Photo Gallery

Shawn has collaborated closely with Charles Calello, the legendary arranger, conductor, and record producer whose career includes more than one hundred Billboard charting records, thirty-eight reaching the Top Ten. Calello's work spans some of the most iconic names in popular music—Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Natalie Cole, B.B. King, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, Liza Minnelli, Michael Bolton, and Ariana Grande, among many others.

When Shawn and Calello began working together, Shawn's voice and interpretive style had been shaped by years of self-directed study and live performance. Beginning at age eight, he taught himself guitar and vocals entirely without formal music or voice lessons, developing a vocal approach that was both disciplined and deeply personal. That authenticity and artistry first drew Calello's attention and led to their ongoing collaboration.

Charles Calello serves as the principal arranger of nearly all of Shawn Rae's recordings, including the powerful rendition of If I Ruled The World (SHAWN RAE "WE" VERSION) Under Calello's musical direction, Shawn recorded A World of Romance, A Time to Fall in Love, showcasing his emotive, story-driven vocal style, and later A World Christmas, Love Knows No Borders, which included a duet with Deana Martin, daughter of American musical icon Dean Martin, and marked Shawn's American debut in Christmas music.

Calello has offered the following reflections on Shawn's artistry: "Shawn is charismatic, bright, innovative, courageous, and certainly in a class by himself."

He further observes, "His voice has rich, euphonious qualities, incredible range, and depth, giving the songs he chooses a sensual and romantic quality. Shawn paints vocal pictures that tell stories, not just songs, distinctive yet reminiscent of the greats."

The Christmas album received international acclaim during Shawn's Interfaith Harmony Tour to Europe, the Vatican, the Middle East, and South Asia. Conducting from the podium, Calello assembled elite studio musicians, including Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated players, recording in Grammy-winning studios with mixing and mastering handled by industry-recognized houses. Calello's collaboration has brought depth, elegance, and emotional resonance to Shawn's recordings, allowing the music to reflect Shawn's belief that melody and story can uplift the heart, soften boundaries, and inspire shared humanity across cultures and faiths.

Shawn with a contingent of over 60 veterans and active duty personnel from all branches of the military, awarding the impressive, four foot high trophy – "Challenge Yourself…Award" to Claire Sylvia and Jerry Mulcahy. Claire is the world's longest surviving recipient of a heart and lung transplant. Her life story is the subject of a movie starring actress, Jane Seymour. Jerry had saved Claire's life by donating one of his kidneys. Shawn presented the Award during his "A Night for Heroes" extravaganza, where he was honored with the Key to the City for his humanitarian work.

Shawn Rae with General Alexander Haig, former Secretary of State, NATO Supreme Commander, and Chief of Staff for President Nixon. He was responsible for delivering Nixon's resignation letter to President Ford, Henry Kissinger and the United States Congress. General Haig had invited Shawn to an Academy Awards function for Drug Free America, and had asked him to speak on his behalf on National Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

Shawn Rae was invited as special guest and featured vocalist to perform with the legendary Ray Charles in concert. Ray Charles was one of the finest jazz singers in the world. Incredible as it may be, he was also one of the greatest blues, R&B, soul, country and western, and pop vocalists who ever lived. Born into extreme poverty, and blinded by glaucoma by the age of seven, Ray Charles has a Star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame, a bronze medallion presented by the French Republic, and is in the Hall of Fame of almost all the musical genres previously mentioned. As a national American treasure, Ray Charles also produced dozens of gold records and received 12 Grammy Awards in his lifetime. After Shawn's performance, Ray remarked, "You have a really soulful voice, brother!"

Shawn with associate and advisor Nyhl Henson, former Chairman & CEO of Country Music Television (CMT) and pioneering entrepreneur known for groundbreaking work in media and technology. Mr. Henson, a veteran of the communications industry and founding figure of Nickelodeon, MTV, and CMT, has pioneered the pay-per-view genre with events such as the Rolling Stones in concert, and created TelAuction, the industry's first significant home shopping venture.

Often referred to as the "Edison of Pay-Per-View" by the esteemed talent agency CAA, Henson has consistently pushed the boundaries of content consumption. He is the founder and CEO of Technotainment, a community-led platform focused on "Streaming 2.0" and active viewer involvement, blending AI, global storytelling, and immersive technology to transform audiences from passive viewers into active participants.

