Who is Chris Tomlin? Grammy-winning East Texas singer performing at Charlie Kirk's memorial

Charlie Kirk's assassination continues to reverberate across the United States as investigators work to learn more about the killing and the 22-year-old Utah man alleged to have carried it out. The conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA was gunned down in what has sent shockwaves through American politics and prompted widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.

A capital murder charge against suspected Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson could be filed Tuesday, September 23, in a move by prosecutors that could see him executed by firing squad if found guilty.

Who is Chris Tomlin?

Chris Tomlin, one of contemporary Christian music's most celebrated artists, has been selected to perform at the upcoming memorial service for the slain conservative activist. The East Texas native will join several other prominent Christian musicians in honoring Kirk's legacy at what promises to be a significant national event.


Also read: Charlie Kirk funeral videos go viral on social media. Here's must watch clips

He was born on May 4, 1972, in Grand Saline, Texas, a small town in East Texas where his musical journey began. At the age of 13, Tomlin began singing at the Main Street Baptist church in Grand Saline, and he wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. His father taught him to play guitar, and he grew up listening to country music by bands like Alabama.

From these humble East Texas roots, Tomlin has become what TIME magazine heralded as the "most often sung artist in the world". His impact on contemporary Christian music is unparalleled, with 21 number-one singles, 30 top-ten hits (more than any other Christian artist), and a total of 157 weeks at number-one during his career.

Musical career and achievements

Tomlin's rise from a small-town Texas church singer to an international Christian music superstar represents one of the genre's greatest success stories. He is a Dove- and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter known for such popular worship songs as "How Great Is Our God" and "Whom Shall I Fear".

As one of the most successful Christian touring artists in the world, he has sold out venues across the country including Madison Square Garden in New York City. His songs have become staples in churches worldwide, inspiring what many consider to be a generation of believers through worship music.

Role in Charlie Kirk's memorial

Tomlin will sing "How Great Is Our God" at Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday. He joins an impressive lineup of Contemporary Christian Music artists including Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Cody Carnes, and Kari Jobe Carnes who are set to lead worship during the memorial service.

The memorial service is taking place little more than a week after Kirk's murder sent shockwaves through American politics. The service features President Donald Trump and other prominent figures speaking about the conservative activist's life and legacy.

Also read: Charlie Kirk Funeral and Memorial Service: Venue, capacity, security arrangements, prominent speakers, 'We

Officials estimate that more than 100,000 people may gather in and around the venue, including attendees inside the 63,000-seat stadium and overflow areas outside, making this one of the largest memorial gatherings in recent memory.