Shōta Shimizu

Shōta Shimizu (清水 翔太, Shimizu Shōta, born 27 February 1989) is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter from Yao, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, who made his debut in 2008. On June 1, 2008, Shimizu performed at Central Park during the annual Japan Day Festival. Shota Shimizu went to a local Christian school in Osaka where he learned how to sing gospel music. He became captivated with soul music, which is how his music career started. He was inspired by Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Ray Charles. Before his debut, in November 2007, Shota sang in English on amateur night at the Apollo Theater. He was called a one in a million soul singer by a local newspaper in New York. The second time he performed at the Apollo Theater was November 19,...