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Ben Lummis

Bio

This year has so far been a whirlwind for Ben Lummis. At the beginning of 2004 he was a teacher's aide at Arohanui Special School, and in the space of just five months he has become one of New Zealand's most recognised celebrities.

In January he lined up with thousands of other hopefuls at the NZ Idol auditions, sang and danced his way into the judge's and the public's hearts. He was crowned New Zealand's first Idol on May 10th.

The following day his debut single 'They Can't Take That Away' was released. It debuted in the National Singles Chart at #1 where it remained for seven weeks, selling over 4 x platinum in the process.

Then Ben set to work recording his debut album 'One Road' which was released on June 15th. The album contains 12 tracks and includes contributions from songwriters who have worked with Christina Aguilera, Jamelia, Atomic Kitten, Westlife, Britney Spears, Blue and Kylie Minogue. Ben co-wrote one of the tracks - 'It's All Good'. One of his standout performances from the NZ Idol programme, a cover of Seal's 'Kiss From A Rose', is also included on the album. The album was recorded in just eleven days and Ben sang all the back-up vocals himself as well!

'One Road' debuted at #1 and stayed there for two weeks, making Ben the first ever local act to hold the top spot on the albums and singles chart simultaneously for more than a week!

All of this success could rather easily go to a young man's head - but not Ben. He remains as humble and grounded as ever - leaning on his family and his religion for support. Ben is of Tongan, Samoan, Maori (Ngati Porou) and Pakeha descent and is close with his mother, father, stepfather and five siblings.

At 26 he has a maturity and serenity rarely found in someone his age and it is no secret that Ben's Christian beliefs are important to him. He became a Christian at the age of 19, and now belongs to Auckland's Breakthrough Church. The belief that if God gives you a talent you should get out there and use it resonates particularly strongly with him - he thinks that this is why there are so many successful Christian musicians in the NZ scene at the moment.

Ben is a devoted R&B and Gospel fan (his favourite artists include Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Fred Hammond) and acknowledges that a whole new world of musical styles has been opened up to him through the NZ Idol process and the recording of 'One Road'. He is on a huge learning curve and loving every minute of it!

'One Road' certainly pays homage to Ben's love of R&B ('Easier to Leave') and gospel ('Only One Road'), but there's everything from upbeat pop ('One More Time With Feeling') to reggae ('Fool for Love') on this album as well.

Releases

Genres

Location

  • Auckland

Best Chart Placings



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Comments (Newest First)

jazrox2

Joined: 29/10/07
Posts: 1
Location: Outside NZ
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hi peps
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:02 pm
Embarassed hi my name is jaz say hi 2 me Embarassed
 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5067
Location: Manawatu
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Ben Lummis Album To Hit Stores
Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 6:18 pm
Ben Lummis’ debut album ‘One Road’ is set to hit record store shelves on Tuesday June 15th.

The album contains 12 tracks and includes contributions from songwriters who have worked with Christina Aguilera, Jamelia, Atomic Kitten, Westlife, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and a co-write from Ben himself. Also included is Ben’s 4 x platinum debut single They Can’t Take That Away and a cover of one of his standout performances from the NZ Idol programme, Seal’s Kiss From A Rose.

Ben’s previous in-store signings have drawn record crowds. The young star is all set to meet more fans in the next two weeks at the following locations:

- ROTORUA - Friday June 18th 4pm @ The Warehouse corner Amahou & Fenton Streets

- AUCKLAND - Saturday June 19th 2pm @ The Warehouse Manukau City

- DUNEDIN - Tuesday June 22nd 3.30pm @ The Warehouse South Dunedin

- CHRISTCHURCH - Wednesday June 23rd 3.30pm @ Riccarton Mall

- WELLINGTON - Friday June 24th 3.30pm @ The Warehouse Porirua

 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5067
Location: Manawatu
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Ben's First In Store Draws Record Numbers
Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 6:23 pm
Over 2000 fans crowded the Sounds Music Store at Botany Town Centre in East Auckland on Saturday where Ben signed singles, cell phones, teddy bears and t-shirts for more than 2 hours.

Ben was amazed at the reception waiting for him. "This is unbelievable! I had no idea this many people would turn out to see me. I'm overwhelmed." he said.

The Marketing Director of Sounds, Shaun Joyce said "By far this has been the biggest in-store we've ever had. It's fantastic!"

This week Ben gets the chance to meet his fans in Wellington and Christchurch:

Ben will be in Wellington on Wednesday May 19th and will be signing singles and posters at Sounds Music Store at 326 Lambton Quay from 4pm.

And on Thursday May 20th Ben will be in Christchurch where he will be signing singles and posters at Sounds in the Shirley Palms Shopping Centre, also from 4pm.
 

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