Pop-Culturalist.com

In a year when every little bit of sunshine is needed, discovering people who spread joy is truly exciting. Enter the Sharpe Family Singers. Parents Ron and Barbra are joined by their children Samantha, Logan, and twins Aidan and Connor as they perform renditions of popular music like Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” and Broadway hits like “The Hills Are Alive” from The Sound of Music.

Although they began touring and sharing their music back in 2014, they joined TikTok this past year and gained millions of fans. Their family-friendly, delightful music is heart-warming and the perfect pick-me-up. We chatted with them about their journey and the release of their upcoming holiday album.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Barbra: I really learned to love musical theater because my older sister Susan was very talented and performed in shows throughout high school.

Ron: I started playing trumpet and piano at an early age. When I was nine years old, I was cast as Winthrop in The Music Man.

Samantha, Logan, Aidan, and Connor: All of us have been around music because of our parents. We always sang a lot on our long car trips. Samantha started singing at an early age. Logan did not sing on stage until high school. The twins were on All My Children as babies and have been around music since birth.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
Barbra: My father Vincent always encouraged me to go after my dreams!

Ron: My parents and sister Kathy were supportive when they would come see me perform and that helped give me confidence!

Samantha: I have been inspired by Celine Dion, and all of us kids have watched our parents over the years and their love of performing has been contagious!

PC: You all have had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Samantha: I have really enjoyed TikTok because of the views we get and that we have started to create a new audience for our music!

Logan: TikTok of course, but our first trip to Ireland to perform was amazing. It was great to connect with new people and learn about their culture.

Aidan and Connor: We really enjoyed spending a month performing in Atlantic City. We also loved going to the beach every day too!

Barbra and Ron: We both had the same reaction to when the whole family was on stage performing together for the first time! It wasn’t until we were on stage together as a family and in front of the audience that it hit us both. We never pushed our kids to be in the show, and they were all there because they wanted to share the stage with us. It was really magical and emotional.

PC: What’s one fun fact about each of you that fans would be surprised to learn?

Samantha: I can make special sounds and create a realistic duck noise.

Logan: I can do sign language.

Aidan: I can throw a football really far.

Connor: I can make an amazing omelette.

Barbra: I’m a black belt in tae kwon do and was the US national champion.

Ron: I love playing basketball as much as singing.

PC: Like everyone else in the world, you all have had to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tell us about turning to social media, particularly TikTok, and the response you’ve received.
Sharpe Family: We have been able to use the time we have had over the past six months to work together and not be distracted. This unique opportunity has brought us closer together as a family and helped us figure out who we are as a group. The coolest part of being on TikTok is being able to communicate with our followers online. We really appreciate followers’ comments, as it’s the best part of creating content for all of us! We haven’t felt as isolated during COVID-19 because of our interactions with everyone online.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re creating content?
Ron: Mostly Samantha, Barbra, Logan, and sometimes Connor all work together to come up with ideas. These ideas usually come very quickly, and we are able to create a picture of the story. Sometimes things change but usually, we stick to the plan. The fun part is during filming when each of us can use our own style to add our personality to the videos.

Some videos are more musically challenging and need rehearsal. Usually the twins and I will work on the music, and then the rest of us will join in. We really enjoy blending our voices and creating the best mix of our sound on each vocal part!

PC: You’re working on a holiday and pop album. Is there anything you can tell us about those projects?
Sharpe Family: Thank you for asking. We have a wonderful Christmas album that will be out the third week of November. This album will be a mix of the classics and include two original songs. The exciting part of recording this album has been the ability for us to find the sound of the Sharpe Family Singers. We each have our own unique vocal quality and together the genetic blend of our voices has been exciting to discover!

We love the music on our new pop album. The tight harmonies and fun melodies are something we are really proud of. You will also hear some classic hits made famous by other family groups creatively rearranged with our unique style. We are so thrilled to be able to share our music!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Barbra: Handmaids Tale.

Ron: Expedition Unknown, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars.

Samantha: Big Brother.

Logan: Big Brother.

Connor: Cobra Kai.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Barbra: 50 First Dates.

Ron: Semi-Pro.

Samantha: The Princess and the Frog.

Logan: Star Wars.

Aidan: Toy Story.

Connor: Avatar.

PC: Favorite Book?
Barbra: Meg.

Ron: Raptor Red.

Samantha: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories.

Logan: To Kill a Mockingbird

Aidan: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Connor: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Barbra and Ron: A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables.

Samantha: Les Misérables

Logan: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.

Aidan: Wicked.

Connor: Guys and Dolls

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Barbra: Barry Manilow.

Ron: Bryan Adams.

Samantha: One Direction.

Logan: Luke Bryan.

Aidan: Michael Jackson.

Connor: Frank Sinatra.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Barbra: Kate Beckinsale.

Ron: Jack Black.

Samantha: Kat Dennings.

Logan: Tom Holland.

Aidan: My brother Connor because he knows me the best.

Connor: My brother Aidan because he looks like me.

To keep up with the Sharpe family, follow them on Twitter and Instagram.