Under The Influence: Chris Willis
11 years ago
United States Chris Willis is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely recognized for his vocal contributions and collaborations within house and electronic dance music.
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Request A ShowChris Willis teamed up with French DJ Cedric Gervais and David Guetta for a rework of Charles & Eddie's 1992 hit 'Would I Lie To You' in 2016. He also collaborated with Gervais on the single 'Turn Your Love Around' in 2019.
Willis collaborated with David Guetta, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso on the single 'Everytime We Touch' in 2009.
Willis collaborated with David Guetta, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso on the single 'Everytime We Touch' in 2009.
Willis was featured on the track 'Tomorrow Can Wait' with David Guetta vs. Tocadisco in 2008.
Willis was featured alongside Fergie and LMFAO on David Guetta's single 'Gettin' Over You' in 2010.
Willis was featured alongside Fergie and LMFAO on David Guetta's single 'Gettin' Over You' in 2010.
Willis collaborated with OtherView on the non-album single 'People (Feel the Love)' in 2013.
Willis collaborated with Ben DJ on the non-album single 'Survivor' in 2014.
Willis collaborated with Crazibiza on the non-album single 'Lonely One' in 2015.
Willis collaborated with Purple Aura and Akon on the non-album single 'No One Can Replace You' in 2015.
Willis collaborated with Purple Aura and Akon on the non-album single 'No One Can Replace You' in 2015.
Willis collaborated with Joachim Garraud on the non-album single 'Don't Cry (Remember My Name)' in 2015.
Willis collaborated with The Vinyljackers (MikeNova) on the singles 'Blood in my veins' (2016) and 'Warriors of the Night' (2020).
Willis collaborated with Colin Crooks and Rob Styles on the single 'Warriors of the Night' in 2020.
Willis collaborated with Colin Crooks and Rob Styles on the single 'Warriors of the Night' in 2020.
Willis collaborated with Marc Benjamin on the single 'Not Afraid' in 2021.
Willis collaborated with Zight and Maximals on the single 'Work It Harder' in 2022.
Willis collaborated with Zight and Maximals on the single 'Work It Harder' in 2022.
Willis was featured on Billyweb's non-album single 'Supersonic' in 2001.
Willis was featured alongside Moné on David Guetta's single 'Money' in 2004.
Willis was featured on Ultra Naté's single 'Give It All You Got' in 2007, from the album 'Grime, Silk, & Thunder'.
Willis was featured on Nicola Fasano's non-album single 'My DJ Rock Superstar' in 2012.
Willis was featured on Global Deejays' non-album single 'Party 2 Daylight' in 2013.
Willis was featured on Hook N Sling's non-album single 'Magnet' in 2013.
Willis was featured with Psyko Punkz and MC Lyte on the single 'This Is Your Life' in 2014.
Willis was featured with Psyko Punkz and MC Lyte on the single 'This Is Your Life' in 2014.
Willis was featured on Celestal's single 'Colors' in 2017.
Willis made a guest appearance on Duane Harden's album 'NB4U (Naked Before You)' on the track 'Still Don't Have You' in 2013.
Christopher Kevin Willis was born on February 26, 1969, in Dayton, Ohio. His early career began in gospel music, performing with groups like the Heritage Singers and contributing to “Handel’s Messiah – A Soulful Celebration” in 1993, where he sang a contemporary version of “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted.” After graduating college in Alabama, he toured extensively with a gospel group and later as a backup vocalist for Twila Paris in the mid-1990s. In 1996, he released his self-titled debut album, where he wrote or co-wrote eight of the eleven songs. This album earned him a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 1996 Nashville Music Awards. Following this, he opened on tour for Mark Lowry and was featured in the musical showcase “Emmanuel,” which received a GMA Dove Award in 1998 for Special Event Album of the Year. Willis transitioned from gospel music around 1998, a period during which he also addressed personal aspects of his identity.
His career took a significant turn in 2000 when he met French house music DJ and producer David Guetta in Paris. This meeting led to an immediate collaboration, with them writing “Just a Little More Love” the very next day. Willis subsequently co-wrote and provided most of the vocals for Guetta’s debut album, “Just a Little More Love,” including the hit title track. This partnership established his international presence, leading to numerous successful singles such as “Love Don’t Let Me Go,” “Love Is Gone,” “Tomorrow Can Wait,” and “Gettin’ Over You.” Throughout 2009, he toured Europe with David Guetta in support of the album “One Love.” His solo work also gained traction with the release of “Louder (Put Your Hands Up)” in 2010, which topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs chart in early 2011. He continued to release solo singles and EPs, including “Too Much In Love” in 2011 and “Premium – Songs From The Love Ship, Vol. 1.”
Willis has maintained a consistent presence in the music industry, known for his diverse musical styles encompassing gospel, disco, pop rock, R&B, house, and EDM. He continues to collaborate with various artists and producers, including his frequent work with David Guetta, extending to tracks like “Would I Lie to You” with Cedric Gervais in 2016. His vocal contributions and songwriting skills have been central to many chart-successful electronic dance music productions, showcasing his adaptability and sustained influence across multiple genres.
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