[Mickey]

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) December 20, 2002-Bebo Norman makes his way toward the end of an unprecedented year, having recently wrapped a 42-city headlining tour, achieved impressive sales for his third label project, garnered his first Top 5 radio single and graced the cover of CCM Magazine. Myself When I Am Real, Norman's September release, continues to contribute to the singer/songwriter> '> s momentum, ranked by critics as among the best albums of 2002.

Earlier this month Norman completed the second run of his highly successful "Fall Circa 2002" tour, one of the most talked about concert experiences this fall. Joined by guest artists Sarah Sadler, David Crowder Band, Ten Shekel Shirt and LaRue on select dates, the tour consistently drew sold-out crowds.

"No one could have predicted the positive impact that the Third Day tour and 'Great Light of the World' would have on attendance for the 'Fall Circa 2002' tour," comments Micah Ottosen, Norman's manager. "All of Bebo's hard work and love of music have come to fruition this year, as people have really embraced his new CD, the single and the live show. We're looking forward to next year."

In addition to a headlining tour, Norman kicked off 2002 as special guest on the 53-city spring leg of labelmate Third Day's blockbuster "Come Together" tour, performing for more than 225,000 fans nationwide. The additional audience exposure fueled enthusiasm for Norman's most anticipated project to date, Myself When I Am Real, released Sept. 10.

Myself When I Am Real, attained remarkable first week sales, landing at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and No. 8 on its Top Internet Sales chart. On the Christian market charts, it was the week's fourth best-selling album, garnering the No. 1 position on SoundScan's ® Christian Adult Contemporary Albums chart. "Great Light Of The World," the record's debut radio single, climbed its way to No. 5 on Radio & Record's Christian AC Top 30 chart, a first for Norman.

The record was well received by print media as well, earning Norman the cover of CCM Magazine's August issue in addition to high marks from critics as one of the year's best projects. Among CCM Magazine's editor's picks for 2002, Norman was highlighted in the categories of Best Male Artist, Best Song for "Great Light of the World" and "Our Mystery," and Top 5 Album for Myself When I Am Real.

ChristianityToday.com also ranked the project No. 7 on its overall list of the Top 12 Christian Music Albums of 2002, citing "with beautiful acoustic guitars, this mixture of folksy, contemplative songs and unpretentious pop creates a warm, thoughtful atmosphere. Definitely [Bebo's] most intimate, expressive album to date . . ." and " the worshipful radio hit 'Great Light of the World' is one of his best songs ever, and is reason in itself to pick up this album-but just for you, Mr. Norman has graciously sweetened the deal with eleven other folk-pop gems."

Bebo Norman's popularity continues to grow steadily as a result of the success of his critically acclaimed projects, Ten Thousand Days (1999) and Big Blue Sky (2001), the latter ranked No. 1 on Amazon.com's list of the 10 Best Christian and Gospel CDs of 2001. Norman maintains a loyal fan base built by years of consistent touring, initially as an independent artist and later as a nationally signed artist to Watershed Records, a division of Essential Records. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter will continue to tour in support of Myself When I Am Real this spring, details are forthcoming, and a second single is scheduled to release to radio February.

For more information on Bebo Norman, visit www.bebonorman.com.

Nashville-based Essential Records was founded in 1992 to provide relevant music from a God-centered perspective. The label's artist roster includes Jars of Clay, Third Day, Caedmon's Call, FFH, Bebo Norman, Paul Colman Trio, Sarah Sadler and True Vibe. Essential Records, and its affiliated label, Watershed Records, is distributed through Provident Music Distribution and through partnerships with parent company Zomba Music.

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