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Kevin Sharp
Kevin Sharp
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Key Information

Kevin Grant Sharp (December 10, 1970 – April 19, 2014)[1][2] was an American country music singer, author, and motivational speaker. Sharp came on the country music scene in 1996 with his first single: a cover of Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows", which topped the Billboard country chart for four weeks. The same year, Sharp released his first album, Measure of a Man. Having survived a form of bone cancer in his teenage years, Sharp became actively involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wrote an inspirational book about his life and his fight with cancer, and occasionally toured the United States as a motivational speaker. Sharp died from complications of stomach surgery in April 2014.

Biography

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Early years

[edit]

Kevin Grant Sharp was born December 10, 1970, in Redding, California.[3] When he was seven years old, his family moved to Weiser, Idaho, to open a restaurant. Sharp performed in local musicals in high school, and stayed active in music after his family moved to Sacramento, California,[4] in 1985. Starting in 1989, he began to experience dizziness and fatigue.[4] He was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer,[5] and was given little chance of recovery.[3][6] Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, Sharp met the record producer David Foster, with whom he soon became friends.[6] After two years of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, when still in his early 20s, the cancer went into remission by the early 1990s, although he permanently lost all of his hair as a result of the radiation treatment.[3][6] In high school, Sharp played football and basketball, but was unable to participate in either sport during his senior year because of his cancer.[7] The doctors eventually discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs.[8] Kevin Sharp was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[9] Kevin Sharp graduated from Bella Vista High School.[10]

Musical career

[edit]

After remission, Sharp worked at Great America in Santa Clara, California, while working on a demo tape, which he sent to various talent shows, and later to David Foster.[3] Foster introduced him to A&R representatives and, by 1996, Sharp was signed to Asylum Records. His first album, Measure of a Man, was released in September 1996. The album's first single, a cover version of the R&B artist Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows", spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.[5][11] He became a spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and was awarded the foundation's Wish Granter of the Year award, in 1997.[11] He was named New Touring Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association and nominated for Top New Male Vocalist award by the Academy of Country Music.[6]

In 1998, Sharp collapsed backstage at the TNN Music City News Country Awards, and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, due to problems with steel rods in his hip. As a result, he had to cancel several tour dates.[12] Measure of a Man produced two more top 10 country singles, "She's Sure Taking It Well" and "If You Love Somebody". The album's fourth single, "There's Only You", peaked at No. 43. His second album, Love Is, released in 1998 on Asylum, failed to produce any successful singles, and Sharp was dropped from Asylum's roster.[13]

Sharp continued to perform as a musician, as well as a motivational speaker, and was also a spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sharp wrote a book, Tragedy's Gift, and published it in 2004.[6] His third album, Make a Wish, was released on the independent Cupit Records label in 2005, although none of its four singles charted.[6]

Death

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Sharp died on April 19, 2014, at the age of 43, of complications from stomach surgeries and digestive issues.[14] He was survived by his mother Elaine Sharp, his ex-wife Traci Williams Sharp, and his siblings Lisa, Mary, Ron, Greg, Richard, Larry, and Genni.[15] Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Glen Sharp, in 2009. Sharp never re-married.

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak positions Certifications
US Country
[16]
US
[17]
US Heat
[18]
CAN Country
[19]
CAN
[20]
Measure of a Man 4 40 1 2 79
Love Is
  • Release date: June 23, 1998
  • Label: Asylum Records
38
Make a Wish
  • Release date: July 26, 2005
  • Label: Cupit Records
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

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Year Single Peak positions Album
US Country
[23]
CAN Country
[24]
1996 "Nobody Knows" 1 1 Measure of a Man
1997 "She's Sure Taking It Well" 3 4
"If You Love Somebody" 4 7
"There's Only You" 43
1998 "Love Is All That Really Matters" 51 63
"If She Only Knew" 61 Love Is
2001 "Beautiful People"
2005 "Your Love Reaches Me" Make a Wish
"I Think I'll Stay"
2006 "You Are the Reason Why"
"God Bless the Children" (with Wayne Warner and the Nashville All-Star Choir)[25] Turbo Twang'n
2007 "Make a Wish" Make a Wish
2011 "Let Me Rock You to Sleep"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Music videos

[edit]
Year Video Director
1996 "Nobody Knows" Jeffrey Phillips
1997 "She's Sure Taking It Well" Norry Niven
"There's Only You"
1998 "Love Is All That Really Matters"
2005 "I Think I'll Stay" David Abbott
2006 "You Are the Reason Why" Chris Rogers

