Shandri

Biography

Shandi Sinnamon, born Shandra Sinnamon in 1954 to a Huguenot family in Miami, Florida, dropped out of high school and moved to Big Sur, California, pursuing her dream of becoming a singer and songwriter. After a bicycle accident prompted her return to Florida for recovery, she studied music and drama at a community college. While performing at a local restaurant, a disc jockey discovered her talent and connected her with Elektra/Asylum Records, leading to her debut album Shandi Sinnamon in 1976.

In Los Angeles, producer Mike Chapman signed her to Dreamland Records, releasing her second album Shandi in 1980, which he produced under the alias Commander Chapman. She gained prominence writing and performing songs for films and TV, including 'He's a Dream' for Flashdance (1983, earning a Grammy for the soundtrack), 'Tough Love' for The Karate Kid, 'Fight To Survive' for Bloodsport, and the theme for Charles in Charge (1984-1987). Her name inspired KISS's song 'Shandi' (1980). Tracks like 'Making It' became hits in Japan, and she contributed to Sailor Moon.

Sinnamon worked as a background vocalist for artists including Todd Rundgren, Bernadette Peters, Hoyt Axton, and Johnny Halliday. She now resides in Eugene, Oregon, continuing her career in music for media.

Fun Facts

• Her name inspired the KISS song 'Shandi' from their 1980 album Unmasked.
• She won a Grammy Award for her song 'He's a Dream' on the Flashdance soundtrack.
• After a bicycle accident in Big Sur, she returned to Florida and was discovered singing in a local restaurant.
• She performed the theme song for the TV series Charles in Charge (1984-1987) and contributed to Japanese hits like 'Making It' and Sailor Moon track 'Only A Memory Away'.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Mike Chapman - Producer who signed and produced her second album (Shandi (1980 album)) [1978-1980]
• Todd Rundgren - Background singer (Various recordings) [1980s]
• Bernadette Peters - Background singer (Various recordings) [1980s]
• Hoyt Axton - Background singer (Various recordings) [1980s]
• Johnny Halliday - Background singer (Various recordings) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• KISS - Her name directly inspired their song title (Shandi (single from Unmasked album)) [1980]

External Links

• Spotify