Fri, Jun 26, 20
BILLBOARD: Chris Tomlin Enlists FGL, Thomas Rhett & Lady for "Chris Tomlin & Friends"
On Chris Tomlin & Friends, Christian artist Chris Tomlin looked to his pals in the country community to lend a hand and their voices.
The album, out July 31, features the 21-time Dove Award winner performing with Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett on “Thank You Lord” and Lady A on “Who You Are To Me.”
Also on the set are Brett Young, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Blessing, NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart and Russell Dickerson, who was on Tomlin’s tour crew before striking out as a solo country artist. A chance meeting with FGL’s Tyler Hubbard led to Hubbard and his FGL partner Brian Kelley executive producing the album. “Tyler and I both grew up leading worship in the church, performing Tomlin’s songs, so to have the chance to be a part of this album with one of our musical inspirations is a true blessing,” says Kelley. Longtime FGL collaborator Corey Crowder produced the bulk of the project. Tomlin, who relocated to Nashville a few years ago, has been spending a lot of time with country artists lately: he appears on Rhett's current hit, "Be a Light."
Shortly before the album’s release, Tomlin, whose 2103 album, Burning Lights, debuted atop The Billboard 200, will embark on Tomlin Worship Tailgate, a slate of three shows set for July 24-26 in Louisville, Huntsville, Ala., and Rock, Ga. Additional weekends will be announced soon. “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.”