R&B/Soul Recording Artist Carl Brister Performing at
The International Center for Assault Prevention International Conference
April 14, 2016
Caesars Ballroom in Atlantic City, NJ
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About Carl Brister
Born and raised in the urban city of Plainfield, NJ, Carl’s parents were teens determined to work hard to stay together and provide. Times were tough but his parents often held several odd jobs at a time to make ends meet. When Carl was 12 years old his dad, who was also a popular musician and DJ, came home with a green upright piano that he got from helping an elderly woman move out of her home. “That piano was literally 100 years old, but it still worked.” Carl got a book from the library and taught himself to play the piano to save money. “I remember rushing home from school every day to work on a new song.” He began performing in concerts throughout high school and college.
As a live performer, Carl Brister transforms when he hits the stage. With a dynamic 3 ½ octave vocal range and an undeniable falsetto, his tenor voice is both powerful yet soothing. Think the uplifting lyrics of Aloe Blacc (Wake Me Up, I’m The Man) meets the sensitivity of Babyface with Ne-yo/Bruno Mars swag. Carl’s energy and passion collide as he renders an arena-sized performance to every person who attends. “For me it’s always about telling the story in the song. If it’s a party song, then I’m definitely dancing. If it’s sensual, then I’m that too. If it’s inspiring and uplifting, then I will sing till I know I gave it all I’ve got so each person in the room can leave feeling loved and inspired too.” Author James Legrand (Evolve!) writes, “Carl Brister is great on every album. If you haven’t heard him live though, you are missing out!”
Carl has had an interesting journey. He is married to his college sweetheart (Beverly), and they have two sons (Justin & Jordan) who are featured in the “I’m Still Here Video”. As a philanthropist, Carl has been a long-time supporter of HIV/AIDS outreach, Young Father’s programs and educational outreach for students in urban schools. Carl is a licensed minister. His music industry debut was on the SONY/WORD “A Mighty Fortress” release by CD Hawkins and Singers. For several years after that Carl continued to concentrate solely on recording Contemporary Gospel music and has released 3 independent CD’s entitled “The Journey”, “Focus,” and “Undefeated.” However, on April 13th, 2012 a prolific event occurred as Carl’s dad passed away due to complications from congestive heart disease. Carl adds, “During dad’s final days we would play and sing all of his favorite music including R&B, Pop, Dance, Gospel, blues, etc. and all of it made him smile. Then it hit me…. It’s not about the style/genre of music, it’s about whether it makes you feel good and comes from a heart of love. As my dad closed his eyes eternally my eyes opened to a bigger plan for my music. I feel free to follow the path created for me. “
Carl Brister has had appearances on BET, NBC, and several other networks. He has released three independent gospel-soul projects which received national airplay. His crossover R&B/Soul video
“I’m Still Here” which also addresses child sexual assault is currently airing internationally on VH-1, Magic Johnson’s Aspire network and reached #1 on PULSE TV/UPN network. “I’m Still Here” is also featured on top Urban mainstream/Hip Hop websites including “This Is 50.com”, and ZUUS Media’s Positive, Hip/Hop.com other popular music websites.
