Christopher Cross (born Christopher Charles Geppert; May 3, 1951) is an American singer-songwriter and musician whose polished, mellow sound became a signature of late 1970s and early 1980s soft rock. Best known for the ballad "Sailing" and the movie theme "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)," Cross combined acoustic and electric instrumentation, layered production, and an emphasis on melody and atmosphere.

Early life and breakthrough

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Cross began performing locally before moving into professional recording. His first, self-titled album was released in 1979 and established him on adult-contemporary radio. The album produced several well-known tracks and earned widespread industry recognition, culminating in five Grammy Awards tied to the record’s success.

Musical style and characteristics

Cross's music is frequently described as soft rock or "yacht rock," characterized by smooth vocal delivery, clean guitar lines, warm keyboard pads, and sophisticated studio arrangements. His songs often emphasize evocative, escapist themes—travel, romance, and introspection—paired with meticulous production values that highlight melodic hooks and harmonic richness.

Awards, notable songs and collaborators

His single "Sailing" became one of his most enduring works, earning multiple Grammy Awards and remaining a staple of soft-rock and adult-contemporary playlists. Cross also contributed the hit "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" to the 1981 film Arthur, which reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (chart source) and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. That song was written in collaboration with prominent songwriters including Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen.

  • Major awards: five Grammy Awards related to his debut album; "Sailing" received three Grammys in 1981.
  • Film recognition: "Arthur's Theme" won the Oscar for Best Original Song (1981).

Later career and legacy

Although later releases did not match the commercial peak of his debut, Cross continued to record, tour, and maintain a presence on the adult-contemporary circuit. His early work remains influential as an exemplar of late-1970s/early-1980s studio craftsmanship in popular music, and "Sailing" in particular retains cultural resonance through radio play, compilations, and licensing in film and television.

Health and recent developments

In April 2020, Cross publicly disclosed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 (health report). He has otherwise continued to perform intermittently and appears periodically at nostalgic and genre-focused concerts. For further context on his music and career, consult artist profiles and discographies that cover the late 1970s breakthrough and subsequent recordings.

Notable recordings include (selected):

  1. "Sailing" — signature ballad and multiple Grammy winner.
  2. "Ride Like the Wind" — an early hit that helped launch his commercial profile.
  3. "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" — Oscar-winning film single.

For additional reading and primary sources, see official artist pages and music archives that document Cross’s discography and award history.