Contact: Colby May, TBN, 202-544-5171, cmay@tbn.org
LOS ANGELES, June 12, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- He's a certified icon of American pop culture whose golden voice and clean-cut style have entertained millions of fans for over 50 years. On June 14, Trinity Broadcasting Network, America's most-watched faith channel, welcomes legendary singer, songwriter, actor, and author Pat Boone as he hosts TBN's signature Praise the Lord talk and ministry show live from TBN's California studios.
As an early star of America's rock 'n roll phenomenon, Pat Boone charted his first single in 1954, and for the next eight years was seldom without a hit song in the Top 40. From such R & B classics as "Ain't That a Shame" and "Tutti Frutti" to pop ballads like "April Love" and "Love Letters in the Sand," Pat had an amazing run of 54 hit singles. In fact, from 1955 through 1962, only one singer -- Elvis Presley -- sold more records.
Pat's status as a teen idol led to starring roles in several popular Hollywood movies, Like April Love and State Fair, and even gave him the opportunity to host his own weekly TV show. But it was the 1969 film The Cross and the Switchblade, in which he portrayed street preacher David Wilkerson reaching out to violent street gangs in New York City, that allowed Pat Boone to highlight his Christian faith. While largely panned by secular movie critics, over the last 40 years The Cross and the Switchblade has been viewed by an estimated 50 million people worldwide and, according to distributor World Film Crusade, has drawn untold millions into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In the years since then, Pat has continued recording, releasing a number of popular Christian albums; helped launch the international humanitarian outreach Mercy Corps; and authored many best-selling books, including Pat Boone's America: A Pop Culture Treasury of the Past Fifty Years (2006), Culture-Wise Family: Upholding Christian Values in A Mass-Media World (2007), and Questions About God -- and the Answers That Could Change Your Life (2008).
Pat has also been an important partner with Trinity Broadcasting Network, hosting Praise the Lord on many occasions, as well as the weekly TBN music show Gospel America, and appearing on a variety of TBN specials. "We've been honored and blessed to have Pat Boone's partnership here at TBN for many years," noted TBN founder Dr. Paul Crouch. "His talent, his godly character, his wit, and his wisdom have made him a viewer favorite."
Joining Pat Boone on Praise the Lord will be Dr. Ken Canfield, founder of the National Center for Fathering and author of The Heart of a Father; Pastor Ed Tandy McGlasson, a former NFL lineman with the New York Giants, New York Jets, and St. Louis Rams; author and attorney Richard Kibbey; and award-winning Christian recording artist Jesse Campbell.
TBN's Praise the Lord, with guest host Pat Boone will air June 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) on TBN. You can also view this and other exclusive TBN programs On Demand at iTBN.org.
