Jim Brickman

James Merrill Brickman[1] (born November 20, 1961) is an American pop songwriter, pianist and radio host. Brickman has earned two Grammy nominations for his albums Peace (2003) for Best Instrumental, and Faith (2009) for Best New Age Album.[2] He won a Canadian Country Music Award, a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association, and was twice named Songwriter of the Year by SESAC. Billboard lists 22 of his albums reaching No. 1 on the New Age chart,[3] and 16 of his songs reaching Top 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[4] Four of his albums were certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Jim Brickman
Background information
Birth nameJames Merrill Brickman
Born (1961-11-20) November 20, 1961
OriginCleveland, Ohio, U.S.
GenresPop, new age
Occupation(s)Songwriter, pianist, recording artist, radio host
Instrument(s)Piano, vocals
Years active1994–present
LabelsBMG/Windham Hill, Savoy Label Group, Brickhouse, Mood Entertainment
Websitejimbrickman.com

Since 1997, he has hosted his own radio show, The Jim Brickman Show, which is carried on radio stations throughout the United States.[5]

Brickman has collaborated with Lady A, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Michael W. Smith, Leslie Odom Jr., Martina McBride, Megan Hilty, Donny Osmond, Delta Goodrem, Olivia Newton-John, Carly Simon, John Oates, Five for Fighting, Michael Bolton, Gerald Levert, Jane Krakowski, Richie McDonald, Mat & Savanna Shaw,[6] and many others.[7][8]

Early life

Brickman was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and began playing piano at the age of five. His Jewish parents took him to services at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami in nearby Beachwood, where Brickman was confirmed in his teens.[9] He attended Shaker Heights High School, and he performed on piano with the high school orchestra. He heard fellow student Anne Cochran sing in a musical, and introduced himself, asking her to join him in performing piano-vocal material. Together, they won a talent competition hosted by the WGCL "G98" radio station. Another high school friend named Meg Tippett convinced Brickman to join the Heights Youth Theatre as accompanist, which grew into four years as musical director.[8]

Brickman studied composition and performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music while taking business classes at Case Western Reserve University.[10] In 1980, Brickman founded his own advertising music company called The Brickman Arrangement,[11] writing commercial jingles for many companies across the country such as McDonald's, Pontiac, City of Cleveland, Ohio Lottery, and Isuzu.[12]

Musical career

Brickman signed to Windham Hill Records in 1994 and released his first album, No Words featuring the song "Rocket to the Moon" which became his first solo instrumental to be ranked on the Billboard charts.[13] The songs "Angel Eyes" and "If You Believe" gained radio airplay from Brickman's second release, By Heart on the Windham Hill label in 1995. The following year, the CD's title track, "By Heart", became his first top 20 adult contemporary (AC) hit. In 1997, Brickman released the album Picture This,[14] adding a vocal performance, "Valentine", sung by Martina McBride.[15] By the end of the year, Brickman issued the first of many Christmas CDs, The Gift, with the title song featuring Collin Raye and Susan Ashton, topping three different charts; for this album, Brickman received a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association.[16] He later produced several other Christmas-themed albums, Peace (2003), Christmas Romance (2006), Homecoming (2007), and The Hymns and Carols of Christmas (2008);[17] and his two albums Grace (2005) and Faith (2008) concentrated on arrangements of well-known Christian music.[18]

During his career, four albums have sold over 500,000 copies; By Heart (1995), Picture This (1997), The Gift (1997), and Destiny (1999), qualifying them as Gold records in the United States.[19] In November 2005, three of Brickman's albums, The Disney Songbook (2005), Grace (2005) and Greatest Hits (2004), held the top three spots on Billboard's New Age chart.[20] He also received a Grammy nomination in 2003, an SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" award, and a Canadian Country Music Award for "Best Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration".[21] The 2008 album Faith was nominated for the 2009 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album.

