Chris Tomlin Teams With FGL, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young For New Album

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Chris Tomlin

CCM superstar Chris Tomlin will welcome several country superstars for his upcoming album, Chris Tomlin & Friends, set to release July 31.

The album’s first release, “Thank You Lord,” features Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, while “Who You Are To Me” features Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood. “Who You Are To Me,” penned by Tomlin and Lady A, will be going for adds at Christian radio in July.

Others contributing to the project include Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope, NEEDTOBREATHE’s Blessing and Bear Rinehart and more.
A chance meeting between Tomlin and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard led to Tomlin making guest appearances during a few of FGL’s concerts in Atlanta and Las Vegas last year. Tomlin also recently joined Thomas Rhett and Lady A as part of Thomas Rhett’s inspirational single “Be A Light.”

Florida Georgia Line also executive-produced the project. Producers on the album include Corey Crowder, David Garcia and Ed Cash.

“I am so excited to finally get to share this music. The project has been unbelievable and unlike anything I have ever done before. The relationships, friendships, and the collaborations have been a gift. For me, the best part is that everyone created this music to bring glory to God,” Tomlin said. “What a joy it has been to do this with friends; writing songs and telling stories that we hope will move people in a new way.”

“This is a very meaningful project for us,” Hubbard said. “BK and I both grew up leading worship in church, singing several of Chris’ songs throughout the years. He’s been a huge inspiration to us, and to have this full circle opportunity to collaborate with him on this album is a true blessing.”

Kelley added, “From the first time we met, we built an immediate friendship that has quickly grown into a brotherhood. Something divine happens when we all write and get together in the studio that feels bigger than us. We are grateful for Chris and his belief in us to share this message with the world.”

“Everyone brought their own unique experiences and talents to the table and it’s what made the songs and their message so relatable and powerful,” Tomlin said. “One of my personal hopes for this album is to take a step towards bridging Christian music and all other genres. I believe themes about faith and God are relevant and needed regardless of the style of music or streaming platform genre classification. Since I was young, I have felt a calling on my life to help give people a voice to worship God. I want people to have the opportunity to worship every day of the week not just on Sundays; while they are in their car, at work, running, or just listening to whatever shows up on their playlist. For me, this record is a step towards breaking down the walls of the Christian genre and allowing the music to be accessible to a wider audience. That’s my understanding of the Gospel. Music about faith, God, salvation and forgiveness doesn’t only have to come from the Christian genre.”

Tomlin will also launch a series of tailgate concerts, called “Tomlin Worship Tailgate,” set for July 24-26 in Louisville, Kentucky, Huntsville, Alabama, and Rock, Georgia.

“These tailgate events provide a safe way to come together and remind us how simple songs of worship can connect and give us a voice together in some of the hardest times,” Tomlin says.  “This night is about gathering all streams of the church as one voice; so bring your families and friends and pop the tailgate down and let’s worship together under the summer sky.”

Jessica Nicholson
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