2022 Deep Roots Summer Series – Variety @ DAA Outdoor Awning

Variety is the popular ‘old school’ R&B/soul duo of siblings Eric Edwards and Shara White from Cleveland, Mississippi. They have been performing together across the country for more than 25 years. Their upbeat repertoire is the kind of music that, according to Eric, makes audiences want to ‘eat barbecue and drink cold beer.’

Eric and Shara, born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, grew up in a musical home where they both started playing and singing at the early ages of 5 and 6 years old, respectively. While citing their father, Eddie Lee Edwards, as their primary musical influence, they also list Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Quincy Jones as musicians whom they admire and respect. Both Eric and Shara are quick to acknowledge the contributions of their former band director, Mr. James Stamps, and musical friends Dr. Alphonso Sanders and Joe Johnson in encouraging and shaping the duo’s musical development and direction.

Eric’s voice has been compared to the Isley Brothers, and Shara’s voice draws comparisons to Whitney Houston, but they both feel that God has given them each a unique voice. Although known for their R&B style, the duo is also deeply rooted in gospel music. The duo has released an album together titled There Is No One Else, and in addition to writing original music for God’s Anointed Voices, Eric has released an R&B project titled Those Vinyl Days!

As veteran entertainers, Variety brings an undeniable joy and passion to playing and singing music because, as Eric and Shara both say, “it’s what we enjoy doing.” And for this duo…it definitely shows.