Acclaimed gospel artist, Darwin Hobbs will release his fifth CD FREE in stores August 26, 2008 on Tyscot/Liaison Records.  FREE is Hobbs' first release on his newly-formed production company, Liaison Records in partnership with Tyscot Records, founded by Darwin and his wife, Traci.  Hailed as one of gospel's foremost Praise and Worship leaders, Hobbs' new project is co-produced by Hobbs and Aaron Pearce of AMP Music (Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Joy Enriquez, Vickie Winans, Martha Munizzi, Israel Houghton) with the exception of "He's Able."  The album is executive produced by Dr. Leonard S. Scott, Bryant S. Scott and Darwin Hobbs.

FREE is a 12-track praise and worship album. At the center of the album, Hobbs addresses finally being able to come to terms with the sexual abuse he experienced as a child.  At the age of 40, he decided to share publicly his past of childhood sexual abuse with his newfound sense of freedom.  The project puts an exclamation point on his personal statement of having been set free.  "This album is to date, the absolute most accurate depiction of who I am as an artist, a worshipper and a human being," says Hobbs.  "It's the very first album I've recorded as a free man.  Never before have I walked in such transparency or nakedness as it pertains to the most private parts of my life.  For years, I've been bound by the haunting reality of the past.  It's almost as if I'd been under the restriction of a gag order placed on me - as if I was walking through an earthly version of hell.  Because of contractual obligations, I often had no choice but to record albums from unhealthy places in my heart.  But God's been faithful, He never left me.  And just as He promised, 'If I walked in truth, He'll set me free.'"

Hobbs also makes his debut as a songwriter and producer.  He wrote three songs on FREE - including the first single "Free," "Heal The Land," "The Name of the Lord," and he co-wrote "In This Place" with co-producer and songwriter Aaron Pearce.  The lead single, "Free" was written on the eve of Hobbs breaking his silence to his mother about a 30 year secret of sexual abuse.  The perpetrator was her now deceased husband.  "Free" will be serviced to gospel radio in June.  Other key stand-out tracks on the album include "In This Place," a lifelong invitation to a place where you can bring all fears, concerns, inadequacies, hang-ups and issues.  A place where we can live - not just visit.  "Crosswalk," written by Gerald Haddon, is a song and message for people who feel jaded, tired, weary, discouraged, and contemplative regarding their life's journey.  The bonus track on the album includes "He's Able," written and produced by labelmate Deitrick Haddon.  The single is currently in the Top 20 at gospel radio.

Hobbs is excited about his new label home and partnership with the Tyscot family.  "I met Darwin officially at the live recording of Deitrick Haddon and The Voices of Unity last April," comments Tyscot Records President Bryant S. Scott.  "I was thoroughly impressed with his performance and the anointing that flowed through him.  "He's Able" was one of the most powerful songs that night.  I knew at that point that Darwin and Tyscot would make an excellent match.  Our relationship extends past the recordings that we will make together.  We are both about building the kingdom of God, and I know that together we will have an exponentially powerful affect on this industry."

Having sung for several years with a roster of "Who's Who" of modern gospel and pop music with artists such as CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Michael McDonald, and Donnie McClurkin, among others, Darwin is well-respected by many in the gospel/ Christian community and beyond.  "Darwin Hobbs is one of the most impressive and capable vocalists I've ever had the pleasure and honor of working with" says Michael McDonald. "He also happens to be one of the most soulful.  His talent is truly awe inspiring."  Echoed by Michael W. Smith, "Darwin Hobbs has a voice and a spirit that is so unique.  He is a true worshipper and that comes through in everything he does."  GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Tommy Sims who has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, and Michael McDonald, just to name a few comments, "Darwin is in the top three singers that have ever graced my studio and it is an honor and one of the highlights of my 20-year career."  Pastor Donnie McClurkin says, "God anoints certain people with unique anointings that separate them from the common pack.  Darwin has that unique anointing.  He has a way of presenting a song with a heartfelt passion that only comes from His love for God."  

A Cincinnati native, Hobbs' phenomenal, God-given gift for singing was discovered at age 10 - on his first day in the church choir. He sang constantly throughout his childhood and adolescence, in church and school, both as a soloist and in various ensembles.  In 1996, Hobbs and his wife Traci moved to Nashville and he was soon signed to EMI Gospel where he released four CDs including his successful 1999 debut, MERCY, the sophomore follow-up, VERTICAL released in 2001, selling over 100,000 copies, followed by BROKEN and THE BEST OF DARWIN HOBBS.   

A former worship leader of the 25,000-member New Birth Cathedral in Atlanta, Darwin and his wife Traci are currently proud members of Hope and Life Fellowship Church in Snellville, Georgia, under the leadership of Pastor Tony Brock.

For more information on Darwin Hobbs, please visit www.myspace.com/darwinhobbs.