Bob Carlisle

Essential Albums

Artist Playlists

Singles & EPs

About Bob Carlisle

Bob Carlisle was already a seasoned CCM singer by the time “Butterfly Kisses,” a song originally composed for his daughter’s 16th birthday, became one of the most popular country ballads of the late ’90s. Carlisle was born in 1956 in Orange County, CA, where as a teenager he embraced Southern California’s burgeoning Jesus music scene. Splitting time between club gigs and session work with secular artists like Barry Manilow and REO Speedwagon, he cofounded Allies in 1985. The Christian rockers amassed a loyal fanbase thanks in large part to the husky, gospel-informed vocals of Carlisle, whose decision to go solo in 1993 seemed like the next logical move for a singer of his caliber. On his self-titled debut, he introduced the affectionately tender style that would come into its own on his third full-length, 1997’s Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace). Fueled by the success of the title track, the album catapulted him onto the secular pop and country charts. Though Carlisle would shift gears to soundtrack work in the 2000s, the achingly intimate feel and family focus of his signature tune helped reignite Nashville’s interest in developing artists capable of crossing between Christian music and country.

HOMETOWN
Santa Ana, CA, United States
BORN
September 29, 1956
GENRE
Christian

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada