Meet Abe, Dave, Bret and Justin – the guys who burst into Christian music back in 2001 as Jericho Road. Today, the group continues to perform throughout the country and connect people of all faiths with great music and inspiring messages:
Raise your voice, testify, that the world may see the light,
Everyone can make a difference.
Since 2001, these former college roommates have stayed true to their commitment to make great music with a positive message. Jericho Road continues to be one of the most sought-after groups in contemporary Christian music, performing at universities, community events, youth conferences, interfaith rallies, corporate shows, and sporting events all around the world. Why can they appeal to so many different people? Because they sing about things that matter. They aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe – faith, family and service.
After each had volunteered two-years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they met in a performing group at college. Their love for music and the gospel gave them a desire to share a more important message on the stage and in their lyrics. The band launched into Christian music in 2001 and hasn’t looked back. Many of their songs have climbed the charts of contemporary Christian music. The group has released six albums; their latest was in the top 5 in both 2011 and 2012 for ShadowMountain Records/Deseret Book. Their music continues to make a difference in the lives of their fans, but to God be the glory. “We know that through the amazing grace of our Savior “all things are possible,” Justin said, quoting Phil. 4:13.
JR tours throughout the US and overseas (including past tours in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and South America). Last year, they reached over 15,000 people throughout the US.
Their fans love how they perform a wide range of music — from their popular “boy band” medley to the songs of praise and worship featured on the group’s sixth and latest album, “Day of Rest” (September 2010).
“That’s why we sing,” Abe said. “We love to have fun and entertain, but more than that people need to be reminded that there is more to life than just getting by. There’s more to life than money or status. We want our music to remind them of what matters most.”
In 2013, the group will perform throughout the country, including Tennessee, Indiana, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. Find out where by checking out their calendar.
Abe Mills was born and raised in the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, MO. He loves to spend time traveling with his family and coaching little league flag football like a little league Vince Lombardi! 🙂 Abe is an entrepreneur at heart. When he is not traveling with Jericho Road, he helps retirees with their investments and is involved in other start-up ventures. However, his greatest work is done at his home in Kalamazoo, MI, where he and his wife, Rachel, are raising 6 children.
Dave grew up in Sandy, UT and now resides in Lehi, UT. For fun, he loves to go boating any chance he gets. Traveling is also a major passion. His goal is to see one new country in the world every year. So far so good for 10 years running! Dave and his wife, Katie, are the proud parents of baby Emma. His ‘day job’ is internet marketing sales but he loves every opportunity he still gets to do his other job – performing with JR.
Bret is the southern gentleman of the group as he is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. Bret has both a business and law degree and loves using his talents and skills to help lift and improve other peoples lives every chance that he gets including a trip for writing wills for AIDS patients in Uganda, Africa in 2007. Bret also loves traveling and sports, especially golf and college football.
Justin is the Idahoan in the group! He is a native of Parma, Idaho. He has always loved singing and sports. Fun fact: every member of Justin’s immediate family starts with a ‘J’ – they even had a dog named Jip. He married Kristie Blake in 2002 and they are the parents of three children. Justin currently lives in Virginia. When he is not Jericho Road’ing, he works at Southern Virginia University.