Chris Willis
One-time gospel singer Chris Willis is best known as the powerful voice and song writer behind the majority of French producer David Guetta's chart-topping club anthems. Born and raised in Dayton, OH, Willis began singing in a quartet with his brothers and sisters at his local church. After graduating from college, he toured with a gospel group that performed hundreds of gigs across California and contributed to the popular compilation Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. In 1996, he released his self-titled debut album, a collection of self-penned spiritual songs, which earned a nomination for Best R&B Album at the Nashville Music Awards; supported Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield and Shania Twain with studio backing vocals; Christian comedian Mark Lowry; and appeared in Norman Miller's musical showcase Emmanuel. In 1999 hit maker Desmond Child invited Willis to work with Ricky Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Sakis Rouvas and French boy band 2BE3. While on tour with 2BE3, he was introduced to DJ David Guetta, who invited him to record at his Paris studio, where the pair co-wrote a series of tracks that would later become worldwide hit singles, including "Just a Little More Love," "Love Don't Let Me Go," and "Love Is Gone." After performing with Guetta on his One Love tour, they scored a U.K. number one alongside Fergie and LMFAO with "Gettin' Over You," Willis released his debut pop album, Inside Voice, in 2011 which delivered his first Billboard #1 on its Hot Dance Club Songs Chart. Based in Atlanta Chris and his wife Jake live happily together with their daughter Avalon.