Sonya Shell always remembers music being a part of her life. Growing up in the small town of Elberton, Georgia, she enjoyed playing guitar and singing songs from artists like Anne Murray, John Denver, James Taylor, and Carole King. She had the influence of family musicians, the late Juit Pitts, her grandfather, and her uncle, the late Jack Shell, a musician whose vocal style and charisma were often compared to that of Elvis Presley.

Like a lot of musicians, Sonya’s talent was fostered by her involvement in the church and school music/drama programs. A brief attempt at pursuing a music degree at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, ended with Sonya moving to Atlanta in 1982. Over the next few years, she would find herself becoming part of the 9-5 life, continuing to take some college business courses while occasionally still playing music for family and friends.

In 1997, Sonya began trying her hand at writing her own songs. Performing on stages around Atlanta at the classic “open mike” nights was a good start to getting some feedback on her material. Hired by music agent, Gil Caro, owner of Gilbert Entertainment of Atlanta, Sonya began playing gigs around Atlanta. Sonya also created her own company, SAS Productions, and began to write some theme shows to be performed at area retirement communities. Her performances through her own company have included corporate events, weddings/receptions, benefits and political rallies.

In 1999, she recorded her first project, a collection of holiday songs “In the Christmas Spirit” with producer, Harry O’Brien, owner of Atlanta Recording Studios, known for his platinum recording with the group “Tag Team.” Her dream to record her own music would surface in March of 2001. O’Brien along with Brian Stephens, well-known Atlanta drummer and owner of Sound Decision Studios along with an all-star list of studio musicians would come together for Sonya’s first independent album.

Today, Sonya Shell’s debut CD, “Still in Love,” is planned for release in November 2002. Described as country, pop/folk, she says her music has been influenced by the likes of, Mary Chapin Carpenter, KT Oslin, and Shania Twain.