SPRINGFIELD – If you like music, you will love this! “The Heart Behind the Music” show provides an up close, and personal insight into some of the greatest music ever written, and performances by some of the music industry’s most talented musicians.

Artists scheduled to appear April 22 at the Mars Theatre are John Ford Coley, Bill Champlin of pop/rock super group Chicago, and Lenny LeBlanc.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at marstheatre.com or by calling 754-7617.

John Ford Coley is most revered as half of the Grammy nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley.

He continues with an active roster performing the platinum and gold record hits for audiences around the world.

Classically trained on piano and an avid guitarist, John loves the craft and enjoys every audience he encounters.

Some of John Ford Coley’s hits are as follows: “Love Is The Answer”, “Gone Too Far”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”, “Nights Are Forever Without You”, “Soldier In The Rain”, “Come Back To Me”, “Sad To Belong”, “Simone”, “Westward Wind”, “Part of Me, Part of You.” 

John lives in the Nashville area with his family, where he’s penned a book on his years in the music industry entitled “Backstage Pass”, and is writing another book about his spiritual journey back from another religion to Christianity. He also speaks in churches about his experiences.

Bill Champlin joined Chicago in 1982 to record Chicago 16.

His very distinctive and expressive vocals can be heard on Chicago’s hit, “Hard Habit to Break”. In 1989, Chicago released the song of the year, “Look Away”, featuring Champlin on lead vocals.

In 1990 Bill released the critically acclaimed “No Wasted Moments”. After 28 years with Chicago, Bill parted ways with the classic jazz/rock band to focus once again on his solo career. The announcement came on the heels of the 2009 release of his solo album “No Place Left to Fall”.

A successful songwriter and singer, it was nearly impossible to turn on the radio in the late 70’s without hearing Lenny LeBlanc’s hit ballad, “Falling”.

Even though there were plenty of friends and other career distractions, he knew where he wanted music to take him, and he possessed the drive to make it happen.

LeBlanc’s name appears on dozens of beloved songs of the church, including the Dove award winning “Above All” which has been recorded by Michael W. Smith, Rebecca Saint James along with country artists Randy Travis and Richie McDonald of Lonestar and the classic “There Is None Like You.”

Looking back over his career and his personal walk, Lenny reflects, “It’s amazing what God has done in my life.”

For more information, contact Allison Newberry at (912) 407-0501 or at anewberry@springfieldga.org.