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Backstreet Boy Releases Christian Debut Album

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May 15, 2006 5:50 am US/Eastern

Backstreet Boy Releases Christian Debut Album

NEW YORK (CBS News) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: The Backstreet Boys, from left to right, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ Mclean (File)
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Brian Littrell has been a member of the Backstreet Boys since 1995, but he's also making a name for himself as a Contemporary Christian artist.

His foray into Christian music began last summer when he contributed the single "In Christ Alone" to the compilation album "Wow #1." The song went on to win a Best Inspirational Song Award at the 2006 Gospel Music Awards.

Now, the 31-year-old Littrell is fulfilling a lifelong dream by releasing "Welcome Home," his first solo album of Christian music.

Littrell, who says that he's been a born-again Christian since he was 8 years old, grew up singing in various youth choirs at Port Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky.

When he was 18 years old, Littrell's cousin Kevin Richardson invited him out to Orlando, Fla., to join his group, the Backstreet Boys. The boy band became an international phenomenon in the '90s, selling more than 70 million albums worldwide to date.

In 2001 the group took a break from touring and recording that lasted until 2005 when they released their platinum album "Never Gone" and launched a world tour.

Because of the success of "Never Gone" and the subsequent tour, Littrell delayed the release of his solo album until May 2, 2006.

Littrell underwent successful open heart surgery in 1998 to correct a congenital heart problem. After winning his own battle with heart disease, Littrell founded the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids. The non-profit organization helps families pay for pediatric heart surgery and sponsors eight-week educational programs for children who have or are at risk of developing heart disease.

Littrell is married to model and actress Leighanne Littrell and they have a 3-year-old son, Baylee Thomas Wylee.