Chris Pierce

Chris Pierce is an American musician. Pierce is a soul/Americana singer, songwriter, harmonicist, guitarist, officiant and wine producer born in California.

For those of a similar name, see Chris Pearce (disambiguation).

Chris Pierce
Background information
BornPasadena, California, U.S.
GenresSoul
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, harmonica
Years active1995–present
LabelsPierce Records/Entak Records
Associated actsColbie Caillat, B.B. King, Al Green, Seal, Jack Johnson, Toots & the Maytals
Websitechrispierce.com

Early life

As a young man, he pursued acting and singing in local theater presentations, and appearing on notable television shows such as Kids Incorporated, Big Break, Star Search and Half and Half.

At 15 years old Pierce was playing sets in clubs around Los Angeles and had been a repeat guest on the television show Big Break, hosted by Natalie Cole. Still in high school, he began playing gigs with Grammy-nominated rock musician Jon Butcher.[1] At 19 years old he performed on a road tour with Sonia Dada in the U.S., and later continued on to Moscow, Russia. In 2005, Pierce met Seal and joined him as his opening act on a world tour.

Post Sonia Dada Tour, Pierce came home to Southern California to work on his degree in Jazz studies at USC.[1] Since USC, he has been recording and doing independent road tours playing up to 150 shows a year. He grew up on classic soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel and rock and roll recordings.

Chris Pierce performing at Fonogenics in Los Angeles, Feb. 2019

Career

He has opened for B.B. King, Seal, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Jill Scott, Aaron Neville, Colbie Caillat, Al Green, Jamie Cullum, Toots & The Maytals, and Robert Cray. In 2017, Chris Pierce co-wrote the song "We Can Always Come Back To This" which was featured on the NBC drama This Is Us. He co-owns a wine label called Ledbetter Syrah.

His songs have been featured in the film Crash[2] and television series such as Brothers and Sisters, In Plain Sight, Eli Stone, What About Brian, Lincoln Heights, North Shore, Half and Half and Army Wives. His single "Are You Beautiful" has been used in a national Banana Republic ad campaign.[3] Critic Paul Saitowitz of The Press-Enterprise compared his voice to Ray Charles, writing that it "fluctuates from delicate falsettos to shrieks reminiscent of Ray Charles".[3] In a concert review, the San Antonio Express-News wrote that he has "one of the most powerful voices going."[4]

Pierce's songs are currently featured on both Sirius Radio and XM Radio. Pierce has relationships and sponsorships with several music and clothing companies, including Blue Microphones, Hohner Harmonicas, Taylor Guitars, Horny Toad and Nau Activewear. Pierce formed a classic roots, rhythm & blues project called Reverend Tall Tree. The album was released on April 28, 2015.

Personal life

Pierce currently resides in California. He married actress Tara Buck in 2012. He continues to release recordings and tour.

Recordings

Pierce Album recordings include: American Silence (2021), You've Got To Feel It! (2017), War & Pierce (2016), Reverend Tall Tree (2015), When the Hustle Comes to a Stop (2012), I Can Hear You (2011), Chris Pierce Live At The Hotel Cafe (2009), Walking on the Earth (2007), Static Trampoline (2005), Intimate Moments (2004), Liberation Vol. 1 (2002).

Television

Pierce's voice has been heard on the hit HBO series True Blood. Chris Pierce co/wrote the song "We Can Always Come Back To This" for the hit TV show This is Us. Pierce's original music has also been featured on TV shows like Brothers & Sisters, What About Brian, Dawson's Creek, Eli Stone, Half and Half, Lincoln Heights, Army Wives, In Plain Sight, Sister Act, Great Plains and The Long Shots starring Ice Cube.

Commercials and radio

Pierce's music was also featured on a Banana Republic ad campaign that included 6 different commercials during the show Project Runway. Additionally, he was chosen as KCRW's "Today's Top Tune" and he appeared on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" with Nic Harcourt, who selected Pierce's album, Walking on The Earth, as "Best Album of July 2008".

Albums
Album information
American Silence
  • Released: February 2021
You've Got To Feel It!
  • Released: September 2017
Reverend Tall Tree
  • Released: April 2015
When the Hustle Comes to a Stop
  • Released: December 2012
I Can Hear You
  • Released: October 2011
Chris Pierce Live at the Hotel Cafe
  • Released: January 2009
Walking on the Earth
  • Released: March 2007
Static Trampoline
  • Released: September 2005

References
  1. Ruggieri, Melissa (June 23, 2005). "The Fortunate One; Chance Encounter Leads Pierce to Tour with Seal". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
  2. Menconi, David (October 21, 2005). "Critic's picks: Rock", The News & Observer, p. WUP19.
  3. Saitowitz, Paul (November 16, 2006). "His music's got soul". The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on October 31, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  4. Beal, Jim Jr. (November 21, 2008). "Overnight: B. B. King", San Antonio Express-News, p. A2.
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