SONGWRITER, AUTHOR, AND DIVERSITY ADVOCATE
SHAWNA RAY
Releasing Debut ALBUM “Open” and children’s book “Take a Trip to Diverse City”

COLUMBUS, OH – April 11, 2010: Columbus, OH based Singer/Songwriter/Author/Communicator and former finalist on the NBC Special, “America's Favorite Mom,” Shawna Ray, is proud to release both her debut album titled, OPEN and children’s book Take a Trip to Diverse City. OPEN introduces Shawna’s motivational music that comes from real life experience and a heart longing to keep it real, build bridges, and empower unity in this world.

Shawna Ray’s mosaic music on OPEN has a fresh sound that stretches the genre box with a mix of pop soul influenced by R & B, blues, funk, jazz, and gospel sounds, that will take the listener on a journey of reinvention. Her authentic lyrics, inspiring message, pure presence, and soulful voice meet the audience in a personal way. "Shawna Ray's “OPEN" is an honest and real look into her life and she brought that same vulnerability into the studio. It was a refreshing experience to bring such raw, personal songs to life." Producer Aaron Rice (Toby Mac, Krystal Meyers). “I know that Shawna Ray's transparency and vulnerability will be felt and will be relatable to all her listeners. Every emotion you would need to communicate, every lyric on this CD was experienced at one point or another during the recording process and there's no doubt in my mind that you'll feel it too.” (Ahmande “Mondo” Grimes, Executive Producer)

Shawna is also the author of the children's book, "Take a Trip to Diverse City," that was compelled by a situation of prejudice that happened to her son’s friend at school. Shawna responded to meet a need and provide a relatable resource encouraging kids to embrace and celebrate their differences while understanding the gift of diversity and how we are all connected as ONE. The original book was self- published through Winters Press in 2007. Shawna started her own publishing company, Rhythm Ray, Inc. and is rereleasing the special edition of Take a Trip to Diverse City with national boy band, B5, including a CD with B5 narration and a Shawna Ray book song, distributed through Atlas Books.

Shawna lost her father and grandmother to cancer, went through a painful divorce, and then lost her job and home at the start of the recession. She has redirected her career as a single Mom, sharing her books and songs full time ever since. Shawna has appeared on local and national television shows (including the Today Show), and toured schools, music venues, churches, community events, bookstores and libraries. Shawna is currently seeking a major publisher, record label and creative outlets in which to distribute her music and books to a wider audience. “OPEN tells part of my story in the form of songs. There are many more where these came from, “exclaims Shawna. Her story has just begun!

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CONTACT:

www.shawnaray.com
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