|
Littrell goes from Backstreet to faith-based music
05/05/2006 10:23 PM, Reuters
Deborah Evans Price
When the term "crossover" is used
in conjunction with Christian music, it usually refers to a
Christian act that has won success in the mainstream market,
such as Amy Grant, Switchfoot or MercyMe. With the release of
"Welcome Home" this month, Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell will
make something of a reverse commute as he moves from
multiplatinum pop music success to newcomer in the Christian
field.
The Reunion Records artist is already off to a strong
start. Littrell netted a Gospel Music Assn. Dove Award last
month without even having an album in that marketplace. He won
the prize for best inspirational recorded song for his cover of
the Michael English classic "In Christ Alone," which appeared
on the Reunion Records compilation "WoW #1's."
The Lexington, Ky., native had long wanted to record an
album that expressed his faith. He says people frequently say,
"'You've been in the secular world, selling 80 million copies
of various CDs, why would you want to do this?' I think that's
why I had the platform in the first place," Littrell says. "I
had an opportunity to go to the University of Cincinnati Bible
College, but God basically took my life south to Florida, and I
started singing in the Backstreet Boys, and He has truly
multiplied my audience ... but being a Backstreet Boy is a mere
steppingstone for me."
Christian music gatekeepers and audiences can often be
skeptical of secular artists who enter the fold, but Littrell's
good-boy rep should help his chances. Unlike some Backstreet
Boys members who have been embroiled in scandals or addiction
issues, Littrell has maintained a clean-cut image and been open
about his faith. He once refused to participate in a Rolling
Stone cover shoot when the photographer wanted the group to
pose with scantily clad women.
Littrell says the Backstreet Boys plan to work on a new
record this year. "I'm a big fan of the Backstreet Boys and our
success and the quality of music that we put out and our fan
base that's been there for us over the 13 years that we've been
together," he says. "I hope to further that and also have the
freedom to do this. God has called me to be here, and I pray
every day in and day out that God opens the doors for me to go
through."
Reuters/Billboard
|
