Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin performing at the Scottrade Center in 2013.
Background information
Birth name Christopher Dwayne Tomlin
Born (1972-05-04) May 4, 1972
Origin Grand Saline, Texas, U.S.
Genres Contemporary worship music, CCM
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, worship leader
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active 1993–present
Labels sixsteps (EMI), Sparrow
Associated acts Passion Worship Band
Website www.christomlin.com

Christopher Dwayne Tomlin (born May 4, 1972)[1] is an American contemporary Christian music (CCM) artist, worship leader, and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas, United States who has sold nearly 30 million records.[2] He is a former staff member at Austin Stone Community Church and is signed to EMI's sixstepsrecords. Tomlin leads worship at many Passion events. Some of his most well-known songs are "How Great Is Our God", "Jesus Messiah", "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", "Our God", which he co-wrote with Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves, and Jonas Myrin, and "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)". He is currently a worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with Louie Giglio, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockels, and Brett Younker.

He was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2006, 2007 (along with Artist of the Year), and 2008 GMA Dove Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2012. He is one of the members of CompassionArt, a charity founded by Martin Smith of the band Delirious? and Smith's wife, Anna, and is on the Board of Directors of CURE International, a nonprofit organization that provides medical care to children in the developing world.[3]

Tomlin's 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the fourth CCM album in history to do so.[4]

Early life

Tomlin was born in Grand Saline, Texas in 1972 to Connie and Donna Tomlin. He has two younger brothers, Ryan and Cory.[5] Chris Tomlin first learned how to play the guitar by playing along with Willie Nelson records.[6]

Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study physical therapy, but says he felt God's calling to something else. In the mid-1990s Tomlin was a worship leader at the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences, as well as at various church camps in Texas.

Tomlin attended Tyler Junior College and Texas A&M University. After college, Tomlin and the band developed while working with the Harvest Ministry at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas in the late 1990s. In 1997, youth speaker Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin has been in that movement ever since.[7]

Career

His first nationally released solo project, titled The Noise We Make, was released in 2001, featuring the songs "Forever," "Be Glorified", and "Kindness", each of which made the top 200 in the CCLI 2005 top 500 worship songs.[8] He released the live EP 545 in 2002, and the studio album Not to Us (2002).

Although he is a solo artist, Tomlin uses a consistent band lineup. He writes many of his songs with the band members. The band consists of Daniel Carson (electric guitar, backup vocals), Jesse Reeves (bass guitar, backup vocals), Travis Nunn (drums), and Matt Gilder (piano, keys). Tomlin plays guitar and piano.

According to Christian Copyright Licensing International's list of the top 25 worship songs in the US in August 2007, Tomlin held five spots with songs he has either written, co-written or performed: "How Great Is Our God" (No. 1), "Forever" (No. 5), "Holy Is the Lord" (No. 7), "We Fall Down" (No. 12), and "Indescribable" (No. 22) (Written by Laura Story[9]). In 2008, Tomlin held 6 spots on 20 The Countdown Magazine's top 20 praise and worship songs: "We Fall Down" (No. 14), "Forever" (No. 10), "Holy is the Lord" (No. 8), "Indescribable" (No. 6),[9] "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" (No. 3), and "How Great is our God" (No. 1).[10]

Tomlin performing at a concert in Johnson City, Tennessee

Tomlin has toured with contemporary Christian music artists, such as Delirious? during his first tour, and as a supporting act of Steven Curtis Chapman during his All Things New Tour. Tomlin has headlined several tours, such as the Chris Tomlin Indescribable Tour, which featured worship artist Matt Redman, and speaker Louie Giglio,[11] and headlining the See the Morning Tour. From April to October 2007, Tomlin toured with Louie Giglio and Matt Redman on his "How Great Is Our God" tour.[8] In 2008, Tomlin toured with Passion Conferences on its world tour. In early 2009, he was in the Hello Love tour with Israel Houghton and New Breed. In summer of 2010, he was in the "Hello Tonight" tour with TobyMac.

