Jump to content

Jennifer Knapp

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jennifer Knapp
Jennifer Knapp performing live at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Feb 20, 2010
Jennifer Knapp performing live at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Feb 20, 2010
Background information
Born (1974-04-12) April 12, 1974 (age 50)
OriginChanute, Kansas, U.S.
GenresFolk rock, Christian rock
Years active1994–2003, 2009–present
LabelsGotee, EMI CMG, Graylin, ThirtyTigers/RED, Righteous Babe
Websitejenniferknapp.com

Jennifer Lynn Knapp (born April 12, 1974) is an American-Australian[1] folk rock, and contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album, Kansas (1998), and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album, Lay It Down (2000). The Way I Am (2001), was also nominated for a Grammy. In total, the three albums have sold approximately 1 million copies. After taking a seven-year hiatus, Knapp announced in September 2009 that she was returning to music. On May 11, 2010, she released Letting Go with the single "Dive In". The album debuted at No. 73 on the Billboard 200 chart. Knapp's memoir Facing the Music (Howard Books / Simon & Schuster) and album Set Me Free (Righteous Babe Records) came out in October 2014.

Early life and Education[edit]

Knapp was born in Chanute, Kansas on April 12, 1974,[2] and was brought up irreligiously along with her twin sister Lori. Knapp's parents divorced when she was three and she spent an unhappy childhood with her remarried father until leaving home at 18.[3]

As a classically trained musician, Knapp played trumpet in high school and attended Pittsburg State University on a music scholarship.[4] It was there that she converted to Christianity.[4][5] She began writing her own music and performing locally as much as possible. Years later, she spoke about the role that her college years played in kickstarting her career: "I just kept saying ‘yes’ to people who asked me to play [...] and people just kept asking me to play."[6]

From there, Knapp began performing throughout the Midwest, selling her two independent albums at shows. Her second album, Wishing Well, attracted the attention of Nashville label Gotee Records, who signed her the following year.[4] She left school to go on tour before finishing her degree.[6]

Around 2017, Knapp completed a Master's degree in theology at Vanderbilt University.[7][8]

Musical career[edit]

1998-2002: Kansas, Lay It Down, The Way I Am, and The Collection[edit]

Kansas (1998), Knapp's critically acclaimed debut release, eventually sold over 500,000 copies, becoming Gold-certified by the RIAA.[9] Knapp began touring America, singing primarily in churches but also performing at festivals such as the 1999 Lilith Fair.[10] She won 1999 Dove Awards for New Artist of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for "Undo Me".[11] She also contributed vocals to Audio Adrenaline's cover of "It Is Well with My Soul", [12] and an early studio version of “A Little More” from Lay It Down was featured on Sparrow Records' Listen Louder (1999).

In addition to writing and performing music, Knapp co-founded an artist management company, Alabaster Arts, with business partner Steve Thomas.[13] She was motivated by a desire to mentor Christian musicians as well as to ensure she would have "a job after I had had my day in the spotlight”.[14] Alabaster's clients included Relient K, The O.C. Supertones, and Katy Hudson (later known as Katy Perry).[14][15][16]

Unlike her previous solo acoustic album, Lay It Down (2000) featured multiple backing musicians.[17] That year she headlined a national "Christian heavyweight" tour with Third Day, who observed that Knapp helped attract a larger and broader audience for their concerts.[17][18] In several interviews, Knapp spoke about the possibility of expanding outside of the Christian music market, saying "I want to reach as many people as possible".[5][17] The album reached #1 on the Christian music charts and #77 on the Billboard 200[19] and garnered a nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album in the 2000 Grammy Awards.[20] Additionally, the Los Angeles Times called her "a rising star in Christian music".[5]

Knapp's next album, The Way I Am (2001), was inspired by the crucifixion and Jesus Christ's body.[21][22][23] The album was recorded while Knapp was on tour[21] and featured the London Symphony Orchestra on the song "By and By".[24] Billboard called the album "a project that easily ranks among the best Christian albums released in recent memory".[24] The album reached #10 on the Christian music charts and #130 on the Billboard 200.[19] The Way I Am was nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album but lost to Third Day.[25] In 2002, Knapp toured with Jars of Clay and Shaun Groves on The Eleventh Hour Tour.[26][27]

