Shonda English

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The gospel music industry has yet to discover a hidden jewel in the city of Sumter, SC. Shonda English is a multi-gifted spiritual force to reckon with. She can compose traditional music to satisfy the most conservative church-goers. Then blend secular music with gospel on a track that make the young generation get their praise on. At the drop of a dime, Ms. English can complete this task from start to finish. She sings, just as thoroughly as she conceived the concept and labored over the format, she effectively delivers her gift to the listener. Shonda has proved that she is capable of hanging with the best of the the best in her genre. A self-taught performer in every right since the age of four, she has paid her dues. Sharing the stage with gospel music’s most elite; including Shirley Caesar, The Jackson Southernaires, The Sensational Nightingales, Margaret Allison and the Angelic Gospel Singers, Donald Lawrence and Tri-City, Ricky Dillard and New G, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-lites, and many more. Now she ready to share her debut CD with you!

Timeline

1975 -Sang with the youth choir at Holy Tabernacle Church in Boston, MA at the age of 3
1977 - Began playing the piano by ear around the age of 5
1986 - Became organist of Greater St. Paul N/D Church in the 7th grade
1988 - Made debut as vocalist and composer on first recording of Bishop W. T. English and the BEEA Crusade Choir’s debut LP, “Launch Out”
1988-1991- Received formal vocal training under the instruction of Sonja Sepulveda
1989 - Formed her personal concert choir, Great Jubilation while in the 11th grade
1992- Recorded first album, Shonda & Discoveries of SC featuring four groups, including Great Jubilation
1993- Became Minister of Music at Greater St. Paul, still serves.
1993- Opening act for Stellar Award winner Ricky Dillard and the New Generation Chorale of Chicago, IL
1995- Opening act for Stellar and Grammy winner Donald Lawrence & Tri-City
1996-2003 Performed live at Sumter’s Annual Gospel in the Park (consecutively)
1997- Recorded 2nd album, “The Only Way to Fly” w/Great Jubilation in Columbia, SC
1998- Recorded, produced, directed, and composed material for the Combined Choir of Greater St. Paul’s LIVE at the Opera House CD.
1999- Performed live on stage with Shirley Caesar and the Caesar Singers
1998 -2000 - Served as vocal instructor and musician for the University of South Carolina’s Gospel Chorale
2001- Received Bachelor’s of Arts in Education from USC-Spartanburg
2002- Featured artist at Annual Music Heritage and Jazz Festival in New Orleans along with Great Jubilation
Currently- Solo CD "Think on These Things" is on the airwaves. Available in stores June 2008.