Tomlin has been featured at conferences and music festivals. Among these, he played at Grand Saline's annual Salt Festival in Texas.[12] Hillsong's 2007 conference, and the 2008 CompassionArt International Songwriting retreat, which was dedicated to writing songs whose revenue would support charities serving the poorest of the world's poor. Other prominent songwriters included were Matt Redman, Martin Smith, Stuart Garrard, and Steven Curtis Chapman. In 2009, Tomlin played at the Harvest Crusade at Anaheim Angels Stadium. On June 14, 2007, Tomlin's version of the song "Indescribable" was used as the official wake-up call for Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester on Space Shuttle mission STS-117.

In May 2008, Tomlin announced a move from The Austin Stone Community Church, to start a new church with Louie Giglio in Atlanta, Georgia.[13][14] The Passion City Church held its first service on February 15, 2009, and features Tomlin as one of its worship leaders.[15] In 2009, Tomlin released a Christmas album, Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship.[16] It includes three original Christmas songs and features duets with Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, and Audrey Assad. The album peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 list and at No. 1 for Holiday albums.

According to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), in 2012 his songs were performed more than 3 million times in churches around the world.[17] His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No. 1.[18] He was also pronounced the most sung songwriter in the world in 2013.[19]

Personal life

Tomlin married Lauren Bricken,[20] on November 9, 2010.[21][22][23]

In May 2011, Tomlin announced that he and Lauren were expecting their first child.[24][25] He announced on Twitter that the couple's daughter, Ashlyn Alexandra Tomlin, was born on September 22, 2011.[26] The singer took to Twitter once again to introduce the couple's newest addition, a girl named Madison Amore Tomlin, born on October 7, 2014.[27]

Discography

Passion event albums

Awards

Grammy Awards

Year Award Result
2009 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (Hello Love) Nominated
2011 Best Gospel Song ("Our God") Nominated
2012 Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance ("I Lift My Hands") Nominated
Best Contemporary Christian Music Song ("I Lift My Hands") Nominated
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (And If Our God Is For Us...) Won[32]
2014 Best Contemporary Christian Music Song (Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies))[33] Nominated
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (Burning Lights)[33] Nominated

GMA Dove Awards

Throughout his career, Chris Tomlin has been nominated to 32 Dove Awards (6 of them, collaborative efforts) and won 19 of them.

Year Award Result
2005 Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Arriving) Won[34]
2006 Artist of the Year Won[35]
Male Vocalist of the Year Won[35]
Song of the Year ("Holy Is the Lord") Nominated[35]
Song of the Year ("How Great Is Our God") Won[35]
Worship Song of the Year ("Holy Is the Lord") Nominated[35]
Worship Song of the Year ("How Great Is Our God") Won[35]
Worship Song of the Year ("Indescribable")1 Nominated[35]
Special Event Album of the Year (Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia)* Won[35]
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: How Great Is Our God)* Nominated[35]
Special Event Album of the Year (WOW Christmas: Green)* Nominated[35]
2007 Artist of the Year Won[36]
Male Vocalist of the Year Won[36]
Song of the Year ("Made to Worship") Nominated[36]
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Made to Worship") Nominated[36]
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (See The Morning) Won[36]
Worship Song of the Year ("Holy Is the Lord") Won[36]
Worship Song of the Year ("Made to Worship") Nominated[36]
Praise & Worship Album of the Year (See The Morning) Won[36]
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: Everything Glorious)* Won[36]
2008 Artist of the Year Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Won
Song of the Year ("Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)") Nominated
Worship Song of the Year ("Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)") Nominated
Worship Song of the Year ("How Great Is Our God") Won
Special Event Album of the Year (Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace)* Nominated
2009 Artist of the Year Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year ("Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)") Nominated
Worship Song of the Year ("Jesus Messiah") Nominated
Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Hello Love) Nominated
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: God of This City)* Won
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year ("How Great Is Our God")2 Won
2010 Song of the Year ("I Will Rise") Nominated
Worship Song of the Year ("I Will Rise") Nominated
Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Hello Love) Nominated
Christmas Album of the Year (Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship) Nominated
2011 Artist of the Year Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year ("Our God") Nominated
Worship Song of the Year ("Our God") Won
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: Awakening)* Won
2012 Praise & Worship Album of the Year (And If Our God Is For Us...) Won[37]
2013 Song of the Year ("Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]") Nominated[38]
Praise & Worship Album of the Year ("Burning Lights") Won[38]
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ("Burning Lights") Nominated[38]
Artist of the Year Nominated[38]
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: White Flag)* Nominated[38]
Special Event Album of the Year (Passion: Let The Future Begin)* Won[38]
Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Passion: White Flag)* Nominated[38]
Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Passion: Let The Future Begin)* Nominated[38]
2014 Songwriter of the Year Won[39]

