SHARON LEE WILLIAMS: Step Out of Invisibility  Jump Into Possibility 

Sharon Lee has been a spirit outside the box. She grew up in Montreal as a foster child. During her turbulent adolescent years, she looked to acting as her means of escape. Always keeping to herself, her dramatic persona longed to reflect her inspiration, Marilyn Munroe. As she traveled into her youthful chapter, she traded her make-shift hairbrush mic for a real one. She performed and acted in school plays; she stretched her spirit as a church soloist and later on formed her own band. She went on to strengthen her artistic soul by studying piano with Daisy Sweeney (Oscar Peterson’s sister).

The next fork in her life’s road read on the signpost, to the left is a regular life, to the right is her passion as a profession. Intrigued by the right direction, she stepped onto the stage acting and singing in the theatrical play Hair. Her talents continued to grow. She became recognized both as a performer and as a strong figure in the music business industry. Her unique voice has been featured on numerous albums, soundtracks and jingles from Molson’s to Eaton’s as well as performing voice-overs for film and television including the voice of Diana Doll on the television series “Noddy” and the voice of Angela Bassett in the film, “A Bucket of Blood”.

Even though her name is well known only within the music industry, you have undoubtedly heard her voice on albums with such stars as Luther Vandross, Anne Murray, Bob Seeger, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Bryan Adams, Ray Charles, Richie Havens, Marc Jordan and countless others. Realizing that there was no agency specifically geared to the needs of singers, and the production houses that need them, she set up FSO “For Singers Only” in 1998 which grew into “MusicEnt Productions”. Since that time the MusicEnt has Coached and supplied singers for television, recording sessions, and film.

Her professionalism and experience on set contributes to the smooth flowing and efficient performance required in today’s music and entertainment world. The singers represented at MusicEnt are handpicked by Sharon Lee, and conform to the highest standard of technical skill and professionalism. Sharon Lee has gone on to become one of the premier voices and coaches on the Toronto music scene. Her outstanding technique and versatility has ensured that she is the first to be called for jingles , film, vocal coaching, stage performing, background arrangements and album sessions in Toronto.

“Phenomenal” History Awards: “Rising Star Award” Juno nominated for recording of “Hands Up” with Sharon as lead vocals of the song. Gold Record for “Hands Up” (She has been acclaimed with a “Rising Star Award” and a gold record for her performance with the group Sway on their hit record “Hands Up”.) Coached: Canadian Idol. MTV’s Made. How do you solve a problem like Maria? Making the Band. Training: Piano with Daisy Sweeney. Discography: Wrote soundtrack for the short “Silent Hymn-Silent War. Television Appearance: Call out the numbers for lotto canada. Event Performances: Judge at Woodbine Idol. Judge at Phem Phat. Judge at Humber College graduating class. Dominic tr… hospital foundation charity. Easter seals.

Share your journey and when you looked to acting as a form of escape. 

Like a lot of young girls in the day, I started my journey into the arts in my bedroom with my trusty hairbrush and a veil over my bedroom light for ambiance. My own little club.  I was the best singer and actor in the house.  I created dialogue and pretended to sing like popular singers of the day that I heard on the radio or watched on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Those days helped me to get through days of depression which I can identify now but of course, I didn’t have a name for at that age.  

Who knew that those experiences would turn into a career. So many decades. Singing became my job as were voice overs.  I also loved acting in theatre and writing songs.

Tell us about your musical training and influences.  

I don’t know when I started taking piano lessons, but I remember the little busts or trophies I won.  Busts of classical pianists like Chopin or Bach.  But I was blessed to be taught by Daisy Peterson, the sister of   renowned pianist Oscar Peterson.  She hit your knuckles with a ruler if you didn’t have your homework done. Of course, that never happened to me. I loved learning to play and although I’m not particularly skilled at it, the learning was and still is what I’ve used to write songs or find my key or sometimes feel special with.  

My professional career started with the touring Broadway show Hair. Even though it was short lived, it was a time I will forever remember.  From the audition to performance dates, what a time of exploration and stepping out of invisibility.  From a somewhat shy introverted girl to being naked on stage was certainly a leap.

