Time - the continuum of experience in which events pass from the future through the present to the past. In one respect, time does not seem to define the career of critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and multi-Dove Award winner, Crystal Lewis. In a day and age where so many artists come and go, Crystal's unbelievable voice and undeniable message has withstood the test of time. This year, 2006, Crystal celebrates 21 years as a successful recording artist. Within those 21 years, Crystal has released 20 English albums (including one remix project and two live projects) and 7 Spanish albums and does not show any sign of slowing down! In Spring 2006, Crystal released her first ever childrens project, Joyful Noise.
"Joyful Noise is a collection of songs written for kids (and their parents), inspired by scripture, meant to exalt Jesus and encourage worship. Five of the songs were inspired by the book 'Jesus A to Z' by Yvonne Riley. The other five songs came from my heart as a mom of two kids. It brings me indescribable joy to be able to include my kids on this record." -Crystal Lewis
Joyful Noise may be Crystal's first childrens CD release, but she herself is no stranger to being involved in childrens music; in fact, it is what jump started her career. In 1985, at 15 years of age, Crystal auditioned and got a part in a childrens musical written and produced by Ernie and Debbie Retino (creators of Psalty, the Singing Song Book) entitled Hi-Tops. It was her involvement with this musical that set Crystal on a course that would lead her to become a part of a rock-a-billy band called Wild Blue Yonder (formerly the Lifters, which was connected to Maranatha Music) marking the beginning of her music career (as well as her fondness of Brian Ray, her now husband of nearly 17 years). After recording one full-length album on Frontline Records and the disbanding of Wild Blue Yonder, Crystal was offered a solo recording contract by Frontline at the age of 17. She released three CDs under Frontline: Beyond the Charade (1987), Joy (1988), and Let Love In (1990). It was during this time that Brian and Crystal's professional and personal relationship grew tighter. They married in 1989 and their dream of starting their own record label came true with the creation of Metro One in 1992.
Before Metro One moved into full gear, being the ambitious person that she is, Crystal decided to take on television and starred in Roundhouse (a Nickelodeon TV series) for a year. After much prayer and seeking God's will, Crystal departed from the television show and embarked on recording her first release on Metro One. Crystal and Brian now had all the responsibility of releasing an album from start to finish on their shoulders, but with God's help, they accomplished their goal and Remember was released in English and Spanish in 1992. The Bride and La Esposa (Spanish version of The Bride) then followed in 1993. The Bride would eventually be ranked ..97 in the 2001 book release of CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. In 1994, she released a remix album and in 1995 released, Hymns: My Life, Himnos De Mi Vida (Spanish version of the aforementioned) as well as a greatest hits collection that included a ..1 song on the Pop/Dance Charts, Shine Jesus Shine. Her next album which was released in 1996 (distributed by Myrrh Records), Beauty for Ashes, had multiple ..1 radio singles such as People Get Ready... Jesus is Comin', Beauty of the Cross, God's Been Good to Me, and Beauty for Ashes. Not only was the single People Get Ready... Jesus is Comin' song of the year in 1996 on Christian Radio, but the entire album was certified Gold by the RIAA. Crystal released a Spanish version of this album as well, La Belleza De La Cruz that same year.
Crystal's success continued in 1998 with two more ..1 hit songs such as Lord I Believe in You and Not the Same off of her Gold release. Some versions of Gold also included the Kirk Franklin song Lean on Me which featured Crystal's vocals alongside other artists such as Bono and Mary J. Blige. Later that year, Crystal won Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Spanish Language Album of the Year for La Belleza De La Cruz.
The following year, Crystal had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform Lean of Me with Kirk Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Bono as well as other artists on the 1999 Grammy Awards. Also in 1999, Crystal released The Attack of the Screamin' Rays and her first live album entitled Live @ The Woodlands, which was recorded live in Houston, Texas the previous year. She then garnered yet another Dove Award (Special Event Album) for her contribution to the Exodus project and her second Spanish Language Album Dove Award for Oro that same year. Her 2000 Fearless release earned Crystal a Grammy nomination for Best Christian Pop Album of the Year and her song Only Fools was voted song of the year by ASCAP. Also in 2000, Crystal released her first Christmas album, which showed off her talent in the Jazz genre, Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics. CCM Magazine voted this album as the 5th Best Christmas album of all-time. In 2001, Crystal released More, which included some of her earlier hit songs as well as new songs like the rock-filled More and the captivating Like a Child. She also released More Live, her second live project in 2002 as well as Holy, Holy, Holy, her second collection of hymns. It was about 3 years later, in 2005, that Crystal released See.
