Difference between revisions of "Sharon Riley"

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Who is Sharon Riley?

Sharon Riley is an EMI Gospel recording artist. She is the leader of the gospel music group Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale.

" In October 1990, Sharon Riley survived a life-changing car accident, which left her physically challenged. The doctors said she would not be able to walk again. But Sharon's strong faith in God and support from friends and family changed the prognosis.

A special part of her recovery and testimony is found in the group she helped to establish called Faith Chorale. The Choir was founded in February 1992 by Robert Picart, Sharon Mcleod and Sharon Riley. Their vision was to organize a group of young people who wanted to serve the Lord and had the talent and commitment to do His will.

Sharon Riley was the winner of the Kiwanis Music Competition in 1977, 1978 and the Jazz Festival in 1980. She oversees the auditions, teaches and directs the choir and also sings lead vocal parts. Although her formal training is in Early Childhood Education, Sharon has had over ten years of vocal training which has included Jazz and Opera.

As an alumni of Oakwood College in Alabama, Sharon walked the school halls with such artists as Take 6, Chris Willis and Brian McKnight. She has a tremendous energy in concert that makes the entire musical performance exiting and memorable.

The foundation of Faith Chorale is their permanent faith in God and their belief in sincere worship. As their name suggests, faith is their source of strength. This inter-denominational choir is comprised of members from the Christian Mission, Church of God, Baptist, Pentecostal, and Seventh-Day Adventist communities.

With members coming from Canada, the Caribbean, England and South America, Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale have used their cultural, spiritual and musical backgrounds to develop a style that is very distinct. Their songs include urban contemporary gospel, traditional hymns, soulful ballads, and Negro spirituals.

Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Fred Hammond, James Hall, Ricky Dillard, Jackie Richardson, Oscar Peterson, Salome Bey, Liberty Silver, Joe Sealy and many others.

They have performed at the National Jazz Festival, the World Tournament of Basketball, CBC Live Metro Morning Show, and the CNE Gospelfest among others. The group's film and television credits include Global Television's "Sing Out Freedom Train", CBC's musical "Christmas Soul", and HBO's Einstein special "Light to the Power of Two".

Discography: Caught Up 1996 Micah Records. Management: Mekehla Music Group / Richard Picart 416-499-1930 Ext. 1.

Source: http://www.yorku.ca/aconline/music/folk.html#sharon

More info: http://www.gospelcity.com/artists/artists/29

Contact Sharon Riley

Sharon Riley,

Contributions to Canadian Media Made by Sharon Riley

Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale started in the basement of a North Toronto home in 1992. They appeared at local cultural and religious events. Within months they started getting the attention of the domestic music industry.

Riley & Faith Chorale were the first black gospel artist out of Canada to sign an international recording contract. They have spent a decade building a presence for Canadian gospel in the areas of music and film. Riley's notable premiere "Caught Up" and sophomore follow up "Life Is" secured JUNO and Canadian Urban Music Awards.

Faith Chorale's 1993 film debut in "Sing Out Freedom Train" was shared with domestic R&B songstress, Deborah Cox and Jackie Richardson. Subsequent film credits include HBO's "Light To The Power of 2", "Bonhoeffer" and the "Blues Brothers 2000" which featured Dan Ackroyd and John Goodman. The "Blues Brothers 2000" soundtrack, highlighting Faith Chorale's version of "John The Revelator", was Grammy® nominated and Certified Gold (US & Canada).

The discography and performance history for Sharon Riley is striking. Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Mark Kibble (Take 6), Joe Sealy, Maureen Forrester, Oscar Peterson, Paul Schaeffer (David Letterman), Salome Bey and The Nylons have experienced or recorded the exceptional vocal performances of Faith Chorale. Faith Chorale's appearance on The Chieftain's "Long Journey Home" album earned them a Grammy® for Best Traditional Folk Album and a nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

Their perfected vocal execution, energetic delivery and modern rhythms exhibits what Billboard Magazine (7/11/98) describes as "displaying both the heart of gospel and heads totally in touch with the R&B and pop of today."
Source: http://www.gospelcity.com/dynamic/music-articles/international/30

Tenth anniversary celebrations May 27, 2002. http://www.gospelcity.com/dynamic/music-articles/international/30

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