After a five-year hiatus, one of the great Christian chick rockers is making a comeback
Several weeks ago, she updated her official website, which had been stagnant for years. And her MySpace page has, for several weeks, included notice of a single show coming up next Friday in Los Angeles with another CCM veteran, Phillip LaRue.
Knapp's management confirmed to CT recently that she was making music again. "After a well needed hiatus, Jennifer has started writing/recording again and playing select shows," said her manager, Dave Hopper. CT's requests for an interview with Knapp were denied, though Hopper said she might grant one later.
This afternoon, Knapp made her first official statement on the matter on her website, starting off a brief entry with the words, "Yes, it’s true. I am the REAL Jennifer Knapp and I’ve been doing a little music lately."
Knapp wrote that she keeps running into old friends who are asking all sorts of questions about her "comeback." "We've been flooded with e-mails and phone calls simply by putting up a humble little homepage. So much for my little holiday. It’s looking very much like it may be over."
She didn't say why she left music in the first place (in 2004, she told Relevant that she was tired of touring one record while recording the next, and "it got to where I was just doing shows to support the record, rather than having a record support the heart of the people I was supposed to be serving"), but she did say she spent much of her time away "traveling mostly."
She wrote: "I have wasted too many days sulking about how strange life is and many more discovering just how truly beautiful people can be. My experiences have been both wildly exotic and extraordinarily mundane. But mostly I will say that I have had a chance to get my feet under me. I took that time to discover more about myself and my own faith without the veil of expectations to a cause. Without writing a novel at this point, I’ll just say that I’m starting to think that I might actually be a songwriter, musician, or artist of some kind . . . So, maybe I should do something about it?
"I know that many of you have persisted at hope that I would return to music. Why you have wanted or even cared has been one of the greatest mysteries to me, at the same time, a complete and utter blessing as it has always been. Thank you for your support. I can only hope to repay you with what you have waited for . . . music."
And to whet fans' appetites, Knapp has posted a new song, "Letting Go," on her MySpace page.
Personally, I'm thrilled about this news, and am somewhat bemused that Knapp is surprised that people "even cared" about her absence. I think she's one of the best things to have happened to Christian music in the last 15 years, and her albums are among my favorites. And I had the privilege of getting to know her a bit back in the 1990s when we worked together on a regular column (a few samples) for what was then Campus Life magazine (the now-defunct Ignite Your Faith), and have always enjoyed her honest, direct, sometimes even in-your-face approach to life. (A lot like me!) That outlook came through loud and clear in her music, which was as honest and confessional as anything you'd hear on Christian radio. Her music has always been good for the soul, and her return is good for it too.
Posted by Mark Moring on September 18, 2009 4:13PM
Comments
I'm so glad she's back!! 'Can't wait to hear the next album of songs of the heart.
Posted by: Danielle M. at September 19, 2009
I enjoyed her music years ago and applaud Jennifer's return. Go Kansas girl! And Mark, why don't you just ask her to marry you? :)
Posted by: Jim Swaney at September 21, 2009
Welcome back, Jennifer. We've missed you. We still love your music, and we're looking forward to whatever new release are forthcoming :)
Posted by: John Reid at September 22, 2009
I have prayed for Jennifer for several years. I wept when I learned of her come back. She is my favorite CCM artist and I believe the most uniquely gifted song writer of our generation.
Her songs take us from the depths of despair when confronted by our own sins, then straight through the forgiveness and mercy offered at the cross of Christ, and finally up to the joyous heights reaching to heaven's gates.
Posted by: Steve at September 23, 2009
I've been checking out the new song on her MySpace page, "Letting Go" - and oh yeah, she's back. Jenn's been my favorite CCM artist ever since I first laid ears on her, and then when I got to see her live and experience her powerful witness .... wow. I was heartbroken when she went on the extended hiatus. I'm so very excited by the news of her return, and as a devoted fan, I really think this new song is as good as anything else she's done, if not better.
