Twila Paris

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Twila Paris
Born (1958-12-28) December 28, 1958 (age 65)
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Genres Contemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Voice, piano
Years active1965, 1980–present
LabelsMilk and Honey, Star Song, Benson, Sparrow, Integrity Music, Mountain Spring

Twila Paris (born December 28, 1958) is a contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, author and pianist. Since 1980, Paris has released 22 albums, amassed 33 number one Christian Radio singles, and was named the Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year three years in a row. Many of her earlier songs such as "He Is Exalted", "We Will Glorify", "Lamb of God", and "We Bow Down", are found in church hymnals or otherwise sung in church settings. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in May 2015. [1]

Contents

Career

As a child she released her first album, Little Twila Paris, in 1965. The album included songs drawn from among those she sang with her family in their evangelistic outreaches.

Paris released her first full-length album, Knowin' You're Around , in 1980, and along the way she has written books, recorded children's music, and created worship songs.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Paris released mainly contemporary Christian pop songs. But in recent years, she has focused on recording new versions of some of her worship standards and writing new praise and worship music. Her 2005 album He Is Exalted: Live Worship collects a number of favorite songs commonly used in praise and worship of Paris's and presents them in a more typical style of live worship music. After her song "He Is Exalted" was used in churches in Brazil, Paris re-recorded it in the Portuguese translation they were using. This version appears on her 1992 album Sanctuary . Sanctuary won the GMA Praise & Worship Album of the Year, and in 1995, her song "God Is In Control" won a GMA Song of the Year award. She has won five GMA Dove Awards and three American Songwriter Awards.

Although associated for much of her career with Star Song Communications, EMI switched her to Sparrow Records in 1996, before her contract ended after 2003. In 2005, she switched to the praise and worship label Integrity Music for He Is Exalted: Live Worship .

Paris released Small Sacrifice on December 26, 2007, which was available only through her Web site and at LifeWay Christian Stores. This album married the two parts of her career by including both inspirational pop/adult contemporary songs and original praise and worship compositions. Her first radio single from Small Sacrifice was "Live to Praise". Small Sacrifice was released for wider distribution by Koch Records on February 24, 2009.

In 2012, Paris released a patriotic-themed project called God Shed His Grace: Songs of Truth and Freedom that includes two new cuts ("God of Our Fathers" and "America the Beautiful") and ten cuts that Paris hand-picked from other projects. The purpose of the project is to inspire patriots with themes of God's protection and love, even in difficult times.

From 2011 to 2012, Paris was part of the Christian Classics Tour, joining artists Steve Green, Wayne Watson, Larnelle Harris and Michael Card. [2]

Legacy

Paris has created a body of work in a modern hymn style. Her compositions are included in hymnals used by several Christian denominations [3] and various Charismatic churches. [4] Kelly Willard and Jamie Owens-Collins sang background vocals for her on her Keepin' My Eyes On You album and sang as a trio on the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" on The Warrior Is a Child .

Personal life

Twila Paris is the daughter of Oren Paris II, the son of travelling late 19th and early 20th century street preachers and his wife Rachel Inez Paris. In the late 1970s, Oren Paris II founded a Youth with a Mission (YWAM) base in Elm Springs, Arkansas. Oren II is the cousin of YWAM founder, Loren Cunningham.

After Oren II's passing, his son Oren III, claimed his father as the founder and Chancellor of Ecclesia College in Springdale, Arkansas, which operates on the former physical grounds of the Elm Springs YWAM base. [5] [6] In 2017, Twila Paris defended her brother Oren III after he was indicted for participating in a kickback scheme as Ecclesia's president, stating, "Those who know him [Oren III] well know that he is a man of deep integrity with a long established record of exemplary character. It is very clear that his highest aim is always to please God." [7] In September 2018, Oren III received a three-year prison sentence for the kickback scheme. [8]

Twila Paris married her manager Jack Wright in 1985. Paris indicated in an interview that Wright had contracted the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) causing him chronic fatigue; however in 2000, doctors discovered he had a form of hepatitis for which he was treated. [9]

Paris and Wright have a son. His name is Jack Paris Wright. [10]

Politics

Paris endorsed Ted Cruz in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, saying that "he is a leader we have been praying for." [11]

Discography

Albums

Compilations

  • 1992: A Heart That Knows You
  • 1996: The Early Years(selections from Kingdom Seekers and Same Girl)
  • 2000: Signature Songs
  • 2001: Greatest Hits: Time & Again
  • 2004: 8 Great Hits
  • 2005: Simply
  • 2006: The Ultimate Collection
  • 2012: God Shed His Grace: Songs of Truth and Freedom(with two new tracks)
  • 2014: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection

Hit singles

[12]

