Meet Dr. Shonnie Murrell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shonnie Murrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shonnie, how does your business help the community?
My business helps the community and the world by using music as both a healing tool and a platform for opportunity. Through my work as an artist, I intentionally highlight HBCU culture, community resilience, and the importance of representation. I’ve created spaces where local and emerging artists can showcase their gifts, and I’ve partnered with organizations like Grammy U to connect students with real industry knowledge and resources.

Beyond performance, I focus on mentorship—especially for young people, creatives, and students navigating challenges like access, equity, and confidence. My mission is to prove that music is more than entertainment; it’s a way to unify people, preserve culture, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger. By telling authentic stories through my art and building bridges between communities, I’m helping to make a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is that I’ve built my career on authenticity and impact. I’m not just creating music or curating events—I’m creating experiences that inspire healing, celebrate culture, and empower others. I’m most proud that my work highlights HBCU traditions, uplifts diverse voices, and creates opportunities for connection through music and storytelling.

The journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. I’ve faced career transitions, personal challenges, and moments where I had to completely start over. Balancing the roles of artist , entrepreneur, and community advocate has tested me in every way imaginable. But those challenges also built my resilience. I leaned on faith, community, and an unwavering belief in my purpose to push forward. Each obstacle became a lesson in patience, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to my vision.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and authenticity will always open doors. Your gift will make room for you if you nurture it and put in the work.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s bigger than entertainment—it’s about legacy. My story and my music are dedicated to showing others that no matter the setbacks, you can rise, you can create impact, and you can turn your dreams into reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d give them the full Houston experience. We’d kick things off with food—brunch at The Breakfast Klub, dinner at Steak 48, and soul food from Lucille’s. For nightlife, we’d hit the Living Room for live music, then catch a vibe at Do Not Disturb. .

During the day, we’d explore the city’s culture—checking out the Graffiti Park murals, the Museum District, and the historic Third Ward. I’d also sneak in a rooftop hangout at High & Dry or a chill park day at Discovery Green.

We’d wrap the week with a backyard-style cookout, music, and good vibes. For me, it’s not just about the places but the energy of Houston’s creatives and community—that’s what makes this city unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d dedicate it to my son first and foremost Carter . He’s two years old and he means the world to me .

My brother Joshua who is doing an outstanding job at Grambling State University majoring in Cybersecurity, being a leader in the World Famed Tiger marching band and keeping a 3.8 GPA for the last three years

Website: https://shonniemurrell.com/shonnie-murrell

Instagram: @ShonnieMurrell

Facebook: @ShonnieMurrell

Image Credits
@jookiegordon
@bytristo
@tbobdidit