Here for the Long Haul
Despite personal challenges and personnel changes, Avalon isn't going anywhere anytime soon. They hope to do this thing a long, long time.
by Andree Farias | posted 3/29/2004
 1 of 3
At a day and age when many vocal pop groups fizzle out as quickly as the trends they follow (Spice Girls, anyone?), Avalon still manages to remain in the game despite its apparent state of flux over the years. Ever since the untimely death of longtime collaborator—and Sparrow vice president—Grant Cunningham in the summer of '02, they've faced everything from #1 hits and accolades to disenchantments and member departures. In this candid interview with Christian Music Today, the foursome—Greg and Janna Long, Melissa Greene, and Jody McBrayer—shares how they dealt with these changes, as well as the shift in outlook that resulted from them.
From left: Greg Long, Jody McBrayer,Janna Long, Melissa Greene
Greg, how did you hook up with Avalon?
Greg LongRight after Michael Passons left [in 2003], the group asked me how many shows I could do to fill in. I did this for about 80% of their summer dates, while the group was still holding auditions to fill the spot. I had just finished inking my solo album deal, so I thought it was temporary. About two or three months after doing shows with them, they just asked, "Hey, is there any way that you could do both, support your record as well as Avalon?" So I went to the head of my label, expecting him to say that it wouldn't be possible to do both. But after about a month, Sparrow and Christian Records came to an agreement that would allow me to do both.
Janna LongWhen Greg first started filling in, no one ever thought, "Wow, Greg could be it," because he had his own solo career and he had just signed a new record deal. There were more odds against this working out than there were in favor of it. The other two members came to me; I definitely didn't want this to look like something I was initiating. Obviously I would love to have my husband on the road, but I wanted them to come if it was something that they felt strongly about. After he did a couple of shows, Jody and Melissa both came to me, we began to pray about it, to talk about it, and one thing after another started to fall into place.
What's it like for a husband and wife team to be in the group?
JannaIt's been great. When Greg and I got married, I think we both had aspirations of working together one day. Now with Avalon, I know it was probably a bigger adjustment for him because he's been a solo artist for so many years. Coming into a group setting obviously is a bit different. But Greg and I dated for two and a half years before we got married and I think we had a real good understanding of what each other was like and what the business was like. We were also a little bit older when we got married, and I think all of those factors made for a good combination and, honestly, it's been a blessing.
Do you think your wife's powerhouse vocals eclipse you in a way, though?
GregI would suggest that in the Avalon show she eclipses me almost all of the time. I don't have any big need to shine or to have my voice be heard. I'm happy with what it is. But with this group, Janna and Jody are original members and their vision for this group is solid. I just want to support that.
Yeah, but doesn't it hurt your ego? You know, your "macho" side?
GregYou know, I'm doing interviews for Avalon records, interviews for my record. It's like, I don't want to act like I'm full of self-humility, 'cause that may come out wrong. God has blessed me in so many ways to be able to do this. It definitely makes it a lot easier, I guess, not to have to be fulfilled in just one way. I'm not trying to come off as super-spiritual, but I'm a guy, a football-playing guy, a football-watching guy. I like competition like the best of them. But my wife is a much better singer than I am, and I have no trouble saying that. As a matter of fact, I always say that. I'm a singer/songwriter. I'm not God's gift to singers, nor do I claim to be.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free!
|
 |
|
Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only.
If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
