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SHANNA CROOKS By: Michael Krugman

Atlantic recording artist Shanna Crooks is that rare talent that freely crosses musical boundaries to create a sound and style uniquely her own. Crooks’ eagerly awaited debut album – due later this year – captures her dazzling blend of pop, rock, and soul, performed with extraordinary heart and enthusiasm and a voice that is confident, strong, and truly individual. That distinctive style brings vibrant life to self-penned songs like “Wakin' Up To Love” – her new digital single, featured in Clean & Clear’s current national TV campaign – songs that are a lot like Shanna her ownself, rich with exuberance and yearning, alive with character and experience.

“It’s not really the fame that I yearn for,” says Crooks, “it’s the respect. I set a big goal for myself when I got into music. It was that someday I would be a respected songwriter and vocalist. That when someone hears my name, they quote a lyric I wrote, or sing one of my melodies that’s moved them. I feel that’s the biggest compliment any artist could get.”

The Florida-born songstress’ gift for conveying real, raw emotion stems from what she herself describes as a complicated childhood, complete with multiple homes, step-parents and an array of step- and half-siblings. Shanna discovered her life’s path singing “Wind Beneath My Wings” at her eighth grade talent show. Moved by his daughter’s passion, her father devoted himself to her career, driving her long distances for voice lessons and always encouraging her to pursue her dream. Crooks performed anywhere and everywhere throughout her teens, singing on stages across the Sunshine State.

At 18, Shanna packed her bags and moved to Nashville, where she discovered a knack for songwriting. It wasn’t long before her songs – fraught with frank emotions and irresistible melodies – caught the ear of country music superstar John Rich, who signed Crooks to a publishing deal in 2005. “(Shanna is) one of the best songwriters I’ve run into in a long time,” Rich enthused, “and one of the most impressive people I have ever met.” She was soon invited to join MuzikMafia, an informal collective of Nashville-based musicians and artists co-founded by Rich and his multi-platinum collaborator, Big Kenny Alphin.

All the while, Crooks kept at her chosen craft, writing constantly and performing weekly shows in Nashville. She also made a number of trips to Cuba, where she sang for troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay. As if that weren’t enough, Shanna performed backing vocals for a truly diverse range of artists, from Avenged Sevenfold and Robert Randolph to Randy Jackson and the legendary Sam Moore.

In 2007, Crooks signed with Atlantic Records and immediately set about recording her years-in-the-making debut album. Armed with a sheaf of personal, powerful songs and irrepressible energy, Shanna Crooks is now poised to become one of 2009’s brightest new stars, a one of a kind artist with a blindingly brilliant future.

“My life is like one full circle,” Crooks says. “It makes me laugh how things turn out and come back around. Time and time again, it’s revealed to me that there really is a master plan in my life. I look forward to the next surprise.”

RANDOM FACTS:

I’m Shanna. Rhymes with banana. Call me Shanna Banana if you want. My Aunt does. My favorite color is red. I’m a lefty but I throw right. I’m terrified of loud noises, and seafood. I never learned how to write in cursive -I sign my name just Shanna C because the r's and k's get tricky. I have a good side and a bad side...Literally speaking. I prefer my left side, (That's your right). ;op I have two kitties-Kitcat and Snickers. They’re the best. I like driving big cars and haven't had a speeding ticket-Yet. I whistle way too much for someone who can't whistle. I like throwing parties for every holiday and occasion and have the pictures to prove it. I love surprises but enjoy being the surpriser more than the surprisee. The first time I learned how to play poker-I won. I recently realized how competitive I can be. Scrabble is one of the best board games ever- I'll challenge you to a match any day-and most days I will demolish you. Monopoly on the other hand, stresses me out and I will most likely lose and not talk to you for a while. I've been known to dress up with the girls on occasion and hit up a Bingo hall...If you can just picture a group of twenty something's in short skirts and heels asking, "What number did they call? 67? What letter is that?" We'll never really know if we actually won a game. ha When I get stressed or anxious, I bite my nails. You won’t catch me without high heels on-and I’m already 5'9. I'm extremely sarcastic and enjoy making people laugh-Whether it's at me, or with me. I enjoy dancing around my house, sleeping in and good conversation with good friends. I love the sun and wish there was no such thing as UVA and UVB. I can throw a football like a dude (thanks for that dad). I broke my wrist in the 7th grade and had to give up my aggressive rollerblading skills. . I take a lot of vitamins everyday and think you should do the same. My biggest fear is failure.

When someone compliments my voice or music, it means everything. I speak for girls who have had their hearts broken, and for the ones who need to pick themselves back up and find the stronger, smarter woman they know they can be. I speak for the guys who deserve to be loved by us girls. Let my honesty, vulnerability, and weaknesses be your gain. When you tell me you can relate to my songs or have gone through what I sing about, I think, “Thank God I’m not the only one.” No, I’m just kidding…It means I’m doing somethin' right. And I’ll continue to do it-As long as you keep listening… Thank you for your support. Really. PARTY! -S