Today we’d like to introduce you to Christi Tillman.
Hi Christi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been in church all of my life! And as far back as I can remember, music has been life to me! My mom told me that when I started walking, she noticed I would hum in harmony with her while she was singing, move when I heard the music, and even get out in the isles and dance at church. At the age of two, my pastor would call me up to sing in front of the whole church and I have been singing ever since. When I got older, I was appointed the director over the youth choir for probably five years. At the age of fifteen, I began singing with small gospel groups around the city of Bryan, TX and surrounding cities. Upon leaving my hometown, Bryan, TX, I continued music ministry with my husband at the time. The ironic thing about all of this is that I never truly aspired to be an actual gospel artist, I just loved music, singing, and serving Christ through music ministry, so much that it has become a sheer passion of mine. Here’s a brief bio about me…
“Christi Tillman is an Independent Gospel Artist hailing from the city of Bryan, Texas. She has been residing in the great city of Dallas, Texas for over nineteen years, where she has sang for many churches and events.
Christi Tillman’s soulful sound is described by many, as explosive, anointed, and inspirational. Most often accompanied by her son, Jay Tillman, she brings her unique light of enthusiastic worship to every stage and platform she sings on. Her musical style and artistic influence is inspired by her mother, the late, Evangelist Laurietta Ayers-Bowser.
Christi Tillman has had the honors of sharing the stage with many notable Gospel icons, such as Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, Pastor Kim Burrell, Bishop Noel Jones, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Myron Butler, Crystal Aikin, and more. She is featured on a few albums with different artists including, Dr. Greg O’quin, Pastor Chris Wesley and Undignified Praise, and more.
In 2017, she was awarded Vocalist of the Year at the Key of Gospel Awards, a local Gospel achievement awards ceremony created by Sir Derrick Huggins. She was recently showcased on Kirk Franklin’s global platform, Blackstream Live: Sunday School via Twitch, and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters’ 39th Black Music and Civil Rights Movement Concert, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. She currently serves faithfully on the worship team at her church, Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Chris Wesley.
Amongst many other achievements, her proudest achievement is being the mother of her two amazing children. She strives to remind others daily that, “no matter what you face in life, you have been equipped by God to handle it. So, you can make it, you can take it, and you can face it because you’re #Graced4It!”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road for me. Growing up in a single-parent household was rough for me and my sister, but with the kind of mother we had, she would never let anything seem too hard! I watched my mom find solutions to every problem she faced, with the help of God. Seeing my mother go through many trials while continuing to sing and serve in church with a genuine smile, inspired me as an adolescent. And when I embarked upon the similar journey of becoming a single mother to two children, serving in ministry through music, I knew how to face every obstacle with faith in God. I have had to survive poverty, homelessness, heartbreak, loss, grief, deadly health issues, and more, all while continuing to sing my heart out. But through it all, with the continued inspiration from my mother, I have reminded myself that “all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV Bible). Seeing my children graduate high school, college, and grow into two amazing young adults has made every struggle worth the fight. I pray that my late mother, Laurietta Bowser, who is now taking her eternal rest, would’ve been proud of me, my motherhood, and my music ministry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
People tell me all the time when I get up to sing, they know I am going to give my all every time, no matter where I am. And this is true. I believe in being myself and giving my all for God, and I strive to keep the same energy everywhere I go. I believe this is what sets me apart from others. Everywhere I go, I try to leave people with my hashtag, #Graced4it. It means that no matter what you face in life, you have been equipped by God to handle it. So, you can make it, you can take it, and you can face it because you’re graced for it (#Graced4it).
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, my greatest goal is that someone (even if it’s just one person) that crosses my path is inspired to become a Believer and follower of Christ. I want my testimony through my sound and my songs to reach others and encourage them to believe they are graced to survive this life.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookctillman@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/christitillman
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ichristitillman
Image Credits
Benjamin Bullock
Reflections HD Photography
