AverySunshine facts for kids

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

Denise Nicole White (born May 22, 1975), known professionally as AverySunshine, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She is famous for her R&B and soul music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Denise Nicole White was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. She started playing the piano when she was 8 years old. She first learned to play hymns, then began studying classical music at age 11. By the time she was 13, she was also playing jazz. She even had her first piano recital that year.

When she was 16, her aunt, who directed a church choir, asked her to play for a Sunday service. After that, AverySunshine was hired by many different churches. She even performed with the famous Wilmington/Chester Mass Choir.

School and College Years

AverySunshine sang in her high school choir. She graduated from the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in 1993. Later, she went to Spelman College in Atlanta. She first studied piano, but then changed her major. She graduated in 1998 with a degree in philosophy.

Her Music Career Takes Off

AverySunshine performing live in Germany, 2015

While in college, AverySunshine met Maia Nkenge Wilson. They formed a singing group called DaisyRew. They performed gospel and R&B music. DaisyRew sang in churches and clubs, including the Apache Café. This club was known for helping new artists become famous.

After college, Maia got a role on Broadway. AverySunshine then became the Minister of Music at a church in Atlanta. DaisyRew still performed when Maia visited Atlanta.

Becoming AverySunshine

In 2003, AverySunshine met Dana Johnson. He is a guitarist, producer, and songwriter. Dana had worked with other famous artists before. AverySunshine, Dana, and Maia started working together. Dana helped write and produce their music. Soon after, Maia got another Broadway role and moved to New York. That's when Denise White started using the name AverySunshine. Her stage name comes from characters in the movies The Color Purple and Harlem Nights.

In 2005, AverySunshine and Dana recorded a song called "Stalker." It was a neo soul song that became a dance hit in Japan. This led to them performing live shows in Japan.

First Albums and Touring

AverySunshine and Dana then started working on her first album. It was called AverySunshine and came out in 2010. They released it on their own music label, BigShine. The album was mostly recorded at AverySunshine's home. It featured other talented musicians like Roy Ayers. Critics loved the album. USA Today called it "refreshingly original." The Washington Post said it was "a radiant brand of soul."

From 2010 to 2013, AverySunshine toured a lot. She gained many fans in the United States, the UK, Europe, and Africa. In 2014, she released her second album, The Sunroom. Her third album, Twenty Sixty Four, came out in 2017.

Personal Life

AverySunshine lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She has two children, a daughter named Drew and a son named Evan. On April 3, 2016, she married her guitarist, 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

Discography

Albums

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

Singles

• "Stalker" (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)