Anderson, Sammy Louis "Shake"

Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Sammy Anderson is a bassist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has worked with Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, The Indigo Girls, Crystal Lewis, New Breed, and many others.

As a songwriter, he was signed to Warner Brothers/Chappel for six years. His musical work with movies includes Dr. DooLittle, Boys on the Side, and Austin Powers. He has performed on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, and Superbowl XXXVII.

Anderson thought that his career had come to an end in 2004 when he was told that he was dying: gastroesophageal reflux disease had caused his esophagus to detach from his stomach, and one of his lungs deflated. After more than nine months in the hospital, Anderson overcame the odds and recovered.

His album Stories from Sammy Louis is his tribute to another chance in life. The album was recorded at the St. Claire Studio in Lexington, KY.

This entry was submitted by Michael L. Meeks. For more see the Shake Anderson website; and J. L. Puckett, "Friends of 'Shake' Anderson to unite for benefit," Courier-Journal, 9/03/2004, Weekend Extra section, p. 12W.