written by Don Dubose & Joseph Richards

“Nobody Knows” is a wonderful ballad that was released by r&b singer Tony Rich on his 1996 debut album “Words.” This song became a worldwide pop/r&b hit and sold over one million copies in the US alone. Later that year, “Nobody Knows” also triumphed on the country charts by reaching #1 for four weeks with a beautiful cover by the late, talented singer Kevin Sharp. “Nobody Knows” belongs to the elite of catchy songs that were recorded for a specific music genre yet crossed over with great success to another music style with perfectly crafted renditions by different singers.

It takes a skilled ear to discover the crossover power of a song and David Foster is second to none in that department. Foster produced some textbook examples including All-4-One’s take on “I Swear,” originally a hit for country artist John Michael Montgomery and a take on the late Gerald Levert’s r&b cover of “I’d Give Anything,” a country hit for Boy Howdy.

David Foster was instrumental in bringing “Nobody Knows” to Kevin Sharp’s attention. Sharp met Foster through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Canadian super-producer, obviously very impressed by the young singer’s talent, helped Sharp find a record deal with Asylum Records. The end of 1996 saw the release of Sharp’s debut cd, “Measure Of A Man.” That album took the country music world by the storm, became a top five hit and was certified gold in both the US and Canada. “Measure Of A Man” spawned three top five country hit singles. “Nobody Knows” was the first single and quickly became Sharp’s signature song. That song and the entire album were produced by Chris Farren, one of country’s top music-makers. Farren brought a special urban country feel to the plate that often borders with the best adult contemporary material. Foster played some keyboards on “Nobody Knows,” but he also kept an eye on the whole recording process. Foster went on to produce tracks for “Love Is,” Sharp’s sophomore release.

Kevin Sharp’s melodic approach on “Nobody Knows” adds emotional power to the bittersweet lyrics. His vocal performance was a show-stopper and stands out as the best testament of his superior talent. Sadly, Sharp died earlier this year at the young age of 43. Please take a listen to this gorgeous song to once again enjoy his crystal clear voice and celebrate his gift of song.

Rest in peace.

Listen

Lead Vocals: Kevin Sharp
Bass: Joe Chemay
Drums: Paul Leim
Fiddle: Larry Franklin
Keyboards: John Hobbs
Additional Keyboards: Chris Farren & David Foster
Acoustic Guitar: Biff Watson
Electric Guitar: Dan Huff
Steel Guitar: Paul Franklin

Produced by Chris Farren

Lyrics

I pretend that I’m glad you went away
These four walls close in more every day
And I’m dyin’ inside
And nobody knows it but me

Like a clown I put on a show
The pain is real, even if nobody knows
And I’m cryin’ inside
And nobody knows it but me

Why didn’t I say
The things I needed to say
How could I let my angel get away
Now my world is just a tumblin’ down
I can see it so clearly
But you’re nowhere around

The nights are lonely, the days are so sad and
I just keep thinkin’ about the love that we had
And I’m missin’ you
And nobody knows it but me

(Music, hmm… Noone knows)

I carry a smile
When I’m broken in two
And I’m nobody
Without someone like you
I’m tremblin’ inside
And nobody knows it but me

I Lie awake
It’s a quarter past 3
I’m screamin’ at night
If I thought you’d hear me
Yeah, my heart is calling you
And nobody knows it but me

How blue can I get, you could ask my heart
Just like a jigsaw puzzle it’s been torn all apart
A million words couldn’t say
Just how I feel
A million years from now you know
I’ll be lovin’ you still

The nights are lonely, the days are so sad and
I just keep thinkin’ about the love that we had
And I’m missing you
And nobody knows it but me

(nobody)

Tomorrow morning
I’mma hit the dusty road gonna find you wherever,
Ever you might go
And I’m gonna let go of my heart
And hope you come back today

Nights are lonely, the days are so sad
(No one knows)
And I just keep thinkin’ about the love that we had
(Nobody knows)
And I’m missing you and nobody knows it but me

The nights are lonely, the days are so sad and
And I just keep thinkin’ about the love that we had
And I’m missing you and nobody knows it but me

While seriously ill with bone cancer, country/pop singer Kevin Sharp met David Foster through the Make A Wish Foundation. Through those hard times Foster became very close to the young performer. When Sharp went into remission, Foster secured him a record deal that resulted in his 1996 debut record, “Measure Of A Man.” That album was a platinum smash success that included the big hit “Nobody Knows,” a tender country/pop cover of the R&B hit by Tony Rich Project. Foster suggested the song to Sharp and strongly supported the singer throughout the project even though he didn’t produce anything on “Measure Of A Man.” Foster said he felt Sharp needed a producer like Chris Farren to make a great first country record.

In 1998 Sharp went back into the studio with Farren to record “Love Is,” the follow-up to “Measure Of A Man.” Foster was involved once again, this time producing three tracks on the album. Foster co-produced the country-tinged ballad “I’m Trying” with Farren and Tony Brown. He also produced a couple of other good numbers, “What Other Man” and “Her Heart Is Only Human.” Both songs are perfectly crafted pop/adult contemporary ballads co-written by heavyweight mainstream songwriters Linda Thompson and Steve Dorff. Throw in the cream of Nashville session guys like Paul Leim and former Toto bassist David Hungate and you have songs that are bound to make an impact. The production is based on a well-dosed mix of country instrumentation with an elegant pop arrangement. Sharp sings beautifully on every cut of “Love Is.” His performances obviously reflect his country roots but with a strong pop sensibility enhanced by Foster’s presence and inspiration.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/her_heart_is_only_human.mp3|titles=Her heart is only human|artists=Kevin Sharp]

Lead Vocal: Kevin Sharp
Drums – Paul Leim
Bass – David Hungate
Electric Guitar – Brent Rown
Acoustic guitar – Marc Casstevens
Piano – Matt Rollings
Steel Guitar – Dan Dugmore
Fiddle – Bob Hajacos
Background Vocals – Tim Buppert, Dennis Wilson
Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

She’s one in a million, I’ve heard that a million times
The odds were less that even she’d be mine
How many times does a dream come true, come into your life?
I can’t believe the way she makes me feel
I have to pinch myself to know it’s real
A touch so soft
A smile so sweet
She’s so much like an angel, she’s heavenly
She’s as perfect, as anyone can be
But her heart is only human
Guess that’s why she’s loving me
She could have had anyone she wanted, but still she wanted me
I do my best to give her what she needs
I thank my lucky stars above that I’m the one she loves
So many men will never find their way
To what I wake up looking forward to each day
A touch so soft
A smile so sweet
She’s so much like an angel, she’s heavenly
She’s as perfect, as anyone can be
But her heart is only human
Guess that’s why she’s loving me
God never made a more down to earth girl
But the love she gives me takes me right out of this world
Oh she’s as perfect, as anyone can be
But her heart is only human
Guess that’s why she’s loving me
But her heart is only human
I guess that’s why she’s loving me