Brian Littrell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Littrell
Brian Littrell in June 2011
Born	Brian Thomas Littrell (1975-02-20) February 20, 1975 (age 50) Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.
Alma mater	Tates Creek High School
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	1993–present
Spouse(s)	Leighanne Wallace ​ (m. 2000)​
Children	Baylee Littrell (b. 2002)
Relatives	Kevin Richardson (cousin)
Musical career
Genres	Pop R&B CCM
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Reunion Jive
Signature

Brian Thomas Littrell (born February 20, 1975) is an American singer. He is famous for being a member of the popular music group Backstreet Boys. Brian also sings Christian music and released his own album, Welcome Home, in 2006. His son, Baylee Littrell, is also a country singer.

In 2015, Brian was honored by being added to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. His cousin and bandmate, Kevin Richardson, was also inducted.

Early Life

Brian Littrell was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He grew up in a religious family and started singing at his church when he was just seven years old. He even became the president of his church's youth choir. When he was 14, his choir teacher suggested he sing at weddings to earn money. Brian also acted in school plays, like Grease.

Brian loved sports and played baseball in Little League. He also dreamed of becoming a basketball player. However, he was not very tall, so he didn't get to play much in high school tournaments. He also thought about becoming a music minister.

In April 1993, something exciting happened. Brian's cousin, Kevin Richardson, called him from school. Kevin told him about an audition for a new music group called the Backstreet Boys. One of the original members had left, and they needed a fifth singer. Brian flew to Orlando the very next day to try out. He finished high school by taking classes through the mail, graduating in 1994.

Career

Backstreet Boys

Brian Littrell (left) with the Backstreet Boys in 2008

Brian Littrell became a key member of the Backstreet Boys. The group became very popular around the world. In 1997, Brian and other bandmates took legal action against their manager, Lou Pearlman. They felt he had not been fair about their earnings. This led to agreements that helped the band.

In 2000, Teen People magazine named Brian one of the "25 Hottest People Under 25." He even shared this honor with Justin Timberlake from the rival band *NSYNC.

Christian Music

Brian Littrell performing in 2005

Brian always wanted to make Christian music, which he called "pop positive" music. In 2004, he signed a solo record deal. He released his first solo album, Welcome Home, in 2005. Brian helped write six songs on the album. It sold over 100,000 copies in the U.S. and reached No. 3 on the Christian album charts.

Several songs from the album became popular, including "In Christ Alone" and "Welcome Home (You)". "In Christ Alone" reached No. 1 on the Christian charts in 2005. Even though he started a solo career, Brian continued to be a member of the Backstreet Boys.

Brian has won several awards for his Christian music. He won a Dove Award in 2006 for "In Christ Alone." He won another in 2008 for "By His Wounds." He also won "Special Event Album of the Year" awards in 2008 and 2010 for albums he made with other Christian artists.

Brian also released two Christmas albums with his wife, Leighanne, and son, Baylee. These were Brian Littrell's Family Christmas (2010) and Christmas with the Littrells (2011).

TV and Film Appearances

Brian has appeared on TV shows with the Backstreet Boys, including Arthur, Sesame Street, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He and bandmate AJ McLean also had small roles in the movie Olive Juice, which starred Brian's wife, Leighanne.

The Backstreet Boys performed on Saturday Night Live in 1998 and 1999. In 2013, Brian and his bandmates appeared in the movie This Is the End.

Other Activities

When the Backstreet Boys took breaks, Brian participated in other activities, often for charity. He played basketball in NBA cities before games with other famous people. He also played in charity baseball, softball, and golf games.

Personal Life

Relationships

In June 1997, Brian met Leighanne Reena Wallace, an actress and model. They met while filming the music video for the Backstreet Boys song "As Long as You Love Me". Brian proposed to Leighanne on Christmas in 1999. They got married on September 2, 2000.

On September 11, 2001, Leighanne was supposed to be on a flight that was later involved in the 9/11 attacks. Luckily, she had canceled her flight the night before. On November 26, 2002, Brian and Leighanne welcomed their son, Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell. Baylee is now following in his father's footsteps in the entertainment world.

The family lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, near Atlanta, where they have been since 2000.

Health Issues

Brian was born with a heart condition. When he was six weeks old, doctors found he had a heart murmur. At age five, he was in the hospital for two months because of a serious infection. This caused him to repeat first grade in school.

In November 1997, doctors discovered that Brian's heart had grown larger due to his condition. He decided to postpone surgery so he could finish touring with the band. He had open-heart surgery on May 8, 1998. Brian later started the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club, a group that helps children with heart conditions.

In October 2009, Brian got the swine flu, which caused the Backstreet Boys to cancel some of their tour dates. In a 2015 documentary, Brian shared that he was diagnosed with a vocal condition in 2011. He has been working with a therapist to help his voice.

Religious Beliefs

Brian is a devoted Christian. He believes that Christians should openly share their faith. He has said that his faith has always been "the utmost important thing" in his life and that he thanks God for his success.

Heritage

In 2019, Brian took a DNA test to learn about his family history. The test showed that his background is mostly from the British Isles (Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), with some Finnish and Scandinavian heritage as well.

Filmography

Discography

Albums

Singles

See also

In Spanish: Brian Littrell para niños

• Backstreet Boys
• List of Christian worship music artists