Blayne Bell (Vocalist)
In 2001, Blayne Bell was given an ultimatum by AbileneChristian University: either do six hours of counseling a week to fix his gayness, or he was going to lose his scholarship, his on-campus job, housing and all the college credits he worked so hard for because ACU wasnt going to have gays on their campus. I told them they were already there, that if they put me out we were going to war, and I would embarrass the hell out of them, says Bell, who was originally classified as a Christian gospel singer, and now records under his agency, Standout Music Outreach. This is when I left the gospel music, and realized I needed to come out and build an outreach to reach all kids, religious or not; especially after seeing two other kids get kicked out of ACU one turned to drugs and alcohol, the other committed suicide.
As a Christian singer, I couldnt go everywhere, he says. And theres no reason any church or religion should put down youth because they are gay. This was the beginning of SMO, created because Bell feels gay youth need role models. He explains that he didnt have anyone to talk to growing up because his family doesnt agree with his views, and hes found, especially in small towns, that the only place to meet is in bars. If I went to church and talked about it, I would have been kicked out, he says with a soft Texan accent. Id see the dean or elder puffing on cigars at church or the preachers on campus would be drinking, so how is that really any different? I mean, do they think I would choose to be gay? he asks. Why would I choose a path that gives me problems or causes rejection? And with this in mind, Bell travels all over the United States because he feels music is an international tool that will help him to really reach out. He has performed more than 1,700 concerts, and does about 20 to 60 events a year, including Pride festivals, MCCs, Affirming Churches sometimes at his own expense. Bell has performed with greats such as Thea Austin, Waylon Jennings, Amber, Acappella, Doug Supernaw, Zig Ziglar, Johnny Cash plus many more and has two albums to date, with his newest release, entitled Overcome. Blayne just release his first book entitled Still Standing reflecting on his personal life at a GLBT individual in the Christian perspective with music and includes inspirational writings by Blayne as well. The title is a reflection of his mission of reaching out to youth and the GLBT community and showing them how to overcome barriers to be openly gay, because he says, its not any different than being straight because its a strange world we live in. No one can tell me this isnt the right path, he says. I have a talent, but if I dont use it to help others, why am I here on Earth? he asks. Even if I only have a 10-minute conversation with someone and it betters their life, then Ive done my job. Its hard to be gay. I can run and hide, but I just need to love people, and I cant escape being gay. So many hide behind drugs, alcohol, have sexual problems, and their lives go corrupt, he continues. I gotta love myself first, and since we live in such a hard world, I gotta do what I can to make it better. I hope that when someone hears my story, it will affect them, because being gay is so minor in terms of what we need to worry about in the world. Bell finishes up by reiterating what seems to be his motto: Its not what you are, but who you are. The soul is whats important, he says. And if being a public icon, and using my music to help others can help them realize that, then I can look in the mirror every day and just see another person, and I can go to my grave knowing I worked hard to help others find inner peace.
You can visit more on Blayne Bell at www.outrightspeakers.com under "coming out" and "music".
Songs from the new Album entitled "Sacred, Treasured, Gifted" by Blayne
Include:
1. "Angel" 2. "It Had To Be You" 3. "The Years of Our Lives" by Blayne Bell 4. "Glory of Love" 5. "Wind Beneath My Wings" 6. "From A Distance" 7. "I Can Only Imagine" 8. "That'll Be The Day" 9. "Good Morning Beautiful"
PROMOTIONAL BIO(SHORT FORM):
Blayne Bell is a new up and coming music artist who has a style all his own and has recently opened concerts for Thea Austin, En Vogue, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, The Darrell McCall Band, and many more. The energy and enthusiasm of his music are genuine. He performs music to express his hope for social harmony and to uplift people everywhere and to reach out to people of all ages. The music styles range from pop, rock, contemporary, alternative, Christian, and jazz. Blayne received recognition throughout the country in Christian music and although he still performs and records gospel and contemporary Christian music, he has expanded his talents. Blayne's program is a combination of music interspersed with his own life story about coming out in the Christian culture. His message is clear " it is not what you are...but who you are that matters".
Influences
Standout Music Outreach & SMO Group Staff:
Blayne Bell - Entertainer(CEO) (206) 984-8506
Booking Management:
Jayson T. Stonne
Founder/CEO
Stonne Entertainment Group,Inc (310) 663-0974
-Jeff Blackwell - Regional Manager for East Coast and Web Designer
-Advisory Board for SMO Group: Brad Antinodes (Indiana) - The Desert Daily Guide (Palm Springs, CA)
For East Coast Bookings dial: (484) 303-7015
Web Design: Paul Rawson (Halifax, England)
Sounds Like
I have been told my music is very diverse and I sound somewhat like Buddy Holly, Enrique Iglesias, Rich Mullins, Dave Matthew, Michael Buble, and Harry Connick Jr.
