Bebo Norman

Jeffrey Stephen "Bebo" Norman (born May 29, 1973) is a former contemporary Christian musician from Columbus, Georgia, US. His most successful album to date is Myself When I Am Real, which included hit songs "Great Light of the World" and "Falling Down". Other popular songs by Norman include "Disappear", "Nothing Without You", "I Will Lift My Eyes", and "Borrow Mine". He initially gained popularity when touring with another Christian band, Caedmon's Call. Norman's fans call themselves Simpletons.[1] Norman is married to Roshare Finecey.[2]

Bebo Norman
Background information
Birth nameJeffrey Stephen Norman
Born (1973-05-29) May 29, 1973
OriginColumbus, Georgia, U.S.
GenresCCM
Years active1995–2013

Biography

Early life and career

Norman was originally involved in Young Life Ministries and gained a considerable fan base by performing at the summer camps there. This has drawn parallels to musician Matt Wertz and producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant), both of whom gained fame through their involvement with Young Life. Upon releasing Big Blue Sky, his third album, Norman included a slip asking for donations to the organization. His song "Walk Down This Mountain" is about an experience at Young Life's Wilderness Ranch.[3]

Norman released Between the Dreaming and the Coming True in September 2006. The tour in support of this album featured Christian music newcomers Aaron Shust and Brandon Heath. Norman is a graduate of Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. His song "To Find My Way To You" was used on various promotions for the CBS sitcom, The Class.[4]

"Britney" and other projects

Bebo's single called "Britney" is written to Britney Spears, and is featured on Norman's ninth studio self-titled album.[5] From 2007–08 Bebo appeared with several notable Christian artists on tour as they presented Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb" concerts during the Christmas season.[6]

Bebo Norman's album, Ocean, released on September 28, 2010, is a personal album, according to Norman, that covers the discovery of his true identity and the battle between fear and faith. The singer/songwriter told CBN.com that he hopes Ocean causes listeners to "look internally… at where they draw their own identity from. It's worth wrestling with who we are, where we draw our value from, and where we draw our life from and .... refocusing on the source of whatever season of life we are in rather than focusing on the season itself."[7]

Retirement

On April 3, 2013, Bebo Norman announced his impending retirement from music, effective at the end of 2013.[8] On the August 14, 2017, The Pivot podcast, hosted by Andrew Osenga, Norman explained that he had spent time as a stay-at-home dad, started a home renovation business and later supply company, and studied to become a physician assistant. His music had been written out of a place of conflict, desperation and loneliness, which were very prevalent feelings in his 20s. After marrying in 2003, his priorities shifted, and he eventually mapped out an exit strategy from the life of a touring musician.[9]

Discography
Main article: Bebo Norman discography
Albums
Year Title
1996 The Fabric of Verse
1999 Ten Thousand Days
2001 Big Blue Sky
2002 Myself When I Am Real
2004 Try
2006 Between the Dreaming and the Coming True
2007 Christmas... From the Realms of Glory
2008 Bebo Norman
2010 Ocean
2012 Lights of Distant Cities

Awards

GMA Dove Awards[10]

References
  1. "Bebo Norman's "Sometimes By Step" Digital Duet". Crosswalk.com. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  2. "Bebo Norman Discography, Bebo Norman Artist Database - Jesusfreakhideout.com". Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  3. "Bebo Norman Artist Profile | Biography And Discography | NewReleaseToday". www.newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  4. Bebo Norman Moves to the Head of the Class Archived November 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  5. Story Behind the Song: Britney Archived October 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, ccmmagazine.com; retrieved September 2008
  6. "CCC website concert summary, poster and concert credits". Archived from the original on December 26, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  7. Bebo Norman's "Ocean" Experience: An in-depth interview, CBN.com.
  8. "Bebo Norman Set To Retire From Music at the End of 2013". Archived from the original on January 14, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  9. Development, PodBean. "003 - Bebo Norman". Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  10. "Dove Awards History Artist:Bebo Norman". Gospel Music Association. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
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