Talented Carrie Cunningham presents
fresh, new vocal talent in country vein
There is a new, fresh voice issuing from the Pacific Northwest. Carrie Cunningham is her name; watch for her to become familiar.
Tony's: Carrie Cunningham (Photo by Keith Robert Laurent)
Once relocated and amidst a new collective of people, Cunningham found solace in the middle school a cappella and jazz choirs to which her teacher directed her. She continued her choir work in high school and was rewarded with a seat in the All-State and All-Northwest choirs.
Cunningham listened passionately to all styles of music growing up but, something seemed to draw her back to her musical roots of Nebraska. She remembers spending many of those days listening to, dancing to and imitating country music stars such as Barbara Mandrell. With Reba McEntire exploding on the scene, Cunningham knew that country music was in her blood. She pursued that instinct and entered country music competitions at the age of 19.
Continuing her education, Cunningham also participated in her college choir and took private vocal lessons. This effort was rewarded when she took home 1st place at the 100th Anniversary Eagles Auxiliary National Talent Competition. After college, she continued to pursue her vocal work, joining the Spokane Symphony Choral Group.
Cunningham spent years developing her voice by participating in many different forms of musical entertainment from cover bands to a songwriting duo. She continued to work on her song-writing skills. When she resigned from a Seattle-based country band she had been performing with, Divulge Records contacted Cunningham. The company offered her a recording contract and in 2007, Cunningham released her debut solo album, Honeysweet. Cunningham, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association, has had numerous opportunities to perform for and along with some of the current country music stars.
The album Honeysweet is a collection of Cunningham's lyrics and vocal and musical styles. She has created a strong, yet gentle, voice to blend with her thoughtful lyrics. One song from the album, Smile Again, is becoming a theme song for such groups as Vanished Children's Alliance and Emergency 911.
At a pre-concert event at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore., Cunningham and guitarist Tim Rooney arrived on stage. Cunningham immediately took command with her energy and beautiful vocal work. She captured the audience, performing acoustic versions of songs from her album, as well as a few cover songs. Cunningham can also be found performing with her band, The Six Shooter Five.
This talented vocalist performs many benefit concerts each year and will warm your heart. Keep your eyes and ears open for the fresh new voice of Carrie Cunningham. For more information, or to listen to her music, check out www.carrielive.com.