Bob Carlisle

by John BushHe began making music by appearing on many vocal sessions from the 70s, and Bob Carlisle finally found a solo career in 1993, singing gospel pop/rock with subtle soul influences. He had appeared with several early Jesus Music acts — including Allies — and sang backup vocals on sessions by Bryan Duncan, Vince Ebo, Sandi Patti and Petra before signing with Sparrow Records in 1993; his self-titled debut album appeared later that year. By 1996, Carlisle was recording for the Diadem label, and that years Shades of Grace became a gospel hit, propelled by the single Mighty Love. The following year, Carlisle unexpectedly became a crossover success when the single Butterfly Kisses became a pop hit. The album was repackaged and reissued in the spring of 1997 under the name Butterfly Kisses and it topped the pop charts; Stories from the Heart followed in 1998. That same year, Carlisle also issued Butterfly Kissess & Bedtime Prayers; its sequel followed in early 1999. Nothing But the Truth was released a year later.