New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Hoganson Media Relations) Sparrow Records, a division of EMI CMG Label Group, has entered into an exclusive, long-term recorded music, marketing and distribution agreement with Kari Jobe, one of the best-selling female artists in Christian music since her self-titled debut album released in 2009. Effective immediately, Sparrow Records will represent the two-time Dove Award winning, Gateway Church (Southlake, TX) worship leader into worldwide markets.
One of the most respected female worship leaders in the country, Jobe will return to the studio in May to record her sophomore album. Ed Cash, who produced the first album, rejoins Jobe for the new project slated to release late fall.
"I'm honored and feel very blessed to now be part of the EMI family," says Jobe. "The last few years of my ministry has grown and reached farther than I ever dreamed! I'm so excited to see what the Lord has for me next."
"It's an honor for our team to get the opportunity to work with Kari," says Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group President. "We have respected her impact in the market since we first heard her music and feel grateful for the chance to represent her to the global community of faith. We look forward to building a strong and creative relationship with her that will yield a legacy of compelling songs that truly inspire the worshipping church."
Jobe released her debut in February 2009, which featured songs by Jobe and songs cowritten with Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Mia Fieldes, Ed Cash and Klaus Kuehn. The success of the album led to a New Artist of The Year Dove Award nomination and a featured peformance during the 2010 Dove Awards ceremony. Taking home two Doves from the ceremony, Jobe was later invited by Saddleback Church pastor and author Rick Warren to lead worship during Easter weekend services, which drew more than 45,000 to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. Studying at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist University, where she finished her psychology and Pastoral Ministries degree, Jobe joined Gateway Church in Southlake, TX as worship pastor, a position she has now held for nearly seven years.
Whether leading worship at Gateway or in other settings around the country, for Jobe, the work of ministry always comes back to people. "I am moved by people's lives and stories, and I am amazed by who God is and who He says that we are. Music becomes a way to minister to people in times of trouble, to lead them to the feet of Jesus who can bring peace, life, hope and healing."
For more information on Kari Jobe, visit www.karijobe.com, www.twitter.com/karijobe and www.facebook.com/karijobe.
