Shawna Linzy is a talented singer/songwriter and actress. She has appeared in award-winning films and her original music has been featured in film and podcast. She has performed at numerous engagements including an event attended by former Vice President of the United States (now President) Joe Biden. In 2020 Shawna was the inaugural winner of the JB Dondolo International Music for Water Competition with her song “Live Love.” She wrote lyrics to and performed the song “Jesus” which reached #1 on an online global music platform.
FWM: When was your singing talent first discovered?
My Mother (Gladys) discovered my gift of singing when I was 3-years old. Both her and my Father (Sam) would have music playing in our home and I began to sing along with the songs that were played. My Mom entered me into my first talent show at the age of 11 and I won first place with Whitney Houston’s, “The Greatest Love of All.” Following this, my Dad began working with me vocally and we as a family would often travel to different locations as I competed and performed as a vocalist.
During this time, I also created my own version of “The Lord’s Prayer” in song which was copyrighted. Those are some of the most wonderful memories with my family that I will cherish forever. I am eternally grateful to my Mother and Father for all of their love and support. It is because of their love, sacrifices, and strong values that I am the woman that I am today.
FWM: Tell us about your background
I was born and raised in Arkansas. As a student, I was a member of “All Region” choir, was the sole recipient of the “Outstanding Choir Musician of the Year Award my senior year. I was an All-State Athlete and All-American Cheerleader. Additionally, I won various school and community talent shows and teen pageants as well as winning the notable Miss Congeniality title. I later received a full vocal tuition scholarship to attend Arkansas Tech University where I received classical vocal training and held various leadership positions. I also competed for and landed a spot as a performer on the university dance team. I was a member of the university choir where I was a featured vocalist and represented my university and the river valley as an official contestant in the Miss Arkansas pageant, a caveat to Miss America. All of these experiences helped in the shaping and development of my artistic gifts and talents.
I am an independent artist (singer/songwriter and actress) and for as long as I can remember, I have been singing and writing songs. I continue to do so to this day. My background also includes history in management and medical and pharmaceutical sales for Fortune 500 companies. I was also valedictorian of my medical sales class. Most recently, I received a worldwide music distribution deal with G.M.I. R. (Grand Mountain International Records) as the inaugural winner of the 2020 JB Dondolo Global Music for Water competition with my song, “Live Love.”
FWM: Where do you get your inspiration for your songwriting?
As an artist, I have always enjoyed writing songs to inspire. I may be inspired from a personal experience or the inspiration of the lyrics may come from an experience that is not of my own, leaving it open for interpretation. I think that is one of the great beauties of art is that it can be open to interpretation for the individual experiencing it. My songs, “Let’s Ride”and “Let’s Ride 2” are about having faith in God, trusting, and relying on Him no matter what we may be going through. We can find comfort in Him. In life, amidst the joys and triumphs, the sadness and tragedies, know that He is our real provider for all that we need and His grace is always sufficient.
FWM: You wrote lyrics to and performed the song, “Jesus” which reached #1 on an online global music platform. Tell us about your song.
Creatively, I collaborated with two very gifted music producers and wrote lyrics to and performed the song, “Jesus.” It is a song of praise and gratitude to Jesus for who He is and the loving sacrifice that He paid for us. After recording the song, it was shared on an online global music platform for independent artists and reached #1 in its category out of thousands.
FWM: How have you evolved as a singer/songwriter?
I am continually evolving as singer/songwriter. I would say that as an artist I have evolved in a sense of valiance in creating and sharing my original work. My sweet and supportive husband (Tim) encouraged me to share my original work and it has been really wonderful sharing my gifts as a part of my purpose and in doing so seeing that it can and has had a positive impact in the lives of others.
FWM: In 2020, you were the inaugural winner of the J.B. Dondolo Music for Water competition with your song, “Live Love.” Tell is about the competition and why you picked this song.
The JB Dondolo Music for Water competition represents a campaign that streams water and music together with the intent to align the mission of JB Dondolo, Inc. with a higher calling. JB Dondolo, Inc. provides clean water, sanitation and hygiene programs to underserved and impoverished communities in Africa and the USA who lack access to clean water. I had the opportunity of attending the 2019 J. B. Dondolo Equanimity awards with my husband (Tim) in support of my most endeared friend who received an award during the ceremony. I was greatly inspired by Lumbie Mlambo and her esteemed organization, JB Dondolo, and all that they are doing for others and the remarkable level of compassion that they have for humanity. This experience helped to inspire my song, “Live Love.”
I wrote lyrics for and performed the song, “Live Love” which earned J. B. Dondolo Water Song of the Year! As the inaugural winner, I am incredibly honored to use my voice for such a noble cause and bring awareness to the need for clean water locally, nationally, and globally to help save lives. I hope that my song, “Live Love” motivates others to get involved in the wonderful mission of this organization which is helping to save lives. I also hope that my song receives radio play everywhere and not only inspires worldwide for generations to come but will move people into action to help others with its core message. This year, the organization is fundraising for the homeless of Skid Row in Los Angeles. To learn more and how to help please visit: https://jbdondolo.org
Link to my song “Live Love” (Music for Water) https://snd.click/vnbmbd Proceeds from the sale of my song, “Live Love” help the mission of the JB Dondolo organization in supplying clean water and sanitation items to impoverished communities and those in need.
I encourage all artists, singers, and songwriters to submit their song to the 2021, J. B. Dondolo Music for Water competition! There is also an awesome music distribution deal for the winners with G.M.I.R. (Grand Mountain International Records) To learn more about the competition and how to enter visit: https://jbdondolo.org/musicforwater/
FWM: Tell us about your acting career.
I am a professionally represented actress and have had the opportunity of performing in commercials, plays, award-winning film and award-winning podcast. Earlier this year, I created and performed the theme song for a global award-winning podcast, “The Water Tales” which originally aired this year. I also voiced several characters for this children’s podcast on the importance of drinking water. Most recently, in April of this year, I was an actor and music supervisor for a film based on a heart-wrenching true story. I also wrote lyrics to and performed the theme song, “Everything” and helped produce this film which is titled: 54 Years Late: “The Terry Wright Story,”written and directed by Michele Wright, PH.D. This incredible story is already a multi award-winning film currently in circulation with film festivals! Additional productions that I have been involved in can be found at:
FWM: You recently released music including the inspirational single, “Let’s Ride 2” and the single, “Silent Night.” What are your hopes for these singles?
I am very excited about the release of these singles, for my inspirational song, “Let’s Ride 2” and for the collaboration with a very gifted music composer (Jim Ellis) for the song, “Silent Night.” My song, “Let’s Ride 2” was featured on Creative Motion Network and reached #1 top play. My hopes for these singles, in addition to performing them live, is that these songs uplift and bring hope and encouragement to those listening.
Additionally, I hope that these songs are played everywhere including radio so that everyone can hear them. For more about me, my released music, and any upcoming releases you can visit: https://www.shawnalinzy.com
What’s next for you in 2021?
It’s been really fun and I look forward to all that is in store! I am expecting great things in 2021 in promoting my currently released music, upcoming songs, film productions, and connecting with other professionals in the entertainment industry. I also plan to continue creating and sharing new music and performing as an artist and actor.
Additionally, I plan to expand my involvement with music and film and hope to create opportunities for others in the process.
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