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{{short description|Christian rock band from America}}
{{short description|American Christian rock band from Florida}}
{{about|the Christian Rock band|the Autobot|Fireflight (Transformers)}}
{{about|the Christian Rock band|the Autobot|Fireflight (Transformers)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
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| past_members = Phee Shorb<ref name="JFHDrummerChange" /><br>Adam McMillion<ref name="McMillionDeparture">{{cite web|url=http://www.prlog.org/12484992-fireflights-safety-feat-stephen-christian-from-innova-returns-to-1-receives-dove-nod.html|title=Fireflight's "Safety (Feat. Stephen Christian)" From INNOVA Returns To No. 1, Receives Dove Nod |publisher=PRLog|access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref>
| past_members = Phee Shorb<ref name="JFHDrummerChange" /><br>Adam McMillion<ref name="McMillionDeparture">{{cite web|url=http://www.prlog.org/12484992-fireflights-safety-feat-stephen-christian-from-innova-returns-to-1-receives-dove-nod.html|title=Fireflight's "Safety (Feat. Stephen Christian)" From INNOVA Returns To No. 1, Receives Dove Nod |publisher=PRLog|access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Fireflight''' is an American [[Christian rock]] band formed in [[Eustis, Florida]] in 1999.<ref name="AllMusicBio">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p710621|pure_url=yes}}|title=Fireflight Biography|year=2008|publisher=Allmusic |access-date=January 31, 2009}}</ref> The band was signed by [[Flicker Records]].
'''Fireflight''' is an American [[Christian rock]] band formed in [[Eustis, Florida]], in 1999.<ref name="AllMusicBio">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p710621|pure_url=yes}}|title=Fireflight Biography|year=2008|publisher=Allmusic |access-date=January 31, 2009}}</ref> The band was signed by [[Flicker Records]].


The band currently consists of Dawn Michele, Glenn and Wendy Drennen and Justin Cox (who left in 2013 but rejoined in 2019). They have released seven studio albums and has played in tours including [[ShoutFest]], [[Revelation Generation]] and [[Winter Jam Tour Spectacular|Winter Jam]]. They have also been featured on The Scars Remain tour with [[Disciple (band)|Disciple]], [[Family Force 5]], and [[Decyfer Down]]. Their fourth full-length album ''[[For Those Who Wait]]'' (2010) was nominated in the [[Grammy Awards of 2011|2011 Grammy Awards]].
The band currently consists of vocalist Dawn Michele, Glenn and Wendy Drennen, guitarist and bassist respectively, and guitarist Justin Cox (who left in 2013 but rejoined in 2019). They have released seven studio albums and have played in tours, including [[ShoutFest]], [[Revelation Generation]] and [[Winter Jam Tour Spectacular|Winter Jam]]. The band has also been featured on the Scars Remain tour with [[Disciple (band)|Disciple]], [[Family Force 5]], and [[Decyfer Down]]. Their fourth full-length album ''[[For Those Who Wait]]'' (2010) was nominated in the [[Grammy Awards of 2011|2011 Grammy Awards]].


Their most recent album, ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'', was released in October 2020.
Their most recent album, ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'', was released in October 2020.


==History==
==History==
Guitarists Justin Cox and Glenn Drennen had gone to school together. Glenn had the idea to start a band with his wife Wendy (bassist) and Justin. They were then in need of a singer. Glenn and Wendy went to Glenn's younger brother's graduation and heard Dawn Futch (later Dawn Michele) (lead singer) singing during the graduation service; they asked her to be in the group and she agreed to it. The band was looking for a drummer at this point, and through a mutual friend they met Phee Shorb, who agreed to play drums.
The band initially formed when Glenn Drennen started a band with his wife Wendy and school friend Justin Cox. While attending a graduation service for Glenn's little brother, Glenn and Wendy heard Dawn Futch (later Dawn Michele) singing during the service. They asked her to be in the group and she agreed. Through a mutual friend, the band met Phee Shorb.


