Crystal Lewis


Crystal Lynn Lewis is an American contemporary Christian and gospel vocalist, songwriter, and author.

Biography

Early years

Born in Corona, California, Lewis grew up singing in her father's church. In 1984, at age 15, she 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 band members, 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.
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 previously lived in Montana with then-husband Brian Ray, with whom she has two children, who were homeschooled. Lewis and Ray divorced after 28 years of marriage, and she now lives in California. Her daughter, Isabella, 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

YearTitleRoleNotes
1984Colby's ClubhouseN/AEpisode: "Crystal Is a Guest"
1992RoundhouseVarious13 episodes
2015Praise the LordHerself / PerformerEpisodes: "Episode dated April 1, 2015" and "Episode dated September 17, 2015"

Awards and nominations

GMA Dove Awards

YearCategoryNominated workResult
1998Female Vocalist of the Year
1998Spanish Language Album of the YearLa Belleza de la Cruz
1999Female Vocalist of the Year
1999Spanish Language Album of the YearOro
1999Special Event Album of the YearExodus )
2017Song of the Year"Even If"
2017Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year"Even If"

Others

YearAssociationCategoryWorkResult
1993Young Artist AwardsOutstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Youth Series or Variety ShowRoundhouse
1999Soul Train Music AwardsBest R&B/Soul Single – Male"Lean on Me"
1999Grammy AwardsBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals"Lean on Me"
2001Grammy AwardsBest Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album"Fearless"