On Friday, 10 June 2016, at the age of 22, musician and singer Christina Grimmie was shot after a performance while with fans in Orlando, Florida. She died the following day. A GoFundMe campaign has been started in her memory to support her family. A candlelight vigil was held on June 13. Her funeral was on June 16, and a public memorial service took place on June 17.
In February of 2011, I saw an amazing video of the Nelly song “Just a Dream” performed by Sam Tsui, Kurt Schneider, and Christina Grimmie. It was representative of some music videos beginning to surface back then on YouTube by incredibly talented young musicians who were outperforming the big-label money-backed artists. The video inspired me to launch the website Inspiring-Music-Videos.com on 21 February 2011. For the launch, I featured that video with Christina, Sam, and Kurt along with a few other similar videos.
The Internet makes it possible for millions of people to feel, and indeed be, intimately connected to others. Through social media, Christina shared regularly from the heart about her life. She was a positive and cheerful source of hope and inspiration, so it’s understandable that many people would feel a strong connection with her. With 3.4 million followers on her YouTube channel and Facebook Page, she has many family, friends, and fans as well as other musicians who will miss her deeply.
Video Compilation from Her Family
This is a memorial video that was posted on Christina’s YouTube channel by her family on 17 June 2016.
Memorial Service Video
Highlights. Friends and family members shared their favorite memories of Christina.
Full Memorial Service. Hundreds of friends and fans are gathered at a memorial service for Christina in New Jersey.
Honored by Musicians
Christina was remembered and honored by many fellow musicians and YouTubers. The video below is a compilation, and here are some links to others.
- Miranda Lambert
- Sam Tsui
- Selena Gomez
- Tyler Ward (also wrote a song for Christina)
Humane Society Recognition
The Humane Society is creating the Christina Grimmie Animal Medical Fund to provide veterinary attention and ongoing care for its most critical animal rescue cases. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society, stated, “We hope that the Grimmie family, and her worldwide fans, take some solace in knowing that her compassion for animals and people will live on through this life-saving program.” Christina had worked on a music video (below) to support the organization.
Christina Grimmie Music Videos
Below are some videos of Christina singing and in some she is also playing the piano.
Just a Dream
This is the video I saw back in 2011. It now has over 118 million views.
Hello
This is her performance of “Hello” that had been previously popularized by Adele.
Humane Society
This is a PSA video Christina created for the Humane Society.
Counting Stars
Here’s Christina performing on The Voice with Sam Behymer.
Wrecking Ball
This is Christina’s famous Wrecking Ball performance on The Voice from 2014.
Hold On
When she was 20 years old, Christina performed “Hold On” as a guest on The Voice.
With Love
In 2014, Christina performed “With Love” as a guest on The Voice.
Safe and Sound
Christina performs “Safe And Sound” by Taylor Swift + Civil Wars (Hunger Games).
Titanium
This video was posted on 24 August 2014 and now has over 18 million views. Christina was likely inspired by an amazing performance by Sam Tsui singing this song in a video posted two weeks prior. It’s a song about the power to continue on regardless of what people do to us.
In Christ Alone
This is a song that Christina posted in celebration of Easter 2012.
News Coverage
Below are videos of news coverage.
ABC Nightline (17 June 2016)
ABC News (17 June 2016)