Sandi Patty (born July 14 1957)is a Contemporary Christian music singer. She is known for the breadth of her range – both in terms of musical pitch and musical genres – and her powerful yet flexible voice.

Early life

Patty was born to a minister of music and his wife, the church pianist, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She first performed at the age of two, when she sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her church. A few years later, she and her brothers formed a group called "The Ron Patty Family," and performed at small churches across across the nation. She enrolled at San Diego State University, but soon transferred to Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, where she studied music.

Singing career

Patty recorded her first album, For My Friends, with the help of her husband John Helvering. In 1979 she signed to an independent label and released her first professional CD, Sandi's Song. A printers error in one of her CD's listed her name as Sandi Patti, and for much of her early career this was her stage name. Her career took off after she won her first two Dove Awards in 1982. She had her first national tour in 1984 and participated in a 1988 CBS special for the Republican National Convention.

At the peak of her career in the late 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, Patti appeared on the Tonight Show and sang the national anthem at the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.

Personal troubles stalled her career in the early 1990s, but she continued to record and tour after a short break.

Personal life

While studying at Anderson College, Patty married John Helvering. They divorced in 1992, and it was revealed by 1995 that Patty had had two affairs during the marriage. This revelation had a chilling effect on her career and her reputation in the Christian music industry.

Patty is currently married to Don Peslis . They adopted a boy, Sam. She has four children from her marriage with John Helvering and four step-children from Don Peslis. She currently lives in Anderson, Indiana.

Awards

• Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee in 2004
• 39 Dove Awards (1982 (x2), 1983 (x2), 1984 (x4), 1985 (x4), 1986, 1987 (x3), 1988 (x3), 1989 (x4), 1990 (x2), 1991 (x3), 1992 (x4), 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 (x2), 1990 (x2)
• 5 Grammy Awards (1984, 1986, 1987(x2), 1991)
• 4 Billboard Music Awards
• 5 Gold albums (RIAA)
• 3 Platinum albums (RIAA)

Discography

• 1970s - For My Friends
• 1979 - Sandi's Songs
• 1981 - Love Overflowing
• 1982 - Lift Up the Lord
• 1983 - The Gift Goes On
• 1983 - More Than Wonderful
• 1984 - Songs from the Heart
• 1985 - Hymns Just for You
• 1986 - Morning Like This
• 1988 - Make His Praise Glorious
• 1989 - The Finest Moments
• 1989 - Sandi Patty and the Friendship Company
• 1990 - Another Time, Another Place
• 1991 - Open for Business
• 1992 - Celebrate Christmas!
• 1993 - Le Voyage
• 1995 - Find It On the Wings
• 1996 - It's Christmas!
• 1996 - An American Songbook
• 1996 - O Holy Night
• 1998 - Libertad Me Das
• 1998 - Artist of My Soul
• 1999 - Together: Sandi Patty & Kathy Troccoli
• 2000 - These Days
• 2001 - All the Best Live
• 2001 - For God and Country
• 2003 - Take Hold of Christ
• 2004 - Hymns of Faith … Songs of Inspiration

External links

• Official website]
• Christianity Today profile
• Profile by the University of Mobile
• William Morris Agency profile; includes touring schedule
• Biography at mp3.com