The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards were held on April 21, 2010 recognizing accomplishments of musicians for the year 2009. The show was held at the The Opry Entertainment Complex in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Bart Millard.

Nominations were announced on February 18, 2010 during a press conference at Belmont University's Curb Café in Nashville, Tennessee. The announcement was hosted by a group of artists which included Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, Jason Crabb, Brandon Heath, Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith, Ben Tankard and Lisa Kimmey.^[1]

Casting Crowns won Artist of the Year, while Sidewalk Prophets won New Artist of the Year. Rock group Needtobreathe ended up winning the three awards it was nominated for. Other multiple winners include: Jennie Lee Riddle, Francesca Battistelli, and Jars of Clay.

Performers[link]

Opening ceremony

• Voices of Glory
• Karen Peck & New River
• Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
• Collin Raye
• The Nelons with Karen Peck

Telecast ceremony

The following performed:^[2]

Presenters[link]

Telecast ceremony

The following presented:

Awards[link]

General[link]

Artist of the Year

• Francesca Battistelli
• Casting Crowns
• Jason Crabb
• Jars of Clay
• Mary Mary
• Skillet
• TobyMac

New Artist of the Year

• Crystal Aikin
• Bluetree
• Jonny Diaz
• Kari Jobe
• Revive
• Sidewalk Prophets
• Brian Courtney Wilson

Group of the Year

• Casting Crowns
• Gaither Vocal Band
• Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir
• Jars of Clay
• Needtobreathe
• Skillet
• Tenth Avenue North

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Jeremy Camp
• Jason Crabb
• Michael English
• Brandon Heath
• Donnie McClurkin
• Smokie Norful
• Bebo Norman
• Mark Schultz

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Francesca Battistelli
• Karen Peck Gooch
• Natalie Grant
• Heather Headley
• Mandisa
• Dawn Michele
• Laura Story

Song of the Year

• "Born to Climb" – Jeff & Sheri Easter
  • Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, songwriters
• "By Your Side" – Tenth Avenue North
  • Tenth Avenue North, songwriters
• "Free To Be Me" – Francesca Battistelli
  • Francesca Battistelli, songwriter
• "God Is There" – Diamond Rio
  • Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Bernie Herms, songwriters
• "I Will Rise" – Chris Tomlin
  • Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves, songwriters
• "Let The Waters Rise" – Mikeschair
  • Sam Tinnesz, Mike Grayson, Ben Glover, songwriters
• "Revelation Song" – Phillips, Craig & Dean
  • Jennie Lee Riddle, songwriter
• "Somebody Like Me" – Jason Crabb
  • Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs, songwriters
• "Two Hands" – Jars of Clay
  • Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark, Jeremy Lutito, Gabe Rushchival, songwriters
• "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along" – Karen Peck and New River
  • Stephen Hill, songwriter

Songwriter of the Year

• Francesca Battistelli
• Michael Boggs
• Mike Donehey
• Jason Ingram
• Jennie Lee Riddle
• Neil Thrasher

Producer of the Year

• Ed Cash
• Ian Eskelin
• Wayne Haun
• Bernie Herms
• Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp

Pop[link]

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

• "City on Our Knees" - tobyMac
• "Free to Be Me" - Francesca Battistelli
• "Let the Waters Rise" - Mikeschair
• "My Deliverer" - Mandisa
• "Until the Whole World Hears" - Casting Crowns

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

• Come Alive - Mark Schultz
• Mikeschair - Mikeschair
• Speaking Louder Than Before - Jeremy Camp
• The Long Fall Back to Earth - Jars of Clay
• These Simple Truths - Sidewalk Prophets

Rock[link]

Rock Recorded Song of the Year

• "Bring Me to Life" - Thousand Foot Krutch
• "Fight Inside" - Red
• "Hero" - Skillet
• "Mess of Me" - Switchfoot
• "Mystery of You" - Red

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

• "Always" - Switchfoot
• "Can't Take Away" - Mikeschair
• "How He Loves" - David Crowder Band
• "Lay 'Em Down" - Needtobreathe
• "You Gave Me a Promise" - Fireflight

Rock Album of the Year

• Awake - Skillet
• Constellations - August Burns Red
• Crash - Decyfer Down
• Innocence & Instinct - Red
• Searchlights - Abandon
• Welcome to the Masquerade - Thousand Foot Krutch

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

• Church Music - David Crowder Band
• Confessions - Pillar
• It Is Well - Kutless
• Love & War - BarlowGirl
• The Outsiders - Needtobreathe

Rap/Hip-Hop[link]

Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year

• "America" - Tracy Edmond
• "End of My Rope" - KJ-52
• "Go On" - B.Reith
• "Lost" - Da' T.R.U.T.H.
• "Movin'" - Group 1 Crew

Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year

• Five-Two Television - KJ-52
• Now Is Not Forever - B.Reith
• Reiterate - GRITS
• The Big Picture - Da' T.R.U.T.H.
• Thrilla - Mr. Del

Inspirational[link]

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year

• "Hold On To Jesus" - Austins Bridge
• "Hosanna" - Selah
• "Jesus Saves" - Travis Cottrell
• "Since The World Began" - Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Mac Powell
• "The Only Hope" - Bebo Norman

