Crystal Lewis

{{short description|American singer (born 1969)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox musical artist | image = <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | name = Crystal Lewis | image_size = | birth_name = Crystal Lynn Lewis | alias = Crystal Lewis Ray | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|9|11}} | birth_place = Corona, California, U.S. | origin = | instrument = Vocals | genre = Contemporary Christian, gospel, jazz, pop rock, contemporary worship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crystal-lewis-mn0000132849 |title=Crystal Lewis Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> | occupation = Singer | years_active = 1986–present | label = {{hlist|Frontline|Metro 1|Myrrh|Interscope}} | associated_acts = Wild Blue Yonder, the Screamin' Rays, the Lifters | website = {{URL|www.crystallewis.com}} }}

'''Crystal Lynn Lewis''' (born September 11, 1969) is an American contemporary Christian and jazz singer and songwriter.

Lewis has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and has won multiple GMA Dove Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jesuswired.com/2019/03/22/exclusive-crystal-lewis-tells-jesuswired-about-life-faith-and-returning-to-music |title=Exclusive: Crystal Lewis tells JesusWired about life, faith and returning to music |website=Jesus Wired |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> Additionally, she has released numerous CCM chart-topping hits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/crystal-lewis-greatest-hits-mw0000123698 |title=Crystal Lewis - Greatest Hits Album Reviews, Songs & More |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref>

Lewis reached a commercial peak with her ''Billboard'' Top 5 albums: ''Let Love In'' (1990), ''Beauty for Ashes'' (1996), ''Gold'' (1998) and the Grammy-nominated ''Fearless'' (2000), which inspired young future superstars like Katy Perry and Tori Kelly.<ref name="thehollywoodtimes.today">{{cite web|url=https://thehollywoodtimes.today/a-conversation-with-crystal-lewis-about-her-new-single-i-cant-help-it-and-new-album-together-we-can-coming-out-may-13 |title=A Conversation with Crystal Lewis About Her New Single, "I Can't Help It" and New Album "Together We Can" Coming out May 13 |website=The Hollywood Times |date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref>

== Early life and career == Crystal Lewis was born in Corona, California (where she grew up singing in her father's church).<ref name="CrystalLewis.com">{{cite web|title=CrystalLewis.com: Autobiography |url=http://www.crystallewis.com/2008/sub_facts.html |publisher=Metro 1 Inc. |access-date=July 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509105311/http://crystallewis.com/2008/sub_facts.html |archive-date=May 9, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="ccm">{{cite web|title=Crystal Lewis: Priority And Payoff |date=September 16, 2015 |url=https://www.ccmmagazine.com/features/crystal-lewis-priority-and-payoff|publisher=CCM}}</ref> In 1984, at the age of 15, Lewis auditioned for a children's musical film called ''Hi-Tops''. It was written and produced by Ernie and Debby Rettino, creators of ''Psalty, the Singing Song Book''. She passed the audition, and was able to go into the studio to participate on the soundtrack recording, with the rest of the cast members.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}}

While working on 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://real80sccm.com/tag/lifters |title=Wild Blue Yonder Featuring Crystal Lewis – Wild Blue Yonder – 1986/1995 |website=Real 80s CCM |date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> Wild Blue Yonder was together for two years, and recorded a single full-length album, ''Wild Blue Yonder''. It was produced by Daniel Amos front man Terry Scott Taylor, for Frontline Records in 1986. Lewis also sang 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.<ref name="CrystalLewis.com"/> Her first solo project, ''Beyond the Charade'', was released in 1987. It featured the song "Breakdown", written by musician Jon Gibson. In 1988, Lewis sang a duet with Gibson called "Lost Inside of You", from his successful ''Change of Heart'' album (also released via Frontline Records).<ref name="A Conversation with Crystal Lewis">{{cite web|url=https://godsmusicismylife.substack.com/p/a-conversation-with-crystal-lewis|title=A Conversation with Crystal Lewis|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref>

In 1992, Lewis worked in the sketch comedy television series ''Roundhouse'', which aired on ''Nickelodeon''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crystallewis.com/bio/|title=bio|website=crystal lewis|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008073904/http://www.crystallewis.com/bio|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1996, Lewis released her Myrrh Records debut, ''Beauty for Ashes''. The album included three CCM chart-topping singles, including "People Get Ready (Jesus Is Comin')", which was honored with Song of the Year. Her next album, ''Gold'', followed in 1998.<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crystal-lewis-mn0000132849/biography |title=Crystal Lewis Biography, Songs & Albums |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> Lewis was also featured on Kirk Franklin's hit song, "Lean on Me" in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-crystal-lewis-dancing |title=World Premiere! Crystal Lewis is "Dancing Through Tunnels" |website=SoulTracks |date=May 31, 2018 |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> In 2000, Lewis returned with ''Fearless'' and the Christmas album, ''Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics''.<ref name="allmusic.com"/> In 2015, her self-titled album ''Crystal Lewis'' was released, and the soulful jazz album ''Rhapsody'' followed in 2019.<ref name="A Conversation with Crystal Lewis"/>

In May 2022, Lewis released ''Together We Can'', an album with guest artists and duets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2xvrl0QVwmjsUZAEtL1f0d |title=Together We Can |website=Spotify |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> The pop, soul and jazz record features Ty Herndon, Nikki Leonti, Kate Flannery, Tori Kelly, Ally Brooke, Lia Booth and others. She also sings with her adult children, Solomon and Isabella. "I Can't Help It" was the debut single released from the album.<ref name="thehollywoodtimes.today"/>

