Back to His Old Streets
Long before superstardom with the Backstreet Boys, Brian Littrell grew up on Christian music. Now he returns to his roots with a solo album brimming with the things of faith.
by Carrie Erickson | posted 7/31/2006
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The Backstreet Boys have been one of pop music's super-groups for over a decade, selling more than 76 million records. But group member Brian Littrell, wanting something different, felt called to return to the Christian music he was brought up on. In 2005, his chart-topping remake of Michael English's signature song "In Christ Alone"—featured on the WoW No. 1s compilation—would go on to earn a Dove award for Inspirational Recorded Song. And just this month, Littrell released his solo debut Welcome Home (Reunion). It's quite a step away from the B-Boys, who didn't share Littrell's commitment to faith—a situation that sometimes led to tensions within the group, including a cover photo shoot for Rolling Stone when the guys were asked to pose with some scantily-clad women. Littrell refused, catching grief from his bandmates but kudos from fans who appreciated the stance he'd taken. In this interview, he talks about his new project, his Christian background, and his celebrity experience with the Backstreet Boys over the years.
You've been singing with the Backstreet Boys all these years, amassing accolades, awards, and international stardom. Why release this solo album now?
Brian Littrell: It's not really my timing. God has led me on a path to prepare me for this project, for things like this. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy singing in church in Lexington, Kentucky. I've been writing Christian music for a long time, and now I have the opportunity to share some of those songs with others. My focus has been on God and his timing, and when God's timing is right, why not?
How then do you respond to skeptics who say you're simply using your success to capitalize on the Christian music scene?
Littrell I think the record speaks for itself. The first song, "My Answer Is You," talks about how there's a world of difference when faith is in your heart. The reason for that faith, for that hope, is God. I'm here to profess my faith and step out in faith. It has nothing to do with finances. It has everything to do with God and his timing.
Many people don't realize you come from a strong Christian background.
Littrell I've been singing in the church since I was four years old. My parents sang in the church choir, so I grew up in that environment with a love of singing, surrounded by [Christian] music. I had a natural God-given gift and was able to use that gift singing at revivals and other churches in the area.
And you were planning to take that love of music and study in college to become a worship leader?
Littrell Yes, I had looked into Cincinnati Bible College. They actually approached me with a four-year scholarship, but I wasn't yet a senior in high school at that time. So I had to wait a year before I could apply. Before that could happen, however, my cousin Kevin Richardson called and said, "I want you to come to Orlando and try out for this group." That led to the Backstreet Boys, and here we are thirteen years later.
You're the first Backstreet Boy to release a solo album. You say the others have heard it and have given it their blessing. Are Kevin and the other members believers? Has Welcome Home been a tool to witness?
Littrell You know, I really can't speak on their behalf as to whether or not they are believers. God has always had a plan by putting me in the Backstreet Boys. I think it's really cool to be able to share this message and music not only with fans of the Backstreet Boys, but also with the Backstreet Boys themselves. They like the material, and they're very supportive of where I'm going and where my faith journey has taken me. I think it really makes a great combination to have a strong believer in the midst of a band with a platform like this.
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