Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Christopher George Cross is commonly known as Chris Cross.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 3, 1951, in Austin, Texas, USA. Still active in the music industry, there is no recorded date of death.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a musical family, Christopher Cross developed an interest in piano at a young age. He began taking lessons from his mother, who was an accomplished pianist herself. As a child, he would often accompany her to local music gatherings and events, where he was exposed to various genres of music.
Cross's early influences were rooted in jazz, classical, and rock. He has mentioned that he was particularly drawn to the work of artists such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Steely Dan. This eclectic mix of styles would later become a hallmark of his own unique sound.
Major Accomplishments
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Christopher Cross's big break came in 1980 when he released his debut album "Chris Cross". The album spawned the hit singles "Sailing" and "Never Be the Same", both of which became chart-topping successes. His soulful voice, combined with his skill as a pianist and songwriter, quickly made him a favorite among music fans.
Cross's subsequent albums, including "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from the soundtrack of the film Arthur, solidified his position in the industry. He has released numerous albums over the years, often exploring new styles and themes while maintaining his signature sound.
Notable Works or Actions
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Christopher Cross has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and Phil Collins. His work on the soundtrack for the film Arthur earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1981. This achievement marked a milestone in his career, as it not only showcased his versatility but also introduced him to a broader audience.
Cross has continued to tour and release new music over the years, experimenting with different styles while remaining true to his roots. His unique blend of pop, rock, and jazz has endeared him to fans across generations.
Impact and Legacy
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Christopher Cross's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As a singer-songwriter, he has inspired countless artists with his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. His ability to craft catchy melodies while exploring deeper themes has made him a beloved figure among fans of all ages.
Cross's legacy extends beyond his own music as well. He has been praised for his advocacy on behalf of music education and the arts. Through various charitable initiatives, he has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of music in our lives.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Christopher Cross is widely quoted or remembered for his soulful voice, poignant lyrics, and commitment to music education. His unique blend of pop, rock, and jazz has made him a beloved figure among fans of all ages. As an artist who continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in popular music, he remains an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.
Through his enduring legacy, Christopher Cross serves as a reminder that true artistry is not just about creating music, but also about touching hearts and minds through the power of sound.
Quotes by Christopher Cross
People say, ‘How’s the record doing?’ In the old days you’d say, ‘We’re at 600,000, it’s doing great.’ You don’t say those things anymore. Those numbers are gone.
We certainly strive for trying to make a quality record throughout, and I think that’s true of all of our records.
The writers that I aspire to, like Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman, they’ll tell you that the work gets harder, not easier. And they set that bar for us where we’re always striving to do something better than the last time, whether it’s the next song or just the next line.
In the tradition of the classic songwriter rooms like The Bluebird in Nashville, Strange Brew is a gift to the music community in Austin, for artists and audiences alike.
I have a daughter, and it’s a very bad message to send to my daughter that to be valid or accepted or to have value, you have to look a certain way. It’s all about appearance, and not about education and not about contributing. I think we’ve completely lost our way.
If you can’t play it on an acoustic guitar or a grand piano then it’s not a song.
You got to fight for quality art and equality and all the things that we’re fighting for, the things we believe in. Choice and preference and all those things that we support. We don’t want to give up that fight. You got to keep doing it.