Brickman composes a variety of music, and is known for his success in radio's adult contemporary format.[22][23] He has collaborated with artists from all genres with songs like "Love of My Life" with Michael W. Smith, "You" with Jane Krakowski, "Never Alone" with country group Lady A, "After All These Years" with Anne Cochran, and "Never Far Away" with Christian contemporary group Rush of Fools, among others. Because of his long association with Windham Hill, his work is sometimes classified in the new-age genre, although Brickman considers his style to be broader than that.[24] In May 2006, Brickman left Windham Hill and signed with Savoy Label Group (SLG) to release music under his own Brickman Music Group imprint. The album Escape was his first release distributed by SLG, following Pure Jim Brickman, a career-spanning compilation from Windham Hill.[22]

In 2015, Brickman released the first album in the Soothe series for relaxation, meditation, yoga and massage. Soothe, Vol. 1 came with an audiobook. Three more volumes in the series followed through 2019.

Radio show

Making its debut in January 1997, Your Weekend with Jim Brickman is a four-hour radio show that has been heard across the US featuring music blended with celebrity interviews, lifestyle features and entertainment reports.[25]

In 2018, The Jim Brickman Show Podcast debuted on Pandora. Two years later, his podcast moved to Spotify as The Brickman Bedtime Story.

Television

Brickman filmed the PBS specials My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman (2000),[26] Love Songs & Lullabies (2002), The Disney Songbook (2005),[27] and Beautiful World (2009). He has appeared on various TV shows such as Good Morning America and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.[10]

Personal life

Brickman grew up in Cleveland. He currently has a residence there as well as in New York City.[28]

Other media

Brickman appeared on the September–October 2013 cover of Making Music Magazine to discuss his life and career.[29]

Brickhouse Direct

Brickman founded Brickhouse Direct (BHD) in 2003 to provide internet marketing and e-commerce solutions.[8] They specialized in promoting new acts and reinvigorating the careers of veteran musicians. In 2005, Brickhouse bought the online marketing firm Viawerk, bringing Viawerk co-founder Rod Flauhaus on board as partner. Flauhaus co-wrote the album Homecoming.[30] Brickman's younger brother Michael served as president of Brickhouse. Brickhouse marketing clients included, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Richie McDonald (Lonestar), Point of Grace and many others. [31] The label also published works by saxophonist Dave Koz, comedian Anita Renfroe, singer Chris Sligh[32] and singer Mark Masri.[33][34] Brickman's own 2012 album Blessings was released on the Brickhouse Direct label.[35]

