Sheree Brown: A Legacy of Soul, Jazz, and RnB
Sheree Brown isn’t merely an artist—she’s a cultural force. A multitalented singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and educator, she has shaped the soundscape of soul, jazz, and RnB for more than four decades. Her recording career began with Capitol Records in the early 1980s, where she delivered two critically acclaimed albums, Straight Ahead and The Music. Digitally remastered and reissued, both albums remain essential listening, celebrated for their seamless blend of warm storytelling, exquisite melodies, and genre-defining musicianship.
As Toby Walker of SoulWalking observed, “I would file Sheree’s work alongside the likes of Bill Withers or Carole King… one day mainstream pundits will rise from their unconsciousness… and herald the likes of Sheree and her kind as being the bedrock on which today’s music was laid.” His words reflect the respect Sheree commands among those who understand the craft.
Sheree’s creative reach extends well beyond the studio. She has performed for international audiences in Germany, Egypt, Israel, and Italy, and has been a pioneering voice in arts education. She co-wrote the first House of Blues School House Tour programme and hosted the Hollywood House of Blues’ weekly Gospel Brunch, helping preserve and elevate vital threads of American musical culture. Her dedication to youth empowerment and community uplift earned her an Emmy® Award nomination for a public service announcement addressing violence prevention against youth, self-esteem and social responsibility.
As a songwriter, Sheree has collected a string of gold and platinum achievements. She co-wrote the chart-topping gospel hit “Looking for You” by Kirk Franklin, contributed to Patrice Rushen’s classics (“Haven’t You Heard,” “Settle For My Love”), and wrote for Zhane, including the iconic “Groove Thang.” Her catalogue spans more than 100 songs and includes placements in film, notably Hollywood Shuffle.
Her artistic vision also embraces social impact. Sheree co-authored the children’s book Zhakanaka The Word, part of a national peace initiative promoting literacy, self-worth and anti-bullying values. Its companion album, We’re All Only Children, furthers her message of unity and compassion. She expanded this work with Messages From The Heart, a genre-blending concept that merges literature and music.
Her most recent project, Messages From The Soul… The Power of Music, completes her acclaimed trilogy of anthology albums. Set for release on 21 December 2025 via Expansion Records, the album is a vibrant fusion of Rare Grooves, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Funk and Jazz. It is deeply rooted in Sheree’s Los Angeles heritage while inspired by the soulful dance scenes of London and Europe. The lead single “Gonna Rock (Bop Bop)” features her husband of 45 years on trombone and heralds the album’s message of joy and positive action. Writing contributions come from Grammy-nominated Patrice Rushen, Marcus Pettit, Sheree’s daughter MayaNicol and son Revels. Also notable is a fresh ‘House’ mix of her original track “Power” by Sheree and Marcus Petitt and produced by writer/producer/engineer Steve Barry Cohen.
The album’s cover photograph was taken by Bobby Holland, the same photographer behind her Capitol Records covers.
Sheree Brown’s legacy is defined by artistic excellence, cultural stewardship and a consistent commitment to bettering the world through creativity. From stage to classroom, studio to community, her work continues to resonate with honesty, hope and humanity.
She is proudly endorsed by Taylor Guitars, a testament to her craftsmanship and enduring influence.
Saravels, Inc. is a newly formed partnership between Sheree, her husband, Douglass Johnson, Sr., and Brenda Hewitt. Saravels Inc. is a joint venture that brings together talented and gifted artists who’s music and entertainment is designed to entertain, educate, enliven and inspire a wide range audience, while meeting the highest quality of musicianship.
Saravels, Inc. currently houses Brown Baby Entertainment Group (BBEG), Sarah Revels Books, the Zhakanaka Project, the Messages From The Heart , Messages From The Spirit, and the forthcoming Messages From The Soul projects. Sheree is a supporter of Fonkoze, a Haiti Support Project, and Children & Families, Inc.
Brown Baby Entertainment Group (BBEG) is a division of Saravels, Inc. that distributes all of the musical projects that Saravels produces. Currently its catalogue consists of Sheree Brown’s independent projects, ’83, SBPR, Zhakanaka The Word, Sheree Brown’s Capitol Records re-released on CD, Straight Ahead and The Music, the newer Messages From The Heart, the children’s album, We’re All Only Children, Messages From The Spirit…The Collective, and the forthcoming Messages From The Soul.