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Michael
Passons' Biography
For Michael Passons,
the most meaningful experience as an artist is hearing from someone
that his music has somehow changed their perspective on life in
a positive way. "Music is very powerful, especially when combined
with the message of the Gospel. I love knowing God uses that to
give people hope and a deeper faith," he says.
Michael
grew up singing hymns in his small country church in Yazoo City,
Mississippi. His love for music began in childhood and he took an
early interest in piano and songwriting. As a young musician, Michael
was influenced by the keyboard flavored sounds of music veterans
Elton John and Lionel Richie. In college, he performed in a band
and in a New Jersey-based group that toured nationally. After completing
his degree in classical piano at Mississippi College, Michael moved
to Nashville and began working with fellow musicians.
His career took a dramatic
turn when Grant Cunningham, a Sparrow A&R director, caught his performance
at a Nashville showcase. This pivotal meeting led to Michael becoming
the founding member of the Christian pop group, Avalon. In 1995,
Avalon made their debut as part of the Young Messiah Tour and the
rest, as they say, is history.
2004 marks the beginning
of Michael's solo career. After eight years, seven records, four
Dove Awards, two Grammy nods and a 2003 American Music Award for
"Favorite Inspirational Artist," Michael feels ready to leave the
group setting of Avalon and stand on his own as an artist. He is
thankful for this new chapter and the freedom to write music from
his heart and minister around the globe.
Michael explains, "My
songs tend to be so introspective and vunerable...too personal for
a group to sing. In this respect, I am very excited about the road
ahead and the opportunity for people to learn a different side of
me." Michael is excited about "sharing with other people what God
is doing in my life and what he is teaching me. I find that I do
this best through my music."
Michael's vision for
this new chapter in his ministry is "to write and sing songs from
my heart that will connect with those that listen. As I share what
God has done in my life, perhaps others will find encouragement
in their Christian life." If his life message could be expressed
in one passage, it would be "For nothing is impossible with God,"
(Luke 1:37). "This scripture is so simple yet so profound. I am
moved most by seeing God work in the most impossible circumstances."
Michael reflects, "I
am finding that each day, there is something new to learn and by
sharing with each other, God can and will be glorified. I have found
that I still have so much to learn. Just when I think I have something
figured out, I am back to being humbled by my humanness and reminded
that God's ways are higher than mine. I have learned that salvation
is God's job and obedience is mine...but in the end, we need His
strength to even do our part in it all. He is our all in all."
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