Bob Carlisle
Bob Carlisle, born on September 29, 1956, in Santa Ana, California, is an American singer and songwriter renowned for his contributions to Contemporary Christian and pop music. He began his musical journey performing in clubs during the 1970s and built a reputation as a session musician in the early 1980s, providing background vocals for artists such as Barry Manilow and REO Speedwagon. In 1984, Carlisle co-founded the band Allies, which released six albums over nine years.
Carlisle embarked on a solo career in the 1990s, releasing his debut solo album, "Bob Carlisle," in 1993, followed by "The Hope of a Man" in 1994, both under Sparrow Records. His breakthrough came with the 1997 album "Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace)," featuring the hit single "Butterfly Kisses," co-written with Randy Thomas. The song, originally a personal gift for his daughter, became a crossover success, earning a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and three Dove Awards, including Song of the Year. The album achieved double platinum status in the U.S. and was a chart-topping success in several countries.
Despite the massive success of "Butterfly Kisses," Carlisle continued to record music for movie soundtracks and collaborate with other artists, although he never replicated the song's widespread acclaim. Throughout his career, Carlisle has been recognized with four Dove Awards and one Grammy Award, cementing his legacy in both the Christian and mainstream music worlds.