Avalon Worship, originally known as Avalon, is an American contemporary Christian vocal quartet from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 1995. The group has earned multiple RIAA-certified gold records. The group currently consists of Janna Long, Greg Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca. Group history 1995–97: Formation, debut, and A Maze of Grace Avalon was formed in 1995 in Nashville after Norman Miller of Proper Management took the idea of a vocal group to Grant Cunningham, A&R Director at Sparrow Records. Miller's vision was to have two male and two female vocalists who could sing tight harmonies and carry the Gospel to the world. Cunningham publicized his intentions and received many demo tapes, but nothing fit his desires. After letting the idea of Avalon rest a while, Cunningham attended an artist showcase in Nashville to listen to a singer. However, another artist, Michael Passons, caught his attention, and Passons was the first of the group's founding members. Soon after, former Truth vocalist and South Carolina native Janna Potter (later Janna Long) heard about Avalon's formation. Rikk Kittlemann and Tabitha Fair became part of the group, but each left after a short time. Fair was offered a solo record deal, and Kittlemann left for other opportunities. With two member openings, Long contacted her former Truth bandmate Jody McBrayer, who became a member of Avalon a few days later. Nikki Hassman-Anders was the fourth founding vocalist of Avalon. Hassman recorded two albums with Avalon, Avalon (1996) and A Maze of Grace (1997), before leaving in May 1998 to pursue a solo career with Sony Records. 1998–02: In a Different Light, Joy, Oxygen, and solo projects Cherie Paliotta (later Cherie Adams) replaced Hassman after one of Avalon's co-managers listened to a country music demo tape recorded by Adams. Though country is not a genre Avalon performs in, executives chose Adams as they believed she would be a perfect fit. Adams recorded four albums with Avalon: In a Different Light (1999), Joy: A Christmas Collection (2000), Oxygen (2001), and a remix album, O2: Avalon Remixed (March 2002). In 1999, it won the Concert Artists Guild Competition. Adams departed the group to pursue a solo ministry geared toward single women, and in September 2002, she was replaced by Melissa Greene, another of Long's former bandmates in Truth. In between projects Jody McBrayer released a solo album, This Is Who I Am, in September 2002. The album included