For most middle school students, a typical day consists of going to school, playing organized sports, chores, homework and playing video games. One young man does most of those things while balancing a promising singing career. Meet 12-year old seventh grader Camren Anthony Sherman, better known by his stage name: Cam Anthony.
With almost 400,000 views on his YouTube channel, Cam Anthony has wowed the internet with his crisp soulful sound that’s advanced way beyond his years. According to Cam’s manager, the Philadelphia native has been getting contract offers from L.A. Reid and Dr. Dre for his potential on the mic.
So what’s it like to be a growing celebrity?
“Honestly I can’t wait,” Cam Anthony told The Source by phone. “I got a little taste of it just from performing and I think it was great. So I’m just going to continue to keep doing it.”
He began singing at four years old and while growing up in church, he sang in the church choir. According to his mother Melissa Sherman, he wasn’t shy at all. “He never had a problem getting up there and singing in front of people,” Sherman told The Source.
The church foundation built his confidence. He got his first big break doing commercials for Folgers Coffee. His voice made the working world bypass the alarm clock snooze button at 6AM and embrace the crooning of Cam’s ‘Best part of waking up‘ harmony.
Fast forward to 2014, his YouTube rendition of Boys II Men’s It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye made ya forget who Nathan, Wanya and Shawn were for only about two seconds! Not to worry though—Cam, like Boys II Men represent Philly! The clean sound that you hear from Cam’s voice is a throwback that pays homage to the soulful sound from that city.
One YouTuber commented on Cam’s version of the song stating: “Your voice I can listen to all day. This is what music is truly about. The love the passion and they joy. I can tell u really enjoy the music. You are truly blessed.”
Cam credits Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke, Patti LaBelle Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and the late Whitney Houston as musical influences. He’s drawn comparisons to a young Michael Jackson during his Jackson 5 days. Cam is simultaneously gracious, humble and hesitant to accept that comparison to the late King of Pop. “I don’t know,” he said. “Michael Jackson is a legend. He’s one of the greatest. I can’t really say much about that.”
Being a new kid on the block, has it’s perks. Cam recently got the chance to meet one of his singing idols Patti LaBelle after her recent concert. He was beyond elated with the opportunity. “She was awesome,” he said.
“She’s one of the greatest singers ever. It’s crazy how she can start from a low note and hit the highest thing ever. She’s the greatest.”
When he’s not flying on airplanes, in the studio recording or doing phone interviews with reporters, he’s enjoying the most important part of his life right now: Being a kid! “When it’s time to be ready, I’m serious,” he said. “When I’m in school I keep my grades up.”
His mother gives her son the co-sign: “He’s handling it,” she said.
Make sure to check out Cam Anthony’s YouTube channel by visiting www.youtube.com/TheRealCamAnthony and follow him on Twitter @CAMANTHONY
-Brandon Robinson ( @Scoop B )
