Passion Of The Christ CD Garners GMA Music Award

(Nashville, TN.)-At last night's GMA Music Awards, The Passion of the Christ: Songs was awarded Special Event Album Of The Year. Artists inspired by Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ recorded original songs sparked by the experience of seeing the film. The album features the diverse lineup which includes tracks by Scott Stapp; Lauryn Hill; P.O.D.; Kirk Franklin featuring Yolanda Adams; Brad Paisley & Sara Evans; Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman - Mercy Me; MxPx featuring Mark Hoppus; Charlotte Church and others. The collection was released by Wind Up Records on August 31st, 2004.

Mark Joseph and Tim Cook, who produced the CD commented: "We're pleased to receive a Dove Award for The Passion of The Christ Songs record. In blending together the various genres of rock, pop, R&B, country and traditional Gospel, we tried to craft a record that showed that the message in the film was appreciated by people in all musical genres and not confined to any single style of music. The GMA's new mission speaks of finding and honoring music in every genre that reflects a Gospel message. We're honored that our rock/pop/R&B/country record furthered that goal."

"It was amazing for me to step outside my box and be part of a project that is deeply rooted in my spiritual beliefs," commented Creed frontman Stapp. "Writing Relearn Love for the Passion Of The Christ: Songs was spiritually and emotionally fulfilling, and I'm sure the other artists felt the same way. It was an honor to be asked and I want to thank Mark Joseph, Mel Gibson and Tim Cook for letting me be a part of it and Alan Meltzer for taking a chance on this project because he knew how much it meant to me personally."

The Passion of the Christ released February 25th, 2004 creating a flurry of media and public interest before and after it hit theaters. The film from Academy Award-winning director Mel Gibson is a story of courage and sacrifice depicting the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ.

Featuring stunning cinematography and an inspired performance by Jim Caviezel as Jesus, The Passion of the Christ is considered a triumphant and uncompromising filmmaking achievement.