The name "Fireflight" was suggested by Dawn Michele shortly before they did a small performance at a church. The name Fireflight has no meaning, as suggested by the band in an interview with Jesus Freak Hideout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/interviews/Fireflight2007.asp |title=Fireflight Interview, 2007 |date=February 19, 2007 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=March 16, 2009}}</ref>
The name "Fireflight" was suggested by Dawn Michele shortly before they did a small performance at a church. The name has no meaning, as suggested by the band in an interview with Jesus Freak Hideout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/interviews/Fireflight2007.asp |title=Fireflight Interview, 2007 |date=February 19, 2007 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=March 16, 2009}}</ref>


They independently released the album ''Glam-rök'', which was produced by guitarist Justin Cox, in 2002.<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> They followed it up with the five-track [[extended play|EP]] ''On the Subject of Moving Forward'' in 2004 before they were signed to the major record label [[Flicker Records]].<ref name="AllMusicBio" />
They independently released the album ''Glam-rök'', which was produced by Cox, in 2002.<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> They followed up with the five-track [[extended play|EP]] ''On the Subject of Moving Forward'' in 2004 before they were signed to the major record label [[Flicker Records]].<ref name="AllMusicBio" />


After years of touring (it is estimated they play 140 shows every year), they released their major label debut album ''The Healing of Harms'' in 2006 with two No.&nbsp;1 singles "You Decide" and "Waiting."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11568678/|title=Christian Music, Christ, Community - CCMMagazine.com|work=ccmmagazine.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215062015/http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11568678/|archive-date=December 15, 2008}}</ref>
After years of touring, Fireflight released their major label debut album ''The Healing of Harms'' in 2006 with two No.&nbsp;1 singles, "You Decide" and "Waiting".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11568678/|title=Christian Music, Christ, Community - CCMMagazine.com|work=ccmmagazine.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215062015/http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11568678/|archive-date=December 15, 2008}}</ref>
The album was a hit, peaking at No.&nbsp;37 on Billboard magazine's Top Christian Albums chart.<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> The song "You Decide," featuring [[Josh Brown (musician)|Josh Brown]] of [[Day of Fire]], was the top request at TVU music television in August 2006. It was the second most played song on Christian Rock radio stations according to the September 1, 2006, ''[[R&R (magazine)|R&R]]'' magazine airplay chart, No.&nbsp;11 on the R&R Christian Hit Radio charts on October 23, 2006, and No.&nbsp;1 on the Christian Radio Weekly chart. On Billboard's chart, it peaked at No.&nbsp;27 on the [[Hot Christian Singles]] chart<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> and it finished in the Top 25 of 2006 for the network radio station Air1.
The album peaked at No.&nbsp;37 on Billboard magazine's Top Christian Albums chart.<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> The song "You Decide", featuring [[Josh Brown (musician)|Josh Brown]] of [[Day of Fire]], was the top request at TVU music television in August 2006. It was the second most played song on Christian Rock radio stations according to the September 1, 2006, ''[[R&R (magazine)|R&R]]'' magazine airplay chart, No.&nbsp;11 on the R&R Christian Hit Radio charts on October 23, 2006, and No.&nbsp;1 on the Christian Radio Weekly chart. On Billboard's chart, it peaked at No.&nbsp;27 on the [[Hot Christian Singles]] chart,<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> and it finished in the Top 25 of 2006 for the network radio station Air1.


Their second single to rock radio, "Waiting," had reached No.&nbsp;1 R&R and CRW Christian Rock chart, and stayed there for 3 consecutive weeks during the month of February 2007. They concurrently released the songs "It's You," "Star of the Show," and "Attitude" to Christian Hit Radio stations.
Their second single, "Waiting", reached No.&nbsp;1 R&R and CRW Christian Rock chart and stayed there for three consecutive weeks during the month of February 2007. The band concurrently released the songs "It's You", "Star of the Show", and "Attitude" to Christian Hit Radio stations.