Discography

Albums

Year Album Chart position RIAA[36] Record label
Billboard 200[37] New Age[3] CAN Country
1994 No Words 13 Windham Hill
1995 By Heart 187 3 Gold
1997 Picture This 30 1 Gold
The Gift 48 1 19 Gold
1998 Visions of Love 170
1999 Destiny 42 1 Gold
If You Believe 2 Windham Hill
1999 My Romance 75 1
2001 Simple Things 54 2
2002 Love Songs and Lullabies 73 1
Valentine
2003 Peace 87 1
2004 Greatest Hits 134 1
2005 Grace 88 1
The Disney Songbook 142 1 Walt Disney Records
2006 Pure Jim Brickman 2 Windham Hill
Escape 105 1 Savoy Label Group
Christmas Romance Compass Records
2007 Homecoming 96 1 SLG
Hope Compass Records
2008 Valentine Reissue 1 Savoy Label Group
Unspoken 199 1
Ultimate Love Songs 2 Time Life
The Hymns and Carols of Christmas 4 Green Hill
Faith Compass Productions
2009 Beautiful World 89 1 Somerset Entertainment
Joy 85 1 Compass Productions (Target), Somerset
2010 Home 2 Somerset Entertainment
Love 141 1
2011 Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Music of the Carpenters 6 Green Hill
All Is Calm: Peaceful Christmas Hymns 84 1 Somerset Entertainment
Romanza 1
2012 Believe 2 Mood Entertainment
Piano Lullabies 4
2013 The Magic of Christmas 58 1 Somerset Entertainment
Love 2 2
2014 Blessed: Songs of Inspiration Mood Entertainment
Pure Worship 6 Green Hill
On a Winter's Night: The Songs and Spirit of Christmas 2
2015 Pure Romance 2
Soothe Vol. 1: Music to Quiet Your Mind and Soothe Your World 1 Brickman Music [38]
2016 Pure Cinema 3
Freedom Rings: Solo Piano 2 Brickman Music
Soothe Vol. 2: Sleep - Music for Tranquil Slumber 1 Valley Entertainment
2017 Wedding Songs 6 Brickman Music
Soothe Vol. 3: Meditation - Music for Peaceful Relaxation 6 Valley Entertainment
A Joyful Christmas 2 BMG
2018 Soothe, Vol. 4: Subzero - Sounds That Spark the Senses 1 Odeon Records [39]
8: Just Breathe Odeon Records Limited
2019 Soothe Vol. 5: Lullaby Dreams - Music for a Peaceful Escape Odeon Records Limited
Underground Odeon Records Limited
A Christmas Celebration 2 Green Hill
Pure Carpenters 9 Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
2020 Interstellar Odeon Records Limited
25th Anniversary: Greatest Hits Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Bossa Odeon Records Limited
Bedtime Story Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Soothe A Cinematic Soundtrack: Music To Unwind and Take You Away Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Soothe Christmas: Music for a Peaceful Holiday (Vol. 6) Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
2021 Brickman On Broadway Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
88: Solo Piano Sessions Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Jim Brickman's Piano Bar: 30 Love Songs Of The 50s & 60s Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Bedtime Story: Volumes 2 & 3 Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Soothe Vol. 7: Prayer (Music for a Peaceful Soul) Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
The Ultimate Christmas Playlist Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
A Christmas Symphony Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
2022 Bedtime Story, Vol 4 & 5 Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
Disney On Piano: The Disney Songbook (Vol. 2) Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
A Very Merry Christmas Brickman Music/Green Hill Productions
"—" denotes releases that failed to chart, not released, or not certified

