AverySunshine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids AverySunshine
AverySunshine performing in 2016.
Background information
Birth name	Denise Nicole White
Born	(1975-05-22) May 22, 1975 (age 50) Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	R&B, soul
Occupations	Singer, songwriter
Instruments	Piano, vocals
Years active	1993–present
Labels	BigShine, Shanachie

Denise Nicole White, who is known to the world as AverySunshine, is an American singer, songwriter, and piano player. She is famous for her powerful voice and soulful music.

Early Life and Musical Start

AverySunshine was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. Her love for music began when she was very young. At just eight years old, she started playing the piano after seeing a classmate play. She first learned to play hymns, which are religious songs.

By age 11, she was studying classical music. When she was 13, she added jazz to her skills and had her first piano recital. A few years later, her aunt, who directed a church choir, asked her to fill in one Sunday. This led to her being hired by many different churches to play music.

After graduating from high school in 1993, she went to Spelman College in Atlanta. Even though she started as a piano major, she decided to switch her studies and graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1998.

Music Career

AverySunshine performing live in Germany in 2015.

Starting a Duo

In college, AverySunshine met another student named Maia Nkenge Wilson. Together, they formed a singing group called DaisyRew, performing gospel and R&B music. They even got to perform in Africa! They also sang at local clubs and churches around Atlanta.

After college, Maia moved to New York for a role on Broadway. AverySunshine stayed in Atlanta and became the Minister of Music at a local church. But whenever Maia came back to Atlanta, DaisyRew would perform together again.

Becoming AverySunshine

While working at the church, AverySunshine met Dana Johnson, a talented guitarist and producer. He had worked with famous artists like India.Arie. The three of them—AverySunshine, Dana, and Maia—started making music together in 2003.

Soon, Maia left for another Broadway show, and AverySunshine decided to go solo. She chose the stage name AverySunshine. The name was inspired by two movie characters: Shug Avery from The Color Purple and Sunshine from Harlem Nights.

First Album and Growing Fame

In 2005, AverySunshine and Dana recorded a song that became a surprise dance hit in Japan. This led to her performing live shows there.

In 2010, she released her first album, also called AverySunshine. She and Dana recorded most of it at her home. The album featured famous guest artists like vibraphone player Roy Ayers and bassist Christian McBride. The album was a big success with critics. USA Today called it "refreshingly original."

Besides working on her own music, AverySunshine also worked as a keyboard player for stars like Tyler Perry and Jennifer Holliday. She toured for several years, gaining fans across the United States, Europe, and Africa.

More Successful Albums

In 2014, AverySunshine released her second album, The Sunroom. It included the popular song "Call My Name." Three years later, in 2017, she released her third album, Twenty Sixty Four. Her fourth album, So Glad to Know You, came out in 2024.

Personal Life

AverySunshine lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She has two children, a daughter named Drew and a son named Evan. In 2016, she married her guitarist and music partner, Dana Johnson.

Awards

• iTunes Best of 2010
• Soultracks Reader's Choice Best New Artist
• Jet Top 5 Rising Indie Artists
• Creative Loafing Album of the Year Selection
• Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album - So Glad to Know You

Discography

Albums

• AverySunshine (2010)
• The SunRoom (2014)
• Twenty Sixty Four (2017)
• So Glad to Know You (2024)

Singles

• "..." (2005)
• "Ugly Part of Me" (2010)
• "Call My Name" (2014)
• "Sweet Afternoon" (2015)
• "Never Knew Christmas" (2015)
• "Come Do Nothing" (2016)
• "Heaven Is Right Here" (2017)