Jason Lamar Champion (born May 1, 1973) is an American gospel musician. He started a music career in 1992 with Men at Large. He left the group in 2007 due to a "newly blossoming relationship with Jesus Christ." In 2008, he signed to EMI CMG, releasing his first and only album, Reflections, in 2008. It charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, and he got a Grammy Award nomination at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album category.
Jason Champion | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jason Lamar Champion |
| Born | May 1, 1973 Cleveland, Ohio |
| Genres | gospel, urban contemporary gospel, Christian R&B, contemporary R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | vocals, singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1992–1996 (with band) 2008–present (solo) |
| Labels | EMI CMG |
Early life
editChampion was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 1, 1973,[1] the only child and son of father Leonard Franklin Champion (December 29, 1952 – May 1, 1992),[2] and mother Miriam Champion (Banks).[3] His father died when he turned 19.[4]
Music career
editHis music career started in 1992 with the band Men at Large. He left the group in 2007 due to "experiencing the conviction of Jesus Christ upon his life" by a comment made by his fellow band member.[4] This lead him to sign with EMI CMG, a division of Sony Music Entertainment in 2008. His album Reflections, released on May 27, 2008,[5] charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart at No. 23.[6] Charity Stafford reviewed the album at AllMusic, referring to the songs as "subtle but unmistakable declarations of faith".[5] Melody Charles from Soul Tracks stated it "will put pep in your step on the way to Church on Sunday morning and could very well keep your spirits up throughout the rest of the week."[7] John Fisher rated the album a 7/10 for Cross Rhythms and stated, "On the whole not a bad effort to kick start his EMI recording career though there doesn't appear to be a smash hit song here."[8] The album was produced by Warryn Campbell of The Soul Seekers.[8]
Personal life
editChampion was married to R&B singer Paula Champion. They have two sons, Isaiah and Michael. Champion married Jayda Harris in 2022.
Discography
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions[6] |
|---|---|---|
| US Gos | ||
| Reflections |
|
23 |
References
edit- ^ "Songwriter/Composer: CHAMPION JASON LAMAR". Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved March 23, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Leonard Franklin Champion – Death Record". Ohio Death Records. Retrieved March 23, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Jason Lamar Champion (b. 1973)". Ohio Birth Records. Retrieved March 23, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Staff (June 30, 2009). "Jason Champion Interview". DaGospel Truth. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Stafford, Charity (May 27, 2008). "Reflections – Jason Champion". AllMusic. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Billboard. "Jason Champion : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ Charles, Melody (June 22, 2008). "Jason Champion – Reflections (2008)". Soul Tracks. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Fisher, John (October 14, 2008). "Review: Reflections – Jason Champion". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved March 23, 2015.