Back to His Old Streets
By Carrie Erickson
July 31, 2006
Christianity today

The Backstreet Boys have been one of pop music's super-groups for over a decade, selling more than 76 million records. But group member Brian Littrell, wanting something different, felt called to return to the Christian music he was brought up on. In 2005, his chart-topping remake of Michael English's signature song "In Christ Alone"—featured on the WoW No. 1s compilation—would go on to earn a Dove award for Inspirational Recorded Song. And just this month, Littrell released his solo debut Welcome Home (Reunion). It's quite a step away from the B-Boys, who didn't share Littrell's commitment to faith—a situation that sometimes led to tensions within the group, including a cover photo shoot for Rolling Stone when the guys were asked to pose with some scantily-clad women. Littrell refused, catching grief from his bandmates but kudos from fans who appreciated the stance he'd taken. In this interview, he talks about his new project, his Christian background, and his celebrity experience with the Backstreet Boys over the years.

You've been singing with the Backstreet Boys all these years, amassing accolades, awards, and international stardom. Why release this solo album now?
Brian Littrell: It's not really my timing. God has led me on a path to prepare me for this project, for things like this. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy singing in church in Lexington, Kentucky. I've been writing Christian music for a long time, and now I have the opportunity to share some of those songs with others. My focus has been on God and his timing, and when God's timing is right, why not?

How then do you respond to skeptics who say you're simply using your success to capitalize on the Christian music scene?
Littrell: I think the record speaks for itself. The first song, "My Answer Is You," talks about how there's a world of difference when faith is in your heart. The reason for that faith, for that hope, is God. I'm here to profess my faith and step out in faith. It has nothing to do with finances. It has everything to do with God and his timing.

Many people don't realize you come from a strong Christian background.
Littrell: I've been singing in the church since I was four years old. My parents sang in the church choir, so I grew up in that environment with a love of singing, surrounded by [Christian] music. I had a natural God-given gift and was able to use that gift singing at revivals and other churches in the area.

And you were planning to take that love of music and study in college to become a worship leader?
Littrell: Yes, I had looked into Cincinnati Bible College. They actually approached me with a four-year scholarship, but I wasn't yet a senior in high school at that time. So I had to wait a year before I could apply. Before that could happen, however, my cousin Kevin Richardson called and said, "I want you to come to Orlando and try out for this group." That led to the Backstreet Boys, and here we are thirteen years later.

You're the first Backstreet Boy to release a solo album. You say the others have heard it and have given it their blessing. Are Kevin and the other members believers? Has Welcome Home been a tool to witness?
Littrell: You know, I really can't speak on their behalf as to whether or not they are believers. God has always had a plan by putting me in the Backstreet Boys. I think it's really cool to be able to share this message and music not only with fans of the Backstreet Boys, but also with the Backstreet Boys themselves. They like the material, and they're very supportive of where I'm going and where my faith journey has taken me. I think it really makes a great combination to have a strong believer in the midst of a band with a platform like this.

Has it been difficult being the only outspoken Christian in the group?
Littrell: Early on, being the one with the religious background and strong faith, sure. There were times when the other guys would wonder why my view differed from everyone else's in the group. But I think people come to understand each other as relationships build over time, and we've learned that we all need each other. We all play a certain role in the group, and if I can smack these guys around a little bit, share with them, and help them realize there's a light at the end of the tunnel, then I've done my part.

Have you ever felt pressured by your celebrity success—your record label, your friends in Backstreet Boys—to participate in something that conflicted with your beliefs?
Littrell: I was once asked to be a guest on the Howard Stern show along with Kevin and Howie. It wasn't that they pressured me, but they did tease me and try to persuade me to go on the show, saying that it would be fun. But I know what Stern's show is about and I didn't need—or want—to be a part of it.

