Biography
Anthony Hamilton and Sunshine Anderson are individual R&B artists who share a notable musical connection through their collaboration on the 2001 duet 'Last Night,' featured on Anderson's debut album Your Woman and Hamilton's compilation Soulife. Sunshine Anderson emerged in the early 2000s, managed by Macy Gray and signed to Soulife Records, the same early label home for Hamilton. Her breakout single 'Heard It All Before' reached #3 on the R&B charts, propelling Your Woman to gold status, while tracks like 'Lunch Or Dinner' showcased her earnest lyrics and laid-back grooves[1]. Anthony Hamilton, starting his career in church choirs at age 10, moved to New York in 1993 and signed with Andre Harrell's Uptown Records, later writing songs for artists including Anderson during his development phase[3][4].
Anderson's career continued with a sophomore album Sunshine At Midnight in 2007 under Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment, featuring singles like 'Something I Wanna Give You,' though it did not replicate her debut success, leading her to step back as a married mother[1]. Hamilton gained wider recognition post-collaboration, building on his songwriting for Anderson and others like Donell Jones, transitioning from background work to his own acclaimed soulful R&B solo career[3][5]. Their joint work highlights a shared soulful R&B style rooted in emotional, relationship-driven narratives.
A documentary titled Unfinished Business explores Anderson's story, featuring Hamilton among others, underscoring their lasting professional tie in the R&B scene[2]. While neither achieved blockbuster longevity, their early 2000s output remains influential in soul and R&B circles.
Fun Facts
- Soulife Records served as the early label for both Anthony Hamilton and Sunshine Anderson in the early 2000s[1].
- 'Last Night' featuring Anthony Hamilton appeared on both Sunshine Anderson's Your Woman and Hamilton's Soulife compilation[6].
- Sunshine Anderson's debut single 'Heard It All Before' was inescapable in 2001, topping R&B charts at #3 and driving her album to gold[1].
- A documentary Unfinished Business on Sunshine Anderson stars Anthony Hamilton alongside her family and associates[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Macy Gray - Manager for Sunshine Anderson (Debut album Your Woman) [early 2000s]
- Andre Harrell - Signed Anthony Hamilton to Uptown Records (Early career development) [1993]
Key Collaborators
- Anthony Hamilton - Duet partner and songwriter for Sunshine Anderson ('Last Night' on Your Woman and Soulife) [2001]
- Sunshine Anderson - Songwriting and feature recipient for Anthony Hamilton ('Last Night' on Soulife) [2001]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Anthony Hamilton & Sunshine Anderson has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 01:39 | Last Nightfrom Soulife | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Oct 27, 2025 | 22:29 | Cornbread Fish and Collard Greens | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 22:16 | Heard It All Before | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |