Sharon McMahan

Born in Sevierville, Tennessee but raised and musically disciplined in Detroit,Michigan, Sharon is a talented lady who has kept a rather low profile while racking up a series of impressive accomplishments.

Sharon wrote her first songs at the age of 12 and became a professional writer at age of 13. During her teen years, her songs were recorded by Hall of Fame inductees, Mavis Staples and Etta James, famed artist and discoverer of The Temptations, Johnnie Mae Matthews who had a local hit on Sharon's song titled "I Have No Choice", now a favorite Northern soul classic in the UK. Deon Jackson also recorded several of Sharon's songs, one of which was included on his own "Love Makes The World Go Round" album. Barbara Lewis was the first to record a McMahan tune. Sharon's "Straighten Up Your Heart" was the follow up single to Barbara's class hit, "Hello Stranger".

Sharon's musical influences were the absolute best artists and writers, producers and musicians, "made" in Detroit, helping her develop her smooth but soulful sound.   Also the productions of Ollie McLaughlin and Don Davis catapulted her growth as a writer/artist.  She was never hindered but always encouraged to develop her own originality and style. 

The Searchers (London) had a world hit with Sharon's english pop style song, "Someday We're Gonna Love Again". That song was also included on an instrumental album recorded in London by The Londondarry Strings orchestra. The Three Degrees recorded her song "You're The Fool".

After re-locating to the Los Angeles area in the early seventies, Sharon was discovered and signed as a writer/artist by Clive Davis and recorded six sides on the Columbia Record label. Her released single was "Get Out Of My Life",produced by Toxey French.

In January,2011, Get Out Of My Life was re-released on Expansion Records in the UK and is experiencing a great reception and much airplay.
Sharon is also featured on two other current releases in the UK also on Expansion. She is featured on a new duet called "Olive Branch" on the Colors Of Life CD. by Preston Glass. Her Columbia single, "Get Out Of My Life" is also included in a newly released CD titled 'Philadelphia Soul Vol 3.

During her career,Sharon has also penned lyrics for other composers. Jazz sax player and composer, Benny Golson hired Sharon to write lyrics for an NBC -TV mini-series called "The Sophisticated Gents".(aired in 1981). Later Golson included one of Sharons' songs, "Love Is The Key" on his album ,'I'm Always Dancin' To The Music" for Columbia Records.

Sharon performed in Cleethorpes,England in 2015,at a Northern Soul venue, singing songs she wrote for herself and for other artists. Her appearance was well received.

Sharon had association with the late Otis Blackwell, the writer of several hits for Elvis Presley.  Sharon and Otis share publishing rights on a McMahan composition titled, "I'm Happy Just The Way I Am",produced by Blackwell. Sharon also shares writers and publishers credits with the other Elvis writer, Ben Weisman.

Sharon has had numerous experience working with several artists, producers and many others which time does not permit to relate.

Sharon is delighted to have this opportunity to share her music, as a writer/artist, by way of her CD titled "SOMEBODY ELSE" which contains a collection of original songs, released on her independant record label,,SOCalitown Records. Currently, the label is now defunct.
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