Mr. Henson has been a consultant in a wide range of disciplines including real estate development, which encompasses the development of several land-based entertainment complexes in multiple states, film production, the catalog industry, and politics, serving as advisor to both Republicans and Democrats. He was also media advisor to rock bands such as the WHO. A quote from legendary industry leader Ted Turner, founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, summed up the many achievements of Nyhl Henson when he referred to him as "the smartest man in cable television.

Shawn with Don King, world famous Boxing Promoter, while helping to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network through Boxing for Miracles title fights. Don King has been on the cover of magazines such as Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Ebony and numerous others. Several cities have honored him with “Don King Day”. He has been included in the New York Times published list as among 100 African Americans who have helped shape U.S. history during the last Century. Don is tireless in his philanthropic works. The Don King Foundation has donated millions of dollars. Don’s “Turkey Tour” has given away hundreds of thousands of turkey dinners to needy families in cities across the United States. Don has said that he would like his epitaph to read, “He worked for the day when all people would be clothed in dignity."

Shawn in the ring announcing a boxing match "Title Fight" for ShowTime Television, broadcast to audiences worldwide. Standing center ring represented yet another dimension for someone who has represented the United States at international forums and served as Goodwill Ambassador, a statesman whose work in global diplomacy and humanitarian advocacy spans multiple disciplines. The moment showcased the breadth of a career that bridges worlds, reaching millions across continents.

Shawn was featured speaker at a Boxing Press Conference along with Angelo Dundee for an upcoming World Title Bout. Angelo Dundee, known as “The Great Ambassador for Boxing”, has trained some of the greatest fighters in history, including 15 World Champions. His name has always been intertwined with that of the great Muhammad Ali, because he persuaded Ali back into the ring when Ali wanted to quit after the first time he beat Sonny Liston. After a 21-year partnership, which impacted the far reaches of the world, both names will always be indelibly linked. Angelo Dundee is also known for his kindness and extraordinary human qualities. Howard Cosell once said about Dundee, “He is the only man in boxing to whom I would entrust my own son.”

Shawn performing his nationally acclaimed arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" for World Broadcast. This unique interpretation, arranged by Shawn Rae, weaves together America's national anthem with audio excerpts from two historic voices. The arrangement incorporates President John F. Kennedy's actual voice from his 1961 inaugural address delivering the iconic call to service, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s stirring words from his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, where his voice rings out proclaiming the day when "all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" This powerful fusion creates a patriotic tribute that transcends time, as Kennedy's and King's own voices blend with the anthem's celebration of freedom. The arrangement honors the ideals of service, equality, and brotherhood as articulated by Kennedy and King, weaving together the voices of two leaders who inspired America to embrace its founding principles, giving voice to their timeless ideals through musical tribute.

Shawn Rae invited as special guest and featured vocalist to perform at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Frankie Valli's concert. Frankie Valli is best known as lead singer of The Four Seasons, one of the biggest music acts of the 1960s who were not derailed by the Beatles invasion in 1964. Known for his distinctive and powerful falsetto voice, Valli scored 29 top 40 hits with The Four Seasons and nine top 40 hits as a solo artist. The group's number one singles include "Sherry" (1962), "Big Girls Don't Cry" (1962), "Walk Like a Man" (1963), "Rag Doll" (1964), and "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" (1975). As a solo artist, Valli's hits include "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967), "My Eyes Adored You" (1974), and the title track from "Grease" (1978). His songs have been featured in iconic films including "The Deer Hunter," "Dirty Dancing," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Conspiracy Theory." Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons have sold over 175 million records worldwide. The original members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024. Their remarkable story became the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Jersey Boys," which won Best Musical in 2006 and was later adapted into a film directed by Clint Eastwood in 2014. In 2025, Valli received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Shawn Rae was invited to the Birthday Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. because he had included the "I Have a Dream" speech sample in his nationally acclaimed arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Shawn Rae was recognized by keynote speaker and world-renowned peace activist Arun Gandhi for his humanitarian efforts and shared discussions on world peace initiatives. Arun Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who was the philosophical mentor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The photograph (inset) above is of Martin Luther King, Jr. dining with his wife Coretta Scott King and their children. The Baptist minister has Mahatma Gandhi's picture on the wall right above his dinner table. Even though MLK, Jr. said his grace to God in the name of Jesus, Gandhi's picture, even though he was a Hindu and perceived to believe in idolatry, was ever present right above MLK, Jr.'s dinner table. Therefore, when Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "I have a dream that one day Blacks and Whites, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics will sit down together and sing the old Negro spiritual, free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we're free at last," it can be easily surmised that he translated his words into deeds, and therefore, meant what he said in his real life.