== Personal life == Lewis previously lived in Montana with then-husband Brian Ray, with whom she has two children, who were homeschooled.<ref name="ccm"/> Lewis and Ray divorced after 28 years of marriage, and she now lives in California.<ref name="Dinner Conversations">{{cite web|title=Life After Divorce ft. Crystal Lewis - Dinner Conversations| date=May 12, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVlFX1iD9bw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/eVlFX1iD9bw |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|publisher=Dinner Conversations with Mark Lowry and Andrew Greer via YouTube |access-date=May 14, 2019 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Her daughter, Isabella (Izzi Ray), is also a singer and songwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/izzi-ray-mn0002736052/credits |title=Izzi Ray Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> Her son, Solomon, also pursued a career in music. He produced his mother's 2011 release, ''Plain and Simple''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/solomon-ray-mn0002736198/credits |title=Solomon Ray Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref>

== Discography == {{main|Crystal Lewis discography}} {{Div col}} * ''Beyond the Charade'' (1987) * ''Joy'' (1988) * ''Let Love In'' (1990) * ''Remember'' (1991) * ''Recuerda'' (Spanish version of ''Remember'') (1991) * ''The Bride'' (1993) * ''La Esposa'' (Spanish version of ''The Bride'') (1994) * ''Hymns: My Life'' (1995) * ''Himnos De Mi Vida'' (Spanish version of ''Hymns: My Life'') (1995) * ''Beauty for Ashes'' (1996) * ''La Belleza De La Cruz'' (Spanish version of ''Beauty for Ashes'') (1996) * ''Gold'' (1998) * ''Oro'' (Spanish version of ''Gold'') (1998) * ''Live At The Woodlands'' (1999) * ''Fearless'' (2000) * ''Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics'' (2000) * ''Holy, Holy, Holy'' (2002) * ''Santo, Santo, Santo'' (Spanish version of ''Holy, Holy, Holy'') (2002) * ''See'' (2005) * ''Joyful Noise (Songs for Kids!)'' (2006) * ''Home for the Holidays'' (2010) * ''Plain and Simple'' (2011) * ''Crystal Lewis'' (2015) * ''Suéltalo'' (Spanish version of her eponymous album ''Crystal Lewis'') (2017) * ''Rhapsody'' (2019) * ''Together We Can'' (2022) {{Div col end}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/CrystalLewis.asp |title=Crystal Lewis Discography - Artist Database |website=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crystal-lewis-mn0000132849/discography |title=Crystal Lewis Albums and Discography |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crystal-lewis-mn0000132849/credits |title=Crystal Lewis Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref>

== Filmography == {| class="wikitable" |+Film roles !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |1985 |''Hi-Tops'' |Lily from the Valley |<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cusic |first=Don |url=https://www.google.pt/books/edition/Encyclopedia_of_Contemporary_Christian_M/RufEEAAAQBAJ?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=Hi-Tops+Ernie+Rettino&pg=PA291&printsec=frontcover |title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music: Pop, Rock, and Worship |date=2009-11-12 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-0-313-34426-8 |language=en}}</ref> |- |2005 |''The 7th Commandment'' |Lil Regina |Short film |- |2010 |''The Wylds'' |The Gatekeeper | |- |2013 |''Treasure State'' |Joan Hogue | |} {| class="wikitable" |+Television roles !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |1984 |''Colby's Clubhouse'' |N/A |Episode: "Crystal Is a Guest" |- |1992 |''Roundhouse'' |Various |13 episodes |- |2015 |''Praise the Lord'' |Herself / Performer |Episodes: "Episode April 1, 2015" & "Episode September 17, 2015" |}

== Awards and nominations == === GMA Dove Awards === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominated work ! Result |- | rowspan="2"| 1998 | Female Vocalist of the Year | | {{won}} |- | Spanish Language Album of the Year | ''La Belleza de la Cruz'' | {{won}} |- | rowspan="3"| 1999 | Female Vocalist of the Year | | {{nom}} |- | Spanish Language Album of the Year | ''Oro'' {{Small|(tied with Sandi Patty)}} | {{won}} |- | Special Event Album of the Year | ''Exodus'' {{Small|(shared with dcTalk, Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Cindy Morgan, Chris Rice, The Katinas, Third Day & Michael W. Smith}}) | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2017 | Song of the Year | "Even If" {{Small|(shared with Bart Millard, Ben Glover, David Garcia & Tim Timmons)}}<ref name="tennessean">{{cite web|title=Dove Awards 2017 nominees |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/08/09/dove-awards-2017-nominees-zach-williams-lauren-daigle-lead-pack-christian-artists/549778001 |website=The Tennessean |date=August 9, 2017}}</ref> | {{nom}} |- | Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year | "Even If"<ref name="tennessean"/> | {{nom}} |}

=== Additional awards === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Association ! Category ! Work ! Result |- | 1993 | Young Artist Awards | Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Youth Series or Variety Show | ''Roundhouse'' (shared with cast) | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2"| 1999 | Soul Train Music Awards | Best R&B/Soul Single – Male | rowspan="2"| "Lean on Me" (as featured artist) | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2"| Grammy Awards | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | {{nom}} |- | 2001 | Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album | ''Fearless'' | {{nom}} |}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|1=http://www.crystallewis.com}} * {{IMDb name|0507065}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lewis, Crystal}} Category:1969 births Category:American women singers Category:American gospel singers Category:Christian music songwriters Category:American performers of Christian music Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Anaheim, California Category:People from Corona, California Category:Myrrh Records artists Category:Singers from California Category:21st-century American women