Francesca Battistelli Debut Album My Paper Heart
New Christian Contemporary Artist Climbs Charts With I'm Letting Go
Oct 29, 2009
Singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli planned on following in her parents' footsteps into the world of theater. However, God must have had other plans. Her debut album, released in July 2009, is #19 on the Billboard Christian Music Chart and moving up in popularity.
This young lady is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and the message of encouragement that each person is uniquely made to have a relationship with Him.
Francesca Battistelli Singer Songwriter Actress
As a child, Francesca dreamed of being an actress. It was no surprise to her family. Both of her parents had theater experience. In fact, her parents had met while on tour doing the musical The King and I with Yul Brenner. Her dad was an assistant conductor. Her mother played the role of Anna.
Francesca knew from the beginning, becoming an actress would not be easy. She had determination and was willing to work hard in all she did. Her early years revolved around dance lessons and musical theater training.
When she was 15 years old, she earned an opportunity to be part of an all girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, Florida. It was a good experience. The girls performed in the Hard Rock Live and the House of Blues a couple of times.
At the end of the gig, Francesca took a break from everthing and spent time with a youth ministry that was special to her. While there, God opened her heart up to Christian music. She began playing the guitar and longed to write songs that brought Christians and non-Christians together. Music that would bring together both Pop and Christian music fans.
Francesca Battistelli's Debut Album My Paper Heart
This first album features eleven songs full of heartfelt personal reflections on Francesca's life and faith. Her style is similar to that of Christian Contemporary artist, Nicole Nordeman. The message of My Paper Heart is simple and inspired by scripture. Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."(NIV)
God has unique purpose planned for each individual. No two people are on the same journey. Celebrate the journey. When Francesca moved to Nasville, where she now resides, she left behind all the comforts of home she'd ever know. Everything she thought life would be was now different. The song, I'm Letting Go, is about putting the past behind her and embarking on a new journey with the Lord.
The story behind the song, Free to be me, has been played on Christian radio stations across the country. Francesca accidentally backed into a lawyer's car one day. After the accident, as she headed home, she was trying to cheer herself up. She began singing, " Gotta a couple dents in my fender, gotta a couple rips in my jeans." By the time she got home, she hardly remembered the wreck. Totally focused on the song. Twenty minutes later the lyrics to Free to be Me were written. Nobody's perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. God still loves us.
So many are struggling in the world today. Many are looking for encouragement and hope. That's why Beautiful, Beautiful was written. Like sunlight at midnight, God is there. God knows the pain. God sees the hurt. God heals and creates something beautiful. Something in His own image. God is beautiful.
Just like Francesca, everyone has a story. The lyrics to It's Your Life, reminds people life is all about choices. People can choose to be followers or leaders. A follower lives by others' expectations. A leader lives by God's unique design for each person.
The Future Is Bright For Francesca Battistelli
Her journey is just beginning, and things are going well. She recently married. Her debut album is climbing the charts. The past two months, she's been on tour with Leeland and Brandon Heath. The Follow You Tour was a 8 week, 43 city tour, raising funds for an organization called Food for the Hungry. No matter what the future holds, Francesca will continue to use her music to inspire others to be the unique people God has designed them to be.
She wants people to know God loves them for who they are. She encourages everyone to go out into the world and have a wonderful adventure making a difference for Him.
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