Christopher Cross "Sailing"

Texas singer/songwriter Christopher Cross was the years-in-the-making overnight sensation of 1980. Despite fronting rock bands and earning a regional following, Cross spent much of the '70s trying to secure a record deal. When he finally did, he scored with his first single, "Ride Like The Wind," which climbed to #2 on the pop charts in the spring of 1980.

The song, which was the most rock-oriented track on his self-titled debut, was atypical of most of his material which was heavy on ballads and upbeat soft pop. With the second single from Christopher Cross, the gentle "Sailing" was chosen and it would go on to be Cross' signature song. The peaceful song attained a lush quality matching the serenity of its lyric through a deft use of strings to guide the melody.

"Sailing" rocketed up the charts, becoming Cross' second US Top 40 hit during early July and, five weeks later, he had his second Top Ten smash. In late September, "sailing" bettered the performance of "Ride Like The Wind" when it topped the pop chart - a feat it would duplicate on the adult contemporary chart where it was a natural fit. "Sailing" was one of the biggest hits of the summer of 1980 and Cross was at the peak of his popularity.

In addition to giving Cross his first #1 hit, "Sailing" pushed Christopher Cross into the Top Ten on the album charts. The following spring, the song helped him pull of his extraordinary haul of Grammy awards when he won five of the statues. "Sailing" managed to notch three of the wins, earning Cross Grammy awards for Best Arrangement, Record Of The Year, and Song Of The Year in addition to his nods for Album Of The Year and Best New Artist.

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