Your mantra is: Step Out of Invisibility Jump Into Possibility. Explain

My mantra Step Out of Invisibility, Jump into Possibility is for those of us who have felt, Not Worthy   Shy, not seen or heard, imposters, etc.  “Step out of Invisibility” speaks to reclaiming your presence, voice, and worth. It’s about no longer shrinking, hiding, or feeling unseen—whether in your personal life, career, or self-expression.

“Jump into Possibility” is an invitation to take bold action, to embrace opportunities, and to trust that there’s something greater waiting when you step forward with courage.

In the 80’s you realized that there was no agency specifically geared to the needs of singers. Tell us about MusicEnt Productions.

I registered my company MusicEnt Productions in the 80’s.  Not knowing that in the 90’s I would have an agency FSO for singers only because I saw a need. I had finished a season of being a vocal coach for Canadian Idol and developed a business that had a studio, agency, performance coaching all housed in a small commercial building that I bought.  These were exciting times. Working with  young artists and speakers. Creating workshops. Being the go-to agency for singers. I didn’t know whether or not it would be successful. I just tried and jumped.  

I decided to move away from performance coaching and vocal coaching to immerse myself in self-help or self-education programs especially with Women’s Centered Coaching.  In fact, I closed down the shop. No studio, no more workshops just figuring out how my life and my mindset could be fully engaged. This practice really took hold when I had my son at 39 yrs of age. I wanted to be the best mother I could and hoped not to let my past dictate or support my Stuckness. I didn’t want to bring the baggage with me.  

What does today look like for you?

Today I am a Certified Transformational Leader, with extensive work in coaching and facilitation.  My focus is on youth aging out of care, predominantly young women. I have designed an exciting workshop and hope to present it in 2025/26.   A workshop that is focused on raising the level of awareness, confidence, growth and self-leadership in youth who have been marginalized incorporating my experience in music and songwriting.  

Tell us about OUTRAISED Voices and your memoir. 

As a result of my teachings and learnings, and deep dive into my own self -discovery I‘ve stepped into producing my own streaming TV show called OutRaised Voices.  A show that shares the voices of guests who like myself have been raised outside their family of origin, country of origin or culture.  Also, those who feel like they were outsiders in their first family. I’ve interviewed financial experts, mindset coaches and adults who have navigated their scars and even though they might still be healing, they have found their successes and wins.  My intention is to create conversation, education and outreach.

Angela Carter – Leading with Purpose: Community, Advocacy & Empowerment

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGHatgztpkA

Author Justin Black describes his journey through foster care.

Author Justin Black describes his journey through foster care. – YouTube

Judith Alexis Craig – The Black and White of the Matter

Judith Alexis Craig – The Black and White of the Matter – YouTube

My own story of being raised in care from a baby and navigating my own healing, is now being written about in my memoir OutRaised (finding my voice beyond foster care).  I’ve  also written a chapter called Scar Tissue in the Amazon best seller called Ripple Effect of Impact. Scar Tissue is a short work about 2500 words which touches upon my experiences.  It will soon be available as an audio download.  My memoir OutRaised is expected to be out in 2025. 

In case you are wondering if I’ve still got the music in me, Yes, I do. I’m working on new songs and in the process of writing a stage version of OutRaised.  I’m still jumping in Possibility because I have no reason not to.  My intention and my goals are to live my life in service and love and of course joy.  

Every journey, every story and every scar is different. Each of us is an example for someone else. We can be a good or bad example at different times. 

Conversations can be critical in helping us to move forward, inspiring us to take leaps and daring us to dream.

I am certainly wiser @ 75yrs but I haven’t forgotten to play, dance and sing.  

 “I’m living my best life, living this blessed life”….

Sharon Lee Williams Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonlee.williams.9/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonleewilliams9/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutRaisedVoices
Web: www.SharonLeeWilliams.ca

There is a lot of info on the site and in scar tissue about growing up in foster care and even a video on the homepage to check out…