Who: Philadelphia singer-songwriter Sharon Little, who made the leap from playing coffeehouses and weddings to opening for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss in only nine months.
Sounds Like: On her major label debut album Perfect Time for a Breakdown, Little showcases her deep, husky vocals over country-tinged songs that echo Sheryl Crow and Jewel, as evidenced on the slow-burning "Follow That Sound," which doubles as the theme song for A&E's new show The Cleaner.
Vital Stats:
• It was less than a year ago that Little was waitressing to pay the bills, playing open-mike nights and singing blues and jazz standards at weddings. "People were really noticing me," Little said. "So I figured I would slip my original music into the wedding sets that I did to sneak people into listening to it."
• Little teamed up with Grammy-winning songwriter Scot Sax and started playing industry showcases, resulting in a gig at L.A.'s Hotel Café and, ultimately, a contract with CBS Records. She's been on the road ever since, but not in the air. "I don't like to fly, so we take trains from coast to coast," Little says. "People think we're crazy."
• Saying Little was overwhelmed the first time she met Robert Plant would be an understatement. "The first time I met Robert, he poured me a glass of wine, and I started crying," Little remembers. "I was like 'I'm sorry! I'm trying not to cry! It's just coming out!'"
Hear It Now: Perfect Time for a Breakdown is in stores now. She's also opening for the likes of Chris Isaak, Jonny Lang and Al Green this fall before heading out on her own tour later this year. In the meantime, check out the video above for Little's live acoustic rendition of "Follow That Sound."
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Shannon Ward | April 19, 2009 12:01 PM
Wow, I have know Sharon since high school and from the first day we met, she had a guitar in her hand. Sharon and I were in music class together and our music teacher would pick on the two of us, a lot! It is so great to see Sharon still doing music. So many people who had so much talent gave it up for jobs and family and whatnot, and it is great how far Sharon has taken it. I can't wait to see her live.
whathe? | April 4, 2009 6:08 PM
Why do all of these comments read as if they were written by the same person?
nats fish | December 19, 2008 8:25 PM
This woman has an absolutely amazing ability to throw her soul completely into the music every time. Incredible talent.
Refreshingly normal off stage.
mladyria | October 31, 2008 3:11 PM
WOWzerz~is what I think I said when the band took 2 the stage at portland recently~ so easily blown away~ look forward to hearing Sharon Little making more BIG beautiful noise everywhere~keep rock'n Ria~*r*
Mike Daughtrey | October 14, 2008 11:46 PM
I saw Sharon at the blue grass festival in San francisco and she was fantastic, she has such great range in her voice, it fun to watch her on stage. I bought her CD and i don't buy CD'S very often.
joss passing a stone | October 14, 2008 1:03 AM
not feeling it. she looked like she wanted to eat that microphone. i guess if ur into boring breathy chicks but hey i say go solange baby sandcastle disco. they let anybody record nowadays hah.
Brandi | October 10, 2008 9:10 AM
I saw her open for Plant & Krauss. When her band came on I said to my fiance "I hate openers". But man, I'm glad I stuck around and listened to her instead of going to get a beer. She knocked my socks off. I bought her disc and it's been in my CD player ever since. I wish i could sing like that.
susanmr10 | October 9, 2008 2:10 PM
I saw her opening for Robert Plant and Allison Krauss at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco. For shear "WOW!" factor she took the prize for the whole 3 day festival! Amazing voice and stage presence!
Rasheeda | September 30, 2008 12:16 PM
What can I say? She's the BOMB!! There is NOTHING like her out there. Can't wait to see her at the Grammy's!
lordbean | September 21, 2008 11:37 PM
Once in a great while, I hear a song that really moves me. I mean REALLY, not just kinda. It doesn't happen very often at all, but it just did with this song. I'm going to keep my eye on Sharon Little from now on. Thanks RS for making her part of my world.
Jackie | September 16, 2008 9:33 PM
I went to school with Sharon. She always had an amazing voice. I am still pretty friendly with her and got to see her perform in December and chat with her afterwards....I even have her autograph.....
Cheryl Loke | September 12, 2008 7:36 PM
I was one of Sharon's elementary school teachers. She had a spectacular voice even when she was very young. I'm happy and proud she has been able to use such a wonderful talent! I wish her all the best and much success!
Jim Rinaldi | September 11, 2008 12:39 AM
I'm so HAPPY for you Sharon.
Keep on keepin' on.
Goosebumps | September 10, 2008 1:37 PM
...what a voice. Gave me goosebumps all over. Gypsy singer singing... very Joplin'esk and refreshing.
Sampson | September 9, 2008 10:49 PM
She is a little tight in this video. She sounds much better live, really gets into it. I saw her 3 times with Plant/Krauss her voice is all her own. Look for great things from her in the future.
Filthy | September 9, 2008 8:23 PM
Wow, very impressive chops. I am definitely gonna be checking her out to see if my instincts are right about her. Also now I'm gonna have to see about catching the Plant & Krauss tour to hear her in person and be even more amazed.
Thanks RS for the intro. Peace out.
Ed Arnold | September 9, 2008 4:11 PM
Sharon Little is the real deal.
I can't wait till she comes around again.
Kate | September 8, 2008 10:05 PM
Sharon has a nice smile and makes you feel comfortable listening to her sing. I can't stop listening to her CD. She's growing bigger everyday.
LaLALa | September 8, 2008 7:43 PM
Saw Sharon perform in Los Angeles a few months ago. She is really a terrific talent. Her voice just drew people in. Can't wait to see her show again.
Zman | September 8, 2008 6:17 PM
Sharon is an incredible performer. I saw her in New York as an opening act for Robert Plant/Alison Krauss and she was killer.
surprise! | September 8, 2008 3:06 PM
I saw her open for Plant and Krauss in Lexington, and she was amazing! I remember when she first introduced herself I was thinking, "who is this girl and why is she opening for such a big show," but after 3 or 4 songs I was like, "wow! she might be as good as Krauss herself!"
6teen in 1964 | September 6, 2008 12:59 PM
check out her previous cd
B Gordon | September 5, 2008 10:15 PM
Sharon is a totally modern throwback to the era of awesome blues singers -in many of her interpretations, she's practically perfect. What a talent! Don't miss her show wherever you are.
bmoc | September 5, 2008 7:30 PM
I saw her opening for Plant/Krauss in Detroit and she was awesome! I'll be picking up the CD for sure. If you get a chance to see her - do it. You'll not be disappointed!
Brian
B. Springsteen | September 5, 2008 1:46 PM
Nice sound, well produced album, amazing voice, a talent to be reckoned with. Reminds me of when me and the Big Man would play the bars in Jersey !
helene little | September 4, 2008 10:15 PM
sharon little is awesome and i can't wait to see her in person in st pete this month!!!