While a student at Lipscomb University in the mid-seventies, Cris had his first song in the Billboard Country Charts. He broke into the Country Top 40 in 1980 with a single by Epic artist, Joe Stampley.

Things took off for Cris when friend and co-writer Lee Roy Parnell signed with Arista Records. During the nineties, Cris co-wrote 14 songs featured on Lee Roy’s albums. Lee Roy, Cris and Rory Bourke wrote Lee Roy’s first #1 song, “Tender Moment”, as well as the Kenny Chesney single, “Back In My Arms Again”. Lee Roy and Cris also teamed up to write “Heart’s Desire”, which reached #1 and received a BMI citation for over one million airplays. One of their songs was featured in the hit movie, “Varsity Blues”.

Cris co-wrote the tune, “Hillbilly With A Heartache”, which was recorded by Tracy Lawrence and John Anderson, and featured on Tracy’s platinum album “I See It Now”. Tracy and John were nominated for an ACM Award as a result of their collaboration.

Cris shared co-writer credits on 2 songs featured on Eric Heatherly’s “Swimming In Champagne” album. He also had a song on Eric’s Dreamworks project.

Lee Roy and Cris co-wrote the song “One Foot In Front Of The Other” which is on George Strait’s album, “It Just Comes Natural.”

Cris also co-wrote and co-produced (along with Steve Turner) a 4 song DVD/CD “Livin’ On The Line”, which honors the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. The project benefits the Wings of Liberty Museum, which preserves the history of the 101st.

Cris lives in Goodlettsville, Tennessee and enjoys writing and recording in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, as well as Nashville.