A Moment with Chicago's own Shari Addison - 1st Runner Up
Karen Hunt-Barker: How does it feel to be singing during this Historic Inaugauration Week?
Shari Addison: Right now it is surreal for me. It is a history moment. The most televised coverage of all Inaugural coverages, and I am so excited to be a part of it. I will perform on Sunday, January 18, 2009, at two events, during Inauguration Week; the African American Church Inaugural Ball and at the "Souls of My Sisters" event on Capitol Hill. It is something God wanted me in.
KHB: As a married mother of four, how did you manage family and get on BET's Sunday Best?
Shari Addison: That was the craziest thing. I had done competitions before, but I had not wanted to do another one. And one Sunday morning, I had a thought while taking a shower, 'when are they going to do something like American Idol, but for people who love to sing Gospel?' And when I walked into my bedroom, my TV was on BET, and I heard, 'So you think you can sing Gospel?' So, I started looking around, like okay, 'you talking to me?' It was one of those things that God had responded, and was already in the works. So, I called my cousin, and said 'Look I do not know the name of the program, but I know I need you to do the homework, go online, figure it out. All I know is that they are holding auditions in Chicago.'
She came back with all the information. She even found out, since I had changed my mind during that time of her research, that they had a VIP list, that I [could] get on. So I wouldn't have to stand in a Cattle Call line, which is what I was concerned about. God had worked out all the details for me being a part of this show. At first, I was not accepted for the show. I had made the top 10, but they only took 6 people from Chicago, and 6 from two other places, so all together it was 18, and then they came back and got one from online. Somehow they made me the "Wild Card," and they called me back, and this changed the game. I went from a "No," to the Finals. Me, as the "Wild Card?" I said "You go head God!" It changed the whole outcome of the show from a "No," to the Finals, to the Finale'.
KHB: As Runner Up for BET's Sunday Best, you are all over the place!
Shari Addison: Someone had a mistake in a program and wrote "Winner Up," and I loved it! And as the "Winner Up," God has allowed me to travel all over and I have made appearances on both BET's Celebration of Gospel, Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcast Network's Praise The Lord, the Chicago Gospel Fest and the Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat. I have been blessed to sing with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Patti LaBelle, Dottie Peoples, Martha Munizzi, BeBe Winans, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and Stephanie Mills. And God will not hold no good thing from you, but there is a convenant for that, and you have to "Seek him first and his Rigtheousness," and there is so much work to be done for the kingdom.
KHB: You mean you are doing Kingdom work outside the 4 walls of church? (smiling)
Shari Addison: Yes, that was one of the reasons why I was not chosen. They did not think I could do anything outside the four walls of the church. There are all kinds of ministries. When I am at home, I work in ministries at my church, and I participate in PATS (Prayer around The School) Ministry. I go and pray around the schools. There are so many ministries that can be done outside the four walls of the church. You have to allow people to touch you and hear your story. When I go home, my children and husband ask, "What are we going to eat?" I am grounded and real.
KHB: Did you write any songs on your debut CD?
Shari Addison: Yeah! I was so blessed and on my first project. People normally do not get an opportunity to do this, but God allowed me to write a song, "All Things Well," and that is just a testimony. I would sing all throughout the show, and I knew a song would come out of it, but I did not think it would come out this fast. When things do not turn out the way you think [they] should, but I trust God. He does all things well concerning me. Even on the show...that some of the songs that I [was] given the challenge on, you know, were not my normal church songs. Because it was not my normal church songs that I was accustomed to, and I had to get my hand around it, and say, 'ok God, they know I can sing Gospel music all day long. You are just showing a different side of me, and as long as the music is not promoting sin, I'm ok.'
KHB: Your Debut CD has some of the most prominent Grammy and Stellar Award Winning producers; Donald Lawrence, Percy Bady, Daniel Witherspoon, and the world reknown Kevin Bond.
Shari Addison: Yes, Kevin wrote "No Battle, No Blessing" which is one of those Christian life stories that talks about people's common struggle--that you have to fight the battle just to get to your blessing".
KHB: Can you give words of insiration to our ChicagoGospel.com Community?
Shari Addison: I would like to say, to everyone that feels they are beyond their years in ministry, or realizing your dreams, one thing you need to know, dreams do not have any expiration date. So, if God put it in you, you have to trust God is going to bring it to pass. You cannot leave here without it being done, and that is what I know, and you have to persevere. One thing we fail to realize, just as the Bible talks about being blessed, it is in God's set time. We cannot tell God what that time is. When it doesn't happen, in that time that we have allotted for ourselves, we get discouraged and run. But God knows what's best for you, just like in my song, "He Does All Things Well." It is just like me giving my four year-old keys to my car. I cannot do that because she is not ready, althought she has seen her mommy and daddy do it all the time. It is God's time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BET SUNDAY BEST FIRST RUNNER-UP SHARI ADDISON
TO RELEASE SELF-TITLED DEBUT CD IN STORES JANUARY 13
"No Battle, No Blessing" is #1 Most Added This Week at Gospel Radio
Addison Participates in Inaugural Events in Washington, DC
Promotional Tour Set for This Month
(New York, NY - January 6, 2009) - Some may not be familiar with the name Shari Addison yet, but with the release of her self-titled debut CD, it will not be long before the world knows about this "diamond in the rough" gospel powerhouse. Addison's musical recording journey began one year ago when she captured the hearts of millions on BET's Sunday Best. As the first runner-up on the premiere broadcast of the program, Addison wowed audiences week after week with her powerful, gut-wrenching performances while winning countless fans along the way, and earning a recording contract with Zomba Gospel. The Chicago native is now ready to dazzle audiences once again with the release of her debut CD, SHARI ADDISON, in stores on January 13, 2009.
