Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul featuring guitar luminary Isaiah Sharkey
Born and raised in Chicago, Isaiah Sharkey’s musical journey started in the heart of Cabrini Green, where he lived with his parents in a row house on a street now named after the legendary Curtis Mayfield. Music wasn’t just a part of his life—it was in his DNA. At just four years old, he made a big decision: he wanted to be a guitarist. His parents made it happen, and from that moment on, he never looked back.
Guided by his father, Michael Sharkey, Isaiah was immersed in a world of sound early on. He soaked up everything—from gospel in church to jazz, R&B, blues, rock, and funk. It didn’t take long for people to notice that this kid had something special. He was tearing it up in church concerts and sitting in at local jazz club jams before most kids even picked up their first instrument.
By 14, Isaiah and his family dropped their first album, Skyliner, showcasing his incredible ability to play complex jazz covers from legends like Wes Montgomery and George Benson. From there, his recording career took off. He became a go-to sideman for gospel greats like Smokie Norful, Donald Lawrence, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. His talents landed him a gig as the lead guitarist for Ronald Isley, with whom he recorded two albums.
Then came the big break. In 2009, Isaiah got the call to work with D’Angelo on Black Messiah, an album that would go on to win the 2015 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. His contributions to the project earned him his first Grammy—and cemented his place among music’s elite.
Since then, Isaiah has worked, recorded, and toured with some of the biggest names in the industry: John Mayer, Patti LaBelle, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Paul Simon, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keith Urban, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Raphael Saadiq, Lupe Fiasco, Kelly Price, and so many more. With a style that fuses rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and funk, he’s carved out his own unique sound—one that’s deeply soulful and unmistakably his.
In 2017, Isaiah stepped into the spotlight with his debut album, Love.Life.Live., featuring the hit single “It’s a Shame” with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The track won him the iHeart Radio Artist of the Month Award that November. His sophomore project, Love is the Key: The Cancerian Theme, dropped in 2019, and in 2022, he kept the momentum going with his single “Stay.”
Isaiah Sharkey isn’t just a guitarist—he’s a force. Whether he’s laying down grooves on a Grammy-winning album or electrifying crowds with his soulful performances, one thing’s for sure: the best is yet to come.
Don't miss the extraordinary concert by Grammy winner Terence Blanchard, Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert, also on February 27, at 7:30pm in Colwell Playhouse. Tickets and information can be found here.
