Inpop Records announced this morning that Jimmy Needham’s new CD, NIGHTLIGHTS, reached the #1 position on iTunes Top 200 Christian Albums chart. At the same time, the CD is #25 on iTunes Top 200 Albums chart that covers all music genres. Today is the official street date for the highly-anticipated project with fans and media embracing the project.

Houston Press - Needham is no stranger to secular pop or hip-hop — in his bio, he shouts out Maroon 5, Michael Jackson and Jay-Z as the musical inspirations behind “Grace Amazing,” while Nightlights single “Yours to Take” has already made him a rising star in Christian circles.

JesusFreakHideout.com - New and old fans will both be greatly impressed with this latest release, and future releases will no doubt be just as successful if this variety continues.

Christian Manifesto - Jimmy Needham should be the darling of CCM. Ever innovative, original and fresh, his music is akin to a zap of electricity for an oft-tired industry.

Christian Music Today - …his bluesy arrangements are beautifully crafted and his lyrics sincere.

Needham will celebrate the release of NIGHTLIGHTS this evening in The Woodlands, TX. The show will broadcast live at Needham’s website, JimmyNeedham.com or at Facebook.com/JimmyNeedham, 8:00 – 9:30 pm EDT where millions of fans around the world can watch Needham’s performance. The Houston Chronicle will be covering the show for an upcoming artist feature that will run later this month highlighting Needham’s incredible career.

DOWNLOAD NIGHTLIGHTS ON ITUNES NOW!

newsboys fans don’t have to wait till July 13th, the day the CD BORN AGAIN officially releases, to get the single “Born Again” for their very own. As of today, the No. 1 single is now available for download on iTunes. Click here to download the song.

Even better? The single is No. 1 on the CHR charts - for the second week in a row!

And be sure to catch newsboys live in a city near you this spring and summer. Tour dates are listed below, but be sure to check out newsboys.com for the most updated schedule.

Tour dates with newsboys headlining*:
May 22 - Decatur, AL
May 30 - Del Mar, CA
June 2 - Kingston, ON
June 3 - Ottawa, ON
June 4 - Toronto, ON
June 5 - Sudbury, ON
June 12 - Charlotte, NC
June 16 - Wilmore, KY
June 19 - Stone Mountain, GA
June 25 - Gaylord, MI
July 1 - Shirleysburg, PA
July 3 - Salinas, CA
July 5 - Pleasanton, CA
July 9 - Oshkosh, WI
July 16 - Wilmar, MN
*All dates subject to change

“Born Again,” the first single to debut from newsboys’ upcoming brand new CD of the same name, has reached No. 1 at CHR radio! The full CD, Born Again, hits the streets July 13th, courtesy of Inpop records.

“What a way to start my new position at Inpop!” exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. “I’m so excited for the band and can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear the record that I’m hearing. The song ‘Born Again’ is a solid indication of the amazing, fresh music from newsboys.”

This No. 1 hit song, which is also climbing up the AC charts, is popular with not only the fans but is a huge hit with radio stations as well. Here are just a few comments that have come in from promoters:

“The new newsboys song ‘Born Again’ with new lead singer Michael Tait has completely been embraced by our listeners here in eastern Iowa. After so many years of breaking new musical ground, it was hard to imagine that they could do it again; but with this song, newsboys have proven that anyone can truly be ‘Born Again.’”
- Gator J. Gaynor, MD, KXGM/Cedar Rapids

“The BIG band is back! BIG message. BIG vocals. BIG production. BIG decision. ‘Born Again’ claims the top spot! Way to go guys!”
- Noonie Fugler, PD, KLFF/San Luis Obispo

“‘Born Again’ takes newsboys to the next level and our listeners are loving it!”
- Johnathan Michaels, MD, WJLZ/Va. Beach-Norfolk, VA

Completing production of Born Again between their jam-packed travel schedule in the U.S., Canada and Australia, the foursome - Michael Tait, Jeff Frankenstein, Duncan Phillips and Jody Davis - is embarking on a sure-to-be momentous 2010 and beyond with Born Again. The CD is produced by The Write Brothers and includes songs penned by newsboys, The Write Brothers, and Steve Taylor.

“Born Again is more than just another title of a newsboys record -it is every believers’ profession of their faith in God our Maker,” proclaims Michael Tait. “Not very often do artists get to connect with their listeners on such a wide-scaled demographic as this song has thus far. The newsboys are incredibly passionate about creating music for the masses, it’s a brand new day for us and we are armed and ready. ‘Born Again‘ says it all; it’s round 2 for the ‘Boys; all aboard!”

Upcoming tour dates*:
May 22 - Decatur, AL
May 30 - Del Mar, CA
June 2 - Kingston, ON
June 3 - Ottawa, ON
June 4 - Toronto, ON
June 5 - Sudbury, ON
June 12 - Charlotte, NC
June 16 - Wilmore, KY
June 19 - Stone Mountain, GA
June 25 - Gaylord, MI
July 1 - Shirleysburg, PA
July 3 - Salinas, CA
July 5 - Pleasanton, CA
July 9 - Oshkosh, WI
July 16 - Wilmar, MN
*All dates subject to change

ABOUT newsboys:
This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold albums and 21 #1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Last year, when longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, it was clearly a good reason for newsboys to feel born again and share brand new songs with fans old and new. Born Again is newsboys’ 15th studio project.

For more information and the most updated tour dates, please visit newsboys.com.