Shannon: Truth & Righteousness

Let’s start off by retracing your whole her-story — Tell me your inception into music; when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for you?

My first story [my-stery] with music officially was when I was born. I arrived singing. My body is a source of energy; we all are, but my energy resonated sounds of music.

Now you’re a native of The Bronx, New York, correct? So growing up in the “Boogie Down,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, some of my first years was in the Boogie Down Bronx…but from a child to present I’ve lived in many cities. Some of my strongest musical influences were La Riena De Salsa, Celia Cruz…I had to go back to my roots to find me…The Great Lady Day, Billie Holiday [Jazz] because of her simple way of phrasing a lyric that works beautifully in a song and Diana Ross, for flamboyancy on stage.

That being said, how would you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and perform?

“The Shannon Sound!”

When you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Most of my inspiration comes from self and some old music masters.

What particular string of events actually led to your initial signing with Mirage / Emergency Records?

I’m not sure what time frame you are referring to, but I’ve worked with many different record companies who owe me money and I want it…NOW! LOL.

What do you remember most about this particular time in both your life and career?

From 1983 to 2023, THOSE WHO ARE COLLECTING MONEY IN THE NAME OF “SHANNON” “LET THE MUSIC PLAY,” CEASE AND DESIST! Transfer of money is in order, “PAY ME!”

At one particular point, Jellybean Benitez entered into the picture — How did this connection even come about?

Jellybean and I met some years before my debut single, “LET THE MUSIC PLAY.”

From there, you started focusing on more than just being an artist even stepping into the exec role…

If we’re speaking about the LOVE GOES ALL THE WAY LP, then, yes, because the future looked bright. My relationship changed to “Executive Producer” at Atlantic Records / WEA for the SHANNON projects in 1986. I was very happy about the accomplishment; doing business with the label direct and acknowledging my position with basic dignity after so much mess, but no such luck.

Which brings us to now — As of late, what all exactly had / have you been up to; both personally and professionally speaking?

I’ve obtained control of my most memorable music. The Shannon “LET THE MUSIC PLAY MASTERS!” We will be releasing the SHANNON LET THE MUSIC PLAY 40th Anniversary Vinyl EP / LP, LET THE MUSIC PLAY TOUR and others. The vinyl can be purchased from my website: shannonletthemusicplay.com. Also, for more information, Instagram and Facebook: shannonletthemusicplay.

…Looking for me? (search) “Shannon Let The Music Play.” Please be vigilant because the infringers are out there, too! The pimps, whores, wolves, murderers and thieves that run free in this business. 1983 to 2023, I’m healthier today than 10 years ago. Praise be to my Creator 13, mi Dios 13.

Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you as an individual, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?

I’ve evolved into a serious businesswoman.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Truth and Righteousness.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Joy.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Real estate, teaching.

What has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

I’ve obtained many, many accolades; just to name a few, The GRAMMYS, soundtracks, IMDB [Shannon – IMDB], International Queen Of Dance, EDM & Freestyle and AUGUST 7TH SHANNON LET THE MUSIC PLAY DAY [now and forevermore Miami Proclamation]. My most recent is the Rolling Stone write up [July 2022]. Out of 200 Greatest Dance Songs Of All Times Worldwide, SHANNON #6 “LET THE MUSIC PLAY,” Thank you Fans, DJ’s, Rolling Stone Magazine and my Creator13.

What’s an average day like for you?

Work and more work.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Fans you are the most important. My response is always, “Love And patience.”

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?

My favorite is “Up For The Task, Health & Beauty.” My least favorite is the business. I often wonder, “do people know the word business means treachery, betrayal, backstabbing, deceit, deception?” It’s a game, a very bad game.