Shawn Rae on Leaders Panel at press conference with Who's Who of American Business, which included Wally Amos, founder of internationally known "Famous Amos Products," moderated by Entrepreneurial Edge Magazine. Sponsors included BellSouth, Okidata, and Princeton Capital.

Wally Amos was an American icon whose name became a household word. Before founding the Famous Amos cookie empire, Amos made history as the first Black talent agent at William Morris Agency in 1962, where he discovered and signed Simon & Garfunkel, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. In 1975, with $25,000 borrowed from friends including Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy, he opened the world's first cookie-only retail store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. He was the founder of Famous Amos Cookies and father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry. Within the first year, the store sold $300,000 worth of cookies, and by 1982, revenues reached $12 million. His distinctive packaging featuring his smiling face, Panama hat, and decorated shirt became iconic. In 1980, his shirt and Panama hat were placed in the Smithsonian Institution Business Americana Collection. In 1986, Amos received the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from President Ronald Reagan at the White House. An author of ten books and motivational speaker, Amos dedicated his life to literacy advocacy, serving as national spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America and receiving the National Literacy Honors Award from President George H.W. Bush. In 2005, he and his wife founded the Chip & Cookie Read Aloud Foundation to promote reading aloud to children. Amos won many awards and accolades throughout his remarkable career.

Chubby Checker was consulting with Shawn Rae about product placement and market strategy for launching Chubby Checker products nationally and internationally. Given Shawn's extensive international background working with Fortune 100 companies, Chubby sought his expertise on strategic positioning for the U.S. and global markets. Chubby Checker popularized the first official Rock 'N' Roll dance, "The Twist." He soared to international fame with "The Twist," which is the only record ever to reach number one twice in music history, topping the charts in 1960 and again in 1962. In 2008, Billboard magazine named "The Twist" the biggest chart hit of all time. In 1988, he recorded "Yo Twist," which made the Top 20 in the U.S. and number one in Europe. He is also the only artist ever to have nine double-sided hit records. In 1962, Chubby Checker won a Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording for "Let's Twist Again." He continued his string of dance hits with "Pony Time," which spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard singles chart in 1961, followed by other top 10 hits including "Limbo Rock," which popularized the limbo dance. Checker is the only artist in history to have five albums in the Top 12 positions of the Billboard 200 chart simultaneously. He has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. In 1990, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Chubby Checker married Catharina Lodders, Miss World 1962, in 1964, and they have four children. He starred in two films, "Twist Around the Clock" (1961) and "Don't Knock the Twist" (1962), and continues to perform worldwide, captivating audiences with his energetic stage presence and timeless hits.

The Swing Sisters have backed up Shawn Rae in stage and concert performances as well as provided backup vocals for some of Shawn Rae's CD/album recordings. They have appeared on television and radio and have an album to their many credits. Their performances include many national functions, from a White House ceremony, singing for three First Ladies, performing for a celebration of Astronaut/Senator John Glenn's lifetime achievements, the 57th Anniversary ceremony of the Battle of the Bulge Veterans and traveling internationally to promote America. The Swing Sisters have performed with national and international acts such as Rosemary Clooney, The Ink Spots, Tex Beneke Orchestra, Connie Haines, The Shawn Rae Show, The Del Vikings, and have performed with Dick Clark as Master of Ceremonies for a Tribute to Bob Hope, just to name a few. The Swing Sisters' music themes of love, separation, homecoming and patriotism have a broad appeal to many audiences who find their brand of "feel great" songs and wonderful sweet harmonies unforgettable wherever they perform.

Shawn Rae and Wayne Dyer met a number of times to discuss the concept of Oneness and expanding Dr. Dyer's teachings internationally. This photograph was taken at Shawn's office during one of their meetings.

