Rebecca St. James (born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977), is a popular Christian pop rock singer, songwriter, and published author. Rebecca was born in Sydney, Australia, to David and Helen Smallbone. She is the oldest of seven children, and currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee. Rebecca's musical career began in 1990 at age 13 when she opened shows for CCM artist Carman during his Australian tour. That same year she recorded her first album, Refresh My Heart, under the name Rebecca Jean. In 1991 she moved to the United States upon signing with ForeFront Records, and took her stage name at the label's request.
In February 23, 2000, Rebecca received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album for the album Pray . Rebecca is the eighth Australian artist or group to win a Grammy Award.
In 2003 she played the part of Maggie (Mary Magdalene) in the !HERO rock opera.
Rebecca is an open supporter of teenage sexual abstinence, and has become an unofficial spokesperson for True Love Waits. The single "Wait for Me", from her 2000 album Transform, encourages waiting to have sex until after marriage. Later that year it also became the title and focus of a 46-city tour. James wrote the song herself on a tour bus, and it became instantly popular. Rebecca's third book, titled Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance, was published in 2002 and further addressed the issue.
In November of 2005, Rebecca released her highly anticipated album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something. This was her first new pop/rock album since 2000.
Rebecca sang a song on the 2005 soundtrack, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia called "Lion". She also provided the voice of Hope in VeggieTales: An Easter Tale from Big Idea Productions.
