Each genre has had those whose understanding, dedication and artistry have elevated the genre to a whole new level. It is the process of evolution that happens to everything and everyone eventually. It’s a particularly great thing because music, like language, is needed and used by everyone and that’s what Chris Tomlin has done for contemporary Christian music.
Genres may be different depending on beliefs and the whole world, but it still speaks of the same satisfaction and desire that each person derives from music and as those desires change it is important to have people who are willing to look at our language and develop it to suit our current needs. Chris Tomlin elevated the genre to a place where it stood on par with mainstream music as an art form, increasing global interest in the genre. He gave so much to art and accomplished a lot too. Learn more about him by reading below.
Biography of Chris Tomlin
Sometimes all we grow to become is down to the support and influence of our loved ones. For Chris Tomlin, the gift of a guitar from his father at a young age encouraged his passion for music and helped him write his first song at the age of fourteen. Today he has become one of the dominant names in contemporary Christian music but that didn’t start today. It started years ago in Grand Saline, Texas where Chris Tomlin was born on May 4, 1972 to Donna and Connie Tomlin. Along with his two younger brothers, Ryan and Cory, Chris was raised a Christian by his parents in Grand Saline.
His dad’s guitar gift ended up becoming a lightning rod for his songwriting skills. After becoming familiar with the mechanics and operation of the guitar by listening to Willie Nelson records, he wrote his first worship song at fourteen and continued writing even after graduating from Grand Saline High School. in 1990 and joined Tyler Junior College and Texas A&M University to study physical therapy. While graduating, Tomlin became a worship leader for the Dawson McAllister Youth Conferences. His singing and writing abilities have also made him a sought-after worship leader by various children’s camps across Texas.
After college, Chris Tomlin formed aB: and. Although he is considered a solo artist, his act involves other musicians like Daniel Carson, Matt Gilder, Travis Nunn and Matthew Melton who all play different types of instruments as back-ups. Shortly after graduation, he released his first project, The Noise We Make in 2001. It was a national solo album and three songs from the album made it to the Top 500 Top 200 Songs list. cults of the CCLI. He released his second album in 2002, Not to Us.
Chris Tomlin has enjoyed considerable success since becoming a professional artist. A Christian organization, the Christian Copyright Licensing International in 2007 listed the top 25 worship songs and Tomlin had five songs in the list. So far in his career, he has consistently had songs in some of Christian music’s major charts. He has also participated in several tours, including the famous Passion conferences.
Artists usually release a Christmas album; the story is no different for Chris Tomlin. He released his Christmas album, Glory on High: Christmas Songs of Worship in 2009 and the album peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and number one for Holiday Albums. He continues to release new songs and do different tours to this day.
He is married to Lauren Bicken and the couple have two children – two daughters, Ashlyn Alexandra Tomlin and Madison Amore Tomlin.
Net value
Chris Tomlin has released several albums and toured to date and his songs have consistently featured on some of Christian music’s top charts. The success of his exemplary songwriting skills helped him build up a net worth of $2 million.
Five facts about Chris Tomlin
1. His father taught him to play the guitar.
We mentioned earlier that his dad gave him his first guitar, but what you didn’t know is that his dad went beyond just gifting the instrument, he also taught him how to use it .
2. He has sold over 7 million records
Chris Tomlin’s music has a large following and a lot of people have been willing to part with their money for the soothing sound of his music. He is one of the best-selling contemporary Christian music artists.
3. His songs were played over 3 million times worldwide in 2012
According to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), Chris Tomlin’s songs, especially his worship songs, have been sung in several churches around the world. It’s a claim that has been backed by Time Magazine which describes him as “the most often sung artist anywhere”.
4. He has several studio albums
Signed to the Sixsteps (EMI) and Sparrow labels, Chris Tomlin has released 15 albums with his last release in 2018, titled Holy Roar. His first was in 1995, Inside Your Love.
5. He’s Grammy-loved
Chris Tomlin’s music is appreciated at the Grammys and he has been duly rewarded with nine nominations. He only won once, however, in 2012. Other accolades include 32 Dove Award nominations. He went home with 19 of them and three Billboard Music Awards. He won twice.