Wayne Dyer was an American self-help author and motivational speaker whose first book, Your Erroneous Zones (1976), became one of the best-selling books of all time with over 35 million copies sold, launching his career as a transformational voice in personal development. Over the following decades, he published 20 more best-selling books and produced numerous popular specials for PBS that introduced his teachings to millions of viewers. Known affectionately as the "father of motivation," Dyer began his career as a high school guidance counselor and college professor before leaving academia to share his message with wider audiences. In his book chapter "Cultivating a Sense of Purpose," he recommended practical strategies such as "Do something you have never done before" and "Make a point to talk to a stranger today." Wayne Dyer frequently emphasized the wisdom that "I am nothing," a cornerstone of his message about spiritual growth and humility that aligned with the Oneness philosophy he and Shawn discussed. His teaching style was marked by storytelling, humor, and an ability to make profound spiritual concepts accessible to everyday life, often drawing from sources as diverse as the Tao Te Ching, Rumi, and modern psychology to illustrate his points about living with intention and purpose.

Tony Orlando's brother came up to Shawn Rae right after the concert and told him that Tony would like to invite him backstage to see him. Shawn met Tony and his entire family at the backstage party after his concert. Tony and his family were extremely gracious and wonderful.

During their meeting, Tony's emotional response and reaction to meeting Shawn was captured by the assembled press and photographers as he demonstrated his immediate connection and affectionately touched Shawn's face and placed his own face beside Shawn's, struck by their remarkable resemblance. The photographs taken documented this touching moment and Shawn was made to feel like he was a long lost member of his loving American family.

Tony wrote this note to Shawn during their meeting: "You look like my brother, and you are from now on. Please read the Tony Orlando Story, a film for T.V. I'll let you know when they will be casting. You sure look like the Tony I was." -- Tony Orlando

Tony Orlando began his career at 16 when he auditioned for legendary music producer Don Kirshner, recording his first hits "Halfway to Paradise" and "Bless You" in 1961. His path to stardom took an unusual turn when he became general manager at Columbia Records, thinking his performing days were over, until a friend asked him to record a demo of "Candida" in 1970. The demo was so compelling it was released as is, launching the Dawn phenomenon. Orlando's signature hit "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" became the number one song of 1973 and evolved into an enduring American symbol of homecoming, particularly resonating during the Vietnam War era and later during the American hostage crisis. His variety show on CBS broke new ground as television's first multi-ethnic variety program, and Orlando became the first Latin American to host a network variety series. Known for his extraordinary generosity, he worked with the Muscular Dystrophy telethon for over 30 years and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for veterans and children's causes, earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment.

Mike Fuller stands as one of America's most accomplished sound engineers and mastering specialists, with a career spanning decades and encompassing nearly every genre imaginable. Fuller has brought his Grammy-caliber expertise to Shawn Rae's catalog of recordings, examples of which include his romance album A World of Romance, A Time to Fall in Love and the Christmas album A World Christmas, Love Knows No Borders, and now brings that same precision to Shawn's two new songs, "If I Ruled The World” (SHAWN RAE "WE" VERSION) and "Breakin' Out" for national and international release.

His extensive discography includes numerous Gold and Platinum records alongside Grammy award-winning projects, including the many iconic artists named below, that have shaped the listening experience for millions. Fuller's breakthrough came mastering Rod Stewart's smash hit "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," a project that opened doors to an extraordinary run of iconic recordings. His mastering touch has graced work by The Bee Gees, John Cougar, Julio Iglesias, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, and Dolly Parton. He brought sonic polish to the beloved "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack, one of the best-selling albums of all time.

His versatility extends seamlessly from these pop and rock classics to the heavy metal realm, where he's mastered recordings for Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, artists whose powerful sound requires exceptional technical precision. Fuller's contemporary work includes projects with Nonpoint, Yngwie Malmsteen, Skindred, Bury Your Dead, and Day of Fire, demonstrating his ability to adapt his craft to evolving musical landscapes.

What distinguishes Fuller's approach is his ability to understand each artist's sonic essence and enhance it through meticulous mastering techniques. This intuitive understanding, combined with technical mastery, has made him a highly sought-after professional whose work continues to provide fans with powerful, immersive listening experiences across generations and genres.

Shawn with Philip Michael Thomas discussing his new play "Sacha", a beautiful children's play that he has written with Sandy Morais. While Miami Vice brought Philip worldwide recognition, his portrayal of Stix in the beloved cult classic Sparkle (1976) holds a special place in cinema history. A talented musician and singer with his own recording studio, Philip struck Shawn as genuinely humble, demonstrating deep care for children and heartfelt concern for humanity's future.

