Avery Sunshine, born in Chester, Pennsylvania, is more than just an entertainer; she is a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a symbol of resilience. Known for her soul-stirring vocals, unyielding authenticity, and resolute commitment to empowerment, she has carved a unique space for herself in the music industry and beyond.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born to Ruth Eleanor White and Irving Cyril White, Avery Sunshine's musical journey began at the age of eight when she started playing the piano after being inspired by a classmate's performance. She learned to read hymns before studying classical music at eleven. She sang in her high school choir and graduated from the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, in 1993.
She attended Spelman College in Atlanta. Initially a piano major, she changed course after becoming disillusioned with the music program. It was in college that she met Maia Nkenge Wilson, a vocal major, and together they formed a gospel and R&B singing duo, DaisyRew.
DaisyRew and Early Career
DaisyRew performed extensively, including shows in Africa, churches in the Atlanta area, and clubs like the Apache Café, which was known for launching the careers of prominent artists such as India.Arie. After Wilson was cast in a Broadway role, Avery Sunshine became the Minister of Music at the St. Paul AME Church in Atlanta.
While at St. Paul AME Church, she met Dana Johnson, a guitarist, producer, and songwriter who had previously worked with India.Arie. In 2003, White, Johnson, and Wilson began collaborating, with Johnson writing and producing the music and managing DaisyRew's career. When Wilson was cast in another Broadway production and moved to New York, White adopted the name AverySunshine.
Read also: Relaxation in Easthampton
The Rise of AverySunshine
In 2005, AverySunshine and Johnson recorded "Stalker," a neo-soul song that was given a house beat by their friend, Chris Brann. This collaboration led to the creation of AverySunshine's self-titled first album, which was released in 2010 on their own label, BigShine.
Avery Sunshine's unwavering commitment to her musical style, deeply rooted in R&B, jazz, and gospel influences, has been pivotal in her longevity in the industry. Her music connects with her audience on a profound level, exploring life experiences such as relationships, family dynamics, personal struggles, and triumphs. She shares, “I’ve been true to myself. I think that is the case with anybody that has been able to stay, dare I say, relevant… By talking about my life and my reality, I think has been the thing that keeps me in a space where people can identify with me."
BigShine Music and Success
Dana "BigDane" Johnson is Avery Sunshine's partner in the dynamic music team, BigShine Music. Together, they have achieved significant success with two independent releases, "Avery*Sunshine" and "The SunRoom." These albums produced three Billboard "Top 15" singles and one Billboard #1 Urban Adult Contemporary single, "Call My Name," which remained on the charts for eight consecutive weeks. The duo has won several awards and was nominated for a BET Centric Award. They have toured extensively, performing with artists such as B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr, sharing their message, "Shine. No matter what."
A Multifaceted Artist
Avery Sunshine is not just a singer; she is a multifaceted artist with a range of talents and passions.
Recent Performances and Recognition
Avery Sunshine recently graced the stage at the renowned Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, radiating souls and offering a poignant anthem for the celebration of Black identity. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre holds a special place in her heart, as she has been part of its journey since it was known as Chene Park. “I was playing at the Aretha when it was Chene Park,” she recalled. “To be able to say that I’ve been a part of both is a really big deal for me. It’s an honor. Anytime that I can come to Detroit to play it’s a big deal for me to be here. When I come, I like to go nuts and bring the unadulterated truth."
Read also: Understanding Insurance for Bariatric Surgery
"Blackity Black": An Anthem of Identity
Her latest single, "Blackity Black," is a bold anthem that celebrates Black identity unapologetically. It’s a response to the colorblind rhetoric and a call to embrace and celebrate one’s own heritage. “We cannot be colorblind,” she said, acknowledging the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich diversity that defines us.
Lou Mac Beauty: A Celebration of Heritage
Beyond the stage, Avery Sunshine has made waves with her entrepreneurial spirit through Lou Mac Beauty, a cosmetics company that celebrates heritage and provides a platform for women of color to embrace their unique beauty. She explains, “I saw a picture of my great grandmother holding a white baby… All I could think about was how this black woman with no makeup is being a nursemaid to a white family while my grandmother was nowhere in any of those photos. Where was she? What was she doing? My great grandmother took care of other people so she could take care of her child. This woman wasn’t thinking about no lipstick. She was proud of those full lips. Proud of those full hips."
She continues, “I really didn’t want to wear bright lipstick at all because I felt like my lips were too big. I did not love my features. When I saw the picture of my great grandmother, unafraid, unashamed I said ‘how dare I be ashamed and afraid to show off these lips whom I inherited from this amazing, resilient black woman. So I curated a line of lipsticks, of all colors, to shine and remind us to show off those things that so many times we’ve been ashamed of. I just want to change that narrative."
Advocacy and Change
As Avery Sunshine takes on new roles, such as her recent election as the chapter governor for the Atlanta chapter of the Recording Academy, she is once again advocating for change and inclusivity within the music industry. “This is certainly Beginning the conversation about some change. Including different ideas and even understanding what the process is so I can educate the folks around me and understand how it really, really works."
Personal Life
Avery Sunshine lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Divorced in 2008, she is the mother of two children, a daughter named Drew and a son named Evan.
Read also: Coverage for Weight Loss Medications