He began making music by appearing on many vocal sessions from the '70s, and Bob Carlisle finally found a solo career in 1993, singing gospel pop/rock with subtle soul influences. He had appeared with several early Jesus Music acts -- including Allies -- and sang backup vocals on sessions by Bryan Duncan, Vince Ebo, Sandi Patti and Petra before signing with Sparrow Records in 1993; his self-titled debut album appeared later that year. By 1996, Carlisle was recording for the Diadem label, and that year's Shades of Grace became a gospel hit, propelled by the single "Mighty Love." The following year, Carlisle unexpectedly became a crossover success when the single "Butterfly Kisses" became a pop hit. The album was repackaged and reissued in the spring of 1997 under the name Butterfly Kisses and it topped the pop charts; Stories from the Heart followed in 1998. That same year, Carlisle also issued Butterfly Kissess & Bedtime Prayers; its sequel followed in early 1999. Nothing But the Truth was released a year later. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Carlisle is best known for his hit song "Butterfly Kisses", which appeared on his third solo album. That album, originally titled Shades of Grace, was later re-released as Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) because of the success of the single. He co-wrote this song with former Allies partner Randy Thomas and for this they together won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. "Butterfly Kisses" also won a Dove Award for Song of the Year. This song was also a country chart single that same year for Jeff Carson and the Raybon Brothers.[1]