Posted by: Dave at September 27, 2009
Have you read the concert review? It doesn't take a lot of reading between the lines to cause one to wonder whether who her fans perceived as the "old Jennifer" is actually back. If any of you traveled the road with King's X as a fan...this sounds familiar. Before everyone gets all warm & fuzzy over "returns" of favorite CCM artists, just don't be shocked when the (figurative) voice they sing with isn't the same one you fell in love with.If you're old as dirt like I am and have seen this too many times already you begin to see the signs and simply sigh that what lies ahead barely resembles that which came before that you loved so much. Whether it be a singer, an actor,an author or a religious leader, if we look to them for our image of Jesus and become a follower of...Appollos or Paul...we miss the point.Just my 1.1 cents.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/news/2009/jenniferknappcomeback.html
Posted by: Claude at September 29, 2009
Although a very under played and under acknowledged song, "Hold Me Now" is so incredibly amazaing and probably my favorite tune from Knapp. I'm so glad Knapp is back! I cannot figure out how to get this message of appreciation to her so I will leave it here in hopes of her seeing it eventually and realizing in her heart, mind and soul how much God has spoken to me thru her music...thanks for listening to God's promptings Jennifer!
Welcome back Jennifer!
Posted by: KK at October 1, 2009
To the reviewer who was expecting "old Jennifer" to be back, you got to remember she is a artist, to grow as artist requires change, also to grow as a human requires change, so of course the "old Jennifer" won't be back.
Posted by: DOC at October 6, 2009
Agreed. I'm very much not expecting that.It just seemed to me that some including perhaps the author of the original blog are expecting that. I guess what I was trying to say was that fans are surely welcome/expected to cheer the return of an artist they clearly love. But...do not necessarily assume things pick up where they left off, in pretty much any area. Some "flags" just seemed familiar in the concert review to other instances I've seen with artists who started out in the..."ccm community," took a sabbatical and then came back to music but not necessarily to the aforementioned community. I'm not saying whether that's good or bad or anything else just...don't assume either way. I'll try not to either.;)
Posted by: Claude at October 7, 2009
Hoping that the ugly rumor is not true!? I am a huge fan and it was related to me that Jenn had entered into a lesbian relationship?
I hope that this is not true!
God bless
Posted by: Dwight habsrouck at November 17, 2009
Who cares if Jennifer Knapp was in a lesbian relationship. Many christians struggle with same sex attraction. So it's not an ugly rumor whether true or not. (no one knows for sure) it's just another issue people struggle with. All that matters in the end is if they are pursuing God in their lives. If Jennifer Knapp does deal with this that doesn't mean she can't be an AMAZINGLY EFFECTIVE Christian musician.
Posted by: sabaqq at November 25, 2009
Some very UN-CHRISTIAN like things have been said about this sister and in the name of Jesus I ask you to check any rumor-mongering or speaking about things that you have no knowledge of.
Thank God that Jennifer is back. I look forward to hearing what God has done in her life. I just pray that the poison directed at her by her fellow "Christians" has not created damage that won't heal.
Posted by: Milehigh_7 at December 14, 2009
It seems there are many ready to sit in judgement about "ugly rumors" BUT ironically spreading gossip at the same time. I'm sure God is so proud of us all! I, for one, hope Jennifer Knapp is a lesbian. She would have a unique opportunity to minister to a terribly hurting group of people continuously tormented by "christians".
Posted by: Idgie at December 23, 2009
Amen...and...Amen!!! Welcome back, girl!!
Posted by: SM at January 28, 2010
I saw a tweet about you wanting some suggestions about people to tour with you! Please check out McKenzie Lockhart! I believe you will find her to be a soul mate where music is concerned! She is very mature and a very talented singer/songwriter! Her managament company is Pindrop Entertainment! You won't be disappointed!
Posted by: Cheryl Lockhart at January 31, 2010
I will like to listen soon from Jennifer Knapp a surrounding complete performance on music!!wish you luck dear.
Posted by: cheap r4 at February 5, 2010
Circle Back, old friend. Because, as you know, Nothing is Impossible.