Awards and nominations

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Year Organization Award Nominee/Work Result
1997 Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Male Vocalist Kevin Sharp Nominated
1998 American Music Awards Favorite Country New Artist Kevin Sharp Nominated
TNN/Music City News Country Awards Male Star of Tomorrow Kevin Sharp Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Sharp (December 10, 1970 – April 19, 2014) was an American singer, author, and motivational speaker best known for his inspirational survival of bone cancer as a teenager and his subsequent chart-topping hits in the . Born in , Sharp was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma during high school, undergoing experimental treatments that left him bald but ultimately cancer-free, an experience that shaped his public persona and led to his involvement with the . Sharp's music career launched in 1996 with the release of his debut single "Nobody Knows," which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for four weeks and became a crossover success, reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100. His debut album, Measure of a Man, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and included additional Top 10 hits like "She's Sure Taking It Well" and "If You Love Somebody." He followed with albums Love Is in 1998 and the independently released Make a Wish in 2005, the latter tying into his advocacy efforts. Beyond music, Sharp became a prominent advocate for children with chronic illnesses, earning Make-A-Wish's "Wish Granter of the Year" award in 1997 and frequently speaking at events and hospitals about his journey. He detailed his cancer battle in the 2004 book Tragedy's Gift. Sharp died at age 43 from complications of a digestive system illness unrelated to his prior cancer, leaving a legacy of resilience and support for pediatric patients.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Kevin Grant Sharp was born on December 10, 1970, in . He grew up in a large, musical family as one of eight children, including brothers Ron, , , and Richard Sharp, and sisters Lisa Doyle, Mary Huston, and Genni Olive. His mother, Elaine Sharp, and his father were both musically inclined, creating a supportive household that emphasized artistic expression through regular family performances, such as church events where young Kevin first took the stage at age three. This environment nurtured his early talents and fostered a sense of creativity amid everyday family life. The Sharp family's dynamics revolved around close-knit routines that blended work and music, with parents managing professional endeavors while encouraging their children's interests. Early exposure to came naturally through these familial influences, including sing-alongs during gatherings and the sounds of local traditions in their community. The household's emphasis on harmony and performance not only built Kevin's confidence but also instilled values of perseverance that would later define his path. At age seven, the family relocated from Redding to , to open and operate a local , marking a significant shift in their lifestyle. This move to a small town renowned for the annual National Fiddle Festival deepened the family's immersion in country and scenes, with chores at the interspersed with musical activities that reinforced communal bonds. The relocation exposed Kevin to rural Idaho's traditions, broadening his early worldview through new social and cultural experiences before the family eventually returned to in his .

Education and Early Interests

After his family relocated from , to the Sacramento area in 1985 when he was 15 years old, Kevin Sharp attended in , where he graduated in 1989. During his high school years, Sharp balanced academics with a growing involvement in , participating in local musicals and choral groups that honed his vocal abilities. These activities built on earlier family encouragement, as his parents had introduced him to music through church performances starting at age three. Sharp's engagement in theater extended beyond school when he joined the Sacramento light opera company around , performing in regional Broadway-style productions just before his senior year. This period marked the development of his charismatic stage presence and vocal talents, as he auditioned for and took part in theater roles that showcased his voice. Concurrently, Sharp pursued non-musical interests that contributed to his outgoing persona, excelling in high school sports such as football, wrestling, and , with aspirations of securing a scholarship. His athletic involvement, including singing while weight training, reflected a multifaceted teenage identity that blended physical prowess with artistic expression.

Musical Career

Debut and Breakthrough Success

In the early 1990s, following his recovery from Ewing's , Kevin Sharp, a native with a background in music from his family's performances, began pursuing a professional career in country music. He recorded a demo tape in a makeshift garage studio and submitted it to talent competitions, including TNN's You Can Be a Star, catching the attention of producer . Foster, impressed by Sharp's vocal talent, connected him with industry contacts and encouraged his relocation to Nashville, where Sharp settled to focus on songwriting and auditions in the mid-1990s. Sharp's persistence paid off when Foster facilitated his signing with in 1996, marking his entry into the major label scene. His debut album, Measure of a Man, was released on September 24, 1996, featuring a blend of contemporary country tracks produced by Chris Farren. The album's lead single, a cover of the Project's "Nobody Knows," propelled Sharp to stardom, debuting on and climbing to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, where it held the top position for four weeks. The song's introspective lyrics about hidden struggles mirrored Sharp's own battle with Ewing's sarcoma, which he openly shared to raise awareness, infusing his breakthrough with a personal narrative that resonated deeply with listeners. From 1996 to 1998, Sharp capitalized on his momentum with rigorous touring schedules, opening for established acts like and performing at festivals and venues across the U.S., where his high-energy stage presence—despite lingering health effects—drew enthusiastic crowds. Fans embraced him as a fresh voice in , often citing the emotional connection to "Nobody Knows" in their support. Media coverage amplified his rise, with profiles in outlets like Country Music International portraying Sharp as a resilient newcomer whose story and sound captured the era's blend of pop-country crossover appeal.