In Spring 2006, with the release of Joyful Noise, Crystal's uniqueness and creativity still poured out incorporating her vocal prowess, the joyful, uplifting voices of children (including her very own), and most importantly the undeniable message of Christ. She continues to prove that her music and His message stands the test of time.
"I don't think as an artist, one of those creative-types, you are ever at the end." -Crystal Lewis
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"
How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, and a cool beeze to rest you. Then I waited, but you never came. O yes, It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.
I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight on your pillow and your face... Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.
You awakened late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times, but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and trees, and breathe it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams, and give birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need you could ever have.
We will spend enternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on earth. I really know, because I was there, and I want to help you. My father wants to help you, too. He's just that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk to me. It is your decision... I have chosen you, and because of this I will wait... Because I love you.
I 1st heard you in 1993 in the city of hemet,ca. A kid who didn't want to be in church and hated everytime my parents made me go. But now that i'm grown and have kids of my own i look back and think why was so closed minded to christ and all the blessing and love that he had for me. But i thank god for not giving up on me. I'm saved, my husband is saved and my kids love going to church. I don't have to force them. They injoy going. When i go to buy a cd its your voice and face on the cd i look for. you cant go wrong picking up crystal lewis. God bless you always, and thank you for your up lifting songs
Hey, I hope you're enjoying the beach! I wanted to let you know I'm going to begin filming a Christian series that will be comparable to the hit shows "Heroes," "Lost," and "Smallville."
Anyway, A contest has been created in leu of the show. Go to my page, click and donate $5. You can donate more if you'd like.
Filming for MANIFESTATIONS, The Series, begins filming on Sept 18th, 2009, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. At the end of the season, there is a scene in Colorado. Every $5 will enter your name to WIN AN ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP FOR 2 to the Rockies with the cast and crew of the Series (sometime around March).
Contest ends January 31st, and the winner will be announced on January 31st, 2010.
Other prizes are available for early donations! Donate today!
Hello, I know its been a min, but i have been busy working on my new album P.S.T Pain Sweat Tears-EP, which is out now, preview it now at www.blkraw.com
This past sunday I sang " I Will Go" . It really went well. You are amazing, God Truely has made you out to be a Messenger to God's People. God bless, Lori Beth
"Dream" God has not forgotten you, the righteous. God remembers you and your family just as he remembered Noah (Genesis 8:1) You shall be fruitful, mutilpy and increase upon the earth. God has made a covenant with you. You and your seed shall be bless. You will not be in lack. (Genesis 8:22) As long as the earth remains; seed time and harvest time shall not cease.
DaChosen1 Prophetic Ministries "We Are Touching The Nations" 832-607-6372 Text me your name to subscribe to DaChosen1 Daily Ministry Text Messages. Need More Encouragement?
Happy Birthday Crystal Lewis from all your friends from your fan club! May God bless you and your ministry and may you have many more to come! We love you!
We've received a blessing through sharing our hardships. We've found happiness and tenderness amidst the pain. We've experienced something miraculous and wonderful. We've learned lessons about life and love. We truly appreciate all the gifts we've been given...
19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God's law and God's promises?* Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
www.newlivingtranslation.com
(Go to the above website for a free daily devotional emailed to you!!)
Hola Crystal, que Yahveh te bendiga, he disfrutado y me han ministrado la musica que el padre eterno te da, eres especial, que Jahshua te guarde y prospere tu vida y la de tu familia.
Hey I hope you had a great day! I am so excited cuz I just found out you can buy my new song 'My Cowboy' on iTunes! Just click on my Banner at the top of my page and it will take you to iTunes....and please write a review & rate my song :D (5 Stars...pleeeease) when you're there. Thanks for all your support and help me spread the word!
Love ya and God Bless, The One & Only Mishavonna :D
