Jim Brickman is an American songwriter and pianist who is best known for his solo piano compositions. He has sold over 8 million albums worldwide and has had 33 singles on the Billboard charts. So where is this talented musician now in 2023?
Early Life and Career
Jim Brickman was born on November 20, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. He started playing piano at the age of 4 and began composing his own music when he was in high school. Brickman attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and became the first student to earn a fine arts degree in piano performance.
After graduating, Brickman began his music career by writing commercial jingles. This led to him writing and recording his first album, “No Words”, in 1994. The instrumental album was very well-received and helped launch Brickman’s solo career. He signed with Windham Hill Records and went on to release several successful albums in the late 90s like “Picture This” and “Destiny”.
Rise to Fame
Brickman’s big break came in 1998 when he released the holiday album “The Gift”. It included the song “The Gift” which featured vocals from Collin Raye and Susan Ashton. The song was a massive hit, reaching #1 on multiple Billboard charts. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, selling over 4 million copies.
This success propelled Brickman into international fame as one of the most popular artists in Adult Contemporary music. He began touring extensively, playing sold-out shows across the United States and around the world. Brickman also made frequent television appearances on shows like Good Morning America, The Today Show, and numerous morning news programs.
Continued Success and Philanthropy
Over the next two decades, Brickman continued releasing successful albums on a regular basis. Many of these focused on holiday music, including “The Gift of Christmas” (2002), “A Christmas Romance” (2006), and “The Hymns and Carols of Christmas” (2008). He also branched out into children’s albums like “Disney Songbook” (2005).
To date, Brickman has released over 30 albums, 8 Christmas albums, 6 compilation albums, and 4 Greatest Hits albums. He shows no signs of slowing down and continues to tour regularly.
A unique aspect of Brickman’s career has been his commitment to philanthropic causes. In 1997, he founded Compositions of Hope, which aims to provide music education to underprivileged children. He also supports the American troops through the Patriot Project and has played concerts across the US and internationally for the troops.
Current Projects
In 2022, Brickman released two new albums. In February, he put out “A Celestial Celebration” which featured collaborations with country music stars like Lady A, Mickey Guyton, and Sara Evans. This was followed by the Christmas album “Christmas Harmony” in October.
He spent much of 2022 on his “The Angelic Tour” doing shows across North America. On October 15th, Brickman performed at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle with guest artists violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and singer Jenny Oaks Baker. Some upcoming tour stops include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore and New York.
Beyond tours and new albums, Brickman hosts the syndicated radio show “Your Weekend” on over 100 stations. He also frequently appears on QVC to promote his music. In 2022, Brickman published his first children’s book titled “Compositions of Hope” based on his philanthropic efforts.
Personal Life
Despite his hectic touring and recording schedule, Brickman has maintained a steady personal life. He married his wife Kim in 1995. Together they have three children – Zachary, Rachel and Abigail. The Brickman family resides in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Outside of music, Brickman is an aviation enthusiast and licensed pilot. He enjoys flying for leisure when his schedule allows it. Brickman has flown himself to some concert dates and charity events over the years.
Brickman also continues to be involved with Compositions of Hope. He works closely with his team to expand the program and bring music education to underserved communities across the country. This charitable focus stems from Brickman’s Christian faith which has guided him throughout his successful career.
Legacy and Influence
Over a career spanning three decades, Jim Brickman has cemented himself as one of the most popular Solo Piano artists. His albums routinely top the New Age and Contemporary Christian charts. He has earned multiple gold and platinum records and Grammy nominations.
In the mid-2000s, Brickman was named Songwriter of the Year and Best Pop Instrumental Artist multiple times by the music industry publication Radio & Records. He has also won the Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year four times from the Gospel Music Association.
Brickman helped solidify the popularity of the Solo Piano genre alongside other artists like George Winston, David Lanz, and Yanni. Today, Solo Piano remains a popular radio format with Brickman still one of its most played artists.
As a prolific songwriter, many of Brickman’s compositions have been covered by other artists both in America and internationally. His style of romantic, emotive, and accessible music has made Brickman beloved by both casual listeners and fellow piano players.
Brickman’s influence also extends through his Compositions of Hope charitable projects. Through these outreach programs, he has helped bring music education to thousands of underprivileged children. Other philanthropic projects like his Patriot Program have supported members of the military both on American soil and overseas.
The Future
Even over 40 years into his music career, Jim Brickman shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to tour extensively, delighting fans across North America with his hit songs and conversational live shows.
On the recording front, Brickman remains productive, averaging about one new album per year. 2023 should bring exciting new projects, including likely another Christmas record.
Brickman seems intent on expanding the Compositions of Hope initiative in the coming years. He aims to bring music education to all 50 states through partnerships with schools and community organizations. This passion project allows Brickman to make a difference using his talents and fame.
Fans can expect Jim Brickman to continue touring and releasing new music for years to come. His energetic live performances and ability to connect through emotive piano compositions will ensure he remains one of the most popular Solo Piano artists well into the future.
Conclusion
For over 25 years now, Jim Brickman has charmed fans around the world with his romantic piano music and lively concert shows. He continues to perform and record new music, showing no signs of stopping well into his 60s.
Alongside his successful music career, Brickman dedicates time and energy into philanthropy, especially the Compositions of Hope program providing music education. He seems driven to expand this charitable initiative across the country.
Brickman has cemented his legacy as the best-selling Solo Piano artist of all time. His accessible, emotive style has earned him fan loyalty and numerous accolades. At over 60 years old now, Brickman is still in his prime and plans to continue sharing his gift of music for years to come.
So where is Jim Brickman now in 2023? He’s doing what he loves best – delighting crowds at sold-out shows across North America and making new music in the studio. His many fans are excited to see what’s next for this talented pianist and composer who has already given us so many beautiful melodies.