Chris Marion (born January 8, 1962) is an American musician best known as a member of the Little River Band and for his contribution to the rock and gospel music industries. Born in Belton, Texas, and growing up in rural Virginia, Marion started his musical career as a pianist for his traveling family gospel group. He started taking piano lessons at age four and continued classical training on piano, trombone, and voice through college.
Early life After graduating with honors from Chilhowie High School in 1980, Marion pursued a degree in music at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He eventually graduated with a degree in psychology. It was during his time at Carson Newman that he developed the relationships that led him to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue music professionally.
Career Since moving to Nashville in 1987, Marion has toured with the likes of Steven Curtis Chapman, Shenandoah, Beth Moore and Jeannie Seely of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1994, along with Danny Myrick, Marion founded the country rock band Western Flyer on the Step One Record label which garnered four charting Billboard singles in the country genre along with critical praise.
As the writer and producer of a variety of children's musical projects, Marion has received 4 Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominations. He has been involved in projects involving LifeWay Christian Resources VBS and other religious products for Word Records, Benson Records and others. As a producer, Marion was part of a team that worked with Garth Brooks, Doug Stone, the Oak Ridge Boys and Charlie Chase.
At the end of 2004, Marion was invited to join Little River Band in which he is the keyboardist and a vocalist.
In 2011, Marion founded TourPRO, a touring personnel resource that facilitates personnel placement with artists and tours.
In 2013, Marion joined the editorial team at Harmony Central, a weekly e-magazine that features articles about the music industry, gear reviews, artist interviews and discussion forums.
In 2020, Marion married Stephanie Calvert of the band Starship. During their COVID-19 band hiatuses, they formed a duo, the B-Listers, with limited North American touring coordinating with the touring schedules of their respective bands.
In 2023, Marion was honored with a Triumph Award from his alma mater, Carson Newman University for distinguished achievement in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Discography yeartitleartistcontribution1989Compassionate HeartTony Elenburg (Milk and Honey)keys/bass/vocals/production1990Dr. Newheart's Christmas CureKathie Hill (Starsong)keys / arrangement1993The Don't Be Afraid BrigadeKathie Hill (Genevox)keys / arrangement1993My Wife, My LifeCharlie Chase (RCA)keys / vocals /production1994Hans Bronson's Gold Medal MissionKathie Hill (Genevox)keys / arrangement1994Western FlyerWestern Flyer (SOR)keyboards/vocals1996Back in AmericaWestern Flyer (SOR)keyboards/vocals/producer1996Nic at NightKathie Hill (Genevox)keys / arrangement / songwriter1997The Christmas Family TreeKathie Hill (Genevox)keys / arrangement / songwriter1997Levite GenesKathie Hill (Genevox)keys / arrangement1998Dr. Newheart's Neck up Check UpKathie Hill (Word)keys/arrangement (Dove Award nomination)1998LegacyChris Marion (NCS)artist / producer1999The Oasis ProjectMarion/Myrick/Wood (Genevox)keys/producer/creator2000Fish TalesKathie Hill (Word)keys / arrangement2000Black and WhiteChris Marion (NCS)artist / producer2001SketchesChris Marion (NCS)artist / producer2001Esther-Ordinary FaithKathie Hill (Word)keys / arrangement2001Operation Christmas ChildKathie Hill (Word)keys/arrangement (Dove Award nomination)2002Woven in TimeSteve Green (Word)vocals/choir (Dove Award nomination)2002Good News from a GraveKathie Hill (Word)keys / arrangement2003PiecesChris Marion (NCS)artist / producer2003Holy MosesKathie Hill (Word)keys / arrangement (Dove Award nomination)2004Unashamed LoveTravis Cottrell (Integrity)keys2003Christmas SOCCER TeamKathie Hill (Word)keys / arrangement (Dove Award nomination)2005321 BroadwayFanny Grace (Sony/BMG) keyboards2006RearrangedLittle River Band (Compass)keys/vocals2007Greatest Hits LiveLittle River Band (Sony/BMG)keys/vocals2007We Call It ChristmasLittle River Band (Little River Band Productions)keys/vocals2010Outback EPLittle River Band (Little River Band Productions)keys/vocals2013Cuts Like a DiamondLittle River Band (Frontiers Records)keys/vocals2013Classic HitsLittle River Band (Cracker Barrel)keys/vocals2016RevisitedLittle River Band (Wurld Records)keys/vocals2020Black TieLittle River Band (Wurld Records)keys/vocals
References
External links Official website Official Chris Marion homepage Official Chris Marion myspace site