Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist Avery*Sunshine, celebrated for her soulful storytelling, and her husband, creative collaborator Dana Johnson, embody a powerful union of love, music, and shared ambition. Their journey together, marked by mutual passion and adventure, has taken them across the globe, touching the hearts of fans worldwide. In a candid conversation, the couple reflects on their beginnings, their travels, and the invaluable lessons that have shaped their lives and careers.
The Unforgettable First Encounter
Their story began in college, with Avery*Sunshine attending Spelman and Dana Johnson at Morehouse. Though Dana was older, their paths crossed through music. “She came by the studio,” Dana recalls, reminiscing about the early days of iTunes. Avery*Sunshine remembers the moment vividly: “He was showing me iTunes. I said, ‘So all these songs are in the same place?’ He said, ‘Yeah, you can play, I got all this music.’ We listened to music at the studio probably five hours. And I think we knew at that point it was something kind of special.”
This shared love for music, coupled with a special chemistry, marked the beginning of their unique bond. Their ability to spend hours immersed in music without conflict was a clear sign of their compatibility. “I don’t remember ever getting into an argument on the road. That’s how we knew we had something special — it was always easy to be around each other,” Avery*Sunshine shared.
Life as a Road Trip: Essentials for the Journey
Their early relationship involved extensive travel, often embarking on a “living room tour” where they performed in intimate settings like mom-and-pop record stores. The essentials for these journeys? “Great music, cameras to capture memories and a couple extra outfits,” Avery*Sunshine noted. Dana added, “Great music, great company and great conversations.” These experiences, filled with nostalgic music and deep conversations, solidified their connection.
As unofficial ambassadors for the Genesis luxury brand, they find the brand’s ethos aligns perfectly with their story. “The idea that luxury is available to everybody,” Avery*Sunshine explained, resonates with her personal journey. Dana appreciates the brand’s aesthetics and performance, noting, “The cars are good-looking, curvy, the stereo sounds amazing. When I drive, people notice.”
Living Answered Prayers: The Grammy Experience
Achieving a Grammy Award is described by the couple as “living answered prayers.” While the award itself is a dream, they emphasize that independence and the journey were key. “When we got nominated, we were in the room with pop stars and movie stars. Time stopped when Jimmy Jam said our name,” Dana recalled. Avery*Sunshine highlighted their preparation, focusing on the speech, family presence, and ensuring everything was in place, rather than solely on winning.
Being nominated alongside artists like Anderson .Paak, Durand Bernard, Childish Gambino, and Kehlani was a blessing in itself. The priceless moment of walking the stage with her husband and eldest child, who contributed to the project, was unforgettable. “The feeling — it was in slow motion,” Avery*Sunshine described.
Navigating the Road Together
Traveling the world together has been a significant part of their journey. Avery*Sunshine acknowledges the challenges of life on the road, noting the loneliness many touring musicians experience. “To have him with me doing this together, I think is honestly a cheat code. It keeps you out of a lot of trouble,” she said. Experiencing surreal moments, like opening for B.B. King at the Royal Albert Hall or meeting icons like Aretha Franklin and Ronnie Wood, has expanded their horizons and reinforced their belief in their shared capabilities.
Keys to a Lasting Marriage
When asked about the keys to a lasting marriage, Avery*Sunshine offered a sweet reminder: “Keep honey on your lips when you speak to your partner.” Dana added a crucial piece of advice from his friend Eric Roberson: “Stop keeping score.” He explained that holding onto grievances can build into insurmountable issues. For them, settling into the understanding that “this is my person” makes keeping score irrelevant. They emphasize that open communication and letting go after difficult conversations are vital.
Their song “Like This” holds a special place as it musically and lyrically tells their unique story, starting from a simple kiss. “I’m so glad that we crossed paths,” Avery*Sunshine shared, cherishing the memories of their first kiss and the many that followed.
Completing the sentence “Because we met…”, Avery*Sunshine stated, “I am happier. I am more fulfilled.” Dana added, “I am living a dream inside of her dream.” Their second marriage, built on a long history and a solid foundation, is a testament to finding the right partnership and getting it right.
What are your keys to a lasting partnership? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below!