New Anthology Series by Sheree Brown and Douglass Johnson Amplifies Voices of Resilience, Hope, and Healing
Los Angeles, CA – 7th July, 2025 — Celebrated singer-songwriter Sheree Brown and her husband the ‘Dancin’ Deacon’ Douglass Johnson mark a new chapter in storytelling and healing with the launch of their powerful trilogy of anthologies. The first two titles—Messages From The Heart and Messages From The Spirit are now available for digital download at www.shereebrownmusic.com. A third volume, Messages From The Soul, featuring personal testimonies from men, will be released this autumn.
This deeply personal and courageous series gathers real stories from people of all ages and walks of life, addressing the often-silenced battles against adversity, with a focus on mental health, identity, and healing through faith and creativity.
“I wanted to show that we’re not alone in our struggles to exist,” says Brown. “If we can share our stories, we can offer hope to someone who’s struggling in silence—especially in the communities during these pivotal times.”
The first volume, Messages From The Heart, draws inspiration from Brown’s own young adult years and includes a music CD from her acclaimed album Messages From The Spirit...The Collective, which featured the UK Soul Chart #1 hit, “Take A Walk With Love.” This edition focuses on stories from young adult women, exploring themes such as mental health, loneliness, self-worth, and suicide. It also includes practical tools and resources to support emotional recovery.
Accompanied by striking artwork from renowned artist Charles Bibbs, the project combines music, theatre, art, and storytelling as powerful instruments of emotional healing and self-expression.
The upcoming third volume, Messages From The Soul, shifts focus to men’s mental health—an area still plagued by stigma and silence. With men accounting for 75–80% of suicides in the U.S., yet only 30% of those accessing mental health services, this edition aims to confront the cultural barriers that prevent many men from seeking support. As one recent study notes:
“One in 10 men will experience anxiety and depression, yet less than half will receive treatment." (Harvard Gazette)
“Mental health stigma prevents many individuals from receiving appropriate care ... mental health tends to be overlooked in men.” (arXiv.org)
In Brown’s words, “We’re all mentors and mentees in life. You never know when your story becomes someone else’s lifeline. These books were created to spark that connection—and healing.”
For more information or to download the anthologies, visit: www.shereebrownmusic.com and deacondougministry.com.
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COMING SOON ...
The original "Messages From The Spirit…The Collective" album was released on Expansion Records (UK) in 2020, preceding the anthology that inspired the music. This project was a true labor of love and produced the #1 single “Take A Walk With Love” on the UK Soul Charts. (This is the second installment in the "Messages" trilogy.)
Then came COVID-19, and we were unable to officially launch the accompanying book, "Messages From The Spirit".
Today, I’m thrilled to present this special vinyl edition to celebrate life, reconnect with some of my personal favorites from the original album, and highlight guest artists featured on Side Two. Additionally, this vinyl release spotlights one of my favorite songs from the first album in the trilogy, "Messages From The Heart…An Extension of Love", also released on Expansion Records, accompanied by its own anthology.
This album also previews a track from the upcoming "Messages From The Soul" album, the final chapter in the trilogy, with music inspired by a new anthology of the same name, edited by my husband Douglass R. Johnson Sr. Like the previous books, it shares powerful stories of overcoming life’s challenges, with the music dedicated to those journeys.
“I Choose Love (Jon Redwine Remix)” is a reimagining of the original song, co-written by myself and Patrice Rushen. This remix will be released separately as a single by Jon Redwine, known for his work on Tinashe’s 2014 platinum hit “2 On” and his leadership at RedSound Music Group. Collaborating with Jon—a talented musician, songwriter, and producer who’s worked with artists like Zendaya and Chris Brown—was an absolute joy.
While we may still carry some scars from the trauma of the pandemic, music has the power to heal. This album is my gift to you—and to myself—as I continue to choose love.
Thank you mom, I miss you ….
Sheree