2001-2008: Hiatus[edit]

By mid-2001, Knapp was facing burnout due to a "crazy" schedule that included touring 250 days a year and recording two albums in two years.[21] Additionally, she had started dating her road manager, Karen.[28] She later stated: "I had some difficult decisions to make and what that meant for my life and deciding to invest in a same-sex relationship". Knapp decided to take a break from her music career but had contractual obligations for another year.[21] In her memoir, Knapp describes this decision leading to conflict with her business partner; after a legal battle, she lost her shares and was required to pay a percentage of her income to the company.[14]

On September 10, 2002, Knapp played her last concert of the year in Abilene, Texas, and subsequently went on hiatus,[29] eventually moving to Australia.[30][31]

While Knapp was on hiatus, her record label continued to release albums of previously recorded music. The Collection was released in 2003. The first disc consisted of 15 previously released songs that had been selected based on votes from fans. The second disc contained demos and contributions to other artists' albums and compilations.[32][33]

On January 24, 2006, Gotee Records issued the live album Jennifer Knapp Live. On February 26, 2008, Gotee Records re-issued a 10th anniversary edition of Kansas with re-mastered and additional tracks, including "Jesus Loves Me (Wishing Well version)" and other tracks from her 2006 live album.[34]

2009-2010: Return to music and Coming Out[edit]

On August 28, 2009, Knapp's management confirmed to Patrol Magazine that she was working on new material.[35] On September 18, Knapp announced her plans to return to music on her website.[36] [dead link] Knapp returned from her hiatus on September 24 with a concert at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, California.[37][38] On February 5, 2010, Knapp announced that her new album, Letting Go, would be released on May 11.[39] She also announced spring 2010 tour dates with Derek Webb and summer appearances on the revived Lilith Fair tour.

In interviews with Christianity Today, Reuters, and The Advocate that were simultaneously published on April 13, 2010, Knapp announced that she is gay and has been in a "same-sex relationship" since 2002.[21][30][31] Additionally, she said that Letting Go would not be a Christian album and predicted that her coming out would alienate many of her Christian fans.[21]

Knapp's identity as a gay Christian has been controversial in the Christian community and has reduced her music's popularity in the Christian market.[1][28][40][41] The controversy surrounding her coming out was featured on an episode of Larry King Live, where she discussed her orientation and faith with Larry King, Bob Botsford, and Ted Haggard.[42][43]

2012-Present[edit]

Margaret Becker collaborated with Knapp for an indie album,The Hymns of Christmas, in 2012. They performed 14 shows together in support of the album release.[40][44]

In early 2014, Knapp began recording a new album in Nashville with producer Jacob Lawson.[45] The album Set Me Free was released on October 14, 2014, on Righteous Babe Records.[46]

In June 2017, Knapp released Love Comes Back Around. She called the album "my deepest look at love yet"[7] and noted that the musical style was less "folky and acoustic" than she had originally expected.[8]

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kansas, Knapp re-recorded the album, releasing Kansas 25 in May 2024.[47] The album was funded via a Kickstarter campaign.[48]

Personal life[edit]

Knapp converted to Christianity in college.[5]

Following the end of her 2002 tour, Knapp moved to Australia and became an Australian citizen.[1]

After several years of rumors about her sexual orientation, Knapp came out as gay in 2010.[1][31]

LGBTQ Advocacy and Writing[edit]

When Knapp first came out as gay in 2010, she stated: "I'm in no way capable of leading a charge for some kind of activist movement".[21] An interviewer noted that Knapp was "uncomfortable with the idea that she might be a political figure".[31] However, by 2014, she was considered a "Christian LGBT advocate" with a "mission to help others reconcile their faith and their sexuality".[49] To that end, Knapp launched Inside Out Faith, an advocacy organization for LGBT people of faith.[49][50] Through Inside Out Faith, Knapp speaks at churches and universities about her journey coming out to her faith community.[49]

