BET Sunday Best First Runner-Up Shari Addison To Release Self-Titled Debut Cd In Stores January 13

"No Battle, No Blessing" is #1 Most Added This Week at Gospel Radio

Addison Participates in Inaugural Events in Washington, DC
Promotional Tour Set for This Month

New York, NY - Some may not be familiar with the name Shari Addison yet, but with the release of her self-titled debut CD, it will not be long before the world knows about this "diamond in the rough" gospel powerhouse. Addison's musical recording journey began one year ago when she captured the hearts of millions on BET's Sunday Best. As the first runner-up on the premiere broadcast of the program, Addison wowed audiences week after week with her powerful, gut-wrenching performances while winning countless fans along the way, and earning a recording contract with Zomba Gospel. The Chicago native is now ready to dazzle audiences once again with the release of her debut CD, SHARI ADDISON, in stores on January 13, 2009.
The first single, "No Battle, No Blessing" (http://www.sendspace.com/file/h25vxj), begins the New Year at the top of the gospel radio charts as #1 most added at R&R for the week of January 5, 2009. Produced by 10-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 30-time Stellar Award winner Kevin Bond, "'No Battle, No Blessing' is one of those Christian life stories that talks about people's common struggle-that you have to fight the battle just to get to your blessing," proclaims Addison. "Shari Addison is a name that the national and international community of believers will come to recognize and enjoy for years to come," says Kevin Bond. "The raw power of her voice, coupled with the weight of her testimony, will leave an indelible impression on all who are blessed to experience the depth of her anointing. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to work on her first solo effort."

Some of today's top songwriters and producers in gospel music contribute their "Midas touch" to the debut release including Percy Bady, Donald Lawrence and Daniel Weatherspoon. The 10-track release blends traditional, contemporary, urban and inspirational gospel, showcasing Addison's fervor-filled, inspirational vocals that can only be delivered from a person who knows what they're singing about. The CD showcases the singer/songwriter's vocal abilities by encompassing a broad range of song styles ranging from the funky beat-filled "Whatever" and "I Praise You," to the traditional James Cleveland up-tempo classic "Please Make Me Better Lord," weaving to the beautiful ballad, "He Does All Things Well" (which she co-wrote with Percy Bady), back to the good 'ole shoutin' "Can't Make It Without Him," featuring her pastor, Christopher T. Harris, Sr. of Chicago's Bright Star Church of God in Christ (where Addison is minister and psalmist), who adds his own special flair.

"I am so excited about this project. I honestly believe that this CD is so relevant; it's a project that will meet people wherever they are," says Addison. "All of the songs are me, but it's a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It's uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what's going on during your day, there's something that will minister to you," she explains. During Addison's Sunday Best appearances she received unanimous praises from recording artists Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Stephanie Mills, Martha Munizzi and others.

On Sunday, January 18, 2009, Addison will perform at two events during Inauguration Week -- the African American Church Inaugural Ball and at the Souls of My Sisters event on Capitol Hill. In addition to the Inaugural activities, Addison's promo tour kicks off this month as well (see below for details).

Addison began singing at the tender age of three; assisted by her mother Mary J. Jenkins-minister of music for Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. An accomplished vocalist and theatre actress, Addison is no stranger to the stage having performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as in South Africa, Russia and Brazil. But it was her appearance on BET's Sunday Best that put her on the path to fame. Hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin, with guest judges Mary Maryand BeBe Winans, the show's participants were chosen at nationwide auditions as the network searched for the best undiscovered talent in America. BET's first gospel talent competition, an apparent hit with audiences, garnered the highest ratings for a gospel show in its history with a voting audience of more than 1.5 million viewers.

Since then, doors have literally flung open for the married mother of four, with appearances on both BET's Celebration of Gospel, Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcast Network's Praise The Lord, the Chicago Gospel Fest and the Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat. She's been blessed to sing with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Patti LaBelle, Dottie Peoples, Martha Munizzi, BeBe Winans, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and Stephanie Mills.

With the release of her highly-anticipated debut CD, Shari Addison is poised to demonstrate she is not only "Sunday Best," but an example of God's greatness everyday.