Chris Cross: The Mysterious Case of the Missing Hitmaker

How a Grammy-winning song became a career-defining albatross

Chris Cross burst onto the music scene in 1980 with "Sailing," a haunting ballad that spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The success was mind-boggling: a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, four other Grammy nominations, and a debut album that sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Yet, despite such an auspicious beginning, Cross's career never quite reached those dizzying heights again.
The reasons for this sudden decline are multifaceted. Some critics blamed Cross's relatively narrow vocal range and lack of stage presence. Others pointed to the fact that the musical landscape of the early 1980s was changing rapidly, and Cross's brand of soft rock was falling out of fashion.
Cross himself has been philosophical about his career trajectory. ""I'm not one of those people who had 10 number one hits in a row," he said in a recent interview. ""I had one big hit, and I'm grateful for that. It's given me a life that I never would have had otherwise.""
Despite the lack of subsequent chart success, Cross has continued to release music steadily over the years. His most recent album, Secret Ladder, was released in 2017. He also tours regularly, performing his old hits along with newer material.
The Mystery of "Sailing"
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Chris Cross is the true meaning behind his signature song, ""Sailing." The lyrics are full of enigmatic imagery, and Cross has been deliberately vague about their interpretation.

""I think it's up to the individual listener to decide what the song means to them," he said.
Some have suggested that the song is about the immigrant experience, while others believe it's a metaphor for the journey of life. Cross himself has said that the song is about ""the search for meaning in a meaningless world."
Whatever the true meaning, ""Sailing"" remains a timeless classic, a song that has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. It's a song that speaks to the human desire for peace, understanding, and connection.
Chris Cross: The Artist Behind the Song
Beyond his music, Chris Cross is a down-to-earth, unassuming man. He's not one for self-promotion, and he's often uncomfortable in the spotlight.

""I'm just a guy who likes to write songs," he said. ""I don't think of myself as a celebrity.""
Despite his reluctance to embrace the trappings of fame, Cross has a deep appreciation for his fans. ""They're the reason I'm still able to do what I love," he said. ""I owe them everything.""
Chris Cross is a reminder that even the most successful artists can be humble and grounded. He's a true musician, a man who has dedicated his life to creating music that speaks to the soul.