Crystal Lewis

Crystal Lewis
Birth name Crystal Lynn Lewis
Also known as Crystal Lewis Ray
Born (1969-09-11) September 11, 1969
Corona, California, U.S.
Genres Contemporary Christian, gospel
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, author
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1986–present
Labels Frontline, Metro 1 Music, Myrrh, Interscope
Associated acts Wild Blue Yonder, The Screamin' Rays, The Lifters
Website www.crystallewis.com

Crystal Lynn Lewis (born September 11, 1969) is an American contemporary Christian and gospel vocalist, songwriter and author.

Biography

Early years

Crystal Lewis, born in Corona, California, grew up singing in her father's church.[1][2] In 1984, at the age of 15, Lewis auditioned for a children's musical called Hi Tops, written and produced by Ernie and Debbie Rettino, creators of Psalty, the Singing Song Book. Lewis passed the audition, and was able to go into the studio and participate in the soundtrack recording, with the rest of the cast members. While working with the musical, Lewis met a member of the rockabilly band, The Lifters. After becoming friends with the members of that band, Lewis was asked to join. Soon after, the band changed its name to Wild Blue Yonder. In 1992, Crystal worked in the sketch comedy television series Roundhouse, that aired on Nickelodeon.[3]

Wild Blue Yonder was together for two years, and recorded a single full-length album Wild Blue Yonder, produced by Daniel Amos frontman Terry Scott Taylor, for Frontline Records in 1986. Lewis would also sing on D.A.'s album Fearful Symmetry in 1986, and Taylor's solo album A Briefing for the Ascent in 1987. After Wild Blue Yonder disbanded, Frontline offered Lewis a solo recording contract at the age of 17. Beyond the Charade, her first solo project, was released in 1987.

Personal life

Lewis lives in Montana with husband Brian Ray, with whom she has two children, who were homeschooled.[2] Her daughter, Isabella (Izzi Ray), is also a singer/songwriter, and released her self-titled debut album on February 12, 2012, followed by her remixes EP on October 22, 2013. Her son Solomon is also pursuing a career in music, having produced his mother's 2011 release Plain and Simple.

Discography

  • Beyond the Charade (1987)
  • Joy (1988)
  • Let Love In (1990)
  • Remember (1991)
  • Recuerda (Spanish version of Remember) (1991)
  • The Bride (1993)
  • La Esposa (Spanish version of The Bride) (1994)
  • Hymns: My Life (1995)
  • Himnos De Mi Vida (Spanish version of Hymns: My Life) (1995)
  • Beauty for Ashes (1996)
  • La Belleza De La Cruz (Spanish version of Beauty for Ashes) (1996)
  • Gold (1998)
  • Oro (Spanish version of Gold) (1998)
  • Live At The Woodlands (1999)
  • Fearless (2000)
  • Holiday! a Collection of Christmas Classics (2000)
  • Holy, Holy, Holy (2002)
  • Santo, Santo, Santo (Spanish version of Holy, Holy, Holy) (2002)
  • See (2005)
  • Joyful Noise (Songs for Kids!) (2006)
  • Home for the Holidays (2010)
  • Plain and Simple (2011)
  • Crystal Lewis (2015)

Awards and nominations

GMA Dove Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result
1998 Female Vocalist of the Year Won
Spanish Language Album of the Year La Belleze de la Cruz Won
1999 Female Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Spanish Language Album of the Year Oro (tie with Sandi Patty) Won
Special Event Album of the Year Exodus (shared with dcTalk, Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Cindy Morgan, Chris Rice, The Katinas, Third Day, Michael W. Smith) Won
2017 Song of the Year "Even If" (shared with Bart Millard, Ben Glover, David Garcia, Tim Timmons)[4] Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year "Even If"[4] Nominated

Others

Year Association Category Work Result
1993 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Youth Series or Variety Show Roundhouse (shared with cast) Won
1999 Soul Train Music Awards Best R&B/Soul Single – Male "Lean on Me" (as featured artist) Nominated
Grammy Awards Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals Nominated
2001 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album "Fearless" Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "CrystalLewis.com: Autobiography". metro one inc. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2008.
  2. 1 2 "Crystal Lewis: Priority And Payoff". CCM.
  3. ↑ "bio". crystal lewis. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Dove Awards 2017 nominees".
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