Michael English

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.

2003

New Release - A Michael English Christmas

Michael English treats his listeners to some classic and contemporary Christmas carols, which are sure to get the believer in the Christmas spirit and prepare heart attitudes for the coming of Christmas.

VISITOR COMMENTS

Michael English

 I feel a connection to Michael English and his music as I have seen him in concert many times before he left Christian Music and once since his return. I have made so many mistakes in my Christian life. I made the same mistake that Michael made and I feel I cannot make it right. I lost my marriage and I struggle with it daily and Michael's music and testimony gives me hope and inspiration. I don't know when it will happen, but I feel I will be restored to the fullest as Michael has been. It is so hard but I am thankful for artists who can admit failure and be examples in life just as God uses in the Bible to lift us up and show how we can be forgiven by Him for all mistakes. Thank you Michael English for your music.

Cheryl Tatum King, NC

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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 yrs 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 couldnt 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 thru 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 mans music and his testimony.

Sincerely Kelly

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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, www.michaelenglish-com.com

Blessings, Reneé

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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 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

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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 THEMWITH 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)

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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

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