Blayne is an International charting recording artist, and has sung for over sixteen years. Touring throughout the USA, he performs at fairs, concert halls, out-door events, dance halls, churches and GLBT Pride Festivals. In 1994, Blayne went on to sign a professional recording contract under Word/Epic/Sony Records as a backup singer for the Christian groups Acappella and AVB out of Paris, TN. By 1995, Blayne went on to a solo career in gospel music under The Stars of Gospel Music Talent & Booking Agency. During his time with them, he burst into the radio market as a DJ working for several top radio stations throughout West Texas. Blayne hosted the Standout Radio Show on KJAK 92.7 FM from 1996 to 1999 in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. In 2001, Blayne was kicked out of Abilene Christian University for being "that way" aka gay. Blayne finally came to terms with his life, understanding that "It is not what you are but who you are that matters." Blayne formed the new outreach agency Standout Music Outreach (SMO). This is the program he tours under today. In 1999, Blayne released his first charting single entitled "Standing In The Millennium." The single charted internationally on the Atlantic Satellite Top 2500 Record Buyer's Guide for four months under Vandor Music Group (VMG). Blayne's music talents have led him into both mainstream and pop music. Performing over 1700 concerts in his short-lived career, he continues to travel around 20 to 60 dates a year. His musical abilities include pop, jazz, club, contemporary, dance, and Christian in styles. Blayne speaks and entertains with the message "It is not what you are but who you are." He incorporates his personal life, humor, writings, stories and music talent all in one performance. You will laugh, cry, cheer and leave feeling full-filled. The event will be one that you will long remember. Currently, Blayne has finished his first solo album entitled Overcome released in 2005. He is at work on a second album due to be released as well. A new book is under way this June entitled "Still Standing". Blayne has opened concerts for and performed with dance sensation Thea Austin (Rythm Is A Dancing), Amber, CeCe Penniston, Martha Wash, Ari Gold, Actor Barry Corbin, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Doug Supernaw, Zig Ziglar, President George W. Bush, Razzy Bailey, Charlie "Sugartime" Phillips, B.B. Watson, Ru Paul, Marty Brown, The James Blackwood Quartet, The Kingsmen, Gold City, Palmetto State Quartet, The Nelons, Speer Family, Acappella, AVB, Heather Payne (Point of Grace), Jeff Murrah (Straight Company), The Wilburns, George Pendergrass, The Darrell McCall Band, and many more.
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Hey BLAYNE BELL, compare movies with me!
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hey how are u? i thought u were going to switch me to your front page? TTYS
I miss you.
Hey man. I VERY much enjoy your music! I would love to do all I can to promote your music here in Cleveland, Ohio!!!!!
MyHotComments
hey babe how are u?
stopping in to say hey!!
Thanks so much I really appreciate your listening and friending me. It's good to be friends, real good! All the best to you as well.
Cindy :o)
Darlin',
You're better than deep fried Spam on a stick, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart! Oh, and...
Keep the music comin' darlin'!
Love, Kisses, and Trailer Park Wishes,
Ruby Ann Boxcar
That would be great to see you all here!
hey miss hearing from you! hope you are okay!! can't wait to hear the new stuff!!
Myspace Comments * DazzleJunction. com
Myspace I Love You Comments & Graphics
Happy Easter Blayne
Grace & Peace
Thanks for the add !!!!
hey how is it going?
just stopping by to say hi! miss talking to u
hey there...there's someone wrote something really nastty about you in their blog, you got to check this out, follow the link
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fvuseaction=blog.view&friendID=55807130&blogID=183418151
hey babe whats up...........Long time no talk
sup its been a while been working like crazy ............. Hope all is well Xoxoxox bro
hello there how are u? How was your new year's eve? Talk to you soon. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!
MERRY XMAS TOO U AND UR BOI
More Comments at pYzam.com
Merry Christmas, Blayne
WISHING YOU A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS 2008, MR. BELL.
Merry Christmas Blayne
Grace & Peace
HAPPY BRITHDAY BOY
Party Like A Rock Star Have sex like a porn star
Best of luck with your man : )
Baby wishing you the best brithday ever Much love Besos
HAPPY 21st : )
Happy Birthday! Best Wishes!
I know it is a little early but I want to say happy birthday before I forgot....we will be gone christmas....talk to u soon