Knapp's memoir, Facing the Music: My Story, was released on Howard Books / Simon & Schuster on October 7, 2014.[51] Howard Books, an evangelical publisher, received some pushback for publishing Knapp's memoir;[52] however, Howard's VP and Publisher, Jonathan Merkh, stated that the company was not trying to take sides but simply "help [people] understand where someone may be coming from as they open up about their sexuality and their faith."[53]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

EPs[edit]

  • 2010: Evolving EP - Six tracks, five of which were later released on Letting Go

Live albums[edit]

  • 2006: Jennifer Knapp Live

Compilations[edit]

  • 2003: The Collection
  • 2004: 8 Great Hits
  • 1999: Heaven & Earth: A Tapestry of Worship

Singles[edit]

  • 1997: "Undo Me" – No. 1 CHR, No. 4 Rock
  • 1998: "Romans" – No. 1 CHR
  • 1999: "A Little More"
  • 2001: "Breathe on Me"

Charts[edit]

Album Year Chart Peak
position
Kansas 1998 US Christian Albums (Billboard)[54] 11
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[55] 21
Lay It Down 2000 US Christian Albums (Billboard)[54] 1
US Billboard 200[56] 77
The Way I Am 2001 US Christian Albums (Billboard)[54] 10
US Billboard 200[56] 130
The Collection 2004 US Christian Albums (Billboard)[54] 33
Letting Go 2010 US Folk Albums (Billboard)[57] 3
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[58] 15
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[59] 19
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[60] 25
US Billboard 200[56] 73
Love Comes Back Around 2017 US Independent Albums (Billboard)[58] 50

