Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharon Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sharon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was introduced to art and the creation of art at a very young age. My mother was a frustrated artist with talents in multi medium visual art & music.
Originally I took to oil painting at a very young age but at the ripe age of 14 a musical instrument came into our house and captured my attention. The instrument was a 6 string acoustic guitar. My sister had wanted one so they brought it in as a gift. I watched it sit in the corner for what seemed forever before I bravely and without detection picked it up and gave it a strum.
My mother had attempted to lead me through the theory behind the note on the piano several times but I took no interest until I held that guitar to my chest and on the very first vibration from the strings set out to write my own music..
My first song was a bit of a protest. The times were late 60’s and unrest was in the air. My song titled, The Whole Damn Nation , I’m sure was in response to the world around me and the discourse in the air.
I took that song to my mom to have her listen. She said “ You can’t put that 5th with that 7th.” I said “Mom I don’t know what a 5th or 7th is, but listen to it”
She did and I remain forever grateful that she let me color outside the lines!!!
And I’ve prolifically written that way ever since!!!!

Sharon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m proud to be a Singer/Songwriter & Story Teller for over 50 years. I returned to the stage full time 8 years ago. I sit in a supporting musical landscape showcasing an all original American Roots sound, born from influences in classic country, 70’s folk and a new found excitement about the delta blues. I proudly sit amongst East Texas artists with an eclectic blend of song and verse. I enjoy Interludes with the audience and fellow musicians while bringing a history of music from the Midwest, through the Rockies, and finally back into family roots in East Texas.
My greatest joy at this stage in my career is to help other musicians understand the worth of their work. I find it important to be brave enough with the Art of Music to present new work as close to its birth as I can….
The world needs passion and there is no greater than a new creation presented early.
I remain a prolific writer and have never doubted my vocation. I hope to encourage those that follow to believe in the words that come to them and through them.
I write songs but often they write me.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Most creatives have visions of grandeur and want for the success of a bigger audience, but truth be known we don’t really write/create/perform because we want to. We do these things because we have to!! It’s as if we have a calling to show our humanness whether it rewards us monetarily or not.
I was lucky early on to have someone say “ What if it’s just about making friends?”
I certainly receive compensation and I’ve been taken care of well in my life but art is a fickle lover and doesn’t always pay the rent.
My greatest gift is my continued work with the lyric because I can work at anything to put the bacon on the table and have new areas every day to write about and add the vibration of music so you can see that I see you!!!
We are reporters of the human condition. Often I get paid for that but the reward is not in the dollar or the accolades.
Creating has finally become a reward in itself.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Well you don’t continue to play for over 50 yrs without resilience and an ability to adapt to change….
Determination to move forward with my study of music has at times been momentarily placed to one side but fortunately I have always kept an instrument and pen at the ready.
Inspiration can come in waves and the tedious business of life can often thwart the artist and block the flow. I can tell you this from a few years of experience, that if you sit in the inspirational calm you will without a doubt be moved to create. Or so has been my story.
I’ve been willing to show up in extreme weather conditions and without pay in order to present a new piece..
My dad use to say to me when I was in my teens, “ You know how to get to Carnage Hall?? Practice my dear Sharon just Practice!” So my resilience is based on work ethic. The “Show” is just an opportunity to let others see what ya been up to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SharonBluWalker.com
• Instagram: SharonBluWalker
• Facebook: Sharon Walker
• Youtube: SharonBluWalker