New Artist Kari Jobe Has #1 Album at iTunes and Christian Retail This Week

MOBILE, Ala. – February 19, 2009 – New Integrity Music/Gateway Create artist Kari Jobe enjoys the No. 1 CD at Christian retail and the top-selling spot for a week on iTunes Christian album sales chart.  Kari Jobe, which sold more than 11,552 units in its first week of sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan, also marks the highest Christian and gospel music debut by a new artist since Mandisa’s first CD release in 2007. 
In addition to the top spots on Christian SoundScan’s Christian retail chart and iTunes Christian chart, Jobe’s debut CD, which was produced by Ed Cash and includes songs written by Jobe, Cash, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche and Mia Fieldes, claims the No. 4 spot on the overall Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums for the week-ending February 15, selling only less than two WoW compilations and Innocence & Instinct, the new release from Red.

“This is literally a dream come true for me and I am at a loss for words right now. I am so grateful for the response to my album and humbled that so many people are engaging and connecting to the heart of God through these songs,” said Jobe in response to her successful first week.
The debut CD is earning its share of critical success alongside record sales.  Says CCMMagazine.com, “With the powerhouse nuances of Natalie Grant and the singer/songwriter vulnerability of Mindy Smith, new Integrity worship artist Kari Jobe is more than a fresh face and pretty voice…With producer Ed Cash’s (Chris Tomlin, Bethany Dillon) competent hands at the creative controls, Jobe’s self-titled debut seeks to establish her as more than just a worship leader, but also as a fully-equipped artist.”

Jobe has been traveling this week to promote her new CD.  She started with a standing room only release party and concert at her home church, Gateway Church in the Dallas area and also visited churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. 
“I’m Singing,” the first single from Kari Jobe, is also making its way across the country at Christian radio.  Written by Jobe, Cash and Tomlin, “I’m Singing” is now “new and active on the AC chart” with spins at WPOZ in Orlando, FL; WCSG in Grand Rapids, MN; KLTY in Dallas, TX and WMUZ in Detroit, MI.
 
The child of traveling ministers, Jobe began singing when she was only 3 and knew by age 10 that she wanted to lead worship.  She spent time studying at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations Institute and Dallas Baptist University where she finished her Psychology/Pastoral Ministries degree before joining the Gateway Church staff.

Sisters Sign With Daywind Records

Pictured left to right: Ed Leonard (President of Daywind Records), Kim Ruppe Lord, Valerie Ruppe, Norman Holland (Daywind Records’ Vice President and A&R Director), and Heather Ruppe Day
Hendersonville, TN  - Daywind Records is pleased to announce the signing of the dynamic family trio, Sisters. Kim Ruppe Lord, Heather Ruppe Day, and Valerie Ruppe met in Hendersonville, TN, yesterday to make the long-term relationship with Daywind official. Plans for their first Daywind recording are underway.

Many will remember these three ladies from their years as a part of The Ruppes. Their soaring harmonies are unforgettable. From the song they made a classic, “Angels In The Room,” to their stunning hit song, “Under His Wings,” these Sisters know how to deliver great music and ministry.

Daywind Records’ president, Ed Leonard said, “What an unbelievable sound and anointing these ladies bring to our music. We are honored to work with them.”

Kim Ruppe Lord expressed her excitement about the future, “Sisters has been our dream for a long time. We’ve just had to wait for the ‘right’ time. We believe that Daywind is a door that God has opened for us. We are excited to work with this excellent team. We are standing on the verse from Ephesians 3:20, ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.’”

You may find Sisters on tour with their extended family group, Lordsong, or you may find all of them on a Mark Lowry tour event, but Daywind Records is proud that you can also find them here, as a part of the great family of Daywind artists.

To learn more about Sisters, visit sistersmusic.org. For more information on all the talented artists at Daywind, visit daywindrecords.com

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. In addition to Sisters, Daywind is home to such great artists as Triumphant Quartet and Karen Peck and New River, among others.