Billboard Music Awards

Year Award Result[40]
2011 Top Christian Artist Won
Top Christian Album (And If Our God Is for Us...) Nominated
Top Christian Song ("Our God") Won

Others

Tomlin was nominated for two 2009 Visionary Award: Male Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for "Jesus Messiah".[41]

Bibliography

Filmography

Year Film Role
2013 Grace Unplugged Himself

See also

References

  1. ↑ Argyrakis, Andy (May 1, 2001). "Opening Acts: Get to Know Chris Tomlin" (PDF). CCM Magazine. p. 32. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Geneva sponsors 11/14 Chris Tomlin & Rend Collective concert". geneva.edu. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  3. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Joins The Board of CURE International to Help Save Children's Lives". BREATHEcast. 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014. CURE International, the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world, announced this week the addition of Chris Tomlin to its Board of Directors.
  4. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (January 16, 2013). "Chris Tomlin Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  5. ↑ Tyler Paper, "Superstar's homecoming brings memories, praise"
  6. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Bio". ChristianMusic.com. September 23, 1990. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Biography". billboard.com. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Chris Tomlin's official Site". Christomlin.com. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  9. 1 2 "Worship.com". worship.com. 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  10. ↑ "CCLI Top 25 Worship Songs List". Ccli.com. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  11. ↑ Chris Tomlin Indescribable Tour poster
  12. ↑ Van Zandt Newspapers, Chris Tomlin to Kick off Salt Festival
  13. ↑ "Human3rror Blog". Human3rror.com. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Modern March blog". Modernmarch.com. October 10, 2008. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  15. ↑ Zylstra, Sarah Eekhoff (February 24, 2009). "Q&A: Louie Giglio". Christianity Today. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  16. ↑ "NewReleaseTuesday.com". NewReleaseTuesday.com. September 19, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Most Sung Songwriter in the World". Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard.com. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Most Sung Songwriter in the World". cbn.com. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  20. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Marries". Parachute Music. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Louie Giglio's Twitter Page". Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Shelley Giglio's Twitter Page". Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Janet Reeve's Twitter Page". Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  24. ↑ Heathcock, Jennifer (May 4, 2011). "CBS 19". Cbs19.tv. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  25. ↑ "The Fish". 1039thefish.com. May 8, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  26. ↑ "20thecountdownmagazine". Retrieved Jul 31, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Chris Tomlin a Dad Again!". The Fish. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Announces "ADORE: Christmas Songs Of Worship" Album & Christmas Tour". thechristianbeat.org. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  29. ↑ "Live Worship from the 268 Generation". Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Passion: Let the Future Begin". Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  31. ↑ "New Live Passion Album To Be Titled 'Let The Future Begin'". Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Chris Tomlin Wins Best Contemporary Christian Music Album". grammy.com. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  33. 1 2 Rebecca Tucker (January 27, 2014). "Grammys 2014: The full list of winners". National Post. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
  34. ↑ "36th Annual GMA Dove Awards Wrap-Up". christianpost.com. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Chris Tomlin Tops Dove Awards". billboard.com. April 6, 2006. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "The 2007 GMA Dove Awards". cbn.com. April 26, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Coverage Of The 2012 43rd Annual Dove Awards - 2012 Dove Award Nominees and Winners!". newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  38. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "2013 Dove Awards: Winners and More!". ccmmagazine.com. October 16, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Songwriter of the Year". doveawards.com. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  40. ↑ "2011 Billboard Music Awards Winners". The Inquisitr. May 22, 2011. Retrieved Sep 25, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Christian Music Hall of Fame official site".

External links

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