Three-time GRAMMY nominee and reigning Gospel Music Association “Artist” and “Group” of the year Third Day has received its second Gold certification in less than a year.
The band’s groundbreaking third release, Time, has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales in excess of 500,000 units. Time released in August of 1999 and earned Third Day a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album in the year 2000. Time follows the success of the band’s GRAMMY nominated and Dove Award winning recording, Offerings – A Worship Album, certified Gold last April.
Third Day was presented with their latest Gold record by Provident Music Distribution and Family Christian Stores’ staff in a surprise ceremony on Saturday, April 13 in front of a sold out crowd at the Grand Rapids DeltaPlex Expo Center. Says Bob Rush, Family Christian Stores senior music buyer, “We as a company have celebrated Third Day’s many accomplishments over the years as we’ve watched them grow. It was a pleasure to be here with them today and to be part of this latest celebration as they marked their newest Gold record with Time.”
“Retailers’ support of Third Day continues to be extraordinary,” says Randy Davis, Provident Music Distribution, vice president of sales. “They have continued to partner with both the Essential and Provident marketing teams to champion the remarkable catalog of quality and relevant music performed by one of the hottest bands in our industry. We look forward to continuing that relationship for even greater successes for Third Day.”
Robert Beeson, Essential Records president, also joined in wishing the band congratulations. Beeson explains, “Time has always been an amazing record, a tribute to the band’s creativity and the innovation that has marked their career. It’s a pleasure to see it reach this distinction of Gold record status, a hallmark that is richly deserved.”
Adds J. David Huffman, Creative Trust sr. vice president of management and marketing operations, “Third Day has truly been on an phenomenal ride with all that they’ve accomplished and all they’ve given back to their fans and the community. We are extremely proud to see them reach yet another milestone with the Gold certification of Time.”
An immediate bestseller, Time held the top position on three major reporting sales charts, including the SoundScan Top 50 Albums and Top Christian Albums charts. In addition, Time produced such No. 1 hits as “Sky Falls Down,” “Took My Place,” and “I’ve Always Loved You,” which became Third Day’s first No. 1 single on Adult Contemporary (AC) Radio.
Produced by Monroe Jones (Wes Cunningham, Chris Rice, Margaret Becker), Time was recorded in the band’s hometown of Atlanta at Southern Tracks studios where Third Day musical influences like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Black Crowes have also recorded. Time emerged as a rootsier, looser offering than evidenced on previous Third Day recordings. Blending elements of rock n’ roll, blues, country, rockabilly and gospel, the project included praise-oriented ballads that catapulted the group into popularity with a new adult contemporary audience.
Third Day is currently performing nationwide on their Come Together Tour in partnership with Habitat For Humanity International (HFHI). The Come Together Tour has already broken all of the band’s previous touring records and has raised over $100,000 dollars for the charitable organization thus far. Members of Third Day will participate in the groundbreaking of a new HFHI home in Nashville April 20, on the same day that they will perform at Nashville’s AmSouth Amphitheatre in front of a crowd of over 12,000 to launch Gospel Music Week in Nashville.
Check out the Christian Activities Concert Calendar for a date near you.
