Salmon Arm, British Columbia native Greg Sczebel (pronounced seh-bell) was announced the grand prize winner in the gospel/inspirational category of the 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the title track of his debut album, “Here To Stay”. The contest is an international competition that began in 1997 and is open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 13 categories. Sczebel states, “The John Lennon Songwriting Contest has long been a respected competition in the music world. I feel extremely honored to be among this years’ winners.”

Sczebel’s award winning song and current radio single is also getting some airtime on a major television network. “Here to Stay” will be featured in an upcoming episode of UPN’s hit series, “Kevin Hill”, starring Taye Diggs. The episode is set to air on February 2, 2005.

Greg Sczebel is a 20 year old singer/songwriter/musician who is capturing the attention of audiences everywhere with his pop sensibilities, soulful vocal styling, and captivating songwriting skills. Greg’s debut album “Here To Stay” was released in June 2004 through CMC Distribution. Following it’s first month of sales, it debuted at #33 in the Top 50 Christian music sales across Canada.

Throughout his career, Greg has been recognized for his outstanding talent as an artist and as a result has been awarded remarkable opportunities and awards. In 2002, Greg was chosen by world-renowned producer David Foster to perform at the Foster Children Foundation’s gala fundraising event. David Foster and his band accompanied Greg on stage for his performance. He was recently invited back to perform at another Foster Children’s Foundation event, sharing the stage with 5-time Juno Award-winner, Colin James, Michael Buble and once again David Foster. In 2003, Greg was awarded the title of “Best Emerging Artist” by VIBE Gospel Music. He captured the hearts and votes of both the judges and audience to beat out 25 other contestants vying for the title. In 2004, Greg was also chosen to participate in the “All About Music TV & Film Private Retreat” in Nashville where he showcased at BB King’s Blues Club, before music industry executives, as well as music supervisors representing television shows on Lifetime Television, HBO, NBC, ABC and WB. Sczebel shared the stage with a who’s who of major artists including Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer), Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman, Julie Roberts and Bethany Dillon. Greg’s performance resulted in Lifetime Television Network inviting him to re-record the Bee Gee’s hit “Lonely Days” as part of an ad campaign for Lifetime’s “New Movie Monday”. The campaign currently airs on Lifetime across the US and Canada.

The end of 2004 brought more award nominations to this truly talented artist. The Urban Music Association of Canada nominated Greg’s song “You’ve Got It” for “Gospel Recording of the Year” and The Canadian Gospel Music Association nominated Greg for the 2004 Covenant Awards in 4 categories – “Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year”, “Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year”, “Male Vocalist of the Year”, and “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year”. Greg took home two awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year”, and “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year”.

With all of his success as a rising star – Greg believes in giving back in whatever way he can. His philanthropic nature has brought him to World Vision Canada and their Artist Associates Program. As a member of the World Vision Canada Artist Associates Program, Greg is able to use his talents to provide help and hope to children and their communities in desperate need by endorsing the work of World Vision and helping to spread the word to his audiences on what they can do to help.

He is currently preparing for a Canada-wide tour to take place this spring where his fresh and forward lyrics, smooth vocals and love for rhythm are sure to continue to inspire and captivate his growing number of listeners!

For more information on Greg Sczebel visit gregsczebel.com