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The Shannons, a Southern Gospel family based out of Muncie, Indiana have
been singing Gospel music for over 35 years, and still going strong. The
members are James, Wilma, their two sons Shawn and Chris, their
daughter-in-law Stacey and Dustin.
With one Guitar, a prayer, a dream, and a lot of faith and
determination, deifying the Nay-Sayers, who said, “It wouldn’t last”
James and Wilma stepped out with a prayer in their heart, and started
singing as a duet. In the late seventies, they were joined by their
oldest son Shawn, who started playing bass guitar and singing. He now is
the manager of the group.
By the mid eighties, their youngest son Chris joined in singing some,
and playing the bass guitar. Shawn started playing the piano at that
point. Their daughter-in-law, Stacey, joined the group in 2000. She
sings, plays the keyboard, and has been known to do instrumentals
playing her violin on occasions. Lexiana Faith Shannon, was born
October 2, 2009, and will be on stage in no time, if
history is any indication of what is to come? The
newest member, Dustin Bradshaw, joined the group fall of 2011.
What you notice first about The Shannons is the heart-felt sincerity
they have for each other, and the happiness they make you feel when you
are around them. Their hearts are definitely filled with a lot of love,
and that speaks volumes, as to why so many fans across the nation come
out to hear them sing. The messages in their songs are joyful, strong
and very heart-touching. You can see why they are so loved by their
fans?
In 2006, when recording one their project CD entitled “From the Heart”
The Shannons record producer in Nashville Tennessee at the time, Eddie
Crook, made a quote inside the liner which stated, The Shannons
epitomize the term “Family Group” led by James and Wilma, they are
blessing people everywhere with their sincere, spirit-filled singing.
However, The Shannons will be the first to tell you, that life hasn’t
been a bed of roses, just like everyone else; they have had their share
of troubles and trials. James said, “We had to come through a lot of
adversities on this journey, but we never let it get us down, we kept
pressing on, because we knew God was leading us in the right direction.”
The Shannons have traveled all over the country including Canada,
singing and ministering in Churches, Auditoriums, Festivals, Fairs and
etc. To date, The Shannons have recorded 14 Albums, 4 DVD’s, and writes
most of the songs they record, and many of their songs have been
recorded by other Gospel artists.
The Shannons have had several national releases, which made many of the
Gospel Music Charts. “Sanctified (Written by James and Wilma), Daddy,
Nicodemus, He’s Everything To Me, Feel That Feeling, Trading My Cross
For A Crown, Heaven’s Tour, (All written by James and Shawn), and Way
Down Deep. The “Seeker” made it to number 4 on the Radio Active Air-Play
back in September 2008. Their current single, “He’s On My Side” has been
released to Radio stations, and is doing very well.
The Shannons are actively involved in many charity organizations,
including, The American Heart Association, where Wilma is an active
Advocate, Go Red for Women, The American Cancer Society, The American
Diabetes Association, The American Stroke Association, and many others.
When The Shannons were asked, what does their ministry mean to them, or
how they would like to be remembered?
They replied by saying, “All we want is to be a light to the
world, and if just one person sees Jesus in us, and comes to know him,
then we have been successful.”
James
began singing as a young man and never stopped. He performed with his
family for many years until he married and started singing with his
wife, Wilma. James has written many songs with the help of Wilma and
their children, including the songs “The Day When I am Perfect” and
“Daddy.” He sings harmony and leads some of the songs for the group
while playing the rhythm guitar.
James also helps with the driving to get the group from one service to
another.
Wilma started singing gospel music when she was a little girl. She
grew up on the stages of many churches in Tennessee. Wilma has written
songs of her own and helps James with some of his. She sings lead on
some of the songs and harmonizes on the rest while also playing guitar
on occasion.
Wilma has gained much national notoriety, not only for
her singing, but for her Cook Books. She has received honors from
several Women’s Christian Organizations, Cook Books of America,
Traditional Southern Cooking, and has been given the “Woman of Faith”
award twice. Wilma has authored 12 Cook Books, including “A
Doggy-Delight Cook Book” and “A Heart-Healthy Cookbook”.
Many of her recipes have been
featured in local and national newspapers, and magazines. One of her
friends, a DJ from Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Dan Dixon, gave her the
nickname “Cook Book Lady” and it stuck. Now when The Shannons are in
concert, usually before the night is over, someone will ask her, if
she’s the Cook Book Lady, they hear about on the radio.
Shawn has been singing gospel music since he was a young boy. He
began singing with group when he was 9-years-old. He arranges and sings
leads on most of the songs that the Shannons perform. His contributions
to the group include playing the piano, running sound and managing the group.
He has produced a few recording projects for other groups in his studio
and runs sound for many conventions and even ran sound for the live
broadcasts on Sirius XM radio during NQC for the past few years.
In 2011, Shawn along with Dustin started S&B Promotions, a
booking/promotion agency.
Dustin is in his third year traveling and singing gospel music. He is
from Decatur, IL and is married to his beautiful wife Erica.
Dustin sings low harmony on most songs and also will sing lead on a few.
Dustin is also partners S&B Promotions with Shawn.
Chris has been part of the group since he was 10-years-old. He plays
the bass and helps out on anything that needs to be done. Chris also
sings harmony and occasionally leads on a few songs. He played string
bass and tuba for the high school band, as well.
Stacey started singing with the group in 2000. She sings a
little bit of lead and harmony and play back-up keyboards.
Previously she was involved in school, church and community activities
playing violin, trombone and occasionally piano. With a recent
master's degree in journalism from Ball State University, Stacey
looks forward to helping with publications for the
family as much as possible. Stacey also helps with all media relations
with the group.
Lexiana Faith Shannon is the new welcomed addition to The Shannons.
She is the little daughter of Chris and Stacey Shannon.She no doubt will
be on stages throughout the Country spreading God’s word through music
and song in the years ahead. She is truly a blessing sent from above!
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