Jump5

by Bradley Torreano
With big choruses, dynamic songs, and a family-friendly vibe, Jump5 debuted on the Christian pop scene in 2001. The five teenagers weren't even old enough to drive, and their youthful enthusiasm and naïve sensibilities made them a parent-friendly alternative to the increasingly sex-driven sounds of other teen pop acts. The group was not one of the studio-made pop bands that had been dominating mainstream radio since the late '90s. Instead, their story began when brother and sister Brandon and Brittany Hargest joined the same dance class as Lesley Moore. The three were only toddlers at the time, but their similar interests and talents turned them into fast friends. Over the subsequent years, Libby Hodges and Chris Fedun joined the trio and they decided to try their hands at pop music.
Backed by their parents and Sparrow Records, the fivesome assembled a dance routine and had some wholesome, uptempo pop songs written for them. Upon the release of their debut, they took to performing in schools, malls, and amphitheaters around the country, spreading their positive message to audiences that consisted of children, teens, and parents. A visit to the White House helped raise their profile, and a benefit cover of "God Bless the U.S.A." became a single in the wake of September 11, 2001. In 2002, the group recorded All the Time in the World and released it that summer, with a huge promotional campaign behind the album. Jump5 also arranged deals with McDonalds and Disney for promotion, while a tour with the A*Teens, Aaron Carter, and the Baha Men kept them busy throughout the summer. Dreaming in Color followed in 2004, while 2005 saw the release of two albums: the Very Best of Jump5 compilation and a brand new effort, Shining Star. Their last album, 2007's Hello & Goodbye, was released three months before the group's final performance in Nashville.