During another extensive year of touring, the band was experiencing an emotional roller coaster while writing their album "Unbreakable." Dawn describes on their MySpace how stressful and intense writing the album was:
During another extensive year of touring, the band was experiencing an emotional roller coaster while writing their album ''Unbreakable''. Michele described how stressful and intense writing the album was:


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
"It almost felt like things were out of control," says Dawn. "We'd gone through a difficult year as a band with a lot of emotional ups and downs. We basically lived together in a van while writing the new album, and that put us in a pressure cooker. All the stresses were magnified because you're completely out of your comfort zone, and it really does crank up the intensity of the writing. We poured all of our hope, sorrow, anger, dreams and fears into the music."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/fireflight|title=Featured Content on Myspace|work=Myspace}}</ref>
It almost felt like things were out of control. We'd gone through a difficult year as a band with a lot of emotional ups and downs. We basically lived together in a van while writing the new album, and that put us in a pressure cooker. All the stresses were magnified because you're completely out of your comfort zone, and it really does crank up the intensity of the writing. We poured all of our hope, sorrow, anger, dreams and fears into the music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/fireflight|title=Featured Content on Myspace|work=Myspace}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Fireflight debuted clips of its single "Unbreakable" in promos for the new ''[[Bionic Woman (2007 TV series)|Bionic Woman]]'' television series. "Unbreakable" is the title song from their album released in March 2008.<ref>[http://www.cmcentral.com/rss/7563.html new Fireflight song "Unbreakable" debuts on NBC tonight]; October 24, 2007; Jesus Freak Hideout, Retrieved November 6, 2007</ref> The single rose to the number one spot on CRW and R&R's Christian Rock charts seven weeks after its release.<ref name=ChristianMusicCentralUnbreakable>[http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2007/10/24.NEW%20FIREFLIGHT%20SONG%20UNBREAKABLE%20DEBUTS%20ON%20NBC%20TONIGHT.asp Fireflight Tops Rock Charts for Third Week]; February 20, 2008; [[Christian Music Central]], Retrieved February 27, 2008</ref> The band's third number one rock song was the most added song on [[Christian Hit Radio]] radio stations in February 2008.<ref name=ChristianMusicCentralUnbreakable /> It ended 2008 as the 14th most-played song [[Contemporary Christian music|Christian CHR]] radio according to [[R&R (magazine)|R&R magazine's]] [[Contemporary Christian Music|Christian CHR]] chart.<ref name=RR2008CHR>[http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Charts/YearEnd/08/Christian_CHR_songs.asp 2008 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525080129/http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Charts/YearEnd/08/Christian_CHR_songs.asp |date=May 25, 2009 }}, [[R&R (magazine)|R&R magazine]], Retrieved January 15, 2009</ref>
Fireflight debuted clips of the single "Unbreakable" in promos for the new ''[[Bionic Woman (2007 TV series)|Bionic Woman]]'' television series. "Unbreakable" is the title song from their album released in March 2008.<ref>[http://www.cmcentral.com/rss/7563.html new Fireflight song "Unbreakable" debuts on NBC tonight]; October 24, 2007; Jesus Freak Hideout, Retrieved November 6, 2007</ref> The single rose to the number one spot on CRW and R&R's Christian Rock charts seven weeks after its release.<ref name="ChristianMusicCentralUnbreakable">[http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2007/10/24.NEW%20FIREFLIGHT%20SONG%20UNBREAKABLE%20DEBUTS%20ON%20NBC%20TONIGHT.asp Fireflight Tops Rock Charts for Third Week]; February 20, 2008; [[Christian Music Central]], Retrieved February 27, 2008</ref> The band's third number one rock song was the most added song on [[Christian Hit Radio]] radio stations in February 2008.<ref name=ChristianMusicCentralUnbreakable /> It ended 2008 as the 14th most-played song [[Contemporary Christian music|Christian CHR]] radio according to [[R&R (magazine)|R&R magazine's]] [[Contemporary Christian Music|Christian CHR]] chart.<ref name=RR2008CHR>[http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Charts/YearEnd/08/Christian_CHR_songs.asp 2008 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525080129/http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Charts/YearEnd/08/Christian_CHR_songs.asp |date=May 25, 2009 }}, [[R&R (magazine)|R&R magazine]], Retrieved January 15, 2009</ref>
The band played at Winter Jam 2010.
The band played at Winter Jam 2010.


