(December 16, 2024) Sometimes winning a reality music showcase such as The Voice does not always guarantee a career that is set in stone. However, Chris Blue, who won in 2017, would be rewarded accordingly in due time. Growing up praising the Lord, whether with his family group The Blue Brothers (who appeared on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel) or participating with his college gospel choir at Tennessee Temple University, his post-The Voice journey led Blue to a blessed opportunity.
After self-releasing an E.P. in 2019 entitled Fresh Start, the Knoxville, TN native received his proper fresh start meeting Gospel Hall of Fame recipient, Bill Gaither. And Blue impressed with his moving soulful renditions of hymns for two Gaither Music Group videos and the debut full-length homage of his church roots, Foundations: The Hymns of My Heart.
In celebrating the Christmas season, Blue released a 2-track CD, Celebrate Christmas, featuring Blue’s intro to SoulTracks and First Listen, “Celebrate Me Home.” This huge holiday staple for veteran performer Kenny Loggins was co-written with jazz giant Bob James in 1977. And this profound song choice for Blue works totally in his favor – recalling how his family played a significant role in his music quest. From the opening vocal adlib, Blue fills the atmosphere with a creamy tenor that locks the song’s intention: “Play me one more song/That I’ll always remember/That I can recall whenever I find myself too all alone/I can sing me home.”
Producer Gordon Mote, who has worked with Gaither on numerous occasions, chooses a warm gospel backdrop with a first-rate rhythm section and background vocals. SoulTracks welcomes Blue for sharing a purpose to celebrate the holidays on “Celebrate Me Home.” Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
