Heart Behind the Music feat. Bill Champlin, John Ford Coley & Lenny LeBlanc

Showings

Mars Theatre Sat, Apr 22, 2017 7:00 PM
Event Info
Doors Open:1 Hour Before Showtime
Run Time:2 Hours
Ticket Price:$30

Description

If you like music, you will love this! Since 2011, "The Heart Behind the Music" has been bringing to the stage some of the world's best singers and songwriters who share the meaning and...music behind their hit songs. This show provides an up close, and personal insight into some of the greatest music ever written, and performances by some of the music industry's most talented musicians. Artists scheduled to appear include John Ford Coley, Bill Champlin of pop/rock super group CHICAGO, and Lenny LeBlanc.

About John Ford Coley…John is most revered as half of the Grammy nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. He continues with an active roster performing the platinum and gold record hits for audiences around the world. Classically trained on piano and an avid guitarist, John loves the craft and enjoys every audience he encounters.

Some of John Ford Coley’s hits are as follows: "Love Is The Answer", "Gone Too Far", "I’d Really Love To See You Tonight", "We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again", "Nights Are Forever Without You", "Soldier In The Rain", "Come Back To Me", "Sad To Belong", "Simone", "Westward Wind", "Part of Me, Part of You."

In between the extensive road duty, John lives in the Nashville area with his family, where he's penned a book on his years in the music industry entitled "Backstage Pass", and is writing another book about his spiritual journey back from another religion to Christianity. He also speaks in churches about his experiences.

About Bill Champlin…Champlin’s musical career began in 1961 when he formed a band called the Opposite Six. A year later he began writing music. After forming the Sons of Champlin in 1967, he focused his songwriting talents on producing material for the Sons. After the breakup of the Sons in 1977, Bill moved to Los Angeles and worked as a session lead and background vocalist on numerous recordings from 1977-1985. In 1982 he joined Chicago to record Chicago 16. "Bill’s exactly what we’ve been looking for," said Chicago’s Robert Lamm. His very distinctive and expressive vocals can be heard on Chicago’s hit, "Hard Habit to Break". In 1989, Chicago released the song of the year, "Look Away", featuring Champlin on lead vocals. In 1990 Bill released the critically acclaimed "No Wasted Moments".

After 28 years with Chicago, Bill parted ways with the classic jazz/rock band to focus once again on his solo career. The announcement came on the heels of the 2009 release of his solo album "No Place Left to Fall". With "No Place Left to Fall", Bill Champlin made the album he was born to make, a career-defining record with an honesty and immediacy that reflect his old-school approach to music – and his complete disregard for the old-model music industry.

About Lenny LeBlanc…A successful songwriter and singer, it was nearly impossible to turn on the radio in the late 70’s without hearing Lenny LeBlanc’s hit ballad, "Falling." Even though there were plenty of friends and other career distractions, he knew where he wanted music to take him, and he possessed the drive to make it happen.

"Finding Jesus was like a sign post in my life. Whatever storm comes, I know I can look back and never refute what happened to me. That’s the Rock I cling to." LeBlanc’s name appears on dozens of beloved songs of the church, including the Dove award winning "Above All" which has been recorded by Michael W. Smith, Rebecca Saint James along with country artists Randy Travis and Richie McDonald of Lonestar and the classic "There Is None Like You." His voice and his compositions are featured on dozens of various worship recordings.

Lenny’s most recent release "Anthology", is an acoustic collection of his most notable songs along with two new titles "Unchained" and "Hope". Also included are bonus tracks "You First" and a re-recorded version of his seventies pop hit "Falling". Looking back over his career and his personal walk, Lenny reflects, "It’s amazing what God has done in my life."