Inspirational Album of the Year

• A Grand New Day - Women of Faith Worship Team
• Fearless - Phillips, Craig & Dean
• Jesus Saves Live - Travis Cottrell
• Live at Oak Tree - Aaron & Amanda Crabb
• You Deliver Me - Selah

Gospel[link]

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• "Because He Lives" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "Born to Climb" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "If You Knew Him" - The Perrys
• "Life Goes On" - Talley Trio
• "Live With Jesus" - Oak Ridge Boys

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• Almost Morning - The Perrys
• Reunited - Gaither Vocal Band
• North America Live - The Hoppers
• Treasure - Janet Paschal
• Worth It - Brian Free & Assurance

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• "Always Remember" - Andrae Crouch
• "Don't Do It Without Me" - Bishop Paul S. Morton
• "How I Got Over" - Vickie Winans
• "Justified" - Smokie Norful
• "Oh Happy Day" - Queen Latifah

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

• Almost Morning - Dorothy Norwood
• Gaither Vocal Band Reunited - Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's
• Shout! Live - Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue
• Treasure - Clarence Fountain, Sam Butler and The Boys

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• "Awesome God" - Fred Hammond
• "Dear God" - Smokie Norful
• "Every Prayer" - Israel Houghton
• "So Good" - Melinda Watts
• "Souled Out" - Hezekiah Walker & LFC
• "The Power of One (Change the World)" - Israel Houghton
• "Wait On The Lord" - Donnie McClurkin

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year

• America - Tracy Edmond
• Audience of One - Heather Headley
• Love Unstoppable - Fred Hammond
• Smokie Norful Live - Smokie Norful
• Souled Out - Hezekiah Walker & LFC

Country & Bluegrass[link]

Country Recorded Song of the Year

• "Dry Bones" - Austins Bridge
• "God Is There" - Diamond Rio
• "King of the World" - Point of Grace
• "Somebody Like Me" - Jason Crabb
• "Thank God for Kids" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Country Album of the Year

• Jason Crabb - Jason Crabb
• Live at Oak Tree - Austins Bridge
• Never Going Back - Collin Raye
• The Reason - Diamond Rio
• Then Sings My Soul - Ronnie Milsap

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year

• "I Heard My Savior Calling Me" - Rhonda Vincent
• "On The Other Side" - Dailey & Vincent
• "This World Is Not My Home" - Ricky Skaggs
• "When We Fly" - Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long
• "Working on a Building" - Patty Loveless

Bluegrass Album of the Year

• Blue Ridge Mtn. Memories - The Marksmen Quartet
• Breaking Like Dawn - Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long
• I Have Been Blessed - The Far City Boys
• I Just Want To Thank You Lord - Larry Sparks
• Lord Bless This House - Nothin Fancy
• The Isaacs ...Naturally - The Isaacs

Praise & Worship[link]

Worship Song of the Year

• “Alive Again” - Matt Maher
  • Matt Maher and Jason Ingram, songwriters
• “Hosanna” - Selah
  • Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown, songwriters
• “I Will Rise” - Chris Tomlin
  • Chris Tomlin, songwriter
• “New Song We Sing”; Meredith Andrews
  • Meredith Andrews, Jason Ingram, and Keith Everette Smith, songwriters
• “Revelation Song” - Phillips, Craig & Dean
  • Jennie Lee Riddle, songwriter

Praise & Worship Album of the Year

• A Grand New Day - Women of Faith Worship Team
• Alive Again - Matt Maher
• Awaken The Dawn - Keith & Kristyn Getty
• Church Music - David Crowder Band
• Jesus Saves Live - Travis Cottrell

Others[link]

Urban Recorded Song of the Year

• "Avaylable" - Kortney Pollard
• "Close To You" - BeBe & CeCe Winans
• "Just Love" - Brian Courtney Wilson
• "Just Wanna Say" - Israel Houghton
• "You Never Let Me Down" - Marvin Winans Jr.

Instrumental Album of the Year

• A Moment's Peace, Vol. 2 - Christopher Phillips and John Catchings
• A Moment's Peace, Vol. 1 - Christopher Phillips and John Catchings
• Joy Comes In The Morning - Stan Whitmire
• Mercy Mercy Mercy - Ben Tankard

Spanish Language Album of the Year

• Adorándote - Julissa
• Apasionado Por Ti - Rojo
• Cerca de Mí - Yamil Ledesma
• Le Canto - Kari Jobe
• Su Vida, Sus Pasos, Su Voz - Melodie Joy

Special Event Album of the Year

• CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty (Sparrow Records)
• Fireproof: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Reunion Records)
• Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship (Reunion Records)
• Hip Hope Hits 2009 (Gotee Records)
• Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration (EMI Gospel/Vector Recordings)

Children's Music Album of the Year

• Great Worship Songs for Kids 3 - GWS Kids Praise Band
• I Shine Jamz, Vol. 1 - Todd Collins
• Shout Praises Kids: Today Is The Day - Various
• The Real Thing - pureNRG
• Veggie Tales: Here I Am To Worship - Featuring Natalie Grant & Aaron Shust