Fireflight's fourth full-length album entitled ''[[For Those Who Wait]]'' was released on February 9, 2010. They shot music videos for both "For Those Who Wait," which came out June 1 on their official YouTube channel, and the lead single "Desperate." "Desperate" was unveiled on February 9, 2010, to coincide with the release of the new album. The album has peaked at No.&nbsp;5 on Billboard Hot Christian Albums, and is their highest charting CD. Desperate was once a No.&nbsp;1 single on christianrock.net and on BDSradio.com's Christian Rock chart, and it peaked at No.&nbsp;3 on the Christian CHR chart on the same website. The next single to be released was "For Those Who Wait." The video for the title track was released in May. On November 25, 2010, Fireflight's band trailer was stolen. It contained approximately $80,000 worth of equipment and merchandise.<ref>{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Katie|title=Christian rock band Fireflight loses up to $80K in equipment to theft|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-band-trailer-stolen-20101124,0,766971.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907063650/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-band-trailer-stolen-20101124,0,766971.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2010|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> FireFlight was nominated for Best Rock/Rap Gospel Album for the 53rd Grammys; they lost to Switchfoot. In February 2011, The band's original drummer Phee Shorb left the band to become a Christian speaker; he was replaced by Adam McMillion.<ref name="JFHDrummerChange">{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2011/02/26.Fireflight%20Announces%20Exit%20of%20Original%20Drummer%20Phee%20Shorb.asp|title=Fireflight Announces Exit of Original Drummer Phee Shorb |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|access-date=February 26, 2011}}</ref>
Fireflight's fourth full-length album entitled ''[[For Those Who Wait]]'' was released on February 9, 2010. They shot music videos for both "For Those Who Wait", which came out June 1 on their official YouTube channel, and the lead single "Desperate". "Desperate" was unveiled on February 9, 2010, to coincide with the release of the new album. The album peaked at No.&nbsp;5 on Billboard Hot Christian Albums and is their highest-charting CD. "Desperate" was once a No.&nbsp;1 single on christianrock.net and on BDSradio.com's Christian Rock chart, and it peaked at No.&nbsp;3 on the Christian CHR chart on the same website.


The next single to be released was "For Those Who Wait". The video for the title track was released in May. On November 25, 2010, Fireflight's band trailer was stolen. It contained approximately $80,000 worth of equipment and merchandise.<ref>{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Katie|title=Christian rock band Fireflight loses up to $80K in equipment to theft|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-band-trailer-stolen-20101124,0,766971.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907063650/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-band-trailer-stolen-20101124,0,766971.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2010|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> FireFlight was nominated for Best Rock/Rap Gospel Album for the 53rd Grammys; they lost to [[Switchfoot]]. In February 2011, the band's original drummer Phee Shorb left the band to become a Christian speaker; he was replaced by Adam McMillion.<ref name="JFHDrummerChange">{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2011/02/26.Fireflight%20Announces%20Exit%20of%20Original%20Drummer%20Phee%20Shorb.asp|title=Fireflight Announces Exit of Original Drummer Phee Shorb |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|access-date=February 26, 2011}}</ref>
⚫
The band released their fifth album, ''[[Now (Fireflight album)|Now]]'', on March 6, 2012, which became their most chart topping album, and fastest selling, reaching No. 1 on the Contemporary Christian Charts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Release|url=http://www.providentpress.com/pressreleases.php?pid=361|publisher=Provident Label Group|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224092020/http://www.providentpress.com/pressreleases.php?pid=361|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its leading track, "Stay Close" was released in the Winter Jam Tour 2011. They released a music video for "Stay Close" on YouTube on their official Vevo account. The album has sold more than 40,000 copies as of July 15, 2012.

