A note from Dan:

It has been my great pleasure to know Ashley and her family for the past seven years. What an incredible 7 years it has been for them. I thought I would take the time to put into words my feelings about Ashley and what she has accomplished in her youth in a very short period of time.  It is my hope that all who read this and who follow her can understand a very unique perspective.

Ashley and her family came to me at a local club where I was playing on weekends with a trio. This gorgeous, wide eyed, 9 year old came up to me and said “Hi, I am Ashley, can I sing with you?”  The three of us chuckled because we have heard that 100 times before and we thought what the heck; another out of tune version of Annie.

Was I wrong?  She plowed us over, knocked our (and everyone else in the club) socks off!  She sang Amazing Grace, Crazy and How Great Thou Art among others.

In a short time we became fast friends. I offered her some studio time just to see what talent she really had. Her parents were astounded with the results. She could turn a good song into great song and a great song into an unforgettable song. Paul and Allison quickly decide a full CD was in order, we recorded it, all standards and people went crazy over it.  She quickly filled the Majestic Theater 2 and 3 times as word around town started to spread about this new young singer. The Dan Kane Singers adopted her, showcased her and gave her many opportunities to perform and hone new her found skills on even bigger stages in and around her hometown. It was not long until the student started teaching the teacher, then I knew I was in trouble.

It didn’t take long for Ashley’s family to realize that there was something very special here and something that needed to be shared with a larger audience. Paul was able to make some great connections for Ashley. She had a CD (home spun as it were), a gorgeous venue of Springfield Symphony Hall and the complete package to have someone take notice of her. And they did!

Through much sacrifice, dedication and plan old hard work, things started to click for Ashley. Several studios lined up for the chance to represent her, the family picked Disney. Ashley put out several singles on various Disney compilations, she got to travel all over the country, she sang at Major League baseball games, rubbed elbows with the famous and infamous and just stayed plain old Ashley, the (once) nine year old who asked if she could sing with me.

Several years have come and gone, many changes, an incredible hit record and a place in the musical history books has been carved out for Ashley….she is just 16 years old.

What the future holds for Ashley is up to Ashley, her family and God.

I love Ashley’s music, her voice and the light that surrounds her, I always have. I had faith in a young nine year old girl who has made all of us so very proud of her yesterdays and so excited about her tomorrows yet to be. She has inspired a huge following of both young and old singers who at the least, marvel at her opportunities and at best, marvel at her incredible talent and her beauty that lies within and remains totally intact throughout this unpredictable journey.

My advice…

So like the song I Hope You Dance says….instead of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else dance, you get up and dance. Do not wait at home till your dream comes knocking on the door…it won’t. You have to get off your bottom and work towards that goal with utter desire and passion. You must sing at every  opportunity that you get. If you do not get those opportunities; then create them yourself.  There will be times that you get to entertain the kings, other times you will get to entertain the clowns, do both well. Who knows who is listening?

Be well Ashley. We are all so very proud of WHO you are and what you do to help and inspire others. God Bless.

If you want to be kept up to date on her performances, please visit her website at AshleyGearing.com