Subsequent Releases and Challenges

Sharp's second studio album, Love Is, arrived in June 1998 via , featuring a mix of contemporary tracks aimed at broadening his audience. The , "Love Is All That Really Matters," peaked at No. 51 on the chart, while follow-up "If She Only Knew" reached only No. 61, marking a significant drop from the chart-topping success of his debut era. These modest performances contributed to the album's limited commercial impact, as radio largely overlooked the project amid evolving industry preferences. After parting ways with Asylum due to the underwhelming results, Sharp transitioned toward independent ventures in the early . In 2001, he issued the single "Beautiful " through Radio Records, an uplifting track that highlighted his vocal style but failed to gain significant traction on charts. This period saw him experimenting modestly with inspirational and pop-inflected sounds, though without major label support, exposure remained constrained. By 2005, Sharp self-released his third album, Make a Wish, on the independent Cupit Records label, distributing it through smaller channels. The project included four singles—"Your Love Reaches Me," "I Think I'll Stay," "You Are the Reason Why," and "God Bless the Children"—none of which charted, underscoring the difficulties of independent promotion in a market dominated by major labels. Throughout the , Sharp's career faced broader industry headwinds, including a post-1990s decline in radio play for mid-tier artists and a shift toward more pop-oriented acts, which limited his output and visibility despite occasional live performances and smaller releases. Collaborations were sparse, with no high-profile partnerships emerging, though his work continued to blend traditional elements with accessible, crossover-friendly melodies.

Health Struggles and Advocacy

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ewing's Sarcoma

Kevin Sharp was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in the summer of 1987 at the age of 16, during his senior year of high school. Initially misdiagnosed as a sports injury, the condition was confirmed after persistent pain in his leg, leading to immediate medical intervention at a specialized cancer center. Given a with low odds of survival, Sharp endured an aggressive two-year regimen of and , which caused significant side effects including permanent and digestive complications requiring surgical interventions later in life. The treatments successfully induced remission by the early 1990s, allowing him to resume his life and pursue his musical aspirations. The physical and emotional demands of his initial treatment profoundly disrupted Sharp's early adulthood, postponing his entry into the music industry until after recovery. During this period, he experienced isolation, , and psychological strain from the uncertainty of his , though he drew strength from family support and his passion for . This battle also inspired his breakthrough single "Nobody Knows," released in 1996, which reflected themes of hidden personal struggles. By 1996, with his cancer in remission, Sharp achieved debut success with his album Measure of a Man, marking a triumphant , though the long-term effects lingered. Although the cancer itself did not recur, complications from the original treatments resurfaced in 2011, exacerbating digestive and infectious issues stemming from prior stomach surgeries. Sharp underwent multiple procedures, including surgeries for severe leg infections, which severely limited his mobility and energy levels. These health challenges forced an extended hiatus from his music career starting around 2011, shifting his focus to recovery and limiting public performances and recordings thereafter. The cumulative toll—encompassing , nutritional difficulties, and emotional resilience—underscored the enduring impact of his medical history on his professional trajectory.

Philanthropy and Motivational Work

Following his recovery from a teenage diagnosis of Ewing's , a rare bone cancer, Kevin Sharp dedicated significant portions of his life to philanthropy, particularly supporting children facing life-threatening illnesses. As a former Make-A-Wish recipient himself—whose wish in to meet producer helped launch his career—Sharp became one of the foundation's most prominent spokespersons and advocates in the late 1990s and beyond. He actively participated in events, fundraisers, and wish-granting activities, using his platform to inspire young patients and their families by sharing how the organization had transformed his own path. His efforts extended to performing at charity concerts and auctions benefiting Make-A-Wish chapters, emphasizing the power of hope and fulfillment for children in crisis. Sharp also channeled his experiences into motivational speaking, embarking on tours across the United States starting in the late 1990s, where he addressed audiences at schools, hospitals, and corporate events. These presentations focused on resilience, faith, and turning adversity into purpose, drawing from his personal journey to encourage listeners to embrace challenges with optimism. He often collaborated with health organizations during these engagements, delivering messages tailored to support networks for cancer patients and survivors, and his talks reportedly reached thousands, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. In 2004, Sharp co-authored the book Tragedy's Gift: Surviving Cancer The Kevin Sharp Story, co-written with Jeanne Gere, which detailed his battle with cancer and the life lessons that followed. Published by ZassCo Publishing, the work served as an inspirational tool, blending with motivational insights to help others navigate illness and recovery. Through these combined efforts in speaking, writing, and charity involvement, Sharp raised awareness for pediatric cancer support, leaving a lasting impact on the philanthropic landscape for children's health initiatives.

