Friday, April 23, 2010

MercyMe Makes History As "I Can Only Imagine" Passes 1 Million Downloads

"I Can Only Imagine" becomes the first song in Christian music genre to Platinum in digital sales. Their CD "All That Is Within Me" goes Gold.

Once again MercyMe has made history as their massive multi-format single “I Can Only Imagine” recently surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. Simultaneously, their last studio record, All That Is Within Me, received RIAA Gold certification, continuing to place MercyMe in the unique position of having had all of their studio recordings receive gold or platinum status. MercyMe will release The Generous Mr. Lovewell on May 4th.

Jeff Moseley, president of INO Records, surprised MercyMe on the Rock & Worship Roadshow last week with plaques commemorating both honors, saying, “This award is a testament to the fact that a song can change the world. Selling one million downloads is an achievement that is unprecedented in Christian music and I couldn't be happier for the guys.”

Written by lead singer Bart Millard as his father was suffering from terminal cancer, MercyMe had what seemed like overnight success with "I Can Only Imagine,” when after topping the Christian radio charts, hit #4 on the mainstream Adult Contemporary charts and top 25 on Pop/CHR and Hot AC charts. The success of the song created a nationwide groundswell, as the American public called in to radio stations all across the country requesting stations play the song.

"Once again it is overwhelming to see the success that a song which is so personal to me has touched so many lives,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We are honored that our fans continue to buy our records and support our ministry. God has been way too good to us!"