Mom and Dad did me right with that one I guess.

I have loved performing all my life. I grew up singing with my Uncle Jackie Stewart's and other local bands at country fairs, singing at church, and political functions thruought Central Arkansas, and moved to Nashville in 1998. Every since then I have played at most all of the songwriting clubs in town, but I have spent more time writing and recording than I have playing live over these years. My work schedule has just allowed it to happen this way and with the records we have made, I am really glad it did. I am really looking forward to doing more live performances.

It's given us all new and easier ways to promote our music and to get heard, but then again it's more competeitive than ever.

Most definatley. I would make sure I had my ducks in a row first and have an attourney for sure.

Shea Cleveland was born in Searcy, Arkansas with a dream. The oldest of four brothers discovered country music almost before he could talk, by listening to his father's Merle Haggard records. He performed with his Uncle Jackie Stewart's band at 5 years old, singing "Okie from Muskogee". From that moment on, Shea knew that he loved to entertain people. So while growing up, he often sang in church and local political functions.

In 1986, Shea's mother, Charlotte, was the current county tax collector. She helped produce a rally where Shea sang Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" to a standing ovation. The Clintons were present as it was during Bill Clinton's term as Arkansas' Governor. Shea continued learning to play guitar and singing as he matured. He realized in order to pursue his dream, he would need to learn to write his own songs and possibly move to Nashville.

In August of 1997 Shea received some very tragic news. His mother was killed in an automobile accident. The next year he loaded up his car and moved to Music City, knowing that's what she would have wanted for him.

Like most unsigned artists, he worked several odd jobs to get by while learning everything he could about the music business. His song writing skills strengthened over these years especially with the help of his co-writer, Jodie Stoeckle from Fresno, California. Since then, they have written several new potential hit songs, including: "Answers And Angels", "California Rain", and "She Still Stands", a patriotic tribute to 9-11. Shea Cleveland is truly on the fast track to success.

Merle Haggard first and foremost. I don't think I ever would have done this if his music hadn't drawn me in as such a young kid. I am still a huge Hag fan to this day. The other late and living legegends of country music including: Jimmie Rogers, if it wasn't for The Old Blue Yodeler, none of these other people would have ever did what they did to pass this inspiration on to any of us making country music today. Also, Bob Wills, Buck Owens, Lefty Frizell, Hank Williams and Jr.; Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Keith Whitley. Garth Brooks has always been a huge influence on me. The same goes for George Strait, Clint Black, and Alan Jackson. Out of a newer breed of artists, Montgomery Gentry and Darryl Worley have given me lots of inspiration thru their music to keep on pluggin' away. There are so many more artists that have given me great influence and have been very inspiring at one time or antother.

Music City USA, though I may have told some otherwise in a discouraging situation. I Still love Nashville. I still love my hometown of Searcy, Arkansas. I also got an oppurtunity to visit Bakersfeild, California recently. That city's history has a huge influence on what I do musically, so I guess its a 3 way tie at least if I can't think of anymore.

Dean electic/acoustic guitar, Epiphone mandolin, Fender Telecaster electric guitar, and whatever mic is put in front of me.

I'd love to thank Jodie Stoeckle for helping make all this possible. I owe her alot. She has always had great songs and ideas and has been a good co-writer and friend. I would also like to say thanks to you for taking the time to check out my music and I hope to see you on the road someday.