Christmas Album of the Year

• Christ Is Come - Big Daddy Weave
• Christmas Is - Mark Harris
• Every Light That Shines at Christmas - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship - Chris Tomlin
• Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant - Family Force 5

Choral Collection of the Year

• Everlasting Praise 2 - Mike Speck and Stan Whitmire
• Hallelujah! Light Has Come - Various arrangers
• Hymns of the Ages - Lari Goss
• Let The Worshippers Arise - Various arrangers
• Jesus Saves Live - Travis Cottrell

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year

• Live Life Loud - Hawk Nelson
  • Bonnie Biro (art director), Ryan Clark (graphic artist), Caleb Kuhl (illustrator/photographer); BEC Recordings
• Lost in the Sound of Separation (Deluxe Edition) - Underoath
  • Jordan Butcher (art director), Drew Beckmeyer (graphic artist), Ryan Russell (illustrator/photographer); Tooth & Nail Records/Solid State Records
• It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright - MewithoutYou
  • Jordan Butcher (art director/graphic artist), Vasily Kavonof (illustrator/photographer); Tooth & Nail Records
• The Long Fall Back to Earth (Limited Edition) - Jars of Clay
  • Tim Parker and Jars of Clay (art directors), Kharyn Hill; Gray Matters/Essential Records
• Forget and Not Slow Down - Relient K
  • Matthew Thiessen and Linden Frederick (art directors), Davy Baysinger, Ethan Luck, Cale Glendening; Mono Vs Stereo
• The Long Fall Back to Earth - Jars of Clay
  • Tim Parker and Jars of Clay (art directors), Kharyn Hill; Gray Matters/Essential Records

Musicals[link]

Musical of the Year

• A Baby Changes Everything
• Glorious Impossible
• It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
• Reign, Jesus, Reign
• See What A Morning

Youth/Children's Musical

• Camp Wallaballa
• Christmas Hang-ups
• Get To The Manger!
• GPS (God's Plan of Salvation)
• The Best Christmas Present Ever!

Videos[link]

Short Form Music Video of the Year

• "Beautiful Ending" - BarlowGirl
  • Tim Morgan (video director and producer)
• "Free to Be Me" - Francesca Battistelli
  • Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors), Dan Atchison (video producer)
• "Hero" - Skillet
  • Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors), Dan Atchison (video producer)
• "Live Life Loud" - Hawk Nelson
  • Etypical (video director), Kayvan Ghavim (video producer)
• "Lose My Soul" - TobyMac, featuring Kirk Franklin and Mandisa
  • Danny Yourd (video director), Danny Yourd and Steve Hoover (video producers)
• "Monster" - Skillet
  • Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors), Dan Atchison (video producer)
• "Too Bright To See" - Underoath
  • Anders Foreman (video director and producer)
• "Wait and See" - Brandon Heath
  • Eric Welch (video director), Tameron Hedge (video producer)

Long Form Music Video of the Year

• 45 Days (Documentary w/music) - Demon Hunter
  • Cale Glendening (video director), Don and Ryan Clark (video producers)
• A Gospel Journey - Oak Ridge Boys
  • Doug Stuckey (video director), Bill Gaither, Barry Jennings, and Bill Carter (video producers)
• A New Hallelujah: The Live Worship DVD - Michael W. Smith
  • Steve Gilreath (video director and producer)
• Faith + Hope + Love - Hillsong Live
  • Luke Irvine and Magdalene Phillips (video directors), Hillsong Music (video producers)
• Live at Oak Tree - Austins Bridge
  • Graham Bustin (video director), Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, and Shannon Lancaster (video producers)
• Live Revelations - Third Day
  • Andy and Jon Erwin (video directors), Dan Atchison, Jonathan Erwin, and Andrew Erwin (video producers)

Artists with multiple nominations and awards[link]

References[link]

• "Dove Awards History". http://www.doveawards.com/history.php?x=artist. , official winners list by year

External links[link]

• Dove Awards Hosts and Nominees at DoveAwards.com
• Dove Awards winners at DoveAwards.com
• List of Nominees

A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented at an annual ceremony called the GMA Dove Awards. Formerly, the ceremony took place in Nashville, Tennessee, but since 2011 the ceremony has been held in Atlanta, Georgia. The ceremonies feature live musical performances and are broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel.^[1]

The awards were established in 1969, and represent a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, hip hop, country, and urban.^[2][3]

History[link]

This article is a part in a series on Gospel music

Roots and Beginnings  Christian Hymns Negro Spirituals Sacred Harp Shape note

Genres and Subgenres  Southern Gospel Gospel blues Bluegrass gospel Christian country music Country Gospel Progressive Southern Gospel Urban contemporary gospel Christian hip hop

Related Music Genres  CCM

Associations and Groups  Gospel Music Hall of Fame Gospel Music Workshop of America National Gospel Singing Convention National Quartet Convention Australian Gospel Music Association GMA Canada

