Background
Crystal Lewis, born in Corona, California, grew up singing in her father"s church.
Crystal Lewis, born in Corona, California, grew up singing in her father"s church.
Early years
In 1984, at the age of 15, Lewis auditioned for a children"s musical called Hi Tops, written and produced by Ernie and Debbie Rettino, creators of Psalty, the Singing Song Book. Lewis passed the audition and was able to go into the studio and participate in the soundtrack recording with the rest of the cast members. Soon after, the band changed its name to Wild Blue Yonder.
In 1992 Crystal worked at the sketch comedy television series Roundhouse, that aired on Nickelodeon.
Wild Blue Yonder was together for two years and recorded a single full length album Wild Blue Yonder, produced by Daniel Amos frontman Terry Scott Taylor, for Frontline Records in 1986. She would also sing on Doctorate.A."s album Fearful Symmetry in 1986, and Taylor"s solo album A Briefing for the Ascent in 1987.
After Wild Blue Yonder disbanded, Frontline offered Lewis a solo recording contract at the age of 17. Beyond the Charade, her first solo project, was released in 1987.
While working with the musical, Lewis met a member of the rockabilly band, The Lifters. After becoming friends with the members of that band, Lewis was asked to join.