Dawn Shelton - Because I Love You... (2004)

This album is a collection of such all-time favorites as "Pennies from Heaven" and Gershwin's "Our Love Is Here to Stay," in addition to refreshing renditions of Norah Jones' recent hit "Come Away with Me" and Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." Dawn also demonstrates her song-writing talent on the album's title track.

Her lush and resonant sound is backed by talented musicians from Minneapolis and New York, including locally renowned instrumentalist Dave Karr on saxophone and flute, Steve Wagner on flügelhorn, Eric Stiller from the Greenwich Village Orchestra on bass, local favorite Phil Hey on drums and nationally recognized Clay Moore on electric guitar. The multi-talented Adi Yeshaya, who has worked with artists like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, served as accompanist, arranger and executive producer.

Dawn grew up in a very musical family. She was always a "happy-go-lucky" kid, memorizing every commercial on TV, every Bible verse song from Sunday School and many hymns from her childhood. She sang her first solo at age 12 at summer camp and has since performed in many choirs, competitions and musicals. She currently resides with her husband, Lee, in St. Paul, Minnesota.