⚫
The band released their fifth album, ''[[Now (Fireflight album)|Now]]'', on March 6, 2012, which became their most chart-topping and fastest selling album, reaching No. 1 on the Contemporary Christian Charts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Release|url=http://www.providentpress.com/pressreleases.php?pid=361|publisher=Provident Label Group|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224092020/http://www.providentpress.com/pressreleases.php?pid=361|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its leading track, "Stay Close", was released in the Winter Jam Tour 2011. The band released a music video for "Stay Close" on YouTube on their official Vevo account. The album has sold more than 40,000 copies as of July 15, 2012.


In early 2014, Fireflight announced that they had asked and been granted a release from their recording contract and were launching a Pledgemusic campaign to raise money for their sixth studio album, to be released independently.<ref>{{cite web|title=Firelight's Dawn Michele: Taking Flight|url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=1310|publisher=New Release Tuesday|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> On June 25, 2014, it was revealed that the title of the new album would be titled ''[[Innova (album)|Innova]]''.{{Citation needed|date=June 2014}} On September 5, 2014, it was announced that ''Innova'' would be released May 5, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/fireflight/updates/40960|title=New Album Pre-order|work=PledgeMusic}}</ref> On March 3, 2017, they released ''RE•IMAG•INNOVA,'' an EP with reimagined selections from ''Innova''.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
In early 2014, Fireflight announced that they had asked and been granted a release from their recording contract and were launching a Pledgemusic campaign to raise money for their sixth studio album, to be released independently.<ref>{{cite web|title=Firelight's Dawn Michele: Taking Flight|url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=1310|publisher=New Release Tuesday|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> On June 25, 2014, it was revealed that the title of the new album would be titled ''[[Innova (album)|Innova]]''.{{Citation needed|date=June 2014}} On September 5, 2014, it was announced that ''Innova'' would be released May 5, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/fireflight/updates/40960|title=New Album Pre-order|work=PledgeMusic}}</ref> On March 3, 2017, they released ''RE•IMAG•INNOVA,'' an EP with reimagined selections from ''Innova''.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}


Guitarist Justin Cox rejoined the group in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iconiclight.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/fireflight-announces-signing-with-rockfest-records-the-return-of-justin-cox/|title=FIREFLIGHT Announces Signing With RockFest Records + The Return of Justin Cox!|date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Seventh album, ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'', released on October 23, 2020.
Guitarist Justin Cox rejoined the group in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iconiclight.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/fireflight-announces-signing-with-rockfest-records-the-return-of-justin-cox/|title=FIREFLIGHT Announces Signing With RockFest Records + The Return of Justin Cox!|date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> The band's seventh album, ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'', was released on October 23, 2020.


==Band members==
==Band members==
Line 63: Line 65:
* Phee Shorb – drums <small>(1999–2011)</small>
* Phee Shorb – drums <small>(1999–2011)</small>
* Adam McMillion – drums <small>(2011–2015, 2020)</small>
* Adam McMillion – drums <small>(2011–2015, 2020)</small>

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:90 top:10 right:20
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1999 till:01/01/2024
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1999
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1999

Colors =
id:LV value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:BV value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:LG value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:RG value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:B value:blue legend:Bass
id:D value:orange legend:Drums
id:K value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:bars value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars
LineData =
layer:back
color:studio
at:07/25/2006
at:03/04/2008
at:02/09/2010
at:03/06/2012
at:05/05/2015
at:10/23/2020

BarData =
bar:Dawn text:"Dawn Michele"
bar:Justin text:"Justin Cox"
bar:Glenn text:"Glenn Drennen"
bar:Wendy text:"Wendy Drennen"
bar:Phee text:"Phee Shorb"
bar:Adam text:"Adam McMillion"