Singles

Year Title Peak chart position Album
US AC[4] US Country CAN AC CAN Country CAN
1996 "By Heart" (with Laura Creamer) 16 By Heart: Piano Solos
"Hero's Dream" 24 Picture This
1997 "Valentine" (with Martina McBride)A 3 53 16
"Picture This" 23
"Your Love" (with Michelle Wright) 74 16 15 42 Visions of Love
"The Gift" (with Collin Raye and Susan Ashton) 3 51 52 The Gift / Visions of Love
1998 "After All These Years" (with Anne Cochran) 8 18 Visions of Love
"Valentine" (with Martina McBride; re-release)A 9 14 Evolution (Martina McBride album)
1999 "Love of My Life" (with Michael W. Smith) 9 Destiny
"Destiny" (with Jordan Hill and Billy Porter) 10 10
"Your Love" (with Michelle Wright; re-release) 19 74 Visions of Love
2000 "The Love I Found in You" (with Dave Koz) 15 84 My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman
2001 "Simple Things" (with Rebecca Lynn Howard) 1 Simple Things
2002 "A Mother's Day" 18
"You" (with Jane Krakowski) 4 Love Songs and Lullabies
2003 "Peace (Where the Heart Is)" (with Collin Raye and Susan Ashton) 15 Peace
"Sending You a Little Christmas" (with Kristy Starling)B 1
2004 "Til I See You Again" (with Mark Schultz) 21 Greatest Hits
"My Love Is Here" (with Roch Voisine) 21 9
2005 "I'm Amazed" (with Lila McCann) 59 The Disney Songbook
"You" (with Tara MacLean) 32 Love Songs and Lullabies
"Hear Me (Tears into Wine)" (with Michael Bolton) 20 Grace
"Beautiful" (with Wayne Brady) 2 The Disney Songbook
2006 "Hideaway (When It Snows)" (with Geoff Byrd) 3 Escape
2007 "Escape" (with Marc Antoine)C
"Never Alone" (with Lady Antebellum) 14 Escape and Never Alone (single)
"Coming Home for Christmas" (with Richie McDonald) 4 Homecoming
2009 "Never Far Away" (with Rush of Fools) 11 Wonder of the World (Rush of Fools album)
"Beautiful World (We're All Here)" (with Adam Crossley) 4 7 95 Beautiful World
2011 "Fa La La" (with Olivia Jade Archbold) 2
2012 "Good Morning Beautiful" (with Luke McMaster)D 3
2014 "Night Before Christmas" (with John Oates) 5 On A Winter's Night: The Songs and Spirit of Christmas
2017 "Christmas Where You Are" (with Five for Fighting) 2 A Joyful Christmas
2018 Poolside Chill (Super Chilled Lo-Fi Remix) Underground
2019 "Feliz Navidad" (featuring Kathy Phillips) 28 A Christmas Celebration
My Love Is Here
The Water Is Wide
Brahms' Lullaby
Funky Flute (Super Chilled Lo-Fi Remix) Underground
Permafrost (Super Chilled Lo-Fi Remix)
Noites Magica
The Gift (feat. Kearnie)
Beyond the Atomosphere Interstellar
2020 What the World Needs Now Is Love
So Far Away
Americana Soothe A Cinematic Soundtrack: Music To Unwind and Take You Away
Here Comes the Sun
Never Alone (feat. Erin Kinsey)
Sunshine On My Shoulders
Embraceable You
Winter Waltz (2020 Version) Soothe Christmas: Music for a Peaceful Holiday (Vol. 6)
I'll Be Home for Christmas Soothe Christmas: Music for a Peaceful Holiday (Vol. 6)
Fa La La Ho Ho HO (feat. Luke McMaster)
2021 Discover 88: Solo Piano Sessions
Together 88: Solo Piano Sessions
Sweet Hour of Prayer Soothe Vol. 7: Prayer (Music for a Peaceful Soul)
Slow Down Christmas
2022 Valentine (25th Anniversary Remix) with Olivia Newton John
A Taste of Snow
Peace Joy Love (feat. Ukrainian Chorus Dumka NY) with Haley & Michaels and Mat and Savanna Shaw
The Gift with Sara Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli
A La Nanita Nana with Carolina Gaitán - La Gaita
"—" denotes releases that failed to chart or not released
  • A "Valentine" was originally only released to Adult Contemporary and charted on Hot Country Songs as an album cut. It was remixed and released to country radio the following year. It also peaked at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • B "Sending You a Little Christmas" also peaked at No. 15 on Hot Christian Songs.
  • C "Escape" peaked at No. 17 on Hot Contemporary Jazz Songs.
  • D Peak position from Christmas version titled "Merry Christmas Beautiful".

Music videos

Year Video Director
1997 "Valentine" (with Martina McBride)[40] Alan Glazen, Ron Goldfarb, Ted Zbozion
"Your Love" (with Michelle Wright)[41] David Safian
"The Gift" (with Susan Ashton and Collin Raye)[42] Norry Niven
2007 "Never Alone" (with Lady Antebellum) Glenn Sweitzer
"Coming Home for Christmas" (with Richie McDonald)
2012 "Good Morning Beautiful" (with Luke McMaster) George Tsioutsioulas

