A nurse turned singer finds music is good medicine for the soul.

Sandee June is a lifelong Texan who calls Santa Fe home. She is proud to call herself a Texas country singer, but more importantly, she loves the titles of Christian, mom, and grandmother. This talented Texan hopes she is leading by example as she pursues a career on stage and in the recording studio – and she challenges others to chase their dreams!

Tell us how you got started playing music. We understand music was not your first career.

That’s correct! I have been a registered nurse for 26 years. My background is in cardiothoracic nursing, recovery room, and preoperative nursing. I knew from the age of six I wanted to be a nurse. I loved my school nurse, Mrs. Montgomery, and would watch her so closely. I wasn’t one to go to the nurse’s office much, but when I did go, she was heaven! I knew I wanted to make other people feel the way she made me feel when caring for them. I love taking care of others. I know I chose the right career and have no regrets. 

But, when I turned 50, I decided it was time to do something for myself. My children were grown and gone and working on giving me lots of grandchildren. Growing up, my mom always told me, “Don’t die with your music still inside,” which meant anything in life…anything I wanted to do or change. My Dad always told me, “Never stop learning something new.” So, I decided to buy myself a guitar because I always wanted to learn to play. I taught myself to play on YouTube, and shortly after, I decided I wanted to sing – so I started going to open mic nights. I released my first single in 2020 during COVID, and it went to Number 31 on the Texas Country Music Chart. I was hooked from then on!

As you were learning to play guitar – is that when you discovered you could sing, or did you have prior experience singing?

I did not have any prior experience singing other than in the car or shower. I was never in choir or anything. I also got back on YouTube and found some vocal training videos and started practicing. Your vocal cords are muscles, and they can be trained. It helped to have a natural ear for sound, I guess, but it was all self-taught.

Was jumping into music a hard step to take?

The hardest step for me to take was peeling myself away from my family. I look at the story of Loretta Lynn and others who made painful sacrifices taking so much time away from their families, and this has been hard for me. I don’t want to miss a thing when it comes to my grown children and grandchildren. I love that I am able to not work full-time as a registered nurse anymore and be home with my family. At least with music, I can choose the time away from my family.

How did you get your cool, classic country sound?

I think my sound is unique because I grew up listening to music all day! There was never a time that my parents or grandparents didn’t have music playing in their homes. My parents loved James Taylor, Michael Martin Murphy, Cat Stevens, Etta James, Elton John, and Kris Kristofferson… just to name a few. Then my grandparents were always listening to Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. Listening to such a diverse group of amazing musicians really impacted my ability to cross over and sing classic country and classic rock. This music was embedded in every fiber of my DNA. It really did help create “my” sound.

What artists inspire you today?

Lainey Wilson. She reminds me so much of my younger self – a hippie soul with country roots! That is how I would describe myself. As a matter of fact, five years ago when I was online creating my publishing company, I had to select three names in case one or all were already taken. Well, guess which one survived and made the cut? “Hipneck Publishing.” I laughed because I listed that name as a joke describing my roots, but God knew what he was doing. He knew that was for me. 

How do you decide what songs to record?

A song has to resonate with me. It has to touch me deep down to my soul. I have to feel it. My new song, “Whiskey Us Away,” was written by Kris Rogge Fisher of Cypress, Texas. She had sent me several songs over the past year, then she sent me this song. The minute I heard it, the first 10 seconds of the song, I loved it! The lyrics are relatable for so many people. The feel and flow of the song was just right. I ran to the studio with it!

What is your favorite part about the music industry?

My favorite part about the music industry is probably listening to the finished product of all the hard work that went into practicing and recording a song. It takes so much time, money, and endless editing to finalize a product, and it sure is rewarding when it is done. I also love the feedback from fans and family who have encouraged me along the way. I never thought I would be doing this at my age, but you just never know what God has in store for you.

Where are some of your favorite places to play or types of shows to do?

Honestly, my favorite places to play are at private charity events. I love giving back to the community for people in need. There are bars and clubs on every corner, but I would rather see people spend money to help save a life. I do a lot more private events than touring. I sing at a place called Marais in Dickinson, Texas, and that is another place like home for me. I am certainly open to lots of places, but I really enjoy private events. 

You recently performed at the Hatching for Health Charity Ball in Houston. What a cool event! And, what a costume!

I was asked to sing for the Hatching for Health Charity Ball benefiting “Heartgift,” an organization that raises money so children all over the world can receive heart surgeries. It was such a beautiful and magical night! My costume was handmade by a very good friend and amazingly talented photographer, Lacy Dagerath. She has got to be one of the most talented people I have ever met! She drew my wings, cut them out of metal, and used 450 fiber optic lights! They were truly magical, and they definitely turned heads!

This year you were a finalist for the TRRR Future Faces Showcase. What did that mean to you, and what was it like performing at Texas Live in Arlington for this event?

 I was shocked when I got the call as one of the selections for the Future Faces of Texas Country Music! I felt honored, nervous, and excited! There are so many talented artists, it was just so surreal to be standing up there like I belonged. I worked very hard the past five years and have come a long way in a very short time – so I know God called me to be in this position. One of the most important things to me that I am doing is setting an example for my grown children and grandchildren, showing them you are never too old, nor it is ever too late to do something in life that you have always wanted to do. I hope they find inspiration in seeing what I have done!

Tell us about your family.

I have four children–Kara is 38, James is 34, John is 32 and Jase is 30. They have given me 12 grandchildren! My daughter has given me the most (6)! She makes it look so easy, but I can tell you it is no easy job! Ed, my fiancé, has three children and six grandchildren. Together, we have 18 grandchildren! There is never a dull moment, and my door is revolving with family! When our kids were young, we had a family name for us all. My last name is Evans and his is Bradley, so we called ourselves the “Bravens,” like the Brady Bunch We wouldn’t have it any other way, though! They are our life!

What other things or values are important to you?

God is number 1 for me! I do not like to miss church! It is what recharges my spirit and makes me happy. It gives me hope for a lot of the sadness we see today. Next to God, honesty and integrity are very important to me. And lastly, I would say taking care of the body God gave you. There are so many bad nutritional habits and ingredients – we really need to be our own advocates of our health. I am always looking for ways to improve my health.

The holidays are upon us! What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

My favorite thing about Christmas is remembering what Christmas is all about – Jesus Christ. It is a time of giving, baking and being with the ones we love. I love seeing people in the community coming together this time of year to help others. My favorite Christmas tradition is being in the kitchen baking with my grandchildren. I love making these memories with them. I love spending quality time with one at a time and lighting the fireplace and just talking about life!

Is there anything about you that people are always surprised to learn?

People are always surprised to learn that I also sew, quilt, and crochet! I love creating and making things! I love giving handmade gifts, although music has taken time away from that some. I also can write backwards in cursive; it’s a silly thing, but people are surprised when I tell them and show them!

What are your personal and music goals for 2024?

My personal goal for 2024 is to get my legs in shape (laughs)… it is harder to grow muscle the older we get, but I will be working on this! I want some Carrie Underwood legs (laughs). My music goal for 2024 is to write a No. 1 song or at least a top 10! I also will be working on another album!

To learn more about Sandee June, visit www.sandeejunemusic.com.