In an exclusive article published in the 2008 November/December issue of Baltimore's Name It magazine, CEO Shawnise Kearney stated, "Shining Rae truly has a gift from God. Her voice is amazing." It is clear that Shining Rae's musical talent touches the hearts of all her listeners. Shining Rae, born Shannin Rae Watkins, defines music as an extension of her soul that she plans on sharing with the world. With influences such as Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, and Anita Baker, Shining Rae writes music that simply makes you feel empowered. Her distinctive voice is sultry, yet smooth and angelic. Her versatility adds flavor to any genre of music, specifically R&B, Hip-Hop, and Jazz. After 13 years of singing professionally and years of experience as a songwriter and musician, she is prepared for a successful music career. She has grasped the art of playing guitar, piano, and flute to compose many of her songs. Though she grew up in the small town of Magnolia, Arkansas she was surrounded by music. Both of her parents are amazingly talented musicians/singers/songwriters so life in a music filled environment was something she grew to love at an early age. From winning her first talent show at age 12, to performing in front of crowds of over 5,000 people, Shining Rae is no stranger to showbiz. Throughout high school, she represented her hometown as a vocalist and dancer for Arkansas's State P.R.I.D.E. (Parents and Resources In Drug-free Education) team and was also selected as a National vocalist. It was during a 2002 performance/competition in Cincinnati, Ohio that she received a standing ovation of more than 5,000 people after singing a powerful rendition of "Emotions" as recorded by Destiny's Child. This performance led the Arkansas State Team to its first national victory. That monumental day gave Shining Rae the reassurance that she was born to sing. During her four years of college at Louisiana Tech University, Shining Rae had become a household name in northern Louisiana, Arkansas, and East Texas; noting, her song on heavy rotation on KLPI 89.1 FM. After performing the National Anthem at numerous sporting events, the LA Tech Athletic Department continues to request that she come back to sing. In 2006 after graduating from college, Shining Rae left her Southern roots to follow her dreams and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. From November 2008 to May 2009, Shining Rae was a background singer for TMG Records artist (Northern Virginia native) Nisha Hester. She has also collaborated with Hip-Hop artists such as Baltimore's own Huli Shallone and subsequently performed as a featured artist at Eden's Lounge and two lounges located inside the historic Belvedere Hotel in Baltimore. Now that she has developed her talent and signature style as an artist and songwriter, she is ready to take her music career to the next level. Her goal is to "shine" as an accomplished songwriter and musician who represents longevity and ambition in today's music industry.