Bebo Norman captures #1 spot on Billboard Heatseekers chart

Bebo Norman's September 10 release, Myself When I Am Real, achieved impressive first week sales. As a result, Norman's third project with Essential Records landed at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. The record additionally claimed the #8 position on Billboard's Top Internet Sales chart. On the Christian market charts, it was the week's fourth best-selling album, garnering the #1 position on SoundScan's Christian Adult Contemporary Albums chart.

This is the second time Norman has attained Heatseeker's status, a category that identifies the best-selling titles by new and developing artists throughout the music industry at large. His sophomore release, Big Blue Sky, debuted at #4. Equally impressive, Norman's position on the Top Internet sales chart pushed him ahead of popular mainstream acts such as Nelly, Dave Matthews, and Eminem. Myself When I Am Real also marks Norman's second consecutive debut in the Top 5 on the Top Christian Albums chart and his first time at #1 on the Adult Contemporary Album sales chart.

Early momentum at radio boosted the record's profile. "Great Light of the World," the debut radio single from his current release, continues to climb its way up the charts, positioned this week at #19 on Radio & Records' Christian AC Top 30 chart. Two weeks since its debut on R&R's Christian CHR Top 30 chart, the song is bulleted at #21.

Playing an active role in the launch of Myself When I Am Real was Oklahoma City's Mardel Christian & Education Supply. Mardel, in conjunction with local radio station KOKF, organized an exclusive free concert for consumers who purchased the album prior to the September 13 event. Five hundred fans took advantage of the performance, which took place at Journey Church.

Nina Williams, Essential Records' senior director of marketing, is pleased with the early achievements of Myself When I Am Real. "Bebo worked diligently to create his most vulnerable record to date, and he accomplished this while also juggling a 53-city spring tour with Third Day. After his numerous appearances at summer festivals, Bebo's fans were primed to hear a new project, and the payoff of his hard work is reflected in these numbers."

Norman is now on the road in support of Myself When I Am Real with his 42-city Circa 2002 Fall Tour. Joined by guest performers Sarah Sadler and David Crowder Band, the tour kicked off September 8 and will continue through mid-December.

Pictured above: Bebo Norman performs music at a recent "Fall Circa 2002" tour concert in Dallas at The Majestic Theatre.