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During the holidays in 2006, Duane Michaels' life dramatically changed when his young son was diagnosed with Type I juvenile diabetes. Michaels, a Nashville singer/musician, decided to put his vocal talents to good use on Christmas Hope; album proceeds will benefit juvenile diabetes research.

Although Michaels is a Nashville guy, the treatment here is more old-fashioned easy-listening than rugged country. With the exception of Joy to the World, the release emphasizes the contemporary, secular side of the season--from Winter Wonderland to The Christmas Song. Michaels has a pleasing voice that emotes an Elvis vibe on Blue Christmas and sweet sincerity on I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Although the liner notes and artist's Website reveal nothing about the instrumentation, the orchestration is breezy and upbeat throughout.

All of us want to embrace hope at Christmastime. May Christmas Hope help find a cure for juvenile diabetes before another holiday season rolls around!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

On November 13, 2006, my life changed drastically. My oldest son, Duane Joseph, 11, was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. I can't begin to tell you how this affected me. Watching my son change from a healthy young boy, to being dependent on insulin shots 2 times a day, had left me feeling helples. As a father, my feelings of rage, anger and denial consumed me in between the tears I shed for my son. After a while, I realized that this behavior wasn't helping Duane Joseph. I started to wonder what I could do to help my son and other children with this disease, fight back. The only way I knew best was to utilize the talent that God gave me and that was witih my voice. The proceeds of this Christmas album will benefit the research process for Junenile diabetes. A cure that is so close to being discovered still needs additional assistance in becoming a reality for these children. Your generosity in purchasing one of these albums will help win the fight against Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. The support and educational services that my son and family continue to receive from many sources has been second to none. We have learned that having diabetes does not have to change your life or lifestyle. However, diabetes must be attended to everyday and not ignored and that is the hard part.

Duane Michaels

Christmas Hope

Artist link

Track List