In our society many fear there is little hope for tomorrow and our younger generation. Kristian Booth is proving that theory wrong.

Kristian entertains Gospel music enthusiasts everywhere he sings with a dynamic vocal delivery, while effectively bridging the gap between younger and older audiences. He has an electrifying energy in each of his performances that parallel his genuine warmth and down-to-earth personality. Kristian describes his music as “progressive Southern Gospel,” and does an impressive job of blending both the traditional sounds of yesterday’s hymns with today’s latest musical style. Kristian established himself as a rising Southern Gospel artist by becoming the youngest male soloist to ever write, record, and chart two consecutive top 80 hits in Southern Gospel music history.

Now at age 27, Kristian’s latest release “Good Things’” produced by his mentor John Starnes, can best be defined as a breakthrough Southern Gospel recording. The considerable radio airplay of songs in Kristian’s repertoire and consistent increase in audiences attending his concerts, should help propel him to a higher success and popularity level. “I know that I am much younger than most people active in Southern Gospel music, but I believe that God has truly called me to sing and be a witness to others through Gospel music.”

Kristian’s love for Southern Gospel music was spurred by his paternal grandmother, Jimmie Jarrell. Kristian remembers sitting beside her on the piano bench at their home in Picayune, MS while she played and sang old hymns with him when he was only a few years old. While still a child, Kristian’s parents divorced, causing his only sister and mother to move out of his life. When Kristian was twelve, his father, who was his best friend, suddenly passed away from a rare disease. It was during that time that Kristian’s faith in God became stronger and he developed a true passion for Southern Gospel Music.

Kristian remarked: “No matter how difficult times can get, God can pull you through them and make you realize the importance of having a personal relationship with Him, as well as, help you become successful in the endeavors of your choosing.” Southern Gospel music has truly changed my life for the better.”

Besides his grandmother, Kristian lists the Happy Goodmans, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Janet Paschal, John Starnes and Dottie Rambo, as having the most influence on his Gospel music career. Kristian recently made a dream come true by recording with two of his heroes. Kristian’s newest project includes two duets, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before,” with Dottie Rambo, and “Right Behind Jesus”, with Sheri Easter.

Kristian earned a Music Business degree at Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 2002. While attending college in Nashville, Kristian worked in various capacities for the Beckie Simmons Agency, where he is now booked. He was nominated as 2003 New Artist of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Guild and has regularly appeared on Gospel Music Television and the United Methodist Hour programs. He has shared concert stages with may of the industry’s most well known singing groups including, the Hoppers, Crabb Family, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Gold City and the Steels. He has also opened concerts for top country performers such as, LeAnn Rimes, Toby Keith, Mark Wills, Sawyer Brown, and Ricky Skaggs.

Kristian’s priority is not to obtain fame. Instead, he simply desires to spread the news of God’s perfect love. Kristian commented: “Southern Gospel music is more to me than just music, it’s the story of God. I remain amazed how God uses my music in ways I could have never dreamed. He has led me from despair and tragedy, and given me hope and peace. Through the gift of music, I pray God will use me to help someone else the way my favorite artists have helped me.

(as published in Singing News Magazine)