Brian Littrell
Brian Littrell Bio
Brian Littrell is forging a path into uncharted territory. Sure,
other soloists have stepped out of their popular groups to do
side projects. Some have soared into the upper stratosphere
of pop music success, while others have disappointedly failed
to meet expectations. But this confident, young man is doing
something that has never been done before. With the Fall 2005
release of his solo CD for Provident Label Group's Reunion Records,
Brian is following a call placed in his heart as a young boy
and using his gargantuan platform to make a statement that it's
okay to stand strong for what you believe in. Even if that thing
you believe in is one of the most divisive issues in the world.
It's enough to make even the bravest guy think twice. But not
Brian.
Perhaps it's because he's able to stand on the astonishing
success his group has attained. Nobody would blame him for
that. Unbelievably, their tour of fifteen House of Blues dates
sold out in twenty minutes. All of them. It'd be understandable
if someone puffed out his chest a little. After twelve years
together and more than 75 million albums sold around the world,
the Backstreet Boys are arguably one of the most popular groups
of the Billboard generation. On the day of the group's Millennium
CD release, Times Square had to be shut down because nearly
30,000 people showed up.
Even still, Brian is convinced that all the worldly success
he's achieved with the group has been merely a stepping-stone
to something bigger, something more significant. The first
solo recording heard from Brian was the Spring 2005 release
of "In Christ Alone," a song that was singled off
of the WOW #1's compilation album. This is a song that has
been very close to him for years, and one that he had sung
in various churches nearly fifteen years ago. Today, it stands
as a purpose-statement for his new direction, his driving
force, and his cornerstone.
"In Christ Alone I place my trust, and find my glory
in the power of the Cross. In every victory let it be said
of me, my source of strength, my source of hope, is Christ
alone."
Brian shares, "I've been a born-again Christian since
I was eight years old and I've known for a very long time
that this has been my calling. If I can do something that
opens doors and benefits lives in some way, I hope to be able
to do that."
2005 is a busy year for the Backstreet Boys. A new CD release
planned for the summer, as well as non-stop touring and promotion
of the new project. Throw a solo project from Brian in the
mix and you've got a crazy life. How is this the right time?
Brian explains, "I've decided to listen more, and when
you listen more, you get answers. God has laid this on my
heart and it's time to do something about it. It's not my
timing but His." With an unusual brand of focus and drive,
Brian is choosing to use his days off from the group (even
on tour) to promote this new project with television, radio,
retail, and concert appearances.
Raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Brian was brought up attending
a Baptist church with his family. He was into every sport,
and singing in church. Actually most of his family were singers
and musicians. He sees Christianity as a way of life, a choice.
"To know love and compassion, and what is right and wrong
in God's eyes." And through his music, he hopes to bring
people closer to God, as well as educating people who do not
know God. But all in a way that isn't offensive or condescending
to anyone. "I want people to be drawn to what they hear
and that goes for nonbelievers as well as believers,"
Brian explains. "That's breaking new ground and bringing
people together."
Looking out over the audiences of sold-out stadium tours,
Brian could see not just young kids and teenagers enjoying
the show, but parents as well. That's something he hopes will
continue with this new solo project. "Good quality music
brings families together," he notes.
Stating that the other guys in the group have been nothing
but supportive, he also adds that stylistically, his solo
project will not stray too far from the sound that made the
group so popular. "My record will sound a bit like the
Backstreet Boys because that's a big part of me and that's
where I am musically. It will also have a mixture of traditional
gospel as well as contemporary Christian music."
Even though he is known worldwide, Brian is surprisingly
laid-back, settled, and at ease. Hardly the marks of fawned
over, travel-weary, superstars. He points to the relationship
he has with his wife Leighanne and son Baylee as being the
roots that keep him pulled down to earth, in the midst of
all the screaming fans. "I think having a normal life
outside of the Backstreet Boys keeps me in check. My wife
and my son have everything to do with that. There is nothing
more rewarding than having a loving wife and a strong, healthy
little boy. That is what God has given me. I am blessed."
With this upcoming solo project, it's impossible to predict
what's going to happen. But one thing is for sure, the world
will be listening. Well, at least a few dozen million. Through
it all, it's easy to believe Brian when he says that it's
not about him. That it's not about acquiring any more fame
or money or accolades. It's a bit bigger than that. It's a
bit more brave than that. When all the applause for Brian
fades away, his one hope remains. "The objective is to
change the way people feel about God. There will come a day
that God will be applauded." Courtesy brianlittrell.com
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