for my Mom who has Alzheimer's and there are no words that man can
say to bring comfort except from the Heart of God. I set my stereo
on repeat and fall asleep listening to this song. It has gotten
me through many hours of loneliness and has kept my mind on the
victory at the end of the battle. Thanks Michael for your willingness
to press through to the other side.
With Love and Gratitude Donna Jean
* * *
Mr. Michael English
I GAVE MY LIFE TO THE LORD MANY YEARS AGO... I HAVE
STUMBLED AND I HAVE FALLEN... REPEATEDLY, AND AS THE LORD GIVES
ME THE STRENGTH TO GET BACK UP AGAIN AND WALK... I HAVE FOUND
THAT THE LYRICS AND THE VOICE OF MICHAEL ENGLISH HAVE BROUGHT
ME BACK TO A PLACE OF REFRESHING. I AM A SINGER AS WELL AS A SONGWRITERAND
I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE SONGS THAT MICHAEL SINGS. HE SINGS
THEM WITH SUCH PASSION AND A CONVICTION THAT CAN BRING EVEN THE
STRONGEST OF MEN... DOWN TO THEIR KNEES.
PRAYING FOR HIM NOW.... THALIA ADELE (M.C.B)
* * *
There is something about the way Michael puts meaning
in his songs. I can feel something or a testimony behind each
one. He truly is a great person in the Lord, what a heart this
guy has. I'm praying for you Michael.
God Bless and always keep you.
Susie
