| Shawn Thomas | |
|---|---|
Shawn Thomas (2009) |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Aaron Thomas Steiner |
| Born | November 2, 1968 |
| Origin | Greencastle, Indiana |
| Genres | contemporary Christian, pop/rock, dance, country |
| Labels | Aaron's Rainbow Project |
| Website | http://www.shawnthomasonline.com |
Shawn Thomas is a contemporary Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader whose ministry includes an outreach to the GLBT community. He is also the owner/operator of "Shawn Thomas Studios"[1] in West Palm Beach, FL providing audio recording, production, and mastering services to independent artists, songwriters, and bands.
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Aaron Thomas Steiner was born November 2, 1968; his father was a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He began using Shawn Thomas as his stage name in college and later legally changed it to Shawn Aaron Thomas. Thomas graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1991.
After a decade of pursuing his talents in many directions outside of Christian music, Shawn followed the encouragement of others and incorporated his faith into his music. In 2003 Shawn released his first "spiritual" project, "Everything I Am”, and began a completely unplanned journey into music ministry, introducing him to a way of worship through music he previously thought impossible. "I was afraid to sing religious music, because I didn't think I would be allowed to do the kind of music that I enjoy. I grew up being exposed only to traditional hymns and classically based music in church, so I didn't think of contemporary music as something that could be used in worship and praise." Shawn visits churches, groups, and events sharing the Grace message of God’s Love, through concerts, workshops, and spoken message.[2]
Shawn Thomas received the 2008 Editor’s Choice Award from QNation.fm for the single, “You Are Here Lord”, and he is a three time Pride in the Arts Awards[3] (StoneWallSociety.com) recipient and ten time nominee. His 2003 CD/album, “Everything I Am” spun two number one singles and the album remained on the Top 20 for over 12 months on Pride Christian Music. His follow-up project in 2005 called “Changed”, received a nomination for “Outstanding New Inspirational Recording” from OutMusic.com. The 2006 release, “Faith Unashamed” listed on OutVoice.net’s[4] Top40 for over 23 months and in the Top10 for over a year! And, the video for the single “What am I Gonna Do with You” has been listed as the most viewed music video on TheQTube.[5]
In 2009, the compilation CD, "Revisited Vol. 2" was named Album of the Year by the Voters’ Choice Awards from the “Unashamed Faith Cafe” Radio Program.[6]
In 2010, he published a book describing his experience as being both gay and Christian. Titled, "Unashamed - Coming Out of the Second Closet",[7] the volume deals with being in the crosshairs from both groups, as many Christians think his sexuality is incompatible with faith and many in the GLBT community believe his faith runs contrary to GLBT causes. In its pages, Thomas explains that neither assumption is true.
"UP (Unashamed Praise)"[8] is a first-of-its-kind compilation CD released in Feb, 2011 and produced by Shawn Thomas. It is unique in that it is a collection of 14 GLBT Christian recording artists such as Marsha Stevens-Pino[9] and Rev. Delores Berry. The title track, "Hands Up", is a work contributed, written, and recorded by Thomas.
His newest musical effort, released in July 2011, is a two-disc set called “Covered and Created,” which features 10 tracks previously recorded by other artists and 10 new original works. “Covered” artists include Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Mariah Carey, Richard Marx and Cher. The first single, "Hero" (an uptempo cover of the Mariah Carey hit) was voted into the Top 10 singles on OutVoice.net[10]
Shawn Thomas currently resides in the West Palm Beach area of Florida with his life-partner, Brian Ladd.[11] Brian and Shawn were both recognized by Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches[12] in 2009 with community service awards. Brian received “The Cherish Award” for his leadership in ministry, and Shawn was presented the “Ruby Slipper Award” in recognition of his work as an “out” contemporary Christian artist.[13]
From 2003 to 2011, Thomas has released a total of nine CD/albums of mostly original Christian music ranging in style from spiritual, praise & worship, pop, ballads, rock:
Prior to 2003 he released three secular projects: