Avalon

Avalon is a medieval allegorical term for heaven. It was believed that kings and the children of royalty would spend eternity there. According to legend, King Arthur went there after his death. It’s also the name of an exciting new pop vocal Christian quartet.

Avalon must be feeling pretty close to heaven following the successful year they experienced in 1998. Their single Testify to Love made Christian music history by becoming the longest-running hit single of the 1990s, and was #1 Song of the Year. It was selected for the Touched by an Angel soundtrack, and an episode of the hit TV series was based on the song. The group received a total of six Dove Award nominations, and walked away with the New Artist of the Year award.

Group members include tenors Jody McBrayer and Michael Passons, alto Janna Potter, and soprano Cherie Paliotta. Founding member Nikki Hassman has left to pursue a solo career—newcomer Cherie can be heard on their latest album, In a Different Light.

Avalon continues developing their energetic sound, which features tight, layered harmonies. One key to their success is their ability to blend their distinct voices, melding them together to create a unified voice. This is a cohesive group, an ensemble without featured soloists, where all four members share the same vision. "We all feel strongly about the things we want to communicate," Jody declares. "We all have the same concerns and the same ideas about ministry. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to get up on stage every night with three other people, knowing that we’re all of one mind and one spirit. . . .That’s a blessing only of God." Cherie adds, "Even though we’re all very individually different, the more time we spend together, personally and professionally, it’s like, even though we’re different colored threads, we’re woven together . . . as one." (Crosswalk Music Channel Web site)

And they are unified in the purpose of their music. Sharing the gospel and encouraging believers through their music is their objective. But it doesn’t concern them just on stage or in the studio—they are passionate about making sure their private lives reflect their faith in Christ.

All four members spent their childhood singing in church and youth choirs. Jody (Tampa, FL) began taking his gift seriously in high school, and next toured worldwide with Truth. He also toured the US and Canada as a featured soloist for Disney Productions. Janna (Baltimore, MD) also sang with Truth after graduating from Lee College, and toured internationally as a member of the Virginia-based group Mission. Michael (Waverly, IA) spent his childhood singing and playing piano and composing. After being trained as a classical pianist at Mississippi College, Michael traveled extensively as a soloist performing praise and worship music. Cheri (Providence, RI) always knew she wanted to be a singer. Winner of several talent competitions, she graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in Music Education. She taught for a time, while also singing in a vocal group.

Their backgrounds vary, but they share a unity of purpose. Their vocal skills and awesome lyrics appeal to a diverse and growing audience—kids and their parents listen to Avalon. And with good reason—their music is like a taste of heaven!