Awards

References

  1. The Gristmill. Shaker Heights High School. 1979.
  2. The 52nd annual Grammy Awards nominees list Archived December 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Jim Brickman Chart History: New Age". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  4. "Jim Brickman Chart History: Adult Contemporary". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  5. Lehano, Kim. "Around Hawaii". Archived from the original on March 9, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  6. A Little Bit Of Christmas (Official Music Video) - Mat and Savanna Shaw with Jim Brickman, retrieved November 22, 2021
  7. Wallace, Aaron. "Ultimate Disney Interview with Jim Brickman". Archived from the original on October 12, 2005. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  8. Hurn, Mary Elizabeth (October–November 2007). "Happy Homecoming". Shaker Life. Vol. 25, no. 5. City of Shaker Heights, Department of Communications & Outreach. pp. 48–52.
  9. Wittenburg, Ed (July 10, 2014). "Soothe specialist Brickman to make Cain Park debut". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  10. "Jim Brickman Holiday Homecoming". Cleveland Woman. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  11. "Company profile at Manta.com". www.manta.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
  12. Harris, Tony (December 24, 2005). "CNN Saturday Morning News". CNN. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  13. "Jim Brickman". Tennessee Tribune. January 29, 1997. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  14. Verna, Paul (January 25, 1997). "Reviews & Previews". Billboard. p. 59. ISSN 0006-2510.
  15. Herndon, Holly. "Jim Brickman". North County Times. Escondido. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  16. "Jim Brickman's "The Hymns And Carols of Christmas"". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
  17. Latham, Aaron. "Peace (Review)". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009 via Barnes & Noble.
  18. Theakston, Rob. "Grace Review". AllMusic. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  19. Serinus, Jason Victor. "A Secrets Music Review". Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  20. Alan, Ryan (January 22, 2009). "Jim Brickman ready to spread the love throughout New England". Foster's Daily Democrat. Dover, NH. Archived from the original on March 22, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  21. "Jim Brickman". Brad Simon Organization. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
  22. "Jim Brickman Signs With Savoy". Billboard. May 4, 2006. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  23. Vickers, Jim (December 2013). "Q&A: Musician Jim Brickman". Ohio Magazine.
  24. Swift, Glenn R. (January 24, 2009). "Jim Brickman: Romantic Music Master". PBG Lifestyle. Archived from the original on August 3, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  25. "Jim Brickman Radio Show". jimbrickman.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
  26. Orf, Chris Hansen (November 23, 2007). "Adult contemporary heartthrob Jim Brickman comes to MAC". East Valley Tribune. Tempe. Archived from the original on August 3, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  27. Wallace, Aaron. "The Disney Songbook DVD Review". Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  28. "Fast Facts". Jim Brickman. September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  29. Novak, Jessica (September 1, 2013). "What Makes Jim Brickman a Successful Songwriter". Making Music. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  30. Flauhaus, Rod (May 4, 2017). "Getting Signed to a Record Deal in Nashville". Cleveland Country Magazine.
  31. Tucker, Ken (June 7, 2006). "A New Age Idea: Jim Brickman's Brickhouse Direct Connects Older Fans with Key Artists". Billboard Magazine: 10.
  32. "About Us". brickhouseweb.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  33. "Canadian Singing Sensation Mark Masri Releases New Album, See My Face, in the U.S." (Press release). Mark Masri. March 4, 2009.
  34. Tucker, Ben (June 7, 2008). "A New Age Idea: Jim Brickman's Brickhouse Direct Connects Older Fans With Key Artists". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 23. p. 10. ISSN 0006-2510.
  35. "Blessings - Jim Brickman | Releases". AllMusic.
  36. "Jim Brickman Gold Albums". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  37. "Jim Brickman Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  38. "Soothe, Vol. 1: Music to Quiet Your Mind & Soothe Your World - Jim Brickman | Releases". AllMusic.
  39. "Soothe, Vol. 4: Subzero - Sounds that Spark the Senses - Jim Brickman | Releases". AllMusic.
  40. "CMT: Videos: Martina McBride: Valentine". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  41. "CMT: Videos: Michelle Wright: Your Love". Country Music Television. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  42. "CMT: Videos: Collin Raye: The Gift". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  43. "Past Winners". The 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards.
  44. "SESAC Hosts 3rd Awards Supper". Billboard. December 19, 1998. p. 45.
  45. "'Red' Leads SESAC's Awards Ceremony". Billboard. November 28, 1998. p. 7. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  46. "SESAC Awards Given". Billboard. November 20, 1999. p. 127. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  47. Bessman, Jim (May 18, 2002). "Bryan-Michael Cox Tops Lists At SESAC Awards". Billboard. p. 6. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  48. "Cox Wins Third SESAC Song of the Year Award". Billboard. May 17, 2003. p. 54.
  49. "Jim Brickman". Recording Academy. November 23, 2020.
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