Brian Littrell

Brian has been a 13-year member of one of pop music’s most recognized and bestselling artists – the Backstreet Boys (BSB). Despite his phenomenal and legendary success, Brian has been a born-again Christian since he was 8 years old. “I’ve known for a very long time that making music for the church has been my calling,” says Brian. After high school, Brian planned on going to college on scholarship at Ohio’s Cincinnati Bible College and studying youth or music ministry. 

In 1993, Brian’s cousin asked him to first try out for an upstart Orlando, Florida vocal band. The band emerged as the BSB and since then the 5 member group has sold 75 million records and earned numerous accolades. The five singers are: Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson. (The BSB are close friends and performed together on a world tour in 2005.)

Brian remained true to his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ throughout his entire career. He says that once they were doing a photoshoot with a major magazine which included posing with naked women. Brian, now 31, said he preferred not to be a part of the provocative shot, not only because of his faith, but because it would dishonor his wife, Leighanne. So the magazine honored his request and tastefully placed him on a page by himself.

Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Brian participated in school athletics and various church choirs while growing up. Born with a congenital heart defect that makes him susceptible to infections, Brian landed in the hospital at the age of 5 for the entire summer and doctors did not expect him to live. “It’s a miracle that I’m here today because they didn’t have medicine to overcome the infection. Instead, doctors were literally beating the infection, physically pounding my chest, to keep it away from my heart,” says Brian. What kept him going at that time was his faith. “Did I really understand what faith was at that point in my life? No, of course not. But I did understand that there was some sort of relationship ….[that] directly tied me to people joining hands and praying around me,” says Brian. (He is very active with the nonprofit organization he established in 1999 – The Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids. The organization focuses on nutrition, exercise, self-esteem and healthy heart living for children ages 8 –12.)

Brian’s main objective today is to spread God’s Word.

He wanted his first solo album to be fueled by his personal, Christ-centered worldview. The CD, entitled Welcome Home, blends influences from Christian, inspirational and traditional Gospel music. His son, Baylee, makes a special appearance on the a capella song, “Jesus Loves You” written by Brian. “The songs represent who I am and what I believe,” says Brian. “It’s no secret: what you see is what you get. I couldn’t be more proud to have the opportunity to share this music, both with the church and with longtime BSB fans alike… I hope this record is a chance to give something back. Most importantly, I hope I can do something that opens doors and benefits lives.”