Gospel Music Awards  GMA Dove Awards Stellar Awards Covenant Awards Singing News Fan Awards Australian Gospel Music Awards

Related WikiProjects  Christianity Wikiproject Gospel music Wikiproject Southern Gospel Wikiproject

Category  • Musicians See also: Christianity: Portal  • Category Christian music: Portal  • Category

This box: view talk edit

The Dove Awards were originally conceptualized by Gospel singer and songwriter Bill Gaither, at a Gospel Music Association board meeting in 1968. The idea of the award being represented by a dove is credited to Gaither and design for the award itself is credited to gospel singer Les Beasley. The first GMA Dove Awards were held at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee in October 1969. In 1971, the awards moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

The 3rd GMA Dove Awards of 1971 were deemed invalid due to apparent ballot stuffing by the southern gospel group the Blackwood Brothers, and that year is still not considered an official awards year by the Gospel Music Association. There were no awards held in 1979, due to a decision by the Gospel Music Association to move the awards from autumn to spring. Every ceremony since has been held in the spring. The first televised ceremony was the 15th GMA Dove Awards of 1984, which aired on the Christian Broadcasting Network.^[4]

The awards were held in Nashville until 2011, where they have since been presented at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.^[5][3]

Categories[link]

Because of the large number of award categories (42 in 2012), and the desire to feature several performances by various artists, only the ones with the most popular interest are presented directly at the televised version of the award ceremony.^[6]

General[link]

The "General Field" includes seven awards which are not restricted by genre:

• Song of the Year is awarded to the songwriter and the publisher.
• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Female Vocalist of the Year
• Group of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• New Artist of the Year
• Producer of the Year

Other awards are given for performances in specific genres, as well as for other contributions such as artwork and video. As of the 43rd Dove Awards, these include:

Rap/Hip Hop & Urban[link]

• Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
• Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
• Urban Recorded Song of the Year

Rock[link]

• Rock Recorded Song of the Year
• Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
• Rock Album of the Year
• Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

Pop[link]

• Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
• Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

Inspirational[link]

• Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
• Inspirational Album of the Year

Gospel[link]

• Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
• Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
• Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
• Southern Gospel Album of the Year
• Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
• Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year

Country & Bluegrass[link]

• Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
• Country Recorded Song of the Year
• Bluegrass Album of the Year
• Country Album of the Year

Praise & Worship[link]

• Worship Song of the Year
• Praise & Worship Album of the Year

Musicals[link]

• Musical of the Year
• Youth/Children's Musical of the Year

Others[link]

• Instrumental Album of the Year
• Children's Music Album of the Year
• Spanish Language Album of the Year
• Special Event Album of the Year
• Christmas Album of the Year
• Choral Collection of the Year
• Recorded Music Packaging
• Short Form Music Video of the Year
• Long Form Music Video of the Year

Definition of gospel music[link]

In 1998, due to controversy caused by two popular singles by Amy Grant and Sixpence None the Richer, the GMA published a new definition of gospel music. According to the definition, to be considered eligible for the Dove Awards, gospel music must have lyrics that are:

• Substantially based upon historically orthodox Christian truth contained in or derived from the Holy Bible
• An expression of worship of God or praise for His works; and /or
• Testimony of relationship with God through Christ; and/or
• Obviously prompted and informed by a Christian world view.^[7]

Prior to the definition, the only qualified music was that sold in Christian Booksellers Association affiliated stores. The new standards resulted in complaints by some fans and artists after thirteen entries were disqualified as being too secular in the 1999 Dove Awards. The rules were rescinded afterwards, and many groups disqualified by the rulings in 1999 were winners in 2000.^[8]

See also[link]

• Christian pop culture
• Gospel Music Association of Canada Covenant Awards

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• GMA website

Brian Welch
Brian Head Welch performing in Phoenix, AZ on 10/30/2010
Background information
Birth name	Brian Phillip Welch
Also known as	Head
Born	(1970-06-19) June 19, 1970 (age 42) Torrance, California, USA
Genres	Alternative metal, nu metal, Christian metal, heavy metal
Occupations	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, programming, synthesizer
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Driven, Warner, Headdog Music
Associated acts	Korn, Love and Death
Website	www.brianheadwelch.net
Notable instruments
Ibanez K7 Ibanez RGD Baritone Ibanez RG

Brian Phillip Welch (born June 19, 1970),^[1] better known as Head, is an American musician best known as the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn^[2] and his solo project Love and Death. "Along with fellow Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer, Welch helped patent Korn's distinctive sound, a mix of sirenlike shards of dissonant guitar that mimicked a turntablist's various effects and rumbling down-tuned riffing that defined the nu metal aesthetic beginning in the mid-'90s."^[2] After becoming a Christian, Welch left the band in 2005 to focus on life as a father and to pursue his own solo career. He released his debut Christian album, Save Me from Myself, in 2008.

