
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 children’s 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.”
Joyful Noise may be Crystal’s first children’s CD release,
but she herself is no stranger to being involved in children’s 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 children’s 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.
Now in Spring 2006, with the release of Joyful Noise, Crystal’s uniqueness
and creativity still pours 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.”
Simply put. Timeless.