Crystal Lynn Lewis (born September 11, 1969) is an American contemporary Christian and jazz singer and songwriter. She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won multiple GMA Dove Awards. Additionally, she has released numerous CCM chart-topping hits.

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.

Early life and career Crystal Lewis was born in Corona, California (where she grew up singing in her father's church). 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.

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. 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. 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).

In 1992, Lewis worked in the sketch comedy television series Roundhouse, which aired on Nickelodeon. 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. Lewis was also featured on Kirk Franklin's hit song, "Lean on Me" in 1998. In 2000, Lewis returned with Fearless and the Christmas album, Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics. In 2015, her self-titled album Crystal Lewis was released, and the soulful jazz album Rhapsody followed in 2019.

In May 2022, Lewis released Together We Can, an album with guest artists and duets. 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.

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 (Izzi Ray), is also a singer and songwriter. Her son, Solomon, also pursued a career in music. He produced his mother's 2011 release, Plain and Simple.

Discography

1986: Wild Blue Yonder 1987: Beyond the Charade 1989: Joy 1990: Let Love In 1992: Remember 1992: Recuerda 1993: The Bride 1993: La Esposa 1994: The Remix Collection 1995: Hymns My Life 1995: Himnos de Mi Vida 1996: Beauty for Ashes 1996: La Belleza de la Cruz 1998: Gold 1998: ORO 1999: Live @ the Woodlands 2000: Fearless 2000: La Coleccion 2000: Holiday! 2002: More Live 2002: Holy, Holy, Holy 2003: Santo, Santo, Santo 2005: SEE 2006: Joyful Noise 2010: Home for the Holidays 2011: Plain and Simple 2014: 25 2015: Crystal Lewis 2017: Suéltalo 2019: Rhapsody 2020: Just Because 2022: Together We Can 2024: A Seasonal Thing 2025: Claire Clementine Finds Her Voice

Filmography +Film rolesYearTitleRoleNotes1985Hi-TopsLily from the Valley2005The 7th CommandmentLil ReginaShort film2010The WyldsThe Gatekeeper2013Treasure StateJoan Hogue +Television rolesYearTitleRoleNotes1984Colby's ClubhouseN/AEpisode: "Crystal Is a Guest"1992RoundhouseVarious13 episodes2015Praise the LordHerself / PerformerEpisodes: "Episode April 1, 2015" & "Episode September 17, 2015"

Awards and nominations GMA Dove Awards Year Category Nominated work Result 1998 Female Vocalist of the Year Spanish Language Album of the Year La Belleza de la Cruz 1999 Female Vocalist of the Year Spanish Language Album of the Year Oro Special Event Album of the Year Exodus ) 2017 Song of the Year "Even If" Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year "Even If"

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

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