Jeremy Camp: Surprised by joy

DEL MAR, Calif. — If you’re recording artist Jeremy Camp, when God brings you from the depths of despair to unbelievable joy, there’s only one thing you can do: sing about it.

With his latest album, Restored, Camp chronicles the joy he found after one of the darkest times in his life. In many ways, the album is a musical recounting of his personal recovery—extremely vulnerable and yet intensely joyful.

The story begins with the death of Camp’s first wife, Melissa, who succumbed to cancer soon after they wed. It’s a subject that comes up in almost every interview and one from which the 27-year old doesn’t shy away. He understands that it’s an important part of his testimony, although he said it’s not the main focus any more.

“I think that people will always ask” about Melissa’s death, he said during a recent stop in Rochester, N.Y. where he performed on MercyMe’s Undone Tour. “It’s funny, because I kind of stopped (talking about it) last year, but this tour, for some reason, it’s been laid upon my heart again to share more deeply.”

Maybe that’s because now the story of despair is balanced with the joy of his marriage to wife, Adrienne, and the recent birth of their daughter, Isabella.

“I look at my wife and my daughter,” Camp gushed, “and I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness!’

There’s this joy that is just crazy in my life. That’s where God has restored me.”

It might seem odd that Camp so publicly interweaves his past life with his present, but he’s willing to be transparent with his pain and joy so that others may find hope. Adrienne supports his sharing of Melissa’s story, he said, because she knows that it encourages others struggling through dark times.

“My wife is the most amazing woman,” he said, with wonder in his voice.

Well grounded
What is also amazing is how Camp remains so grounded, given the tidal wave of success over the past three years.

He’s had seven No. 1 hits, with total record sales of almost 1 million.

On April 13 he won three Dove Awards, one as Male Vocalist of the Year, and two as performer and songwriter for Rock Recorded Song of the Year for “Stay,” his No. 1 single from his debut album Stay. He also won top honors at the 27th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards as he was named Songwriter of the Year for his No. 1 singles “Right Here” and “Walk by Faith.”

In 2004 he won two Doves, for Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. He’s garnered praise from publications like Billboard, CCM, Pollstar, Christian Music Planet, New Man and more. In May, he heads to Marrakech, Morocco for the Freedom Fest, a Christian music festival being held in the almost-entirely Muslim Arab country, and then it’s a summer filled with festivals, including Spirit West Coast, before he headlines his third tour this fall with Tree63 and Bethany Dillon.

The BEC recording artist admits that with success comes the added responsibility of living life in a fishbowl, when even a simple outing for coffee can turn into a fan meet-and-greet. He was in Starbucks recently when a group of teens descended. Someone, it seems, had seen Jeremy in the coffee shop and sent a text message to a group of friends, who all hurried over to meet him.

“Everywhere you go, it’s possible somebody might know who you are,” he said, laughing.

He understands that publicity is necessary for a successful music career, but warned that to elevate a Christian to celebrity status is to take away glory that should be God’s. Instead, Camp takes the attention given to him and points people toward Christ.

“If you’re going to be in that position, then be a servant,” he said. “Show the example of Christ.”

A servant’s heart
For Camp, that service begins at his home church, where his dad is the pastor and where Camp helps with worship. But ministry doesn’t stop when he puts down his guitar. He and Adrienne have just purchased a small house they plan to turn into a transitional home for single moms and women from broken families—carrying out a vision Adrienne has to create a place where women can go to get their life in order.

“We’re supposed to continually be serving,” he said, “to be that example and be used by God.”

Sharing gifts
Later, on stage, the notion of servanthood must still be on his mind. Halfway through his set, he addresses the audience regarding the notion that performers are somehow “better” than other Christians.

“We’re no different than you,” he tells the crowd of almost 3,000. “God has just given us certain gifts, and He’s given you certain gifts as well. And you bless us with those gifts, and we hope we bless you, too.”

That sincerity is evident the moment you meet Camp, as he greets you with a bright smile and his undivided attention. He has a genuineness that lets you know that the man you see on stage will be the same man you’ll meet up with at Starbucks or at the gym. His is a life marked by a humility that flows from a past of unbearable lows and unspeakable joys.

Published by Keener Communications Group, May 2005

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