Avalon begins 2009 with Greatest Hits release

|PIC1|With a career spanning more than a decade, Sparrow recording artist Avalon has established itself as one of Christian music's premier vocal groups. To showcase the songs that have made the group famous, Avalon will release Avalon: The Greatest Hits on February 10.

Avalon: The Greatest Hits includes 16 songs that have received massive radio airplay and impacted the world for Christ. Also included is new song "Still My God", currently vying for adds at Christian AC/Inspo radio.

"While some of the faces and sounds of AVALON have changed, one thing has never changed......our desire to sing about Jesus Christ and the difference He has made in our lives," says Janna Long of Avalon.

"We created a mission statement 13 years ago: To make quality music and to openly share the Gospel with our songs. And oh what songs God has given us. That is truly the essence of this group.

"Songs that have inspired, encouraged and strengthened others in the family of God, have always been what we wanted to be about. Our listeners and fans have also carried us through these years, and we are forever indebted to them all."

"Avalon has achieved legendary music status with its radio and sales success," says Leisa Byars, EMI CMG VP, Marketing & Artist Development. "This piece is a tribute to the group's extraordinary career thus far, and an item that every Avalon fan will want to have for their collection."

Avalon recently completed dates with Casting Crowns on their "Christmas Celebration" tour. The group's touring will continue throughout the US and Canada this winter.

To date, the quartet has sold more than three million albums, charted 20 No 1 singles, and won an American Music Award plus numerous Dove Awards. Avalon has released 12 projects, including one live concert DVD, receiving multiple RIAA-certified Gold records.