PlotData=
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Dawn from:start till:end color:LV
bar:Justin from:start till:10/08/2013 color:LG
bar:Justin from:02/19/2019 till:end color:LG
bar:Justin from:start till:10/08/2013 color:BV width:3
bar:Justin from:start till:10/08/2013 color:K width:7
bar:Justin from:02/19/2019 till:end color:BV width:3
bar:Justin from:02/19/2019 till:end color:K width:7
bar:Glenn from:10/08/2013 till:02/19/2019 color:LG
bar:Glenn from:10/08/2013 till:02/19/2019 color:RG width:3
bar:Glenn from:start till:10/08/2013 color:RG
bar:Glenn from:02/19/2019 till:end color:RG
bar:Wendy from:start till:end color:B
bar:Wendy from:start till:end color:BV width:3
bar:Phee from:start till:02/01/2011 color:D
bar:Adam from:02/02/2011 till:12/31/2015 color:D
bar:Adam from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2020 color:D
}}


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 72: Line 137:
* ''[[Now (Fireflight album)|Now]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Now (Fireflight album)|Now]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Innova (album)|Innova]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Innova (album)|Innova]]'' (2015)
* ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'' (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Are-Head-Heart/dp/B08JNYX9TD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1|title=Who We Are: The Head And The Heart by Fireflight on Amazon Music - Amazon.com|date=January 4, 2021}}</ref>
* ''Who We Are: The Head and the Heart'' (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Are-Head-Heart/dp/B08JNYX9TD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1|title=Who We Are: The Head And The Heart by Fireflight on Amazon Music - Amazon.com|website=Amazon |date=January 4, 2021}}</ref>


==Music videos==
==Music videos==
Line 90: Line 155:
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|2010
| rowspan="2"|2010
| "[[Desperate (song)|Desperate]]"
| "[[Desperate (Fireflight song)|Desperate]]"
| rowspan="2"|''[[For Those Who Wait]]''
| rowspan="2"|''[[For Those Who Wait]]''
|-
|-
Line 184: Line 249:


[[Category:1999 establishments in Florida]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Florida]]
⚫
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American post-grunge musical groups]]
[[Category:American post-grunge musical groups]]
[[Category:Christian rock groups from Florida]]
[[Category:Christian rock groups from Florida]]
Line 191: Line 257:
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1999]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1999]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Orlando, Florida]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Orlando, Florida]]
⚫
[[Category:Musical quintets]]
[[Category:Female-fronted musical groups]]
[[Category:Female-fronted musical groups]]

Latest revision as of 21:13, 6 August 2024

This article is about the Christian Rock band. For the Autobot, see Fireflight (Transformers).

Fireflight
Background information
OriginOrlando, Florida[1]
GenresChristian rock, hard rock, alternative metal, electropop
Years active1999–present[1]
LabelsEssential, Flicker,[1] RockFest Records
MembersDawn Michele[2]
Wendy Drennen[1]
Glenn Drennen[1]
Justin Cox[3]
Past membersPhee Shorb[4]
Adam McMillion[5]
Websitefireflightrock.com

Fireflight is an American Christian rock band formed in Eustis, Florida, in 1999.[1] The band was signed by Flicker Records.

The band currently consists of vocalist Dawn Michele, Glenn and Wendy Drennen, guitarist and bassist respectively, and guitarist Justin Cox (who left in 2013 but rejoined in 2019). They have released seven studio albums and have played in tours, including ShoutFest, Revelation Generation and Winter Jam. The band has also been featured on the Scars Remain tour with Disciple, Family Force 5, and Decyfer Down. Their fourth full-length album For Those Who Wait (2010) was nominated in the 2011 Grammy Awards.

Their most recent album, Who We Are: The Head and the Heart, was released in October 2020.

