On the heels of making history by winning his 50th Dove Award, a feat accomplished by no other artist in the Christian music industry, Sparrow Records’ artist Steven Curtis Chapman will make history again during his 19 city international tour. Last Friday, April 28th, Chapman and his band performed in New Zealand and just finished three shows in Australia. They will now head on to the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and in several cities within China.

Chapman speaks to the press after winning his 50th Dove Awards

After his tour closes in China, Chapman’s family will join him there to spend a month working in area Beijing orphanages. Upon his return to the U.S. later this summer, Chapman will head into the studio to start recording for his 2007 spring release.

For years, Chapman’s music has been heard and seen around the world. Now with this year’s international album release, titled Musical Blessings, Chapman has just topped the mainstream radio chart by nabbing the No. 1 spot on Thailand’s biggest radio station, 105.5 Eazy FM, for two consecutive weeks with his single The Blessing.”

Another highlight this spring is the release of A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story, the third book from the Chapman’s children’s picture book series, Shaoey & Dot, published by Tommy Nelson, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Now on shelves, this installment of the well-known series tells the touching tale of Shaoey, also the star of the first two books in the series, and her ladybug friend named Dot, as together they help others conquer their fear of the dark. A Thunder And Lightning Bug Story was written from the personal experience of the Chapman’s and is sure to comfort any little one who is hesitant to turn out the lights.

In his musical career, Chapman has won five GRAMMY© Awards, most recently at the 2005 awards for his release All Things New. Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and seven RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his 50 Dove and 5 GRAMMY© awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 44 No. 1 radio hits as well as receiving numerous other honours. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has recorded fifteen projects with Sparrow Records. The Chapman family has established Shaohannah’s Hope, a foundation providing information and assistance to families who desire to adopt.

For more information on Steven Curtis Chapman, visit his YMZ artist page. Chapman’s extensive catalogue is currently available at Canadian Christian retailers across the country.