Welch and Munky are ranked at No. 26 of Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.^[3]

Biography[link]

Early life (1970–1993)[link]

Welch was raised in Bakersfield, California. Welch claims that, early in his life, he was different from most kids, and was bullied in school. He liked music, and was a big Ozzy Osbourne fan. Originally, Welch expressed interest in playing the drums, but his father convinced him to play the guitar so he would not have to haul a drum kit around. He began playing the guitar at the age of 10. His first guitar was a Peavey Mystic, which he referred to in his book Save Me from Myself as "maybe the most metal-looking guitar you have ever seen."^[4]

Describing how he got his nickname "Head", Welch stated, "Guys said my head looked like it was too big for my body, and so they started calling me “Head.” I guess it stuck”^[4]

Korn (1993–2005)[link]

Formation[link]

Korn formed after the group L.A.P.D. broke up, due to singer Richard Morrill's drug addiction. Musicians Reginald Arvizu, James Shaffer, and David Silveria wanted to continue, and hired Welch to play guitar in their new band named Creep. In early 1993, the band took notice of vocalist Jonathan Davis after seeing his band SexArt and attempted to recruit him. Davis initially did not want to join the band, but after consulting a psychic he changed his mind and auditioned. After Davis was hired, the group decided to rename themselves. "Jonathan had an immediate idea for a new name. He suggested that we call the band "Korn," and we all liked it. It sounded kinda creepy because it reminded us of that horror movie Children of the Corn".^[5]

Starting with Korn's self-titled debut album, and with subsequent albums Life Is Peachy, Follow The Leader, Issues, Untouchables, and Take A Look In The Mirror, the band gradually became one of the top-selling hard rock groups, earning $25 million in royalty payments and selling out arenas.^[2] In 1995, Welch's wife Rebekah gave birth to a daughter, but they decided to give her up for adoption. When she got pregnant again, they decided to keep the child. On July 6, 1998, Welch's wife gave birth to their second daughter, Jennea Marie Welch. The band was scheduled to be on the UK version of Ozzfest, but dropped out so that Welch could be by his wife's side. He and his wife have since divorced and Welch has custody of their daughter. The two reside in Arizona. Despite being divorced, Welch does keep in touch with his ex-wife.

By 2003, Welch had become addicted to drugs. He'd prepare for tours by stashing as much methamphetamine as he could in vitamin capsules, deodorant containers, and his clothes.^[2] According to Welch, the band members also suffered personal battles with addiction: "We were only sober for just a couple of hours a day in Korn. Every day. And then when you come home and you've got to deal with real life and your wife isn't having that, crap goes down."^[2] Despite his dreams coming true, Welch did not enjoy the touring life with Korn.

"You travel, you get to another town, you play a show and you do it again. You try to just be at peace but even a big, huge band like Korn, playing in front of thousands of people, it can get lonely. You feel like you're a trucker and you're traveling with a bunch of truckers. You can't connect with people except for the ones that you're with because the ones you party with after the show, you don't know them and then you're gone. When everyone's drunk, you're like 'Alright. Later.'"^[6]

Departure from Korn[link]

On February 22, 2005, Korn's management announced that after almost 12 years, Welch had left Korn, citing that he had "...chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end."^{[7][8][9][10]} In a 2009 radio interview with The Full Armor of God Broadcast,^[11] Welch explained: "I was walking one day, just doing my Rock & Roll thing making millions of bucks, you know success and everything, addicted to drugs and then the next day I had Revelation of Christ and I was like, everything changes right now!" On March 10, 2005, Welch was baptized in the Jordan River with a group of believers from his church in Bakersfield, California.^[12][13] He has declared that he has rid himself of all drugs in his "own personal rehab" with God, in which he had checked into a hotel room and sat in his bed for hours.

Welch and Davis have attacked each other in the media since the former's departure. After Welch said that Davis and the rest of Korn cared only about money, Davis responded in kind, opening a rift between them that has since been resolved. In an interview in which Welch was asked about his book and Korn's reaction to the book and the attacks in the media he made earlier at the band:

They heard that I'd written it, and there was rumors going around in Hollywood that I was totally trashing them and that it was a "tell all" book about everything they did and I did. And so they actually wrote two songs on their new album bashing me about the book. But once I heard that they were concerned about the book, I sent them a copy and put a note in there and said, "I love you guys. I didn't trash you like people say. Read it yourselves. It is what it is." And now they're doing interviews, and I've read that they're totally cool with the book, and it's not what they thought it was going to be. So everyone's happy. But, now they've got two songs hating on me on their record. But it's cool. It's all good. I love them, they love me. I think maybe I deserved those songs because of some of the stuff that I said after I quit the band. So it's all good.^[14]

In July 2005, Welch appeared on CNN's feature-format program "People in the News", where he admitted to having been addicted to alcohol, methamphetamine, Xanax, and sleeping pills^[15] before being introduced to the Christian faith. Following his conversion to Christianity, Welch went to some of the more poverty-stricken areas of India to build orphanages, or "Head Homes". In a podcast with Headbanger's Blog, on May 30, 2008, Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis expressed interest in playing with Welch on the band's upcoming album, but stated that it isn't likely.^[16] In late 2008, Welch, among other celebrities such as Josh Hamilton and Greg Ellis, appeared in testimonial videos called I Am Second in which he shares his story of recovering from drug use with the help of his faith in Jesus Christ.^[17][18] In September 2009, Korn guitarist Munky, in an interview with Altitude TV, alleged that the band had denied a request by Welch to rejoin the outfit. In the interview, Munky claimed:

