We’ve been writing about the extraordinary Sharon Hendrix for nearly 3 years now. The incredible artist has collaborated with a who’s who of artists a mile long, and now she’s also making great strides in her solo career, showing off her talent as she should. We should have spoken with Sharon a long time ago – but now we have, and we hope you get as much out of our interview as we did.
Your new single, ‘It Takes Two’, is a duet between you and Marvin Robinson. How did you two first meet? When did you discover your voices worked so well together?
Marvin and I met when we were teenagers. We both performed in an internationally known, Academy Award-winning, singing group, The Young Americans, and our friendship has lasted over 50 years. I’ve always been a big fan of Marvin’s talent and we both had a dream that we would one day sing a duet together.
You set out on your music path when you were a mere two years old – is that a clear memory to you?
It is such a clear memory to me! We were attending an Easter service at a big, magnificent church in San Francisco. I remember I was sitting between my mother and my Aunt Mitzi, and the choir began singing an up-tempo, exciting hymn, and I can remember the music filled my soul, and I stood up on the pew and just started singing my heart out. I remember all the people in front turn around and smiling at me and clapping their hands and my mother and Aunt Mitzi just laughing and smiling and it was the most magical moment for a two-year-old girl feeling.
‘It Takes Two’ is an absolute classic, originally sung by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston. Clearly you’re inspired by the classics, but what other artists inspire you and why?
I am inspired by so many artists, from Leontyne Price, to Danny Hathaway, to Yo Yo Ma, to Stanley Clarke. There is a connection to an open channel that transcends reality… it becomes magical. It’s like they are connected to something not of this Earth.
Have you ever been given any advice over your career that’s seen you through and encouraged you on your musical journey? Do you feel free to share that with us?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to do the work. To keep the channel open… you don’t even have to like what you do, but it is a gift that we each have. And there is only one of you. If you don’t share the gift you are given, it will be lost forever. So do the work and keep your channel open.
What’s next for you? What can fans expect?
Right now, I am working non-stop in the Barry Manilow Show. We performed at Carnegie Hall a month ago and then performed five sold out nights at Radio City Music Hall, with shows at our residency in Las Vegas. I’ve had no time to even think about future plans. I am working non-stop right now.
Finally, what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does? And what’s the answer to that question?
I’m never asked about my personal life. When I have down time, what is my life like. It’s really quite beautiful and the joy of my life. We have a beautiful blended family full of diversity and a rainbow tribe of magnificent children and grandchildren. It is my favorite role and I am happiest when I’m with my family… the talent and the brilliance of all our family fills me with the greatest pride of my life.
Watch the music video for Sharon Hendrix’s latest single, ‘It Takes Two’, below. You can find out more about Sharon Hendrix and her music online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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