Chris Bolton

Interview by Cherisse Stephens

There’s a new kid on the Block and his name is Chris Bolton! He’s been compared to the great Luther Vandross and has worked with the best in the gospel and R&B arenas. Gospelcity.com caught up with the talented actor, psalmist and writer to find out what’s on his mind and where he’s headed in the near future:

Gospelcity.com - Chris, first of all, we want to congratulate you on your new CD entitled, Believe, which debuts worldwide in May 2007. Tell us how excited you are about this project?

CB – I am so very excited. It’s been along time coming! I’ve been doing background work now for the past 12 years and it’s a great opportunity to come from behind the mic to the forefront. I thank God for it; I’m so excited I don’t know what to do. (laughing)

Gospelcity.com – Wow, that’s great. Tell those people who may not know who Chris Bolton is a little bit about your musical journey and how you got started.

CB – I started singing at the age of six years old at my dad’s church back in Chicago, Illinois, which is where I’m from. I started out singing and directing the choir at church and at school. From there, I began some acting and God blessed me to get out on the road immediately after graduating from school. I did a gospel stage play and that began opening up the doors for me.

Gospelcity.com –You’ve sung for some pretty impressive people in the industry. Share with us who they are.

CB – I’ve sung background for Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Mary Mary, Tamia, Kenny & Chante Lattimore, Chaka Khan…. It’s been a blessing.

Gospelcity.com – Man, not many people can say they’ve sung for artists such as those. Tell us how that prepared you to go out and do your own thing.

CB – It prepared me because being under the wings of great legends taught me maturity, endurance and the business of the music industry. It also taught me the importance of being anointed. I’ve seen the lifestyle of artists like Mary Mary; how they pray and live what they sing about. It’s taught me balance and you’ve got to be attentive to a lot of things that are going on around you. I’ve learned so much and it has equipped me to step out on my own now.