Chris Raddings

Chris Raddings

Chris Raddings is a British country singer and solo artist from Leeds, England, and is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. His work is associated with country, country rock and country pop, and he is established on the British country music circuit.

Background

Raddings starts playing guitar at the age of 13, using his older brother’s instrument. He is inspired first by the Shadows and their instrumental “Apache”, and later by country music after hearing an advertisement for Johnny Cash’s album Itchy Feet in the mid-1970s. He is drawn to the voice, guitar sound and imagery around Cash, and the “new country” revival of the 1990s leads him to take his first steps on the British country scene.

Recordings

He releases his first album, Watching You Go, in 1997, working with the Cheap Seats. The album is produced by John Pettifer and includes self-written songs alongside material by UK- and Nashville-based songwriters. It receives critical acclaim. His follow-up recording, Coming Out of the Shadows, is a self-penned collection produced by Dan Mizen and issued in 2015.

Recognition

Raddings’ performances earn nominations for Best Male Vocalist at the British Country Music Awards. He is described as one of the most respected singers on the British country music circuit.

Personal life

He lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with his wife Fiona, her two sons Ollie and Alex, and his daughter Eleanor.