BIOGRAPHY

Chris Whitaker’s musical journey began at the age of 8 when his parents, intrigued by the sound of someone playing bongos in a local music store, wandered over to check it out. It was then that they first saw Chris in action, and immediately, they knew that drums were his calling. What started as a childhood curiosity soon transformed into a life-defining passion.

Born prematurely, Chris faced significant challenges early on. The condition known as Retinopathy of Prematurity left him legally blind in his left eye and completely blind in his right. Yet, his vision impairment never slowed him down. In fact, it fueled his determination to succeed in a world of rhythm and sound. Chris believes his vision impairment has shaped his heightened musical sensitivity and deeper connection to the music he plays.

Throughout his career, Chris has had the opportunity to work across a wide range of genres, from jazz to R&B, country, rock, and beyond, bringing his versatile drumming style to a diverse array of artists. Chris has had the privilege of working with several artists from hit TV shows like NBC’s The Voice and American Idol. More recently, he served as music director for America’s Got Talent standout RL Bell, helping to shape dynamic performances and using tools like Ableton Live to create real-time effects that made every show polished and impactful.

In addition to his work on the road, Chris has also had his own passion projects, such as the jazz duo CM2. More recently, he launched a podcast called Behind The Kick, where he interviews industry leaders and dives deep into their personal lives—not just the gigs they’re on or what they’ve achieved, but the stories and experiences that make them who they are. Chris believes that deeper connections are invaluable, and his podcast reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface level.

Alongside his performing career, Chris is a full-time music educator, sharing his knowledge and love for music with the next generation of musicians. He’s also served as the music director at several churches, where his expertise in music production and performance continues to enrich the musical experience for both congregations and musicians alike.

Faith plays a central role in Chris’ journey. He firmly believes that God doesn’t make mistakes and that he was placed on this Earth to play music. His trust in the divine purpose behind his life keeps him grounded and focused on his mission to share the gift of music with others. Chris is incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of his parents, friends, and community, all of whom have been pillars of encouragement throughout his life.

Looking to the future, Chris is eager to continue making music and sharing it with others for many years to come. He remains committed to using his platform to inspire and uplift, demonstrating that with perseverance, faith, and the right support, nothing is impossible.