Top-ten singles (Adult Contemporary Christian Charts)
  • No. 1 "The Warrior is a Child" (1984-11-02)
  • No. 2 "Do I Trust You" (1984-12-26)
  • No. 1 "Runner" (1986-04-01)
  • No. 2 "Lamb of God" (1986-06-25)
  • No. 10 "He is Exalted" (1986-10-20)
  • No. 1 "Prince of Peace" (1987-09-07)
  • No. 7 "Holy is the Lord" (1987-11-16)
  • No. 2 "Bonded Together" (1988-03-21)
  • No. 4 "Send Me" (1988-06-13)
  • No. 1 "Every Heart That is Breaking" (1988-10-31)
  • No. 1 "True Friend" (1989-02-06)
  • No. 3 "Never Ending Love" (1989-05-15)
  • No. 1 "Sweet Victory" (1989-09-04)
  • No. 1 "I See You Standing" (1990-09-17)
  • No. 6 "How Beautiful" (1991-01-07)
  • No. 7 "Cry For the Desert" (1991-03-18)
  • No. 1 "Nothing But Love" (1991-07-22)
  • No. 7 "Undivided Heart" (1991-10-14)
  • No. 1 "The Joy of the Lord" (1992-02-10)
  • No. 1 "I'm Still Here" (with Bruce Carroll) (1992-05-25)
  • No. 1 "Destiny" (1993-01-18)
  • No. 5 "A Heart That Knows You" (1993-04-12)
  • No. 1 "God is in Control" (1994-02-21)
  • No. 1 "Neither Will I" (1994-06-13)
  • No. 2 "Watch and Pray" (1994-09-19)
  • No. 4 "Seventy Years Ago" (1995-01-23)
  • No. 1 "The Time is Now" (1995-04-24)
  • No. 1 "Love's Been Following You" (1996-03)
  • No. 4 "Faithful Friend" (with Steven Curtis Chapman) (1996-05-13)
  • No. 1 "(I Am) Not Afraid Anymore" (1996-08-26)
  • No. 1 "What Did He Die For" (1997-05)
  • No. 1 "Run to You" (1999-10-25)
  • No. 1 "I Choose Grace" (1999-10-25)

GMA Dove Awards

Source: [13]

Books

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<i>For Every Heart</i> (Twila Paris album) 1988 studio album by Twila Paris

For Every Heart is the sixth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1988 by Star Song Records. The album debuted and peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart. Paris was nominated in two categories at the 20th GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. The track "For the Glory of the Lord" has become a modern day hymn and is now sung in churches and congregations. Fellow Christian singer Steve Green has covered the song on his 1988 album Find Us Faithful.

<i>The Warrior Is a Child</i> 1984 studio album by Twila Paris

The Warrior Is a Child is the third studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris. Released in 1984, it would be her final album on Benson Records's Milk & Honey label. The album climbed to number eight on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart. The title song was a hit at Christian radio topping the Christian AC chart for 18 weeks. Paris was nominated in three categories at the 16th GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for the title song and Inspirational Album of the Year. The track "We Bow Down" has become one of Paris' praise and worship standards. The title song was ranked at number 48 from CCM Magazine's The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music.

<i>Kingdom Seekers</i> 1985 studio album by Twila Paris

Kingdom Seekers is the fourth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris. Released in 1985, it is her first album on the Star Song label. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart. The first single "Runner" would top the Christian AC chart for 9 weeks and was written by Paris and her sister Starla. The next two singles "Lamb of God" and "He Is Exalted" would become Paris' praise and worship standards. "He Is Exalted" is ranked at number 66 from CCM Magazine's 2006 book CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music and Kingdom Seekers is ranked at number 57 on The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.

<i>Same Girl</i> (Twila Paris album) 1987 studio album by Twila Paris

Same Girl is the fifth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1987 by Star Song Records. Paris was nominated in two categories at the 19th GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Same Girl. Christian recording artist and guitar player Phil Keaggy provides an acoustic guitar solo on the track "I Feel It." The album peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.

<i>Cry for the Desert</i> 1990 studio album by Twila Paris

Cry for the Desert is the eighth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1990 by Star Song Records. The album is Paris' first time working with producer Brown Bannister, who is best known for producing Christian pop superstar Amy Grant's albums and recently produced the Christian rock group White Heart's 1989 album Freedom and features the band's rhythm section of guitarist Gordon Kennedy, bassist Tommy Sims and drummer Chris McHugh. Producer Bannister updated Paris' sound on Cry for the Desert to sound more contemporary pop while still incorporating her praise and worship music. Paris' song "How Beautiful" is now considered a modern day hymn and is used during Easter services during communion. The song is ranked in the Top 20 from CCM Magazine's 2006 book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. Paris was nominated in two categories at the 22nd GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Cry for the Desert climbed up to number two on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

<i>Sanctuary</i> (Twila Paris album) 1991 studio album by Twila Paris

Sanctuary is the ninth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris on Star Song Records. Released in late 1991, Paris' first full-length praise and worship album was produced and arranged by keyboardist Richard Souther. Paris wrote and recorded ten new songs along with instrumental versions of her praise and worship songs "We Bow Down", "We Will Glorify", and "Lamb of God"; she also recorded "He Is Exalted" in Portuguese called "Ele É Exaltado".

