Artist description Richard Abanes is a Christian solo artist as well as a prolific author.

Music Style Inspirational/Easy Listening/Pop/Country

Musical Influences EltonJohn,BarryManilow,Chicago,JohnDenver,PhilCollins

Similar Artists BarryManilow,MichaelCrawford,Chicago,NeilSedaka,NeilDiamond,JohnDenver,EltonJohn,PhilCollins

Artist History Richard Abanes has been in full-time Christian Ministry for more than ten years. He is an accomplished singer / songwriter who has performed on Broadway in such hit musicals as "A Chorus Line" and "Dreamgirls." He also has appeared as a dancer in several Nashville-based TV specials, has been seen in a number of national television commercials, and has acted in a co-starring role in the movie "Rappin'." Additionally, Richard starred in the Bill Moyers PBS special titled "The Constitution" and was a featured dancer for the weekly NBC variety series "Nashville Palace." In the music world, Richard has independently produced two full-length CD's of original inspirational songs. His first album, "Hold On" (released January 1999), has sold nearly 7,000 copies across the country through Christian bookstores, churches, and various Internet sites (i.e., encouragingmusic.com, spinrecords.com, and dogoodmusic.com). His second album, "Everlasting Love" (released April 2000), has already sold nearly 2,000 copies. Concerning his first CD, an April 1999 "CBA Marketplace" magazine review stated: "The songs are mostly ballads featuring Abanes' wonderful and unique tenor over full, rich orchestrations . . . . Abanes' smooth, light voice soars easily, and the words are carefully crafted to tell each song's story." Secular music listeners seem to appreciate Richard's inspirational material as much as persons within the religious community. For example, the July 2000 edition of South Florida's music review magazine, "RAG," commented: "Abanes' unabashed love for Jesus is bound to soothe, heal, and inspire listeners. This CD has much value for those who are 'hooked on Jesus' as well as those who are open to it." Interestingly, Richard also is a nationally known author/journalist specializing in the field of cults, the occult, new religious movements, world religions, and Christian doctrine. In addition to serving on staff as a minister at Southern California's Saddleback Church from 1997 - 2000, Richard has written/co-authored eight books covering these topics including Embraced by the Light and the Bible: Betty Eadie and Near Death Experiences in the Light of Scripture (Horizon Books, 1994), American Militias: Rebellion, Racism, and Religion (Baker, 1996), Journey into the Light: Exploring Near Death Experiences (Baker, 1996), Defending the Faith: A Beginner's Guide to Cults and New Religions (Baker, 1998), Cults, New Religious Movements, and Your Family (Crossway, 1998), End-Time Visions: The Doomsday Obsession (Broadman & Holman, 1998), and Harry Potter and the Bible: The Menace Behind the Magick (Horizon Books, 2001).

Group Members ASCAP

Instruments keyboards

Albums "Hold On" (1999) "Everlasting Love" (2000)

Press Reviews ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR,SPINRECORDS.COM,CROSSWALK.COM,RAG,CBA MARKETPLACE

Location RnchoSntaMarg, CA - USA

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