Crystal Lewis’s Husband: Marriages, Family, and Personal Life
Fans of gospel and contemporary Christian music often want to know more about the personal lives of the artists they admire. A common question is: who was Crystal Lewis’s husband? The acclaimed singer, known for her powerful voice and more than three decades in music, was married to Brian Ray, a musician and producer who played a key role in her career. Their marriage lasted twenty years, during which they raised two children and collaborated musically. Understanding Crystal Lewis’s husband, her family, and how her relationships intertwined with her career provides a fuller picture of the artist behind the songs.
Who Is Crystal Lewis?
Crystal Lewis was born on September 11, 1969, in Corona, California. From an early age, she displayed remarkable musical ability. By her teenage years, she was already involved in performing, and at fifteen she was cast in the role of a singer for the children’s musical television show Hi-Tops. That experience paved the way for her career in music.
In the mid-1980s, she began recording as part of the band Wild Blue Yonder before moving into her solo career. She quickly rose to prominence in the Christian music world with her clear, soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Over the years, she released a string of successful albums, including Beauty for Ashes, Gold, and Fearless. Her music blended gospel, pop, and soul influences, reaching audiences far beyond the boundaries of traditional Christian music.
Throughout her career, Lewis earned multiple Dove Awards and nominations for her work. She also received Grammy recognition and became a beloved figure among fans of contemporary Christian and gospel music.
Crystal Lewis’s Marriage to Brian Ray
When discussing Crystal Lewis’s husband, the most important figure is Brian Ray, whom she married in 1985. Brian Ray was a musician and producer, as well as the lead guitarist for the Christian band Righteous Cry before he began working closely with Crystal. Their marriage became both a personal and professional partnership.
Brian produced many of Crystal’s albums, contributing to the signature sound that defined her career in the 1990s and early 2000s. His role went beyond that of a supportive spouse—he was actively shaping her music, ensuring the production quality matched her vocal talent. Together, they built a brand in Christian music that reached both church audiences and mainstream listeners.
The couple’s marriage lasted for two decades, during which they worked side by side in music and raised their two children. The blending of their personal and professional lives gave them a unique bond, though it also presented challenges, as happens in any relationship where careers and marriage are deeply intertwined.
Family Life and Children
Crystal Lewis and Brian Ray had two children together: daughter Izzy Ray and son Solomon. Both children grew up in a household filled with music. Their daughter Izzy eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a career in music as a singer and songwriter. She released her own projects, earning respect for her distinct voice and style while also collaborating with her mother on occasion.
Solomon has generally stayed away from the spotlight, reflecting the family’s effort to balance public and private life. Still, it is clear that Crystal and Brian’s family was built around a foundation of creativity, faith, and music.
For Crystal, motherhood was an important part of her journey. She often spoke about balancing her responsibilities as a performer with her role as a mother. Her ability to nurture her children while maintaining a demanding music career became part of her story and endeared her to fans who appreciated her authenticity.
Life After Divorce
In 2005, after twenty years of marriage, Crystal Lewis and Brian Ray divorced. The split was a major turning point in her personal life. While the details of their divorce remain private, Crystal has been open about the challenges of moving forward after such a significant relationship ended.
Post-divorce, she focused on continuing her music career and raising her children. Her music during this period often carried themes of resilience, faith, and personal growth, reflecting the transitions she was navigating. Though her marriage to Brian ended, his influence on her music during their years together remained significant.
As of recent years, there has been no reliable information indicating that Crystal Lewis remarried. She continues to live as a dedicated mother and artist, channeling her experiences into her work.
Balancing Career and Family
One of the most striking aspects of Crystal Lewis’s story is how she managed to balance her family responsibilities with the demands of a successful music career. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, she toured extensively, recorded albums, and maintained a strong presence in the Christian music world. At the same time, she prioritized being present for her children and giving them a stable upbringing.
Her ability to manage both spheres of her life was partly due to the support of her then-husband Brian Ray, who not only collaborated on her music but also shared in parenting responsibilities. Even after their divorce, Lewis continued to balance her career with motherhood, often sharing how her children inspired her to keep creating music that was authentic and uplifting.
Legacy and Influence
Crystal Lewis’s legacy in Christian music is undeniable. She is remembered not only for her remarkable voice but also for her authenticity and dedication to her craft. Her songs continue to inspire listeners with themes of faith, perseverance, and love.
Her marriage to Brian Ray was an integral part of her story. He was not just Crystal Lewis’s husband but also her professional collaborator for two decades. The music they created together continues to stand the test of time, with albums like Gold and Beauty for Ashes remaining favorites among fans.
Even after their divorce, Crystal Lewis carried forward the lessons and experiences of that chapter in her life. Today, her career endures, and she has successfully reinvented herself multiple times, releasing independent projects and exploring new sounds while staying true to her roots.
Featured Image Source: crystallewis.blogspot.com