Certification for Kansas[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[61] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Collett, Michael (May 28, 2010). "It ain't easy being gay, Christian and famous". ABC News. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  2. ^ Jones, Kim. "Jennifer Knapp". About.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  3. ^ "Layin' It Down". Cross rhythms. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Jepson, Barbara (March 15, 2002). "Songs From a Christian With Attitude". The Wall Street Journal. pp. W10.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ a b c d Roos, John (May 5, 2000). "A Touch of Mystery in Her Message". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Ruble, Emily (February 7, 2020). "Grammy-nominated performer reflects on time at PSU before return". The Collegio. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Morrison, Laura. "Singer-Songwriter Jennifer Knapp to Bring Career 1.0 and 2.0 Together at Musica Next Week". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  8. ^ a b DiGuglielmo, Joey (May 25, 2017). "Jennifer Knapp comes 'Back Around' with new album, tour". Washington Blade. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  9. ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  10. ^ Skanse, Richard (April 28, 1999). "Sarah McLachlan and Friends Announce Lineup for the Final Lilith Fair". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  11. ^ "42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards on gmc". Dove awards. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  12. ^ DiBiase, John (August 16, 1999). "Audio Adrenaline, "Underdog" Review". JesusFreakHideout. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  13. ^ Writer, Thomas Conner World Entertainment (March 30, 2000). "Knapp, crackle & pop". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Knapp, Jennifer (2014). "Chapter Fourteen". Facing the Music. New York: Howard Books. ISBN 978-1-4767-5947-0.
  15. ^ Govan, Chloe (2011). "A Clean Cut Christina". Katy Perry: A Life of Fireworks. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-727-3.
  16. ^ "Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: November 2001". JesusFreakHideout. November 27, 2001. Archived from the original on November 1, 2005. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c Anderson, Jamie J. (March 10, 2000). "JENNIFER KNAPP, THIRD DAY TESTING MAINSTREAM WATERS". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  18. ^ Gilliland, Pat. "Christian rockers sell out Shawnee concert". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Jennifer Knapp | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  20. ^ "43rd Annual GRAMMY Awards | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g MORING, MARK (April 13, 2010). "Jennifer Knapp Comes Out". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  22. ^ "Jennifer Knapp: The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter ponders 'The Way I Am'". Cross Rhythms. March 1, 2022. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  23. ^ Patrick, Renee (April 16, 2002). "Jenn ~n~ Jars". The Liberty Champion. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  24. ^ a b "The Way I Am". Billboard. December 15, 2001. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  25. ^ "45th Annual GRAMMY Awards | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  26. ^ Horton, Greg. "CREATIVE CONTROL Jars of Clay stays committed to faith". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  27. ^ "Jars of Clay to include Meridian in The Eleventh Hour' project". Franklin County Times. March 2, 2002. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Schmitt, Brad. "Ex-Christian music star Jennifer Knapp tells of coming out". The Tennessean. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  29. ^ Knapp, Jennifer (2014). "Chapter 17". Facing the Music: My Story. New York: Howard Books. ISBN 978-1-4767-5947-0.
  30. ^ a b Goodman, Dean (April 13, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE – Christian Music Star Says She Is a Lesbian". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  31. ^ a b c d Drabinski, Emily (April 13, 2010). "Christian Singer Jennifer Knapp Comes Out". The Advocate. Here Media. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  32. ^ Taylor, Josh (January 4, 2004). "Jennifer Knapp, The Collection" Review". JesusFreakHideout. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  33. ^ Widro, Jonathan (January 11, 2004). "Jennifer Knapp – The Collection Review". Inside Pulse. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  34. ^ "Kansas Gold Edition". About.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  35. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Starting to Write, Mgmt. Confirms". Patrol Magazine. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  36. ^ "Jennifer Knapp". Jennifer Knapp. May 11, 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  37. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Looks Set To Return". Louder Than The Music. September 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  38. ^ "Knapp Back". Cross Rhythms. September 19, 2009. Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  39. ^ "J e n n i f e r K n a p p N e w s". JenniferKnapp.com. February 5, 2010. Archived from the original on February 9, 2010.
  40. ^ a b DiGuglielmo, Joey (December 13, 2012). "CCM vets join forces for Christmas album, tour". Washington Blade. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  41. ^ Mall, Andrew (2021). "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?". God Rock, Inc.: The Business of Niche Music. Oakland, California: University of California Press. pp. 110–114. ISBN 9780520343429.
  42. ^ "Is Jennifer Knapp the Brave Christian Lesbian We've Been Waiting For? (Larry King VIDEO)". Autostraddle. April 25, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  43. ^ Freedman, Samuel G. (May 15, 2010). "Christian Singer Resumes Career, Relieved of a Secret". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  44. ^ Perry, Jennifer (December 7, 2012). "Jennifer Knapp & Margaret Becker on "The Hymns of Christmas" Tour at Birchmere on Dec. 17th by Jennifer Perry". DC Theater Arts. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  45. ^ "Photos from the studio!". March 19, 2014. Archived from the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  46. ^ "Jennifer Knapp - Righteous Babe". Righteous Babe Records. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  47. ^ "New & Notable for May 2024". UTR Media. May 30, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  48. ^ "Jennifer Knapp: Kansas 25". Kickstarter. Retrieved June 9, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  49. ^ a b c Peeples, Jase (October 20, 2014). "Jennifer Knapp: Christian, Lesbian, and Free". The Advocate. Here Media.
  50. ^ "Inside Out Faith: About". Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  51. ^ Knapp, Jennifer (August 13, 2014). Facing the Music. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9781476759494. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  52. ^ "Jennifer Knapp makes a case for being gay and Christian in upcoming book". Washington Post. May 22, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  53. ^ "Christian book industry addresses 'gay Christian' controversy". Christian Retailing. September 3, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  54. ^ a b c d "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  55. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  56. ^ a b c "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  57. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Top Americana/Folk Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  58. ^ a b "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  59. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link] Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  60. ^ "Jennifer Knapp Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  61. ^ "American album certifications – Jennifer Knapp – Kansas". Recording Industry Association of America. October 30, 2000. Retrieved March 8, 2020.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jennifer_Knapp&oldid=1228627844"