Kimber Sparks is a dynamic performer breaking barriers in the country music industry, who is known for being able to deliver a country song the way it should be - with heart!
Although she grew up singing in Alabama, Kimber was discovered shortly after moving to Australia by the most renowned country music artist in Australia - Lee Kernaghan.
Having sung in church from the time she was a little girl in Alabama, Kimber Sparks knows first hand how music can change a person's life.
"When growing up, my family had very little material possessions. Country music was always in our home, and it was something that I could listen to that made me feel I wasn't the only person in the world who felt the way I did, or wanted the things I wanted in my life...they really were my life".
After moving to Australia in 2001, Kimber soon found her way to Rockhampton, a unique town in Central Queensland known for its country way of life. She worked at a country bar called, 'The Great Western Hotel', where she was known for being a 'Jack of all trades'. In fact, during Kimber's four years of employment at the hotel, she worked as a bartender, DJ, bull-riding commentator, and the marketing/promotions manager.
However, just over a year of beginning her employment, the hotel was sold to none Lee Kernaghan. Shortly after, while singing one Tuesday night to an empty bar, "other than four men talking in the back of the room", Kimber ended her set with 'Amazing Grace'. When the song ended, a gentleman walked up to the bar and asked that she sing the song once again, as he had enjoyed it so much the first time. To Kimber's surprise, the man was none other than her boss, Lee Kernaghan - and the rest is history.
Lee saw something special in Kimber. In fact, he invited her to open several of his 'Electric Rodeo' concerts, including one of his biggest shows of the year that was held in Tamworth, during Australia's largest country music festival. During Kimber's first visit to Tamworth, she was also invited to perform on the 'Kernaghan Country Spectacular', alongside artists such as Ray & Tania Kernaghan, The Howie Brothers, and legend Smoky Dawson.
The following year was a busy one. Along with working full-time and being a full-time university student, Kimber also attended the Country Music Association of Australia's 'College of Country Music' in Tamworth - a renowned college that selects only 21 students throughout Australia to attend each year - from thousands of interested applicants.
In late 2005, Kimber recorded her debut EP with Brendan Radford of Brisbane, Australia. Shortly after, her first single & title track, "Go Get 'Em Girl", was released to radio, where it made its way to #1 on several countdowns throughout the world, as well as making the Top 30 on Australia's CMC video chart. www.countrymusicchannel.com.au
2006 proved to be a great success. Kimber's second single - a heart-wrenching, original ballad, 'Taking The You Out Of Us', was released and soared into the Top 30 on Australia's 'Country Music Radio', as well as The Music Network's Top 20. The video clip to 'Taking the You out of Us' was also a great success - securing the #18 position on CMC's video charts.
Another great achievement came in early 2007, when Kimber was awarded the '2007 Most Supportive Entertainer of the Year' from 'The Alabama Country & Gospel Music Association' (ACGMA). This prestige title was awarded in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on March 11, 2007.
Kimber's debut Album, 'IT'S HER TURN', which was produced by the legendary Bill Chambers. The album includes 11 original songs, which Kimber either wrote or co-wrote, with Bill Chambers - with the exception of the 'Chiseled in Stone' duet, recorded with America's Vern Gosdin ('The Voice'). 'Chiseled in Stone' was the 1989 CMA Song of the Year in America, and Vern traveled to Australia to visit Kimber for three weeks, where the two recorded the duet.
The first single from the new album 'Nowhere To Go', was released in May and found its way into the KIX FM Top 20, and the Top 40 video clips on CMC, as well as receiving widespread airplay throughout Australia and overseas. Since then, Kimber has release three other tracks from her album, and each have had great success on the charts.
In total, Kimber has had eight releases, and isn't about to slow down! In the midst of her soaring music career, Kimber has studied for her under-graduated degree from Central Queensland University, where she graduated with her MBA in August '09. In fact, she intended to begin her PhD studies in March 2010, but during her American tour - while visiting Nashville to play Tootsie's and The Bluebird Cafe', Kimber made the decision not to return to Australia, but move to Nashville, and take the next step in her career. This started with a management agreement with longtime friend, and industry guru, Robert Cunningham.
In the midst of her soaring music career, Kimber has studied for her under-graduated degree from Central Queensland University, where she graduated with her MBA in August '09.
Kimber has been featured in numerous publications throughout the world, including Australia's 'Capital News' (May 2006), and America's 'Country Weekly' magazine on several occasions.
As Lee Kernaghan states, "I could listen to Kimber sing all night long. She is a hot new singer/songwriter on a mission - this girl rocks!"
Kimber delivers a sound that will take you back to the heart of country music, as well as remind you of what lies ahead in this diverse industry. There is no doubt that the future is definitely going to be bright one for Kimber Sparks!
Anyone who has ever met her will agree that she is a force to be reckoned with - and one that will leave a smile on your face - and a great country song in your heart!
Questions for Kimber: kimber@kimbersparks.com
For Bookings within America
Robert Cunningham 205 567 3555
robertcunningham@kimbersparks.com
For Bookings or Publicity within Australia
Aleta: BlueSky Publicity 0402 534 731