Personal Life and Death

Family and Relationships

Kevin Sharp married Traci Williams, a woman from , in 1998. The couple settled in , during the peak of his musical career, where they built a life centered around his rising success in the scene. Their marriage provided Sharp with personal stability amid his professional demands, though it ended in sometime in the 2000s. Sharp did not remarry following the and had no children. His family remained a cornerstone of his , particularly his seven siblings, with whom he shared deep bonds rooted in their shared upbringing. He was the seventh of eight children born to parents and Elaine Sharp, including brothers Ron, , , and Sharp, and sisters Lisa Doyle, Mary Huston, and Genni Olive. These relationships offered enduring emotional support, including during periods of personal difficulty unrelated to his professional or health challenges.

Final Years and Passing

In the years leading up to his death, Kevin Sharp faced ongoing health challenges stemming from complications of previous stomach surgeries and digestive issues, which had developed in the aftermath of his teenage . These problems intensified in early 2014, leading to a prolonged hospitalization of approximately 10 weeks for treatment related to his digestive system illness. Sharp passed away on April 19, 2014, at the age of 43, at his mother's home in , at 10:49 p.m., due to complications from past stomach surgeries and digestive issues. His sister, Mary Huston, confirmed the details of his passing and reflected on his impact, stating, "His dream came true through music… he touched thousands of lives, and he helped heal the soul of people dealing with cancer." A memorial service for Sharp was held on May 31, 2014, at Woodmont Baptist Church in , where friends, family, and members of the community gathered to honor his life and contributions. Arrangements for his remains were handled privately through his church family and business associates, with no public burial site disclosed. In his final years, Sharp continued limited motivational speaking and advocacy efforts for children with chronic illnesses until his health declined significantly, preventing further public engagements.

Discography

Studio Albums

Kevin Sharp released three studio albums during his career, marking his transition from major-label artist to independent performer. His debut established him as a promising talent in the mid-1990s country scene, while subsequent efforts reflected both commercial hurdles and personal themes tied to his health experiences. Measure of a Man, Sharp's debut album, was released on September 24, 1996, by . Produced by Chris Farren, the album featured a mix of original songs and covers, highlighting Sharp's emotive on ballads like the "Nobody Knows" (a cover of the Project's pop hit) and uptempo tracks such as "She's Sure Taking It Well" (originally by ). It peaked at No. 4 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 40 on the , eventually selling over 762,000 copies and earning gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units shipped. Sharp's sophomore release, , arrived on June 23, 1998, also via . Co-produced by Chris Farren and , the album leaned into romantic themes with tracks like the title song "Love Is" and "If She Only Knew," though it received mixed critical reviews for its polished production and lack of standout material, earning a 2.5 out of 5 rating from . Commercially, it underperformed compared to its predecessor, peaking at No. 36 on the Top Country Albums chart, with neither of its two singles—"Love Is All That Really Matters" nor "If She Only Knew"—reaching the top 40 on the chart, contributing to Sharp's departure from the label. After a period away from recording, Sharp returned with Make a Wish on July 26, 2005, through the independent Cupit Records. This self-directed project emphasized inspirational and reflective content, including 10 new originals like the title track "Make a Wish" (nodding to his involvement with the ), a of "Nobody Knows," and 11 instrumental bonus versions of the vocal tracks for a total of 22 songs. Lacking major-label promotion, the album did not chart and saw limited commercial success, with used copies later selling for under $6 on secondary markets, but it represented Sharp's shift toward personal storytelling over mainstream appeal.

