Filed under: Exclusives, Interviews, Music
A former member of the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Sunshine would go on to become the lead keyboardist for Tyler Perry's stage play, 'Meet the Browns' and a featured vocalist on the soundtrack for 'The Fighting Temptations.'
Later, Sunshine worked with Tony Award winner Jennifer Holiday as the choral director for a touring production of 'Dreamgirls,' in addition to performing during both the 2008 Democratic National Convention and President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration.
The singer now has the privilege of calling music greats like Chaka Khan and Roy Ayers fans of hers.
BV Buzz caught up with the budding talent and had her take our Buzz Blitz.
If you could cast yourself on a television show,
which one would you chose?In the past, 'Saturday Night Live.' In the present, maybe 'The Game.'
What's your favorite junk food?
Ice cream! I don't know why, but I will say this, ice cream just seems to make everything better! White turtle to be exact.
Finish this sentence: "I'm my best when..."
I'm my best when I'm u
nder pressure! If you weren't a singer, what would you do professionally?
I'd be a teacher. As a matter of fact, a high school teacher. I must be sleepy or crazy?!?
Jennifer Holiday, Kim Burrell and Rachelle Ferrell are performing concerts at the same time and
you can only go to one. Which one would you chose and why?I'd have to see Kim! Because, sadly enough I've never seen her live. It's embarrassing!
If you could select one artist - any artist - to be inducted into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame, who would you chose and why?
All of the persons that I'd choose have already been inducted! So how about me? It would be great to have contributed so much musically to this wor
ld that persons would see fit to honor/acknowledge me in this way. Bananas! While I don't make music to be acknowledged or to be praised, I can only imagine how great it would be to see my name in the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame!What's one of the most memorable things someone has said about your music that has stuck with you?
Wow. The most memorable thing was this: "I feel better when I listen to your music." That's what I'm talking about! That single phrase let me know that I was on the right path!
For more information on Avery*Sunshine, visit her online at www.averysunshine.com.
For related stories, read: ''Sunday Best' Winner Y'Anna Crawley Takes the Buzz Blitz'
& 'VaShawn Mitchell: Gospel Star Takes The Buzz Blitz.'
VIDEO: Watch music video for Avery*Sunshine's song 'All In My Head.'
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
Getty Images
3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
Evening Standard / Getty Images
3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.
Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images