Brian actually contacted us recently and wanted to come back to the band. And it was not the right time... for us. We're doing well, and it's kind of like... It's kind of like if you divorced your wife and she went on and she stayed successful and her career flourished, and you go back and [say], 'My gosh, she's still hot. Baby, can we get back together?' 'Wait a minute... All the stuff's been divided, and it's like...' I don't see it happening right now.^[19]

Shortly after, Welch responded to the statement via his Myspace and official website, denying the claims:

I recently learned of an interview that Munky gave where he said that I came to Korn and asked to be taken back in the band. That's definitely not a complete and accurate picture. The full truth is that for about a year... Korn's managers have been requesting my manager to work on getting me back into Korn. The calls were initiated by Korn's managers, not my manager. I shut the door on their requests many, many times over the last several months.
As far as Munky's comment that "everything has been divided already" that is also not accurate. In fact, from January 2005 when I left, and for the next 4 years, Korn failed to pay to me royalties that were due me on records that I did with them. However, I don't believe this was done intentionally. We are trying to be patient and work with their management to get the financial issues resolved so that "everything can be divided as we agreed long ago in our contracts.^[20]

Brian said that it was not only having found Christ that influenced his decision to leave the band. As a single father he did not want to raise his daughter in an environment filled with drugs, sex, and explicit language.

On June 17, 2011, Brian Welch had a private interview, shot by Carson Bankord of Red Rocks Church in Golden, Colorado, in which he discussed his conversion experience.^[21]

In a interview with Loudwire in November 2011, Head confirmed that he and the other members of Korn are still on good terms.^[22]

On May 5, 2012 at the Carolina Rebellion in Rockingham, NC, Welch was there originally as a special guest for a performance by Red. Later that evening, Korn was performing on the main stage and Jonathan Davis brought out Welch as a special guest to close their act, marking the first time Welch had performed with Korn since his departure in 2005.^[23]

Solo career (2005–2012)[link]

[edit] Save Me From Myself

As early as a week following his departure from Korn,^[24] Welch claimed through press that a solo record was close to being completed, although there was no release date given, nor had he yet signed on with a label to distribute the record.^[25]

A number of demos from these early sessions surfaced on peer-to-peer networks, among them "A Cheap Name", a song directed at rapper 50 Cent. He also recorded several other songs, including "Dream" and "A Letter to Dimebag", the latter being an instrumental tribute to "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, guitarist for heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. In his autobiography, Welch mentions the songs "Washed by Blood," "Save Me from Myself," and "Rebel", which all have made the final track listing for the album.

In an interview with MTV News, Welch clarified a few things. Primarily, he was concerned that it was reported that his new songs wouldn't be "Christian music".^[26]

During his stay in Israel with members of the Valley Bible Fellowship of Bakersfield, California, Welch continued to write songs for his solo effort, confident that the music would speak for itself. "I want to make music that will help people. I want to use every dime of the money I make off the songs to build skate parks for kids," he said. "My life now is about helping kids."^[26] Originally, Welch contacted Fieldy of Korn to produce the album, but Fieldy made no response.^[27]

On March 15, 2008, Welch announced he had founded a record company with Mark Nawara and Greg Shanabeger called Driven Music Group. The company's artists are distributed by Warner Music Group and Rykodisc. Welch also announced that he had re-dubbed his album Save Me from Myself, after his autobiography of the same name. Following this, his official MySpace profile went online, and the domain name for his official website was moved from www.headtochrist.com to brianheadwelch.net. Welch also revealed that a tour was expected to follow the release of Save Me from Myself.

For the album, Welch contributed the majority of the instruments, but also hired other contributors, including rhythm guitarist Archie J. Muise Jr., bassist Tony Levin, and drummer Josh Freese, for assistance. The first single, Flush, was released on July 5, 2008, at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois, and a music video directed by Frankie Nasso followed on September 5.^[28]

Originally, Welch planned for the project to follow the "Head" name, but was persuaded otherwise so as not to be sued by the tennis equipment manufacturer of the same name. Though the project has since been dubbed "Brian Head Welch", the album art continues to carry the imprint of the project's original title. The project's true title does appear on the spines of the packaging.

Of the album, Welch said:

I knew it was going to be nothing near as big as Korn, but I was proud of it. It's got some heavy riffs and it's got a lot more emotion than I've ever put in music. I'm an emotional guy (and) it was cool to be able to put it in there. It was cool how people were surprised by it. A lot of people thought I was gonna come out with some 'Kumbaya,' Jesus music.^[29]

For his live touring band, Welch held closed and open auditions to recruit members. Members posted videos online of them performing Welch's solo songs and the list was narrowed down to a few who did a personal audition with Welch. Eventually, the lineup was finalised to include Brian Ruedy (Keyboards), Scott "SVH" Von Heldt (guitar & backing vocals), Ralph Patlan (guitar), Michael "Valentine" (bass), and Dan Johnson (drums).

