Shawn Pander

Shawn Pander released his latest album, "Memories for Sale," in July of 2006. This album allows listeners to see the diverse yet soulful sides of this emerging artist. "I write songs about real life and I think that's why people connect to what I sing about," says Pander. After moving to Los Angeles in September 2004, Pander gained national recognition from his first appearance on the Dr. Phil Show. The segment entitled, "Real Talent," discussed what it takes to make it in Hollywood. Due to his popularity, Dr.

Phil had his camera crew follow Shawn through the process of recording one of his songs with Grammy award winning producer, Steve Buckingham, in Nashville and invited him back on a follow-up show to perform his new hit, Simplicity, from his album, "Being Here." Pander grew up in Texas, where he frequented a used car lot with his dad, who was a salesman there. Always an inquisitive soul, Shawn would wander while his dad worked. One hot summer day, he followed a melancholy tune. The song led him to a homeless man strumming his old guitar on the corner. Shawn strolled up and asked him his name. " I'm James," the man said. "What do you think of my music?" Shawn nodded and smiled his approval. James asked if he liked jazz and the blues. With a shrug, Shawn said, "I don't know. Do I?" An instant bond was formed, and Shawn came back to visit James and learn guitar everyday that summer. In the dead heat of August, his dad was laid off, and told Shawn it was his last day to come to the car lot. Sad to say goodbye, Shawn told James he couldn't come around anymore. The homeless man with nothing more in the world to give, took his old guitar, the time-worn strap barely hanging on, and handed it to Shawn. "You take this guitar and go make something out of your life. I'll be watchin'." Shawn gave the man an equivalent gift, a promise he'd play everyday. And he has.