Greg Long
Genre: Pop/Worship
Official Web Site
Greg Long Bibliography: (click on each album cover to view tracks and Greg Long lyrics)
Greg Long Biography When life is full of busyness and responsibilities, of joys and blessings, it's easy to focus on the activities, things and people in our lives. We start to focus things and circumstances all around us. We start to believe we can do it on our own and before we know it, life is spinning 90 mph and out of control. It is at that point that we need to stop and go back to the time when we first met Christ. We go back to the beginning - back to the purity of the day when you first found grace - back to the moment when you were Born Again.
So begins the story of grace in the life of one man, Greg Long, as he shares the love relationship with His God on the new Christian Records release entitled Born Again. With eight number one singles, six more top 10 hits, an ASCAP Award, and two Dove Award nominations, it would be easy for Long to rest in his own talent and accomplishments. But the more Greg grows in his faith, the more he knows that pursuing holiness is not about trusting in your own strength or gifts, it is about knowing God.
It is no wonder then that Born Again chronicles all facets of a believer's walk with God. It is a testimony in motion. Born Again remembers the faithfulness of God in the past, rests in Him in the present, and trusts Him for the future. From the first seed planted, to baptism in the faith, to a time of rededication, to calling on God during difficult times, to the ongoing call to share the Gospel, Greg invites the listener to rediscover the joy of being in love with the Savior. "I wrote or co-wrote nine of the ten songs on Born Again, the most I've ever contributed to an album," Greg explains. "I hope people see my heart in this project and are drawn to the excitement of walking with Jesus."
The title cut launches with "It was the gulf of Mexico. My father waded in-." which tells the actual story of Greg's baptism by his father, an itinerant preacher, in the Gulf of Mexico. Real life footage of his baptism as a young boy is included in the music video of the "Born Again." "The greatest moment in someone's life is when they meet Christ and become a new creature. The Bible says that all the old is passed away and everything becomes new. That moment brings such joy and relief and a heart full of gratitude. Taking that faith the next step is seen through the expression of baptism. The song 'Born Again' reminds me of that moment and brings it to today-I can feel clean inside with no more weight on my back because His mercy is 'new' every morning. I know I don't live like this is true everyday but I should. When people hear the song, they might not identify with the specifics of the story of Greg Long, but they relate to that feeling in their heart. They know what it feels like to be born again!"
Having given his heart to Christ at an early age, Greg Long recalls rededicating his life at a Dallas Holm concert at age 14. "I remember literally feeling like my body was walking on it's own at the altar call. God really moved in my heart that night. It was a watershed moment for me. Now it's my turn to take a stab at a song, 'Rise Again,' that has impacted me and countless others."
The story continues as Long presents his passion to share Christ through his own music. "The song 'Sing About Jesus' is a song with a light R&B groove that really is a reaction to the conflict of ministry vs. making a living. When it comes down to it, I really do just wanna sing about Jesus and tell people about his goodness and his love. I am blessed to be able to have my career be my ministry."
Continuing with the theme of wanting to share about Jesus comes the song "Fifteen." This song displays the desire and responsibility Long feels for people to come to know Christ as their own personal Savior. "This song is so convicting to me personally, but also it is meant to be an encouragement to us all. If it takes a person 15 times to hear about Jesus before they believe, what happens if I'm 15? Wow! We have to be constantly aware of sharing Christ with others."
Greg's passion has remained consistent since those early days of faith. He has always tried to concentrate on living in the present-but the present sure has changed. Married with a child on the way, a busy touring schedule as a solo artist, and most recently adding responsibilities of being a member of the group Avalon, Greg has had to juggle a lot of hats. "Being in Avalon while maintaining a solo career with Christian Records is the result of people's hearts for furthering the Kingdom. I am grateful that Christian Records allowed me to join Avalon so I could be with my wife and share in that ministry. Being able to record Born Again with the message God has given to me, truly is an unbelievable blessing."
Musically Born Again presents lyrics, content and melodies that are expected on a Greg Long project. It reunites Long with producer Don Koch on 4 songs. The presence of Koch assures fans of signature Greg Long rich pop melodies and strong vocals. Secondly add producer Mooki Taylor for 4 more tunes and Greg exhibits some R&B flare which weren't heard on previous projects. And the album is completed with 2 cuts being produced by Long with Christian Records President, George King.
"Once Upon A Time" is one of those songs produced by Long and King. Its Disney-like theme song production came when Greg was writing the song with Lowell Alexander. The song began and Greg was instantly reminded of a fairy tale. "Every fairy tale starts with 'Once upon a time-,' and has some great love story of between a prince and the princess. Well what about the greatest love story of all time, the story of God's love for his people and how He rescues them. But this story isn't a fairy tale!"
That love theme displayed through the grace God provided is woven all through the record. The R&B ballad "The Cross, The Blood, The Love," was birthed out of Long's desire to understand why it had to be the Lamb. "I always understood the cross and the blood, but I don't comprehend why it wasn't me. Why did it have to be Jesus?"
"Savior of the World" presents the gospel with a driving dance beat behind it, while "Everlasting" is a straight up true pop tune. Lastly is the simple prayer song "Be Near" in which a man simply pleads to his Savior to stay close.
Born Again is a collection of songs that represent Greg Long's love relationship with his Savior. As you begin to live this day and get distracted by the list of things to do, take a moment to prepare-go back to the purity of the beginning-go back to the day you first found grace-go back to the moment when you were Born Again!
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