dc Talk's "Jesus Freak" makes history with biggest selling Christian music release in first week

Business Wire, Nov 29, 1995

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 1995-- Platinum-selling ForeFront recording artist dc Talk debuts at No. 16 on Billboard Top 200 Album Charts with more than 85,814 units of their new album "Jesus Freak" sold during the first week of release, making this the biggest selling Christian album in its first week of sales.

"This is the most any Christian artist has sold in its debut week," says Christian Music Trade Association marketing director Loren Hall. "`Jesus Freak' is highest debut in terms of sales for a Christian artist according to SoundScan and our research."

"This is a momentous day in music history with new releases from the Beatles and Garth Brooks, among others, and it's great to be playing a part in the record-breaking success of last week's sales," says ForeFront president/CEO Dan R. Brock.

In comparison, Michael W. Smith debuted with sales totalling 51,000 , and Amy Grant debuted "House of Love" with 55,000 sales. dc Talk, No. 16, is the 5th highest Billboard debut, behind the Beatles (No. 1), Garth Brooks (No. 2), Bruce Springsteen (No. 11) and Vince Gill (No. 13) -- ahead of debuts by L.L. Cool J (No. 23) and Don Henley (No. 48).

"With 17,583 units sold within Family Bookstores, `Jesus Freak' is the best-selling single title in a debut week in Family Bookstores' history," says Bob Elder, senior music buyer for Family, the largest Christian bookstore chain.

"The sales are great," says Rick Anderson, product buyer, Berean Christian Stores. "But more importantly, the style and content are current, relevant and cutting edge. This is the type of album we need in order for the world to realize how seriously it should take Christian music."

"Jesus Freak" has become one of the most anticipated releases because of the continual marketing efforts of its predecessor, the platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning "Free at Last." Since its release in November 1992, media coverage has included "Arsenio," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Entertainment Tonight," and features in both Christian and mainstream publications including People and Billboard. A CBS Evening News profile is slated to air before Christmas.

A 60 city tour is currently planned to support "Jesus Freak" commencing in February.

Formed in 1987, ForeFront Communications Group, Inc. is the largest independent Christian music label and is distributed in the U.S. to the Christian market through Chordant Distribution Group and to general markets through Cema Distribution.

CONTACT: ForeFront Communications, Nashville

Missy Sumrall, 615/771-2900, ext. 246

or

Lord & Michaels, Inc.

Jonathan Clements, 615/373-8000

or

Myers Media

Joan Myers or Kate Haggerty, 615/244-4388