Along with many other artists, including ex-Korn bandmates Fieldy & Munky, Welch contributed to "A Song for Chi". The instrumental track is to benefit Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who was in a coma and is now in a semi-conscious state recovering. All the profits will benefit the "One Love For Chi" foundation. This was the first time Head was involved with any of his former bandmates since leaving the band.

In 2009, Head joined the 9th annual Independent Music Awards judging panel to assist independent musicians' careers.^[30][31][32]

On July 2, 2009, Welch headlined the mainstage of the Cornerstone Festival and on August 29, Welch headlined the Exit Concert in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Arena with Blindside and Flyleaf. On July 3, 2010, he was featured on the Fringe stage of the Creation Festival.

Welch has often described his solo project as being received very differently from Korn. Despite his fame with Korn, he has compared his solo project to 'starting over': "It's a struggle, because one show I'll have a thousand people there, and the next show there'll be a hundred. When the hundred is there, I'm like, 'There's one or two people who really need us to be here,' and it should be focused on them and I shouldn't care if there's a big crowd or not, but I struggle with it. I was in Korn and we sold like 25 million albums, and I can't even fill this little bar up? Of all those fans, 300–400 people can't just show up here? It's like starting over, totally."^[2]

Save Me From Myself peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard 200 while also peaking at 13 and 21 on the Hard Rock and Rock charts, respectively.^[33]

The Whosoevers[link]

In 2008, Sonny Sandoval, of P.O.D., and Ryan Ries, son of Pastor Raul Ries of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf created a ministry with Welch and freestyle motocross aerialist Ronnie Faisst. Taking the name "The Whosoevers" (from John 3:16), the ministry "seek[s] to impact those whose pain has previously driven them to addictive or self-destructive behaviors."^[34]

Second album[link]

According to an interview with the Great Falls Tribune, Welch returned to the studio to begin work on his second album.^[29] Concerning his career at the time, Welch said that

"I feel like I was created to do what I'm doing right now. Everything I learned in my life before I changed it all over, it set me up for what I'm doing now. That's the satisfaction. That's the peace in knowing, without a doubt, that you're on the road you're supposed to be on. There's nothing more content than that."^[29]

In November 2009, Welch announced that his second effort would be produced by Grammy-nominee Rob Graves (Red, Pillar), and that the band was recording in Nashville, expecting to complete the record by February 2010.^[35] Of recording with Graves, Welch stated that "the production on our new record is going awesome with Rob Graves. Our goal is to get the record completely mixed and mastered by the first part of February, and released immediately thereafter. My band is together, helping with the recording, and we will be ready for a full U.S. tour beginning early next year."^[35] Welch also signed an international representational deal with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. On signing the deal with WMEE, Welch said that "I'm really excited about my deal with William Morris Endeavor, and I’m honored to be on the roster of one of the largest and most storied agencies in existence. I would like to publicly thank Ember Rigsby Tanksley and her entire team at WMEE for their belief in what I am trying to do. I feel like this is the final piece in the puzzle that we have been working on to take us to the next level."^[35]

In addition, Welch signed with Union Entertainment Group, Inc., for management in early 2010. This move placed Welch alongside artists such as Nickelback, Hinder, Red, and Candlebox.

According to Welch in April 2010, he has finished a demo of the record, but has yet to re-enter the studio to complete the recording process as he is on tour in the United States.^{[36][dead link]} The band has been playing a number of new songs live from the forthcoming record including the following songs:

• Runaway
• Bury Me, Resurrected
• Take This From Me
• Torment

The CD is expected to be released sometime during April 2012.^[37]

On March 25, 2011, Welch started a North American tour with Decyfer Down, The Letter Black, and The Wedding.^[38] Welch's booking agent, William Morris Entertainment, confirmed that a European tour is currently being arranged.^{[citation needed]}

Upcoming EP[link]

Welch and his band are currently in the studio with Jasen Rauch recording an EP. It is due out in 2012, and the lead single, "Paralyzed", was released on October 4, 2011.^[39][40] The "making of" video for "Paralyzed" was posted on Welch's Facebook fan page, along with a streaming of the full "Paralyzed" track.^[41] The music video for "Paralyzed" was released on Revolver's website on November 8, 2011. In February 2012, Welch announced that the EP would be released under the name "Love and Death", the new moniker for his solo project.^[42]

Split with record label[link]

On March 22, 2011, Welch got into a legal battle with his own label, Driven Music Group, and former managers Greg Shanaberger and Mark Nawara. According to Welch, Shanaberger structured Head Touring, Welch's touring company under Driven Music, to give himself and Nawara share of control and revenue. Shanaberger's agreements required Welch to buy merchandise through Head Touring at an inflated price which was far above industry standards, "for which Shanaberger and Nawara reaped the benefits," claims Welch. Welch also claims that Shanaberger attempted to hide "his fraudulent, unethical and illegal behavior"^[43] by listing his then fiancee as a shareholder.^[43] Welch claims that the agreements were "predatory, unconscionable, and constitutes self-dealing" and that they were written with the intention to "rob Welch of his master recordings, which were worth upwards of $600,000."^[43] Welch is seeking punitive damages, the appointment of a receiver, the dissolution of Driven Music Group, and costs.^[43]

