For adult contemporary/jazz vocalist Sharon Rae North, Drive has long held a special place in her heart. Originally released in 1984 by The Cars, the band’s biggest international hit carried an unmistakable current of soul, longing, and heartbreak beneath its sleek pop exterior. When North heard the song again last fall for the first time in years, it stirred the same emotions she felt decades ago. Inspired by that wave of nostalgia and emotional resonance, she decided to record her own interpretation — partnering with two-time GRAMMY® nominee Chris Davis, known throughout the industry as “Big Dog.” The independently released single is now gaining traction at radio and earning playlist adds.
Determined to honor the essence of the original while firmly making it her own, North and Davis immersed themselves in the song’s emotional core — from Ric Ocasek’s vulnerable lyrics to Benjamin Orr’s aching vocal performance. Together, they reshaped “Drive” into a version that reflects North’s perspective and vocal identity. In her capable hands, the song transforms into a tender reassurance — less distant observation and more intimate consolation. Davis, architect of more than twenty Billboard No. 1 singles, constructs a lush, soulful R&B groove around North’s commanding yet deeply personal vocal delivery. Jazzy keyboard flourishes and atmospheric textures preserve the dreamy, melancholic quality of the original while elevating it into contemporary adult jazz territory.
North speaks openly about the emotional gravity of the song. To her, “Drive” embodies a profound sadness born from helplessness — the pain of wanting to support someone who may not be ready to confront their own struggles. Though she hasn’t personally experienced that exact dynamic, she connects with the complexity of caring deeply for someone who may be in denial about challenges in their life or relationship. That emotional nuance informs her vocal phrasing, allowing vulnerability and strength to coexist in every line.
Capturing the perfect vocal performance proved essential. After initial takes were recorded and mixed, North felt something was missing. Without informing Davis, she returned to the studio to recut her vocals in pursuit of a deeper emotional truth. When Davis discovered the surprise revision — after having already completed a mix — he wasn’t initially pleased. Yet he ultimately remixed the track with the new vocals, resulting in a finished version that satisfied them both and further solidified the creative trust built over more than a decade of collaboration.
That trust has been cultivated through a long-standing partnership. Davis helmed North’s 2016 EP, Sincerely Yours. In 2022, Davis joined forces with two-time GRAMMY®-winning producer Paul Brown to produce North’s first full-length album, Silhouette. The album followed the 2019 single “Moments,” which featured acclaimed saxophonist Marion Meadows and helped further establish North’s presence in the contemporary jazz world.
Before fully committing to her recording career, North built a distinguished résumé as an award-winning television news anchor, journalist, and reporter, with roles at local media outlets and nationally with CNN in Atlanta. Music initially began as a parallel passion, with early releases including The Way You Make Me Feel in 2007 and Gee Baby in 2012. Over time, her recordings have charted domestically and internationally, including appearances on major charts such as Billboard. As a live performer, North has opened for notable artists including Paul Brown, Patti LaBelle, Joe Sample, Adrian Crutchfield, Dee Lucas, and Patrick Lamb. She has graced respected stages and premier jazz venues across the country and abroad, including Blues Alley, Catalina Jazz Club, Vibrato Jazz Club, and the Richmond Music & Jazz Festival.
North continues to connect with audiences on stage, with upcoming concert dates in Columbus on March 21 at the ICON Jazz Lounge and in Atlanta on April 12 at St. James Live!. With her evocative new interpretation of “Drive” now resonating at radio and streaming platforms, she is already planning to release another new single later this year — further expanding a career defined by sophistication, emotional honesty, and artistic evolution.
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