Miss Authenticity!
By Anita Moffett aka Aniyah
Authenticity is her first, middle and last name; meet Sheree Hicks! This down-to-earth Sista is not afraid to express uncertainties of the music industry. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, raised in Chicago, Illinois, lived in big cities such as Los Angeles and New York, and currently residing in Mississippi, Sheree is well traveled and refined to say the least.
While most of us perceive the music industry as glam, lights and glimmer, and fantasize on how elating it would feel to be up on a stage performing at the center of hundreds and thousands of viewers! The fun, fortune, and notoriety are all aphrodisiacs! But how about the inverted side to these perks? This is the side the R&B singer got to witness during her spin in the music biz.
The vocalist knew at the age of eighteen that her life would be changed after randomly being approached into joining a female R&B group who would subsequently pack up to move to Los Angeles, California. The sudden opportunity afforded Sheree a moment to expand her vocals and included daily dance rehearsals as well. The rigorous practice and routines gave her the skills and discipline she would need to advance her singing career.
Sheree’s hard work paid off after landing her first paid gig through SAG/AFTRA by performing on the Robert Townsend Show enacting background vocals for the 1980’s recording artist for Geffen Records, Christopher Williams. Shortly after the vocalist was back on the stage again, singing on the infamous Rosie O’Donnell Show behind the 90’s singing sensation Brandy and Brandy’s harmonious brother Ray J. These gigs catapulted Sheree into the union, a place every artist wants to call home!
Sheree found her career taking off, but to her dismay the reality of the business left a lot to be desired. According to the artist:
“Some of the challenges were the politics of the music industry, for instance “image.” A group could sound much better vocally than a group who had a “look.” At one time the look mattered more than the talent. The way to overcome was to continue perfecting the craft because when it comes down to it, the talent was undeniable. Making it in the music industry comes in three parts, a portion is talent, another portion is being persistent and the third is who you know. I’ve always said, it’s like playing the lottery. If you keep playing your number, one day it will hit.”
This “reality check” made Sheree stronger. She knew she had to remain true to her craft and keep striving!
Nowadays Sheree enjoys time with her family, her daughter in particular. Her down time usually consists of writing, watching sports (especially football), enjoying a good comedy show, running outdoors, traveling and event planning.
Her focus is to keep a life balance. The tenacious soul looks forward to her next big move which may come in various forms! So don’t be surprised when and where we will see her pop up next!!