History

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The band initially formed when Glenn Drennen started a band with his wife Wendy and school friend Justin Cox. While attending a graduation service for Glenn's little brother, Glenn and Wendy heard Dawn Futch (later Dawn Michele) singing during the service. They asked her to be in the group and she agreed. Through a mutual friend, the band met Phee Shorb.

The name "Fireflight" was suggested by Dawn Michele shortly before they did a small performance at a church. The name has no meaning, as suggested by the band in an interview with Jesus Freak Hideout.[6]

They independently released the album Glam-rök, which was produced by Cox, in 2002.[1] They followed up with the five-track EP On the Subject of Moving Forward in 2004 before they were signed to the major record label Flicker Records.[1]

After years of touring, Fireflight released their major label debut album The Healing of Harms in 2006 with two No. 1 singles, "You Decide" and "Waiting".[7] The album peaked at No. 37 on Billboard magazine's Top Christian Albums chart.[1] The song "You Decide", featuring Josh Brown of Day of Fire, was the top request at TVU music television in August 2006. It was the second most played song on Christian Rock radio stations according to the September 1, 2006, R&R magazine airplay chart, No. 11 on the R&R Christian Hit Radio charts on October 23, 2006, and No. 1 on the Christian Radio Weekly chart. On Billboard's chart, it peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Christian Singles chart,[1] and it finished in the Top 25 of 2006 for the network radio station Air1.

Their second single, "Waiting", reached No. 1 R&R and CRW Christian Rock chart and stayed there for three consecutive weeks during the month of February 2007. The band concurrently released the songs "It's You", "Star of the Show", and "Attitude" to Christian Hit Radio stations.

During another extensive year of touring, the band was experiencing an emotional roller coaster while writing their album Unbreakable. Michele described how stressful and intense writing the album was:

It almost felt like things were out of control. We'd gone through a difficult year as a band with a lot of emotional ups and downs. We basically lived together in a van while writing the new album, and that put us in a pressure cooker. All the stresses were magnified because you're completely out of your comfort zone, and it really does crank up the intensity of the writing. We poured all of our hope, sorrow, anger, dreams and fears into the music.[8]

Fireflight debuted clips of the single "Unbreakable" in promos for the new Bionic Woman television series. "Unbreakable" is the title song from their album released in March 2008.[9] The single rose to the number one spot on CRW and R&R's Christian Rock charts seven weeks after its release.[10] The band's third number one rock song was the most added song on Christian Hit Radio radio stations in February 2008.[10] It ended 2008 as the 14th most-played song Christian CHR radio according to R&R magazine's Christian CHR chart.[11] The band played at Winter Jam 2010.

Fireflight's fourth full-length album entitled For Those Who Wait was released on February 9, 2010. They shot music videos for both "For Those Who Wait", which came out June 1 on their official YouTube channel, and the lead single "Desperate". "Desperate" was unveiled on February 9, 2010, to coincide with the release of the new album. The album peaked at No. 5 on Billboard Hot Christian Albums and is their highest-charting CD. "Desperate" was once a No. 1 single on christianrock.net and on BDSradio.com's Christian Rock chart, and it peaked at No. 3 on the Christian CHR chart on the same website.

The next single to be released was "For Those Who Wait". The video for the title track was released in May. On November 25, 2010, Fireflight's band trailer was stolen. It contained approximately $80,000 worth of equipment and merchandise.[12] FireFlight was nominated for Best Rock/Rap Gospel Album for the 53rd Grammys; they lost to Switchfoot. In February 2011, the band's original drummer Phee Shorb left the band to become a Christian speaker; he was replaced by Adam McMillion.[4]

The band released their fifth album, Now, on March 6, 2012, which became their most chart-topping and fastest selling album, reaching No. 1 on the Contemporary Christian Charts.[13] Its leading track, "Stay Close", was released in the Winter Jam Tour 2011. The band released a music video for "Stay Close" on YouTube on their official Vevo account. The album has sold more than 40,000 copies as of July 15, 2012.

