Criss Starr is a multi-talented artist with years of experience in the music business both nationally and internationally.  Criss started his musical journey at age 7 singing in the youth choir at his church.  During high school, Criss played the trumpet and tuba in his high school marching band and performed as a vocalist and keyboard player with various jazz ensembles.  Criss’ musical sensibilities changed when he attended a Rick James concert and saw the opening act, a then-unknown Prince.  As Criss watched Prince on stage, he knew that music would always be a part of his life. 

Shortly thereafter, Criss moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  Fort Leavenworth was dramatically different for the boy from South Carolina.  Fort Leavenworth was a military community and Criss attended a military school.  No one seemed to understand Criss or his love of music.  But, Criss never gave up on music, learning to play the piano, bass, guitar, and drums.  During a summer visit to Omaha, Nebraska, Criss met James Boone, a music manager, and Criss began performing in various Omaha venues (including the Omaha civic auditorium) and was featured in several local news dailies.  Also, while in Omaha, Criss formed the band, Secret Service, which built a formidable reputation in the tri-state area.  As Criss’ popularity and Secret Service’s popularity grew so did the popularity of “the Minneapolis sound” which is a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, R & B, and new wave that was masterminded by Minneapolis born Prince in the late 1970’s.  By the early 1980’s, the Minneapolis sound was an awesome force in the music world being played by such artists as The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sheila E, and many others.  Criss knew that he needed to be where that sound originated.  So, he moved to Minneapolis.

The move to Minneapolis was good for Criss.  Criss began singing commercials and performing jingles for advertising agencies.  Criss also began recording tracks in the studio, writing a song catalogue, and pitching songs to publishers and artists.  In 1983, Criss released his debut album, Criss Starr.  Criss also formed the Future, a band that gained considerable renown in the Twin Cities.  As they sold out venues in the Twin Cities, the Future worked on their first album. They released the song, Already Yesterday, which was written by Criss.  Already Yesterday was a smash hit that received frequent airplay and critical acclaim.  One reviewer remarked that Criss put his entire heart into Already Yesterday. 

In 1999, Criss was invited to perform at the Pickford Live Hall, a preeminent Japanese nightspot, where Criss shared the stage with famous guests such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, among others.  In addition to singing at Pickford Live Hall, Criss also performed in Thailand, Korea, China, and the Philippines as a background vocalist on tours, a wedding singer, and doing voiceover work for commercials. Criss used his time in Japan (and surrounding countries) to hone his craft, learn the industry, and make a name for himself.  In 2001, while performing at Pickford Live Hall, Criss caught the eye of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds who invited Criss to play on his worldwide Face to Face tour. 

After completing the Babyface tour, Criss returned to the States and created his own studio and record label where he managed and produced artists.  He also continued to work on his songwriting and his own music.  In 2006, Criss released the single, Yours 4 Ever.  In 2008, Criss wrote music for the soundtrack of an independent film that was produced in Sweden and debuted at the Canne film festival.  And, on February 2, 2009, Criss released his latest cd, On the Keys.   

Throughout his life, Criss has been exposed to all kinds of music.  As a result, Criss draws from all kinds of music in creating his own sound which is unique, special, and very much Criss.  Criss is one of those rare artists who has it all.  He is a great singer, songwriter, musician, and performer.