When David Sharpe began writing and performing children’s songs to keep his grandchildren entertained, the retired podiatrist with a passion for music never imagined it would turn into a second career, let alone lead to a Grammy Award nomination.
In 2012, with his The PapaHugs Band, Sharpe received a Best Children’s Album of the Year nod for their third compilation, “Are We There Yet?”. As an independent producer without a huge label to back them, the odds were even more stacked against capturing one of the five nominations in the category that drew 300 entries.
Then he did an online search when the nominations were announced.
“I saw my name. It was pretty shocking,” Sharpe recalls. “We were on the red carpet, the whole bit. It was one of the highlights of my life.”
Thanks to a partnership with public libraries across the state, Sharpe now shares his talents by bringing his Children’s Music Concert series to library venues throughout the year. In August, his Summer Music Tour comes to Scottsdale libraries, bringing interactive experiences complete with original upbeat songs, costumed characters, and gadgets that let kids participate in the fun. Every child is welcomed with a smile sticker they can affix to their shirt and receives a kazoo so they leave knowing how to play an instrument.
The free concerts run 45 to 60 minutes, and Sharpe and his wife, Laura, have perfected the art of keeping their young audience focused. Laura dons costumes and goes into the audience, passing out items that coincide with the songs, such as red clown noses, little earth globes, and bubble wrap, to name a few.
The theme of the tour is Sharpe’s new original tune, Let’s Go Play in the Desert. It’s performed as a singalong, with kids joining him onstage to help belt it out.
Sharpe grew up in Cleveland, where he met Laura, his high school sweetheart and now wife of 55 years. They moved to Northern California, where they resided for more than 40 years. He played guitar in high school and college and sang to his two daughters when they were young. But it wasn’t until after his grandchildren came along that Sharpe began writing his own tunes.
His nephew, a professional musician who is the lead drummer for the Jerry Garcia Band, suggested that Sharpe record his original songs. This led to the creation of The PapaHugs Band, consisting of five professional musicians. Sharpe and the band went on to record three successful children's albums.
Sharpe has become known as “PapaHugs” by his fans as a result of one of his first original songs, There Is Nothing Better Than a PapaHug.
Sharpe’s target audience provides inspiration and fodder. The popular I Want to Be a Robot arose from his granddaughter’s dream of being a robot, and his grandson’s passion for bubbles sparked I Like Bubbles.
“With children, the things they say and do, you pick up great ideas,” Sharpe says. “They may have crazy ideas, but they turn into great songs.”
Ten years ago, Sharpe retired from his 40-year career as a foot and ankle surgeon at the same time Laura retired from her registered nursing career. They moved to Arizona six years ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren. And now, the band has since dispersed, allowing for Sharpe to play acoustic performances.
Retirement gave the couple the opportunity to focus more on children’s music and traveling, performing for children coast to coast. However, he never expected it to become such a successful second career with this kind of traction or longevity.
And he’s loving every minute.
“Performing for children gives a great energy and it makes you feel great as a performer when I feel that energy coming from them,” Sharpe says. “What’s rewarding is being able to give children the opportunity to be part of live music and hopefully it will be memorable for them.”
Catch David Sharpe’s Summer Music Tour 2024 at Scottsdale libraries at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 7: Appaloosa Branch; 10:30 a.m., Aug. 10: Civic Center Branch; 10:30 a.m., Aug. 15: Mustang Branch; 10:30 a.m., Aug. 20: Arabian Branch.