Sharay Reed

**Sharay Reed** is a Chicago-born bass virtuoso and music educator whose groove-heavy fingerprints can be found all over modern R&B, gospel, and jazz. Known for his buttery-smooth basslines and genre-hopping versatility, he’s been the secret weapon behind icons like Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, and Elton John, while also lighting up stages with gospel greats like Donald Lawrence. A fixture in Chicago’s music scene, Reed blends gospel soulfulness with jazz improvisation, showcased in projects like *Chicago Gospel Musician Jam (Live)* and the funky, playful *The Unified States of Unk*. When he’s not holding down the low end, he’s mentoring the next generation of bassists, proving that for Reed, music is equal parts passion and purpose.