Singles and Music Videos

Kevin Sharp's debut single, "Nobody Knows," a cover of Tony Rich's 1996 R&B hit, was released in September 1996 from his album Measure of a Man. It became his breakthrough, topping the chart for four weeks and marking one of the early successful crossovers from R&B to in the . The accompanying , directed in a straightforward performance style typical of mid-1990s visuals, featured Sharp singing amid emotional close-ups to emphasize the song's themes of hidden heartbreak. Follow-up singles from Measure of a Man continued Sharp's early momentum on the charts. "She's Sure Taking It Well," released in 1997, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing his smooth vocal delivery on a about resilience in love. Its highlighted elements of emotional recovery, with Sharp portrayed in reflective, everyday settings. "If You Love Somebody," issued in July 1997, reached No. 4, further solidifying his presence with its romantic, uptempo country sound. Later singles from the same album, such as "There's Only You" in November 1997, charted lower at No. 43, indicating a tapering of commercial success. Sharp's second album, (1998), yielded singles that struggled to replicate earlier peaks amid his label's challenges. "Love Is All That Really Matters," released in March 1998, reached No. 51 on the Hot Country Songs chart. "If She Only Knew," issued in June 1998, peaked at No. 61, a poignant track exploring unspoken emotions, though it received limited promotion and no widely noted music video production. After a hiatus due to health issues and label changes, Sharp returned with independent releases in the . His final single, "Let Me Rock You to Sleep," came out in 2011, focusing on themes of comfort and , but it did not chart on major lists.
Single TitleRelease YearAlbumBillboard Hot Country Songs Peak
"Nobody Knows"1996Measure of a Man1
"She's Sure Taking It Well"1997Measure of a Man3
"If You Love Somebody"1997Measure of a Man4
"There's Only You"1997Measure of a Man43
"Love Is All That Really Matters"199851
"If She Only Knew"199861
"Let Me Rock You to Sleep"2011Independent

Recognition and Legacy

Awards and Nominations

Kevin Sharp received several nominations and awards early in his career, reflecting his rapid rise following the success of his debut single "Nobody Knows," which topped the chart in 1997. He was nominated for Top New Male Vocalist at the 1997 , recognizing his emergence as a promising artist amid his recovery from Ewing's . He also won the Country Music Association's New Touring Artist of the Year award in 1997, and was nominated for Favorite Country New Artist at the 1998 . Despite these early accolades, Sharp did not secure major wins such as Grammys or additional CMA honors, which underscored his niche status within the competitive landscape of the late 1990s. His chart-topping singles, including "Nobody Knows," earned no specific song-based nominations from or the CMA, though they contributed to his overall visibility. This limited formal recognition highlighted the challenges faced by artists balancing commercial success with personal health struggles. In the humanitarian sphere, Sharp's advocacy work garnered notable honors tied to his Ewing's sarcoma survivorship. He received the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Wish Granter of the Year Award in 1997 for his role as a , drawing from his own childhood experience with the organization during his cancer treatment. No specific awards from cancer research foundations were documented, but his efforts in motivational speaking and amplified his inspirational impact beyond circles.

Influence and Tributes

Sharp's career exemplified the fusion of with deeply personal narratives of illness and recovery, a approach that resonated with audiences and peers alike. His debut hit "Nobody Knows," a cover that reached number one on the chart in 1997, drew directly from his experiences battling Ewing's as a teenager, setting a template for vulnerability in songwriting that influenced subsequent artists navigating health challenges through music. John Berry, a contemporary, described Sharp's passion for life's essentials as "an inspiration," underscoring how his storytelling extended beyond performance to motivate others in the genre. Following his death on April 19, 2014, tributes poured in from the community, highlighting his enduring impact. A memorial service was held on May 31, 2014, at Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville, attended by friends and fans to honor his contributions. Producers and Chris Farren performed Sharp's signature song "Nobody Knows" shortly after the service, paying homage to the track that launched his career. Fellow artists shared heartfelt remembrances; , who toured with Sharp, called him "a fantastic person and such a great singer," while noted that "his legacy will live on through his music and the lives he touched." Wayne Warner echoed this, labeling Sharp "a true talent and an inspiration to so many." Sharp's advocacy work through the , where he served as a spokesperson and wish-granter for children with chronic illnesses, remains a cornerstone of his legacy, with his efforts cited as empowering countless families long after his passing. His 2004 book, Tragedy's Gift: Surviving Cancer; The Kevin Sharp Story, co-authored with Jeanne Gere, continues to circulate as an inspirational resource, detailing his journey and offering hope to survivors and advocates. Obituaries and retrospective coverage in outlets like and portrayed Sharp's legacy as one of quiet resilience, emphasizing his role as an underappreciated figure whose blend of artistry and left a subtle but profound mark on and health awareness. These accounts often reflected on how his story, though not always in the spotlight, encouraged broader conversations about perseverance amid adversity.

References

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