Shawn Allen and her choice band. R&B Band from Upper Marlboro, MD

There are many that sing, but few who are blessed with the ability to transcend the audio capacity of listeners and touch their hearts and souls. A native of Cleveland, Ohio but now reigning in Maryland, Shawn is one of the chosen few. The statuesque Shawn is no stranger to uproarious applauds and standing ovations. Her presence and performance are undeniable. As one listener states, “Once you’ve witnessed her performance, you realize that you have experienced something special, something heaven sent!” She has brought the infamously critical audience of the legendary Apollo Theatre to their feet and don’t forget about the even more critical audiences of Howard University, her Alma Mater. With one note, she can bring the most clamorous room to a point of deadening silence and the lyrics of the songs she sings have pried a many tear from listeners eyes. Background vocalist for National/International recording artist Patti LaBelle ,Stacy Lattisaw, Jean Carne, Miki Howard and Chante’ Moore and former lead vocalist/member of the National recording artist, Interscope and University Records group, “Pure Soul” who brought you the number twelve song on the billboard charts, “We Must Be In Love”. Pure Soul was also nominated for the Lady of Soul “Soul Train Award”. Pure Soul was number 1 on the R&B charts in the Washington Metropolitan Area for 8 consecutive weeks. With the four-member group, “Pure Soul”, Shawn has appeared on popular television and talk shows such as the Tempestt Bledsoe show, the Today Show, and Soul Train. She has shared the stage with International/National recording artists Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, Escape, Monifah, Queen Lattifah, 702, Aahliyah, Salt-N-Pepa, and Brownstone just to name a few. Pure Soul had a candid appearance in the “Freedom” video for the hit movie “Panther”. Shawn is an extraordinary lyricist. She wrote a song on the Pure Soul album entitled, “Baby I’m Leaving” which displays her soultry sound of a cross between Gospel and R&B. Her alluring yet illuminating vocal styles range from the likes of Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Whitney Houston, Debra Cox, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle and Beyonce’. Shawn said that she would never forget sharing the stage with her ultimate idol Ms. Patti LaBelle for her book. signing party entitled, “Don’t Block the Blessings” held in Washington, DC. Lo and behold, her blessings were not blocked as she became a background singer for her idol, Ms. Patti Labelle in 2006 and went on tour. Shawn currently created her own band named Shawn Allen’s Choice Band which performs Nationally and around the Metropolitan area in such well-known establishments as Blues Alley, Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club, S, The Birchmere. Shawn occasionally opens for National/International recording artist such as Jazz musician Ronnie Laws and many more. A legend, not yet, but given the chance she will be none other than.