<i>A Heart That Knows You</i> 1992 compilation album by Twila Paris

A Heart That Knows You is a compilation album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in late 1992 by Star Song Records. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. A Heart That Knows You is a collection of Paris' radio hits and praise and worship songs from her Star Song catalog featuring two brand new songs, a re-recording of her first number-one hit "The Warrior Is a Child" and a re-recorded medley of "Do I Trust You", "Keepin' My Eyes on You", and "We Will Glorify". The new recordings were produced by Greg Nelson and Paul Mills. In 1993, Paris won her first of three-consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year titles at the GMA Dove Awards. A music video was made for "Destiny" to promote the album.

<i>Beyond a Dream</i> (Twila Paris album) 1993 studio album by Twila Paris

Beyond a Dream is the tenth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in late 1993 by Star Song Records. Paris reunited with producer Brown Bannister, who produced her 1990 album Cry for the Desert and also with Paul Mills who produced two tracks from her 1992 compilation album A Heart That Knows You. The album topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, giving Paris her first number-one album. In 1995, Paris won her third-consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year title and also won Song of the Year for writing her number-one Christian AC hit "God Is in Control" at the 26th GMA Dove Awards. Music videos were made for "God Is in Control" and "What Am I Without You?"

<i>Perennial: Songs for the Seasons of Life</i> 1998 studio album by Twila Paris

Perennial: Songs for the Seasons of Life is the twelfth studio and second praise and worship album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released on March 24, 1998 by Sparrow Records.

<i>Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship</i> 2001 studio album by Twila Paris

Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship is the fourteenth studio and children's music album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released on March 27, 2001 by Sparrow Records. Bedtime Prayers consists of original lullabies written by Paris, with the exception of the William O. Cushing hymn "Jewels." The album was perfectly timed because Paris and her husband Jack Wright were expecting their first child. A month after the album's release, Paris gave birth to their first born son named Jack Paris Wright. It was a name Paris had picked out for 15 years. The album is produced by John Hartley of the U.K. Christian music duo Phil and John, with additional production by Derald Daugherty, lead singer of the alternative Christian rock group The Choir. Paris won a Dove Award for Children's Music Album of the Year for Bedtime Prayers at the 33rd GMA Dove Awards in 2002. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Kid Albums chart.

<i>House of Worship</i> (Twila Paris album) 2003 studio album by Twila Paris

House of Worship is the fifteenth studio and third praise and worship album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris released on March 11, 2003. It would be Paris' final album on Sparrow Records. The album is Paris' third praise and worship album following Sanctuary and Perennial: Songs for the Seasons of Life. Paris has written and recorded ten original songs and has re-recorded two of her classic songs "We Bow Down" and "We Will Glorify." Paris' original song "God of All" was released as a radio single and has climbed to number one on Radio and Records' Christian Inspirational chart. House of Worship debuted and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

<i>Small Sacrifice</i> 2007 studio album by Twila Paris

Small Sacrifice is the sixteenth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris. It was originally released independently on Paris' Mountain Spring Music imprint available at her website and at LifeWay Christian Stores in late 2007. The album married the two parts of her career by including both inspirational pop/adult contemporary songs and original praise and worship compositions. Her first radio single from the album "Live to Praise" climbed to number 3 on Radio and Records' Christian Inspirational chart. Small Sacrifice was released for wider distribution by Koch Records on February 24, 2009. Production was handled by John Hartley, who produced Paris' 2001 Dove Award winning children's music album Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship.

References

  1. ↑ "Inductees Archive". GMA Hall of Fame. February 14, 2017.
  2. ↑ "The Christian Classic Tour" (Press release). Vancouver, Washington. Christian Newswire. March 8, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  3. ↑ Praise for the Lord, ed. John P. Wiegand (Nashville: Praise Press, 1997), Nos. 738, 928 936, 950, 982, 984, ISBN   0-89098-119-1; Songs of Faith and Praise, ed. Alton H. Howard (West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing, 1994), Nos. 60, 176, 365, 559, 577, 578, 718, ISBN   1-878990-34-9.
  4. ↑ Morgenthaler, Sally. Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers Into the Presence of God. Toronto: Zondervan Canada. 1999
  5. ↑ "Twila Paris Songs".
  6. ↑ Benge & Benge, Loren Cunningham: Into All the World, YWAM Publishing, 2017
  7. ↑ Zylstra, Sarah Eekhoff (March 16, 2017). "Twila Paris Defends Brother Indicted for Bribery at Christian College". News & Reporting. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Ecclesia's Paris receives three-year sentence". Arkansas Online. September 13, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Page 2 of Twila Paris: The CCM star with a hit crossover album – Twila Paris". Crossrhythms.co.uk. June 1, 1994. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  10. ↑ Milk Money Promotions. "Welcome To TwilaParis.com". twilaparis.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Press Release - Cruz for President Announces Endorsement of Twila Paris | The American Presidency Project". www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  12. ↑ Brothers, Jeffrey Lee (July 2003). Hot Hits: Adult Contemporary Charts, 1978-2001. First Books Library, Bloomington, IN. ISBN   1410732940.
  13. ↑ "Welcome to The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards – The GMA's Mission: To Expose, Promote and Celebrate the Gospel Through Music". Welcome to The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
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