Kevin Sharp dies at 43

Kevin Sharp dies at 43

Peter Cooper 10
a.m. CDT April 21, 2014

(Photo: Acey Harper, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image)
Singer Kevin
Sharp, a country music hit-maker who became an unwearying advocate for children
with chronic diseases, died Saturday, April 19 at age 43.
According to
the artist’s website, Mr. Sharp died of complications from “ongoing
complications from past stomach surgeries and digestive issues.”
Born in Redding, California, Mr.
Sharp grew up obsessed with sports and music. A high school football and
Mr. Sharp’s
follow-up recordings did not perform as well as his initial offerings, and he
struggled with health issues, undergoing emergency surgeries in 1998 and 2008.
But his time in the country music spotlight made him a role model for sick
children, and he shared his life story in a book called “Tragedy’s
Gift,” at concerts, at public speaking engagements and during numerous
visits with cancer patients. His 2005 album for Cupit Records was entitled
“Make a Wish.”
Mr. Sharp’s
health worsened in 2011, and he endured numerous surgeries for leg infections.
Still, he worked to spread his hopeful message whenever possible.
“My
life is performing and speaking, so not only does it keep a roof over my head,
it keeps me going emotionally,” he told Phyllis Stark of “Country
Weekly” magazine in 2012. “If I didn’t believe what I try to express
and tell others, I wouldn’t be here. Luckily, I believe in what I preach.”
According to
Mr. Sharp’s website, a Nashville memorial service is being planned, but no
details have yet been announced.
Reach Peter
Cooper at pcooper@tennessean.com or on Twitter @tnmusicnews

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