Avery*Sunshine

Born Denise White in Chester, Pennsylvania, Avery*Sunshine is a singer, pianist, songwriter, and producer whose roots are firmly grounded in the church. A proud alumna of Spelman College, where she studied classical piano performance alongside choral conducting, orchestration, voice, and philosophy, she went on to serve as choral director for the Atlanta revival of Dreamgirls alongside Tony Award-winning Jennifer Holliday before establishing herself as one of soul music’s most compelling independent voices. Most recognized for her #1 Billboard chart hit “Call My Name” from her critically acclaimed sophomore album The Sunroom, Avery and her husband and creative partner Dana “BigDane” Johnson were honored with ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Song of the Year Award. Her catalog of charting singles includes “Come Do Nothing,” “Sweet Afternoon,” “Ugly Part of Me,” “Lucky,” and a celebrated collaboration with Boney James on “Honestly.” Her achievements include nominations for the Soul Train Award and the BET Centric Award, both in 2016. The pinnacle of her career came on February 2, 2025, when she won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Progressive R&B; Album at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards® for So Glad to Know You. The win was historic — the first-ever tie in the category’s history, shared with NxWorries’ Why Lawd?. The album was produced by Jamison Ross and released on her own imprint, BigShine Recordings. Avery was a first-time GRAMMY® nominee and winner. Career highlights include a UK tour ope…