Michael English, who in 1994 won six Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, including Artist of the Year, launched his mainstream pop music career in July. "Your Love Amazes Me," the first single released from his debut secular album, Freedom, quickly entered the top 20 on Billboard's adult-contemporary chart.

In another song on the album, "Freedom Field," English, 34, sings of a break with his Christian roots: "Old man religion, I've got your name; the best part of my years were wrapped up, tied up in your thang."

In 1994, a week after winning the Dove honors, English admitted to adultery (CT, June 20, 1994) with a pregnant Christian singer who miscarried. Warner Alliance quickly dropped the now-divorced English from its roster of artists, but he then signed a recording deal with Curb Records. English has continued to have relationship woes. After an argument outside a Nashville club, his girlfriend filed, then later dropped, an assault charge against him.