Bebo Norman

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.

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.

"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. 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.

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."

Retirement

On April 3, 2013, Bebo Norman announced his impending retirement from music, effective at the end of 2013. 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. Norman successfully completed physician assistant school and is board certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He joined Heritage Medical Associates as a PA-C in January of 2021.

Discography

Main article: Bebo Norman discography

Awards

GMA Dove Awards

• 2003: City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia – Special Event Album of the Year
• 2010: "The Only Hope" – Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year

References

References

1. "Bebo Norman's "Sometimes By Step" Digital Duet". Crosswalk.com.
2. "Bebo Norman Discography, Bebo Norman Artist Database - Jesusfreakhideout.com".
3. "Bebo Norman Artist Profile {{!}} Biography And Discography {{!}} NewReleaseToday".
4. link. (November 8, 2006)
5. [http://www.ccmmagazine.com/just_for_you/story_behind_the_song/11581817/britney/ Story Behind the Song: Britney] {{webarchive. link. (October 16, 2008 , ccmmagazine.com; retrieved September 2008)
6. "CCC website concert summary, poster and concert credits".
7. [https://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/interviews/bebo-norman-ocean-goodwyn.aspx Bebo Norman's "Ocean" Experience: An in-depth interview], ''CBN.com''.
8. "Bebo Norman Set To Retire From Music at the End of 2013".
9. Development, PodBean. "003 - Bebo Norman".
10. Medical Associates, Heritage. "Jeffrey Norman - PA-C - Heritage Medical associates".
11. Medical Associates, Heritage. "Jeffrey Norman - PA-C - Heritage Medical associates".
12. "Dove Awards History Artist:Bebo Norman". Gospel Music Association.