Philip Michael Thomas studied religion and philosophy at Oakwood College in Alabama before launching his acting career in the Broadway production of "Hair" in the late 1960s. Beyond his iconic role as Detective Ricardo Tubbs on Miami Vice, Thomas is a passionate musician who released two albums, "Living the Book of My Life" (1985) and "Somebody" (1988), on his own Spaceship Records label distributed by Atlantic Records. He co-wrote the song "My, My, My Miami" with Kathy Rahill, which became the official city anthem of Miami in 1994. A devoted vegetarian and health enthusiast, Thomas has been deeply involved in charitable work including the Variety Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and veteran support organizations. He won the NAACP Image Award in both 1985 and 1986 for best performance by an actor in a dramatic miniseries or television movie. His musical "Sacha," co-created with Sandi Morais, has been produced multiple times and features music he composed, touching audiences with its inspiring and empowering message for children and families.

Shawn Rae with platinum recording artist and guitarist Edwin McCain, whose hit song "I'll Be" reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was voted one of the Greatest Love Songs of All Time by VH1. His second Top 40 hit, "I Could Not Ask For More," written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren, was featured in the film "Message In A Bottle." Both were invited to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Jimi Hendrix Experience Music Project for the Millennial Celebrations in Seattle, Washington. Five of McCain's albums have reached the Billboard 200, establishing him as one of the hardest working figures in popular music, performing over 300 shows annually.

Beyond his musical success, McCain has dedicated himself to charitable work, co-founding Greenville's premier food, wine, and music festival euphoria in 2006, which has awarded grant money to over 40 local charities. He also founded The America Street Foundation in Charleston to refurbish dilapidated houses for low-income families, and has spent over a decade raising money for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital, continuing the humanitarian legacy of his father who served with Doctors Without Borders.

Shawn was chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and Walt Disney/Epcot as one of the Top Ten speakers selected from throughout the United States of America for the prestigious conference on "American Ingenuity." This distinguished honor placed him among an elite group of thought leaders invited to address critical issues facing innovators and entrepreneurs across the nation.

The conference brought together leading minds in innovation, technology transfer, intellectual property, and commercialization to explore the landscape of American creativity and enterprise. Featured topics encompassed the full spectrum of innovation development, including strategies for securing funding and investment, navigating the complexities of intellectual property law and patent protection, and developing state-of-the-art innovations and technologies with global applications and impact.

Shawn shared insights drawn from his extensive experience bridging the worlds of innovation assessment, business development, legal practice, and international commerce. His presentation addressed the practical challenges innovators face in bringing breakthrough ideas to fruition, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the technical and human dimensions of transformative change.

The collaboration between the U.S. Department of Commerce, the USPTO, and Walt Disney/Epcot brought together innovators, investors, legal experts, and industry leaders from around the world. The event provided a unique platform for international dialogue and cross-cultural exchange, fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that transcends borders and uniting participants in the shared goal of translating visionary ideas into meaningful contributions that serve society and humanity worldwide.

Shawn was nominated and selected as one of only four judges in the United States appointed to evaluate, examine, and select innovations with the potential to make significant contributions to society and humanity as a whole. His election as a judge was made by the prestigious Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), recognizing his extensive knowledge and expertise spanning business development, innovation assessment, commercialization strategies, and technology transfers throughout the globe.

Among the distinguished panel of judges was Dr. Forrest M. Bird, the renowned inventor of the Bird Universal Medical Respirator. Dr. Bird's groundbreaking invention became the first highly reliable, low-cost, mass-produced medical respirator in the world, saving countless lives and making open-heart surgery and organ transplants possible. His later invention, the "Babybird" respirator for infants, reduced infant mortality due to respiratory problems from 70 percent to less than 10 percent. Dr. Bird received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush in 2008, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1995, and received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama in 2009.

The IPO represents some of the world's most influential corporations and innovation leaders, including such distinguished members as IBM, General Electric Company, AT&T, Dow Chemical Company, Coca-Cola, Motorola, General Motors, Eastman Kodak Company, and numerous other major corporate and multinational organizations at the forefront of technological advancement. Shawn's selection to this exclusive judging panel placed him among a small circle of experts trusted to identify and champion innovations capable of shaping the future and improving lives on a global scale.

This appointment reflected not only his technical acumen and business insight, but also a deeper understanding of how human creativity and vision can serve the greater good, a quality that would inform his explorations through the worlds of business innovation and entrepreneurship, jurisprudence and legal advocacy, technological advancement, olfactory innovation in perfumery, performing arts and artistic creation, humanitarian work, service, and outreach, and cross-cultural exchange and international collaboration, all in service of a more connected and compassionate world.