A singer who works comfortably in pure gospel and commercial soul music, Sharon MaRee sports deep roots in the African-American music tradition. She was born Sharon Norwood, raised in California, and started to vocalize at nine-years-old. With a singing father who was a priest, and a devout, religious mother, MaRee's experience in the church was established early on. She follows a lineage of singers, from her older sister, the well regarded gospel vocalist Elaine Norwood, to her aunt Dorothy. In the early days, Sharon MaRee toured the world as a backup singer, recording and performing with many gospel and secular artists like Norman Hutchins, Brian Culbertson, DeNetria Champ, Karen Briggs, and sister Elaine. In 1999, MaRee performed as the star of the sold-out musical stage drama These Trying Times at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, CA. She was included on a world tour with James Ingram, and did the same with the Isley Brothers and Angela Winbush. MaRee was featured on the Soul Train awards show with Mariah Carey, the Parade of Stars with Fred Hammond, and accompanied Gladys Knight. Other television appearances included the Arsenio Hall Show with various artists including Shirley Caesar, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as showcased with Yolanda Adams, the Isley Brothers on Soul Train, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and on the BET Network. In 2007, MaRee released her debut CD God Is Real for the DASM label. Her second recording, Triumph, from 2009 for the T label found her working with producer Jason White. For many years she has served as assistant choir director for the Music Worship Ministry of the Apostolic Faith Home Assembly Church in Los Angeles. ~ Michael G. Nastos