[fbshare type=”button”] [tweetmeme] JamSphere’s choice SONG OF THE WEEK for the week of 31 Oct. – 06 November 2011 is: SHARIF IMAN – SHINE. Back when singer/songwriters still thought that being signed to a major label was the ticket to fame and fortune, Sharif Iman was brought to Nashville by renowned country music producer Frank Rogers, soon after Rogers heard the up and coming performer at a small club in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Rogers, who would go on to helm projects by Nashville greats like Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley and Trace Adkins, told Iman he had the “X Factor” and could someday be a major pop/rock artist. With Rogers’ hands-on assistance, Iman honed his songwriting craft and quickly landed a co-publishing deal with EMI, signing him as a writer while helping him develop as a rock artist.
But when the group who signed him moved on from EMI, so did Iman, in his own direction. Other publishing deals came his way, but he was dissatisfied with these arrangements. The music industry was shifting fast during this period and Indie labels and artists were rising in the changing tide. Iman realized this was his time to stay free of contracts, reflect, re-power his tools, write, watch and wait…for his opportunity to shine.
Sharif chose to be homeless at times, finding beauty in all the connections the community had to offer, and wanted to share his journey of freedom and musical purity with anyone he touched. Nashville fed him, embraced him, loved him. And he loved back, with his time, his helping hand, his heart, his soul, his music. His spirit was infectious, and he felt his “family” growing at every turn. He wasn’t leaving. This big, gentle man, “The Chocolate Soul Child,” as many began naming him, wasn’t going anywhere, and certainly wasn’t going to give up. And now Sharif is getting his chance to shine as his single “Shine” of his debut album is about to impact AC and Hot AC Radio.
At the end of December 2011 our staff will choose the JAMSPHERE “SONG OF THE YEAR” from the 3 songs with the highest number of “Thumbs Up” voting from our readers.
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