Music has a way of making itself known and heard in a person’s life at a young age and Stephen was no different. As a 9-year-old third grader at lace>lacename>Newfanelacename> lacetype>Elementary Schoollacetype>lace>, he earned his first solo at a Christmas recital. Stephen was so excited, he actually tried out for more parts at additional recitals throughout the coming school years. But, as high school approached, he found a new love… sports, and although he found success as an athlete in high school and college, he never really put music behind him. >>

At 17, he started singing with The Harmonaires, southern gospel quartet from the northeast. He sang bass for almost two years before leaving for college. When college was finished, Stephen moved to lace>Virginia Beachlace> and auditioned for the band Sojourner, a contemporary Christian band already building a following throughout the south. Having landed the tenor job, he traveled with the band ministering and singing in prisons and naval brigs throughout the south as well as opening for names like Amy Grant, Kathi Tricolli, and Phil Driscoll.>>

After four years and some differences about musical direction, the band dissolved and Stephen headed back to his hometown of lace>Lockport, NYlace>. There, he spent the next few years singing and ministering in churches around lace>New Englandlace> as a solo artist as well as a worship leader and team member of his church. Then, country music began to call and soon, Stephen was leading a band that would open for names like Willie Nelson, Diamond Rio, Lee Greenwood and Wynona, not to mention, having a regular circuit across the northeast.>>

But, as the years flew by and finding a stronger resolve, Stephen started to realize that he was wasting the precious gift that God had given him and headed for Nashville, Tennessee. Within a few months, he began to realize the vision that God was leading him was not in country music, but back into the roots of gospel! He started seeking out other songwriters and musicians who shared the same vision and passion for leading others into the knowledge of Jesus Christ thru music and the end result is a hard driving, blues/rock gospel sound with soul-searching lyrics and a passion and hope for a world searching for answers. >>

In March of 2005, XO Records released Stephen’s debut single, “He Did It All” in the Southern Gospel Category and scored the CD “Takin’ the Long Way Home” its first Billboard Top 100 hit in July. With an 80 date tour schedule in 2005, the music began to find its home in the hearts of listeners all over America and Canada.

Now, in 2006, the music has taken on a new form as Stephen’s passion to fuse blues, southern gospel and rock into one genre of music is being achieved. Look for the new album, "Take It All Away" to be available late November, 2006.

www.stephenleethompson.com

http://www.myspace.com/stephenleethompson