Faith-Based: Music

First Call

About

Melodie Tunney, Bonnie Keen, and Marty McCall met in the mid 1980’s as studio musicians, considered in Nashville Tennessee as the ‘first call’ by producers for background vocals and commercial jingles.  While touring with Sandi Patty, the trio recorded their first pop cd, Undivided which showcased not only the groups’ gifted vocals, but introduced them as songwriters and propelled First Call into the forefront of Contemporary Christian music.

Much to their surprise, three Dove awards and five Grammy nominations would follow. Still working as studio singers at home, they chose to focus their writing and performance skills on a newfound ministry.  Songs like "Undivided," "The Reason We Sing," "O Sifuni Mungu," and "Sweet Love" seemed to fuel an audience hungry for a harmony driven trio, many times likened to the sounds of Manhattan Transfer. Yet beyond the accolades, the group shared something that survived years of success and turmoil—a heart for Christ and friendships that would endure times of separation and change.

In 1990 Melodie felt led to leave First Call to join her husband Dick Tunney in their own concert and songwriting ministry. Yet behind the scene her heart was never disconnected from the bond she shared with Bonnie and Marty.  During the ensuing years, Bonnie and Marty continued the ministry of First Call.  However the loss of the trio image and sound left First Call at a crossroads. After fifteen years, Bonnie and Marty peacefully and reluctantly parted to pursue avenues of solo ministries.

After years of thinking their touring and recording days were over, God was working on putting the finishing touch on 2 decades of ups and downs. The One who put the group together had a sweet surprise for the original trio. Discovery House Music expressed an interest in a project they had never pursued: an a cappella hymns cd, a TV taping in Israel and a time for the trio to dream again.  “Hymns have always been a huge part of where Bonnie, Marty and I are—individually and as a group,” Mel explains.

“We’re ready to sing and record together again and we truly have a back story to the songs we’ve recorded that will bring new life to the lyrics and songs,” says Marty. “It’s all about God’s heart for redemption and second chances. God is never done with us. His redemptive heart shows up when least expected. Even in a trio that never thought they would share a studio or platform again.”

Enjoy and be encouraged by the opportunity to have First Call come your way, full of gratitude and joy, joining their voices to give God the honor and glory for all He’s poured into them individually and as a trio.  REJOICE with First Call as they return again with a renewed passion and a reason to sing.

Awards

• 3 Dove Awards (11 nominations)
• 5 Grammy nominations

Resources

Photo

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