biography
As an award winning vocalist, entertainer, cancer survivor and now one of the country's top speakers, Kevin has seen and done it all.
With a platinum debut album, "Measure Of A Man," scores of award nominations and a string of chart topping hits including "She's Sure Taking It Well," "If You Love Somebody," and the highly acclaimed "Nobody Knows" - which held the top spot on Billboard's Country Singles Chart for an astonishing four weeks, marking the best debut by a new male country singer in five years -- Kevin is no stranger to musical success. But Kevin has experienced his share of heartbreak as well, which is evident in the emotional portrayal of his songs that has become his trademark with fans and critics alike.
Kevin Sharp grew up in Weiser, Idaho in a musical family of seven children. Between farm chores and running the local diner, the family would sing at area church functions. They moved to Sacramento, California as Kevin was entering his second year of high school. A gifted athlete who excelled in several sports, Kevin began experiencing fatigue and unexplained pain that was later diagnosed as a rare form of bone cancer (Ewings Sarcoma) that had spread to his lungs. A senior in high school, Kevin was told that his chance of survival was slim. Uncertain if he would live six months, Kevin was introduced to the Make A Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. They honored his wish of meeting producer/performer David Foster, whose friendship sustained Kevin through two grueling years of chemotherapy, experimental drugs, and radiation treatments, as well as opening a door for Kevin to pursue his goal to become a successful country artist. To everyone's surprise, Kevin went into remission in 1991. He has never forgotten the generosity of the Make A Wish Foundation, and currently acts as a national spokesperson for the group. He was also honored with the prestigious "Wishgranter of the Year Award", which singled him out for the devotion, dedication and inspiration he provides the children. To date, Kevin is the only wish child to become the wish request of other wish kids, making his wish experience come full circle.
Kevin has carried this same dedication into his musical career garnering numerous award nominations including "New Male Vocalist" from the Academy of Country Music, "New Touring Artist of the Year" from the Country Music Association/SRO, "Favorite New Country Artist" from the American Music Awards, Billboard Magazine's "Best New Country Video" and TNN/Music City News Awards "Male Star Of Tomorrow." He was on Billboard Magazine's Top 10 list for both Country Artist and Country Album, picked up a trophy for the CMT "Rising Male Video Star of the Year" and was crowned the "Sexiest Man" by Sacramento's News And Review. His amazing story has been showcased by media outlets including "Live with Regis and Kathy Lee," "Entertainment Tonight," and "Good Morning America," and national publications such as USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine. And more than one Hollywood studio hopes to reach an even wider audience with an upcoming made for television movie about Kevin's life and career.
After surviving the many ups and downs of the music business the past few years, Kevin has just signed a recording contract with Cupit Records! He has also just released his first book, "Tragedy's Gift," which encourages others to never give up on life or on their dreams, which is available for sale at www.sharpbook.com. Touring, motivational speaking, writing, and singing better than ever, look for Kevin to be back on top where millions of fans can see and hear him once again!