The first single, "No Battle, No Blessing" (http://www.sendspace.com/file/h25vxj), begins the New Year at the top of the gospel radio charts as #1 most added at R&R for the week of January 5, 2009. Produced by 10-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 30-time Stellar Award winner Kevin Bond, "'No Battle, No Blessing' is one of those Christian life stories that talks about people's common struggle-that you have to fight the battle just to get to your blessing," proclaims Addison. "Shari Addison is a name that the national and international community of believers will come to recognize and enjoy for years to come," says Kevin Bond. "The raw power of her voice, coupled with the weight of her testimony, will leave an indelible impression on all who are blessed to experience the depth of her anointing. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to work on her first solo effort."
Some of today's top songwriters and producers in gospel music contribute their "Midas touch" to the debut release including Percy Bady, Donald Lawrence and Daniel Weatherspoon. The 10-track release blends traditional, contemporary, urban and inspirational gospel, showcasing Addison's fervor-filled, inspirational vocals that can only be delivered from a person who knows what they're singing about. The CD showcases the singer/songwriter's vocal abilities by encompassing a broad range of song styles ranging from the funky beat-filled "Whatever" and "I Praise You," to the traditional James Cleveland up-tempo classic "Please Make Me Better Lord," weaving to the beautiful ballad, "He Does All Things Well" (which she co-wrote with Percy Bady), back to the good 'ole shoutin' "Can't Make It Without Him," featuring her pastor, Christopher T. Harris, Sr. of Chicago's Bright Star Church of God in Christ (where Addison is minister and psalmist), who adds his own special flair.
"I am so excited about this project. I honestly believe that this CD is so relevant; it's a project that will meet people wherever they are," says Addison. "All of the songs are me, but it's a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It's uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what's going on during your day, there's something that will minister to you," she explains. During Addison's Sunday Best appearances she received unanimous praises from recording artists Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Stephanie Mills, Martha Munizzi and others.
On Sunday, January 18, 2009, Addison will perform at two events during Inauguration Week -- the African American Church Inaugural Ball and at the Souls of My Sisters event on Capitol Hill. In addition to the Inaugural activities, Addison's promo tour kicks off this month as well (see below for details).
Addison began singing at the tender age of three; assisted by her mother Mary J. Jenkins-minister of music for Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. An accomplished vocalist and theatre actress, Addison is no stranger to the stage having performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as in South Africa, Russia and Brazil. But it was her appearance on BET's Sunday Best that put her on the path to fame. Hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin, with guest judges Mary Maryand BeBe Winans, the show's participants were chosen at nationwide auditions as the network searched for the best undiscovered talent in America. BET's first gospel talent competition, an apparent hit with audiences, garnered the highest ratings for a gospel show in its history with a voting audience of more than 1.5 million viewers.
Since then, doors have literally flung open for the married mother of four, with appearances on both BET's Celebration of Gospel, Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcast Network's Praise The Lord, the Chicago Gospel Fest and the Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat. She's been blessed to sing with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Patti LaBelle, Dottie Peoples, Martha Munizzi, BeBe Winans, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and Stephanie Mills.
With the release of her highly-anticipated debut CD, Shari Addison is poised to demonstrate she is not only "Sunday Best," but an example of God's greatness everyday.
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DATE EVENT CITY/STATE
Sunday, January 11 Promotional Tour New York, NY
Monday, January 12 Promotional Tour New York, NY
Tuesday, January 13 Promotional Tour Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, January 14 Promotional Tour Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD
Thursday, January 15 Promotional Tour Norfolk, VA
Friday, January 16 Promotional Tour Atlanta, GA & Nashville, TN
Saturday, January 17 BET Honors Washington, DC
Sunday, January 18 The African-American Washington, DC
Inaugural Ball
Souls of My Sisters Washington, DC
Inaugural Event
Monday, January 19 Inaugural Event Washington, DC
Tuesday, January 20 Inaugural Event Washington, DC
Sunday, January 25 Promotional Tour Chicago, IL
Monday, January 26 Promotional Tour Chicago, IL
Tuesday, January 27 Promotional Tour Dallas, TX
Wednesday, January 28 Promotional Tour Houston, TX
Thursday, January 29 Promotional Tour Charleston, SC & Columbia, SC
Friday, January 30 Promotional Tour Charlotte, NC
About GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc.
In 2002, Gwendolyn Quinn founded GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc. a full-service publicity and marketing firm that specializes in developing stratagem and coordinating special events, brand development and entertainment marketing for clients who span the worlds of music, performing arts (theatre), corporate, not-for-profit, faith-based, and the visual/fine arts.
be long before the world knows about this "diamond in the rough" gospel powerhouse. Addison's musical recording journey began one year ago when she captured the hearts of millions on BET's Sunday Best. As the first runner-up on the premiere broadcast of the program, Addison wowed audiences week after week with her powerful, gut-wrenching performances while winning countless fans along the way, and earning a recording contract with Zomba Gospel. The Chicago native is now ready to dazzle audiences once again with the release of her debut CD, SHARI ADDISON, in stores on January 13, 2009. 
Addison. "All of the songs are me, but it's a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It's uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what's going on during your day, there's something that will minister to you," she explains. During Addison's Sunday Best appearances she received unanimous praises from recording artists Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Stephanie Mills, Martha Munizzi and others.