Amy Grant tour picks up Vince Gill in December

Twenty years ago, contemporary pop and Christian performer Amy Grant released an album largely ignored by the mainstream music scene. “Lead Me On” was critically acclaimed by Christian advocacy groups, but failed to make a name for itself on the charts. Grant’s betting that the second time around could be the charm. The singer/songwriter re-released the record as a two-disc, 20th anniversary set in June and kicks off her supporting tour this fall.

The Lead Me On 20th Anniversary Celebration Tour officially kicks off on October 12 in Augusta, GA, though Grant has two mid-September warm-up shows planned. The 21-date jaunt is a recreation of Grant’s original Lead Me On Tour. The tour wraps on November 22 in Upper Darby, PA, but that doesn’t signal an end to Grant’s tenure on the road.

On December 4, Grant begins a second tour with her husband, country recording artist Vince Gill, in support of her new holiday album. “Christmas Collection” is slated for a September 30 release, and its 18 tracks feature a mix of new songs and hits from Grant’s past Christmas records. Grant and Gill co-wrote one of the original tracks, titled “Baby, It’s Christmas.”

“I am so excited to recapture and re-engage audiences with these songs,” Grant said about the upcoming Lead Me On Tour in a statement on her Web site. “I can honestly say that I am truly looking forward to getting out and performing these songs, and hope to bring back the passion and inspiration these songs brought out in me and so many.”

Though the tour celebrates music released two decades ago, fans should keep their ears open for some possible new tunes. Grant has stated that she’s written enough songs for a new album, which she hopes to begin before the start of her tour.

Grant released her self-titled debut in 1977. In all, she has recorded 16 studio albums.

Amy Grant itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)

* Christmas Tour with Vince Gill