The Newsboys began their life in Queensland, Australia, back in the early eighties.
Since then they’ve sold millions of albums, been nominated for several Grammies, taken home a swag of Dove awards as well as being recognised through several other industry awards. They’ve also played to sell out arena shows of up to 200 000 people in the U.S. and Europe.
While virtually unknown in their home land, they’ve consistently been up there with the top earners amongst Australian performers, outselling most of our other home-grown talent.
Their original lead singer, John James, left the band and show business in 1997. These days he visits schools and speaks to young people about the trappings of success and living a life of integrity.
John James joined me in the studio today as part of my morning radio programme at 98.5 Sonshine FM.
John has an amazing story to tell of The Newsboys meteoric rise to fame and the toll it took on his life and his marriage. He left the band after becoming addicted to cocaine and battling depression and alcohol abuse.
Today John is very much a changed man. His relationship with his wife and children is restored and he spends his days telling young people about the turn around in his life.
You can hear the interview by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post.
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