Posted by: G at March 3, 2010
This is fantastic news!! Jennifer was the impetus that got me interested in contemporary Christian music in the first place. I got to meed her at a Borders books in Canton, Ohio a few years back, and I made sure I told her that. Her Kansas album is still one of my daily listens! I am very excited to see what she is bringing to the table on this new album. :)
Posted by: Troy at April 5, 2010
Well it looks like as of today the "rumors" are confirmed. Jennifer is proclaiming herself to be "gay" just like Ray Boltz did. And from the interview I read on Yahoo she doesn't want anyone to see her "girlfriend". Interesting most people in love want you to know who they love.
Oh and by the way the new cd is with a division of Sony.
Posted by: Dee at April 13, 2010
Her girlfriend wants no part of fame. That's why the quest for privacy. God made Jennifer just like He made you and me.
Posted by: Karen at April 13, 2010
As a follower of Christ who has wretled with my homosexual/same-gender attractions, i understand what she is going through. However, I have chosen to follow God's design rather than give in to my fleshly deisres. That is what we are called to do.
Posted by: Rob at April 14, 2010
I would like to commend Rob on his brave decision. His actions display how a true, commitewd believer should deal with a stronghold in their life. Homosexuality is a sin of the flesh, and is not the same as eating pork or other various rules laid out in the Bible. For Jennifer to compare these sins shows her utter lack of understanding for Christ and the Scriptures.
Colossians 3:5-10 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[a] 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Scripture warns us about people like Jennifer.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (New International Version)
2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
Posted by: Grace at April 14, 2010
After reading about Jennifer I want to tell her thank you for the chance to support my sister in Christ. So many times in life we take for granted the people we go to church with. As christian we are called to help and suport the ones we love. And Jesus said to love everyone like God loves. So I ask before anyone speaks bad about Jennifer,would God stop loving her for her actions or would He love her for the person that she is? We all were sinners before Jesus cleaned us up. Jennifer I would like to give you my prayer "May the lord keep you safe and show you His love. Let your paths be strait and clear. May your words be kind and fruitful. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His will." Jennifer know God loves you and thats what matters in life, not what people say.
Posted by: Jeremy at April 15, 2010
We all sin... everyday... but when myself and other Chrisitans sin, we know and admit that we sin and we struggle with the consequences as well as seeking forgiveness from God... although we know that Jesus has paid for our sins eternally.
But... when someone enters a gay relationship, they are essentially saying to God that what you have said is wrong is not really wrong. They have just called God a liar. You can not call God a liar and pursue God at the same time, you choose one or the other. I'm very sad for her not because she's one of my favorite singers, but I'm sad for her choice that will alianate her from Christ. (see Gal. 5:4)
Posted by: ebon at April 17, 2010
(CAPS for emphasis only) The so-called 'rumors' of Jennifer's lesbianism are fact. She has 'come out', and her official website has articles confirming she is an OUT lesbian, who feels she has reconciled her professed Christianity with being a *lesbianism-affirming* person.
It is NOT a case of *struggling* with it, but EMBRACING it.
I wonder what process she went through to do so, and how openly and honestly she really went to the biblical position on it, and the social and psychological issues from the perspective of Exodus International national & regional events, Exodus also has local chapters, etc), and the materials produced by Exodus & it's leaders and members.
Typically, that is skipped or emotionally prejudiced against, etc.
If the churches would be more bold but speak in love (Eph 4:15), and teach the congregations good biblical principles of interpretation, doctrines, morality, apologetics, etc., a number of problems in the church would at least be less sever than they are.
The 'cults' (Good sites: www.MRM.org, www.UTLM.org, www.LHVM.org, www.WitnessInc.com, www.4Witness.org, etc) and the homosexual/GBLT (GayBisexualLesbianTransgender) side is becoming more and more active in trying to counter and refute the traditional positions and arguments of Bible-based Christianity, and the church is becoming less competent in equipping and teaching and exposing (Which is anti-biblical: Eph 5:10-11, Titus 1:9, Rev 2:2, 1 Cor, 2 Cor 11:3-4,13-15, John 7:24, etc).
There are more & more resources for Christians, and it seems they are being used less & less.
America (and whatever country you may be from) and the Christian church are suffering because of this.
Home
Churches
Hollywood
Politics
The hearts and minds of the youth of today.
Etc.
Wake up, church.
Posted by: Harry at April 21, 2010