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Jeoffrey Benward
Biography
Jeoffrey Benward
"I've centered my life and ministry around my family. I would never change that. My greatest accomplishments are 28 years of marriage to Candi and the love for life and people that I see in my 3 kids. I'm grateful beyond words that each of them have given their hearts to Christ, that they're happy, healthy, and full of dreams." "As I began searching for direction for the writing of this album, I felt God was inspiring me to share the things from my life that have shaped the person that I've become; a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a minister, a songwriter, and an artist. I wrote about the things that effect our hearts and our homes. Over these past 24 years of ministry my passion has never changed: building people and families through the person of Jesus. To present the only thing that gives the heart reason to forgive and to be forgiven; grace. I pray this new phase of artistry and ministry I'm entering, will in some small way, touch people with the one thing that never goes out of style...hope." Jeoffrey Benward might be entering a new phase in his ministry career but he's no stranger to Christian music success. He recorded three well-received solo albums for Forefront Records and has had nearly a nine year run as the "dad" half of the highly successful father-son duo, AaronJeoffrey. While touring with the likes of Point of Grace, Avalon, Twila Paris, Phillips, Craig, and Dean to name a few, AaronJeoffrey racked up 14 top five radio singles, 9 of which made it to number one. Their three Star Song releases number in the 100,000's in sales. They were twice nominated for a Dove Award in the "Song of the Year" category for their classic "He Is."(written by Jeoffrey and his friend and frequent writing partner Jeff Silvey) Many have been surprised to learn that Benward also penned Phillips, Craig, and Deans signature hit "Concert of the Age." As Aaron started work on his solo project, which had been part of the plan from the beginning of the duo, Jeoffrey was unsure if he should pursue a record contract. Jeoffrey grabbed the production reins, "putting on the producer's hat was new turf. It can be intimidating when some of the best studio players in Nashville are looking at you and saying, 'lead on,' but it was great fun." The album, JEOFFREY BENWARD, explores familiar territory while breaking new ground as well. Fans of AaronJeoffrey will appreciate, There He Is. A first person narrative of the resurrection story. They will hear for the first time the voice of Jeoffrey's youngest son Colin (16) who makes a guest appearance with big brother Aaron on the song "Our House." Needing You, a love ballad-a wedding song, was written for Candi. Jeoffrey reached back to his mid-west Hoosier memories in the writing of Old Side of Town and For the Brave. Benward co-wrote all 10 songs and was joined in the writing by some of Christian music's most successful tunesmiths...Jeff Silvey, Michael O'Brien, and Leonard Ahlstrom. Jeoffrey also shared the microphone with Christian music diva, Lisa Bevill on the reflective R-Kelly styled, It's Okay To Be A Sparrow. Jeoffrey states, "Out of the 10 songs this one is the most autobiographical." This album encompasses an array of sounds and styles. Jeoffrey reveals, "because I wrote some of the songs on guitar they have a little 70's flavor to them. Stylistically I made a record that I'd like to listen to. I believe my generation will enjoy it as well as the younger audience of AaronJeoffrey. I wrote of things that have shaped all of our lives; love, faith, forgiveness, praise, questions, patriotism, celebration, surrender, truth." What's a Jeoffrey Benward concert like? "It's really important to me that people feel accepted and at ease when they come to my concerts be it in a church or other settings. I want it to be fun, entertaining, and worshipful. My goal is to present the gospel in a way that ultimately builds a throne for God's presence." |
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