Seven years ago Jennifer Knapp, a Dove award winning, grammy nominated Christian music artist, stepped down from music announcing she was taking an indefinite hiatus from the music business due to burn out and the need for a rest. Being on the road for 250 out of the year had caught up with her. The decision came in mid-2001 but due to booked shows she wasn't able to officially stop until 2003.

When Knapp decided to quit in her mind it was for good and she thought there was a good chance she would never do music again ever, which was a hard thing to come to terms with. She was plunged into grief and on a roller coaster ride of emotions that lasted 2 to 3 years before it settled and she was able to look at what was left and who was still there.

In 2009 Knapp started writing music again and playing small shows for family and friends. She was back to where she was when she first started. She booked some small shows here and there playing her new music.

Knapp said she never understood why as a Christian artist she was told she should only write "Christian" music. As an artist she wants to write music and as a woman of faith it will show up in her music. Letting Go is not a Christian album nor will it be marketed that way. She writes about her own experiences, struggles, and journey. She's found the freedom to write music and not have to keep a biblical reference in mind.

Knapp dropped a bomb on the Christian community when she revealed in a interview to Christianity Today that the rumors were true, she is a lesbian. She has been in a loving relationship with her partner for 8 years and is the happiest she's ever been. She stressed the fact that while her being a lesbian did play a part in her departure of Christian music it wasn't the main factor and she wasn't run out of town with her tail between her legs. In her interview with GCN Radio Knapp says her personal life is very private but revealed that she is a lesbian because she didn't want people to feel she was hiding or being dishonest so she felt it was something she needed to be upfront about. Although there have been the predictable anti-gay response from some Christians, Knapp says the support she's received has been overwhelmingly positive.

I first heard of Jennifer Knapp's music in 1998 through some friends who loved it. Kansas had just been released and I instantly fell in love with her deep honest lyrics and her beautiful voice. I have listened to Letting Go for about a week now and in my humble opinion it is her best album to date. It is a collection of heart felt songs that speak to her own journey but are universal enough to speak deeply to the human experience and the spiritual journey.

The entire album is incredible and is highly recommended. My top favorite songs are Fallen, Inside, Want For Nothing, Better Off, and Stone to the River. Get this album!

Discography

Kansas - 1998

Lay It Down - 2000

The Way I Am - 2001

The Collection - 2003

Live - 2006

Evolving EP - 2010

Letting Go - 2010

This is video of Fallen (live)