Shondolyn Young Richardson

Shondolyn Young Richardson, an indie artist, has been a Christian singer for years. Now she has added the titles of songwriter and recording artist. During the spring of 2008, Shondolyn released her debut CD "If I Would Trust God".

Back in October 2005, after singing for a men's and women's day program at her home church, Shondolyn was approached by her brother and producer Freddie Young, about possibly making a recording. For years, this had been a dream of hers, but by this time, it seemed like the possibility of ever recording had come and gone. That little girl that used to sit and write songs and sing privately in her room was now a grown woman with real life responsibilities. In the summer of 2005, Shondolyn had graduated from Mississippi University for Women and received her Master of Education degree in Reading/Literacy. She was also a full-time teacher, spouse, and mother. So finding time to add in this sort of project seemed highly unlikely. That weekend, she went home and discussed things over with her husband, Michael. They both agreed that the timing was odd, but this may be something worth seriously considering. After a considerable amount of prayer, she decided to go ahead and pursue her life-long dream.

From the very beginning, Freddie suggested that Shondolyn should write her own material, but she felt as if that would be asking a bit too much. She had never done a professional recording, never written a song, and she didn't have a musician. It seemed as if the logical thing to do would be to simply perform a few cover songs and call it a day. Feeling somewhat uncertain, Shondolyn spent the next few weeks gathering up her old performance tracks. While seeking rights to a song, Shondolyn spoke to a man by the name of Phil Hawkins, an associate of Larnelle Harris. During their conversation, Phil mentioned that she would need her own musician because she couldn't use Larnelle's particular version of the song. When she informed Phil that she didn't have one, he referred her to Simeon Amburgey.

Simeon is a regular musician for Larnelle Harris. During the first of many spiritually encouraging conversations, Simeon inspired her to write her own songs. Throughout the process, he introduced her to basic musical terminology and equipment that would help her better communicate the elements of her songs to any musician. By Fall 2007, Shondolyn had written five songs that are now featured on her debut CD. Simeon arranged and produced all of her original songs as well as "Much Too High a Price", which was made popular by Larnelle Harris, "In the Garden", and "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy".

As Shondolyn begins this new era of her music ministry, only God knows where this journey will eventually lead. However, she is joyful to finally have a chance to share with others what she has always felt within.

Shondolyn lives in Columbus, MS with her husband Michael and her son Samuel.