Capitol Christian Music Group, Provident Label Group and Word Entertainment announced Thursday the March 18 release of WOW Hits 20th Anniversary. The two-CD set will include 30 songs from standout artists in Christian music, including Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Third Day and TobyMac.

WOW releases offer curated collections for the Christian music fan, with each project highlighting top songs from the genre. In the last 20 years, the WOW branded series—which includes WOW Hits, WOW Worship, WOW Gospel, WOW Christmas and additional specialty releases—has sold more than 30 million units. WOW partners are also committed to allocate a portion of the proceeds from the brand to a variety of charitable endeavors and ministries.

Bill Hearn, president and CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group, gave insight into the brand's origin.

“The WOW partnership was established in the summer of 1995 with the first release, WOW 1996, in November of 1995,” Hearn said. “Our goals were to introduce more people to the genre of Christian music by mirroring the pattern of the hugely popular pop compilation series in the U.K., Now That’s What I Call Music, which combined the best songs and artists from across the industry. Compilations were not a big part of the U.S. market at the time, and many people doubted the consumer would respond as they did in the U.K. Quite to the contrary, WOW 1996 was a huge success and the beginning of a series of products that would help grow the Christian and eventually gospel category of music significantly.”

Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of Provident Music Group, commented on the impact of the WOW series.

 “I certainly remember the day Bill shared the idea of WOW," Hemmings said. "It wasn’t crazy, but it was untested, and we initially faced some skepticism. That said, I am not surprised at the success WOW has experienced given that the consumer receives all of the big CCM songs for the year in one high-value package. But perhaps the most important impact of WOW is the work that has been accomplished utilizing the charitable funds generated. Over the years, numerous ministries and care organizations have been the beneficiaries of grants created specifically from WOW earnings. Additionally, the WOW partners have sponsored industry events and opportunities to gather and give back. I remember a day spent filling bags with food being sent to feed children in poverty-stricken areas. Hundreds of members of our community participated and enjoyed a time of fellowship together. This all grew from Bill’s idea, which turned out to be a good one.”

Rod Riley, president and CEO of Word Entertainment, shared his vision for the series’ future.

“As we reflect on the first 20 impactful years of the WOW brand, I am excited about the enormous potential that lies ahead for the next 20 years,” Riley said. “I would love to see the WOW brand itself continuing to expand where fans live and breathe, ultimately continuing to connect our artists and their music to existing and new consumers. The depth and breadth of the creative community within Christian music is undeniable. I see the WOW brand continuing to be an effective vehicle in reflecting this to music fans everywhere.”

Accompanying marketing efforts for WOW Hits 20th Anniversary, the WOW Facebook page and other social media channels will share vintage photos and classic stories, inviting fans to share their favorite WOW artist and song memories from the past 20 years.

For more information, visit the official product listing.

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