Wasn't there also a time when you refused to be on the cover of Rolling Stone with the rest of the Backstreet Boys?
Littrell: Right, it was the photographer's idea to surround us with these half-clothed women, trying to make us look larger than life. That didn't fit with my beliefs—that wasn't me. The other guys grilled me hard, trying to explain why I needed to do this, but I didn't appear in it. It was ultimately a good thing, though. That issue featured a separate photo of me explaining why I didn't appear on the cover with the others, and how I didn't want to be portrayed that way. I've received a lot of support from fans because of it, thanking me for showing that I'm real and that I hold true to my beliefs.

Is it tough to be a role model for those fans, considering that so many girls consider you a superstar or even a super-hunk?
Littrell: I want the BSB fans to look at me and see stability. I know who I am as a person, as a father, and as a husband. I really believe that's one of the many reasons that God had put me right in the middle of the Backstreet Boys. There are so many stars today that don't realize the impact they have on young people. Being a superstar is great, as long as you can be a positive role model.

How then do you remain a positive role model and keep accountable to your faith?
Littrell: God holds me accountable. My relationship with him affects every move I make. I keep everything that is most important to me close to me: my family, my bible, my X-Box—just kidding. Basically you are your environment [on the road], so I surround myself with positive things and [keep grounded] through prayer.

Now that your album has been out for a while, what response have you received—both from Christians and the secular market?
Littrell: I've received a lot of positive feedback from both the secular and Christian markets. People seem to be receiving it with open arms and hearts, and are interested in the stories I want to share about my relationship with God and my faith. I've been overwhelmed, to be honest. I pray this record breaks down some walls to help show that Christian music can be cool again.

Was there a specific time when you felt Christian music was cool or that it lost its momentum, or do you feel Christian music has never quite measured up to the same standards of mainstream music?
Littrell: There was a time when Christian music was all I listened to—from Michael W. Smith and Michael English to Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris. Then when I entered the mainstream music world, I started listening to mostly secular music. Today groups are breaking down the walls, like the success of Switchfoot or mainstream radio playing MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine." It's good because it's overcoming the divide that's existed. No one seems to want to play both formats on the radio, but Christian music is gradually becoming more accepted, which I think is great because you can reach more people if your music is played on both formats. But that's not my ultimate goal.

What do you hope to accomplish with this album? Are you using your fame as a platform to share Jesus with others who might not usually listen to Christian music?
Littrell: People are drawn to the project because I'm with the Backstreet Boys. That's good, but I hope the music and the message drives them to Christ. I really had no expectations making this record, but I felt it was what it needed to be to relay my message in a positive way. I'm going to work hard to promote this project—to step out and talk about it—while hoping it reaches as many people as it can, even on the secular side. It's not about the sales; it's about my heart and my relationship with Christ. What I pray is that people give it a chance. This project is not about me. It's not about its success, other than doing what it was intended to do—to get the message of Jesus out.

What do you think you have to offer the Christian music world musically, besides fame and name recognition?
Littrell: My project feeds off of what I grew up listening to. As well as Christian music, I listened to inspirational and traditional gospel. This project draws from all three.

I have a gospel choir in "You Keep Givin' Me" and "We Lift You Up." Then "Angels and Heroes" and "Gone Without Goodbye" draw more from the inspirational side. They're not directed toward religion, per se, but that's my interpretation. As far as more typical Christian music, there's "My Answer Is You," "Welcome Home You," and "Over My Head." I wanted my project to be well rounded, yet different at the same time. I want people to listen and find something new every time they listen to it.

Were there any challenges or differences for you to go from the mainstream as one of today's biggest selling artists to a relatively niche market like CCM?
Littrell: There's really not a whole lot of difference other than the songs that are played. Radio is radio—it's an outlet. And the record business is the record business.

What's most important in your life right today?
Littrell: I'd have to say my family and my faith. There's nothing more rewarding than having my loving wife Leighanne and my little boy Baylee beside me. I'm just so blessed by what God's given me, and I hope this record provides a way for me to give something back.