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Chris August

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Chris August
Chris August in 2017
Background information
Birth nameChristopher August Megert
Born (1982-03-20) March 20, 1982 (age 42)
OriginGarland, Texas, U.S.
GenresCCM
OccupationSinger/Songwriter
Years active2004–present
LabelsFervent

Christopher August Megert (born March 20, 1982), known professionally as Chris August, is an American Contemporary Christian musician.[1]

August began recording as a secular musician before switching to Christian music. His song "Starry Night" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart in 2010/2011. He was nominated at the 2011 Dove Awards in five categories, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year.

Career

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August began recording music in his early teens after his father built a studio in their home in Garland, Texas.[2] He became a Christian when he turned 15 years old and began to record music.[2]

August continued to practice and release his first self-produced album A Beautiful Thing as a 22-year-old under the name Chris Megert and the Love Jones.[1][2] The album was found by Ryan Cabrera who guided August to a new manager, Jessica Simpson's father Joe Simpson. August landed a contract with Geffen Records and he moved to Los Angeles in 2005.[2] He helped with producing records for Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson as well as playing keyboards on Ashlee Simpson's tour;[2] he also played as the opening act on Ashlee Simpson's tour.[3] August's contract with Geffen fell through while they were renegotiating his contract so he went back home to Texas.[2]

While at home, August decided to stop working on secular projects and began to work solely on Christian music. August wrote the song "Starry Night" as a demo and he received a contract from Word Records. He recorded the album No Far Away in 2010 and the song was released as a single that year.[2] The album peaked at No. 15 on the Christian Albums charts and No. 9 on the Heatseeker Albums.[4]

The single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart and it reached No. 21 on Billboard's Heatseeker Songs.[5] When the song topped the Christian AC Monitored chart, it was the first debut single to reach No. 1 in over three years.[6] His second single was "7x70" which is a song about forgiveness following his parents' divorce when he was a fifth grade student.[7]

August toured to support the album, first opening for Point of Grace for a twelve-night tour.[8]

August joined the Winter Jam 2011 national tour along with Newsboys and Francesca Battistelli in 45 cities.[8]

August received five Dove Award nominations in 2011: New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year,[9] subsequently winning New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Album of the Year.[citation needed]

Personal life

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August married Katelin Cummings on February 6, 2016.[10]

Awards

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GMA Dove Awards
Year Award Result
2011 New Artist of the Year Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Won
Song of the Year ("Starry Night") Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Starry Night") Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (No Far Away) Won

Discography

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Chris August artist page". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Leggett, Steve. "Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  3. ^ Davis, Kevin. "#140 - "Starry Night" by Chris Augus". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  4. ^ "Chris August Billboard Albums". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  5. ^ "Christ August chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  6. ^ "Chris August's 'Starry Night' Is Most Played Single In Christian Music". CM Spin. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  7. ^ "Chris August Earns His First Ever Dove Award Nominations And Is Up For 5 Awards At The 42nd Annual Dove Awards Making Him The Most Nominated New Artist". Breathe Cast. Retrieved February 18, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ a b "Chris August's Christmas Wish List is Coming True with His Smash No. 1 Single "Starry Night" Illuminating the 2010 Best of Lists". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  9. ^ "42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees". 42nd GMA Dove Awards. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  10. ^ "Chris August Gets Married". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
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Awards
Preceded by GMA's New Artist of the Year
2011
Succeeded by