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First Call is an American contemporary Christian music (CCM) group, consisting of Mel Tunney, Marty McCall, and Bonnie Keen. During their career spanning more than 30 years, the group worked with many noted producers and arrangers including David Maddux, Steven Tayler, Dan Keen, Greg Nelson, Keith Thomas, Neal Joseph, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Phil Naish and Darrell Brown.

Group history

In the 1970s, McCall was a producer, songwriter and background vocalist prior to forming the band, Fireworks, Keen was pursuing a career in musical theater, and Tunney was solidly ensconced in the burgeoning contemporary Christian music industry following a stint touring with the group, Truth. The three met while working as backup vocalists for other recording artists and commercial jingles, and soon formed a friendship. Recognizing the benefit of marketing themselves as a ready-made trio for backup vocals and other studio recordings, and having developed a reputation for delivering pristine vocals in a variety of styles, they were considered the "first call" by music producers—first choice for studio work. The term corresponded with their Christian faith, and the name for the vocal band was birthed.

None of the three initially foresaw a recording or touring career. As a side project to their backing vocal careers, they agreed to record an a cappella Christmas album called An Evening in December. The album sold very well on the Contemporary Christian market, and propelled the trio into their own music projects. Offers began to come in from high-profile CCM artists such as Amy Grant and Sandi Patty to join them on tour. Their first album of non-Christmas music, Undivided (1986), was followed by Something Takes Over (1987) and God Is Good (1989). The two Christmas music collections, An Evening in December Volume I (1985) and Volume II (1987), have long been bestsellers in the group's catalog. Many comparisons have been made to the group's style similarity to the recording group The Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices.

Around 1989, Melodie expressed a desire to try different styles of music, and left the group in 1990, yet continued her friendship with Marty and Keen. Marabeth Jordan, another session singer, joined the group's ranks.

The new lineup saw two successful albums, Human Song (1992) and Sacred Journey (1993). Then in 1994 came news that Jordan was involved in an affair with fellow CCM artist Michael English, both of whom were married to other people at the time. The media attention surrounding the affair cost First Call their record deal and Marabeth left the group shortly thereafter.

After the incident, Melodie Tunney returned to the group for a short period to try to reduce damage to the group's image and complete their touring obligations. She also lent her vocals to several projects in which the group was currently involved. In late 1994, First Call acted as the backup group for David L. Cook's inspirational single, "When Heaven is My Home". The song was written and produced for Cook by Dick Tunney.

After signing with Warner Alliance, another Christmas album, 1995's Beyond December, and the eponymously titled album First Call of 1996 were recorded by Marty and Bonnie as a duo.

After reuniting the original group to record two songs for some compilation projects, music publishers Discovery House signed the members of the original lineup to record together again. Their new collection, entitled Rejoice, was released in 2007.

Marty McCall was the pastor of Vocal Ministries at McLean Bible Church for 16 years and now is a freelance worship and vocal coach. in McLean, Virginia.

Awards

First Call was a recipient of GMA Dove Awards in the "Group of the Year" category for both 1988 and 1989. They also have multiple Grammy nominations.

Discography

Appearances on other albums

• 1988 Prism: Red (Reunion Records) "If You're Happy And You Know It"
• 1989 Our Hymns (Word) "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
• 1990 Our Christmas (Word) "Angels We Have Heard on High"
• 1990 Handel's Young Messiah (Word) "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted"
• 1992 Wings of Victory - Glen Campbell (New Haven)
• 1993 Breakaway Praise 2 (Joyful Heart) "I Wanna Thank You Lord," "I Love You Lord"
• 1993 The New Young Messiah (Sparrow Records) "Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion"
• 1993 David T. Clydesdale presents One Special Christmas (Word) "We Need A Little Christmas (Medley)"
• 1996 Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch (Word) "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus"
• 1997 The Dan Oxley Praise Band (Brentwood Records) "Bless The Lord"
• 1998 Artists Acappella - The Signature Songs (Here to Him Music) "Undivided"
• 2004 Hands Lifted High: Classic Worship Songs with Dennis Jernigan & Friends (Shepherd's Heart Music) "Who Can Satisfy My Soul"
• 2005 Pressing On: Songs Inspired by the Journey of the Apostle Paul (Discovery House Music) "Three Days Blind," "Living Sacrifices," "Nothing Can Separate Us"

References

1. "First Call". CBN.com - The Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
2. "An Evening in December - First Call - Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
3. "Beyond December - First Call - Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
4. "First Call - First Call - Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
5. "Something Takes Over - First Call - Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
6. "Undivided - First Call - Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
7. "Fireworks - Biography & History - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
8. "Bonnie Keen Tells her Story". Retrieved January 9, 2018.
9. Daneker, Anita. "Bonnie Keen - Theatre". Retrieved January 9, 2018.
10. Cain, David (December 7, 2009). "Song Scoops: In His Presence – Dick and Melodie Tunney". Retrieved January 10, 2018.
11. "First Call". CBN.com - The Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
12. "First Call - Bio". firstcallmusic.org. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
13. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (August 3, 1996). "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved January 10, 2018 – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
14. "Christianity Today, Music Review". Christianitytoday.com. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
15. TunneyMusic.com Archived August 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
16. markwebermusic on (December 25, 2011). "''Christian Music Today'', Article "Bonnie Keen: Bouncing Back"". Christianmusicdaily.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
17. ^ "Christianity Today". Christianity Today. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
18. "Pastor of Vocal Ministries". Retrieved January 4, 2018.
19. "Pastor of Vocal Ministries". Christianmusicarchive.com. July 26, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
20. "McLean Bible Church". Mcleanbible.org. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
21. Dove Awards 1988 Archived October 20, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
22. Dove Awards 1989 Archived October 20, 2006, at the Wayback Machine

External links

• Official website
• Bonnie Keen Official Website
• Mel Tunney Official Website
• Marty McCall Official Website

• American Christian musical groups
• Musical groups established in 1985