Brian Thomas Littrell (born February 20, 1975) is an American singer, best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys. He is also a contemporary Christian recording artist, and released a solo album, Welcome Home (You), in 2006. Littrell was born in Lexington, Kentucky to Jackie and Harold Littrell. He has an older brother, Harold Littrell, Jr. At five, he took a tumble from his Big Wheel tricycle that his doctors later assumed signified the start of a bacterial infection that began circulating in his blood. Nevertheless, Brian seemed perfectly fit. A few weeks later at his grandparents' house, Brian was messing around with his older brother when he slipped and fell, sustaining a nasty bump to his head. Worried that he might have a concussion, his mother took him to the hospital where the doctors discovered Brian's affliction. Brian was admitted immediately and started on a course of medication that the doctors doubted would cure him. The infection had gone too far, they said. The doctors actually told Brian's parents to prepare themselves for the worst. But faith sustained his family as Brian remained in hospital for two months gradually recovering. Not only was it the loneliest time of his life, but he admits that he sometimes still has nightmares about it. The doctors called Brian's recovery nothing short of a miracle. "I think everyone is here for a reason," Brian has said. "I think it's destiny why we're all here together."

He began singing as a child in his Baptist church and attended Tates Creek High School in Lexington. Littrell's cousin, Kevin Richardson, moved to Orlando, Florida, during Littrell's teenage years. Richardson had gone to Orlando to find a job in the entertainment industry. After being chosen as one of the Backstreet Boys, Richardson recommended his cousin to the band members and management. Even though Littrell was planning on attending Cincinnati Bible College and studying to become a youth pastor, he was convinced by Richardson to go to Florida and audition. Eventually, he was chosen as the fifth member of the band.