Love and Death (2012 - present)[link]

In February 2012, Welch announced that he was re-branding his music under the name Love and Death, effectively forming a band under that name. In an official statement, Welch elaborated on the name and the change:

"the name "Love and Death" symbolizes everything we've been through as a band over the last few years. We love this band so much and we'll go through hell to connect with our fans. Many people have confused my speaking dates and our band dates because they were both being booked as Brian Head Welch. I have wanted to use a band name for branding my music for a few years. Now with the new music coming out, its [sic] time to really separate the things I do. I want the music to be about music. I will still be doing public speaking under Brian Head Welch. I am happy that all the confusion will be over.”^[44]

The band's debut single, "Chemicals", will be released in March, while an EP of the same name is set to be released on April 24, 2012.^[44]

A full-length album will be released in late 2012.^{[citation needed]}

Band members[link]

• Brian "Head" Welch – lead vocals, guitar (2005–2012) (Love and Death - 2012–present)
• Michael Valentine – bass, backing vocals (2009–2012) (Love and Death - 2012–present)
• Dan Johnson – drums (2009–2012) (Love and Death - 2012–present)
• JR Bareis – lead guitar, backing vocals (2011–2012) (Love and Death - 2012–present)

Former

• Ralph Patlan – guitar (2009–2010)
• Brian Ruedy – keyboards (2009–2010)
• Scott "SVH" Von Heldt – guitar, backing vocals (2009–2011)

Musical equipment[link]

Welch's first guitar was a Peavey Mystic, which he later sold along with a practice amp to future bandmate James "Munky" Shaffer. Throughout his career with Korn, Welch almost exclusively played Ibanez guitars, most of which were assembled at the Ibanez LA Custom Shop.

During his later days with Korn, Welch and Munky played their own signature guitar, the Ibanez K7.^[45][46] Since leaving Korn, Welch mostly uses custom-built baritone guitars from Ibanez.^[47]

Welch's pedalboard has grown considerably from his early days with Korn. He considers experimenting and trying out new pedals to be one of his favorite things to do when working in a studio.^[48]

Guitars[link]

Effects[link]

Amplifiers[link]

Discography[link]

Korn[link]

• Korn (1994)
• Life Is Peachy (1996)
• Follow the Leader (1998)
• Issues (1999)
• Untouchables (2002)
• Take a Look in the Mirror (2003)

Brian Head Welch[link]

• Save Me from Myself (September 9, 2008)
• Paralyzed (Single) (October 4, 2011)

Love and Death[link]

• Chemicals (EP) (April 24, 2012)

Music videos[link]

• Blind (Korn) w/Korn – 1995
• Shoots and Ladders (Korn) w/Korn – 1995
• Clown (Korn) w/Korn – 1996
• Faget (Korn) w/Korn – 1997
• No Place To Hide (Life is Peachy) w/Korn – 1996
• A.D.I.D.A.S. (Life is Peachy) w/Korn – 1997
• Good God (Life Is Peachy) w/Korn – 1997
• Got the Life (Follow the Leader) w/Korn – 1998
• Freak on a Leash (Follow the Leader) w/Korn – 1999
• Falling Away From Me (Issues) w/Korn – 1999
• Make Me Bad (Issues) w/Korn – 2000
• Somebody Someone (Issues) w/Korn – 2000
• Here To Stay (Untouchables) w/Korn – 2002
• Thoughtless (Untouchables) w/Korn – 2002
• Alone I Break (Untouchables) w/Korn – 2002
• Did My Time (Take A Look In The Mirror) w/Korn – 2003
• Right Now (Take A Look In The Mirror) w/Korn – 2003
• Y'All Want a Single (Take A Look In The Mirror) w/Korn – 2004
• Word Up! (Greatest Hits, Vol 1) w/Korn – 2004
• Another Brick In The Wall (Greatest Hits, Vol 1) w/Korn – 2004
• Flush (Save Me From Myself) as Head – 2008
• Paralyzed (Paralyzed Single) as Head – 2011
• Chemicals (Chemicals -EP) w/Love and Death - 2012

Other appearances[link]

• War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc) (Appears on "F*** Dying" with KoRn) (1998)
• Videodrone (Appears on "Power Tools For Girls" (1999)
• Queen of the Damned Soundtrack (2002)
• Rock'n Roll Gangster (Appears on Korn Gigglebox & Special K Buzz) (2002)
• Results May Vary (Appears on Build a Bridge) (2003)
• A Song for Chi (2009)
• I Am Second (video testimony) (2009)

Bibliography[link]

• Save Me from Myself (2007, 2008)
• Washed by Blood (2008)
• Stronger: 40 Days of Metal and Spirituality (2010)

Filmography[link]

• Who Then Now? (1997)
• Family Values Tour (1998)
• Deuce (2002)
• Korn Live (2002)
• MTV Icon: Metallica (2003)
• WWE WrestleMania (2003)
• Live at Montreux 2004 (2008)

See also[link]

	Book: Korn
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

References[link]