In early 2014, Fireflight announced that they had asked and been granted a release from their recording contract and were launching a Pledgemusic campaign to raise money for their sixth studio album, to be released independently.[14] On June 25, 2014, it was revealed that the title of the new album would be titled Innova.[citation needed] On September 5, 2014, it was announced that Innova would be released May 5, 2015.[15] On March 3, 2017, they released RE•IMAG•INNOVA, an EP with reimagined selections from Innova.[citation needed]

Guitarist Justin Cox rejoined the group in 2019.[16] The band's seventh album, Who We Are: The Head and the Heart, was released on October 23, 2020.

Band members

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Current members

  • Dawn Michele – lead vocals (1999–present)
  • Wendy Drennen – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Glenn Drennen – rhythm guitar (1999–present)
  • Justin Cox – lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboard (1999–2013, 2019–present)

Former members

  • Phee Shorb – drums (1999–2011)
  • Adam McMillion – drums (2011–2015, 2020)

Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: Fireflight discography

Music videos

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Year Song Album
2006 "You Decide" The Healing of Harms
2008 "Unbreakable" Unbreakable
2010 "Desperate" For Those Who Wait
"For Those Who Wait"
2012 "Stay Close" Now
2015 "We Are Alive" Innova
2018 "I Won't Look Back" non-album single
"Die Free"
(featuring Kevin Young)
2020 "Who We Are" Who We Are: The Head and the Heart

The video for the song "For Those Who Wait" was nominated for a Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 42nd GMA Dove Awards.[18]

Awards

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GMA Dove Awards

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Year Award Result
2009 Artist of the Year Nominated
Rock Recorded Song of the Year ("The Hunger") Nominated
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Unbreakable") Nominated
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (Unbreakable) Nominated
2010 Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("You Gave Me a Promise") Nominated
2011 Short Form Music Video of the Year ("For Those Who Wait") Nominated
2013 Rock Album of the Year ("Now") Nominated
2015 Rock Song of the Year ("Safety") Nominated

Grammy Awards

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Year Award Result
2011 Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album ("For Those Who Wait") Nominated

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Fireflight Biography". Allmusic. 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2009.
  2. ^ "About Fireflight". Fireflight's Official website. Retrieved January 28, 2010.
  3. ^ "Fireflight Joins Nashville Label Group's RockFest Records". February 18, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Fireflight Announces Exit of Original Drummer Phee Shorb". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  5. ^ "Fireflight's "Safety (Feat. Stephen Christian)" From INNOVA Returns To No. 1, Receives Dove Nod". PRLog. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  6. ^ "Fireflight Interview, 2007". Jesus Freak Hideout. February 19, 2007. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  7. ^ "Christian Music, Christ, Community - CCMMagazine.com". ccmmagazine.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2008.
  8. ^ "Featured Content on Myspace". Myspace.
  9. ^ new Fireflight song "Unbreakable" debuts on NBC tonight; October 24, 2007; Jesus Freak Hideout, Retrieved November 6, 2007
  10. ^ a b Fireflight Tops Rock Charts for Third Week; February 20, 2008; Christian Music Central, Retrieved February 27, 2008
  11. ^ 2008 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs Archived May 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, R&R magazine, Retrieved January 15, 2009
  12. ^ Adams, Katie. "Christian rock band Fireflight loses up to $80K in equipment to theft". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 7, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  13. ^ "Press Release". Provident Label Group. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  14. ^ "Firelight's Dawn Michele: Taking Flight". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  15. ^ "New Album Pre-order". PledgeMusic.
  16. ^ "FIREFLIGHT Announces Signing With RockFest Records + The Return of Justin Cox!". February 19, 2019.
  17. ^ "Who We Are: The Head And The Heart by Fireflight on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". Amazon. January 4, 2021.
  18. ^ 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards Nominees Archived July 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine on DoveAwards.com
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