Doc Shaw was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He began his singing career early on in life at around age five, providing the entertainment every Saturday night in his dad’s barber shop. Doc would sing and do impressions of famous singers to those in his audience. Upon completion of high school at Booker T. Washington in Tulsa, Doc went to Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina where he majored in music. He joined with John Pressley and Ricky Cooper to form the singing group Just One Bad Show (JOBS). They performed on campus as well as in surrounding states at various events and venues. They also worked with several big names such as Rick James and Marvin Gaye, who became Doc’s mentor.

After graduating from college, Doc returned to his hometown and formed the group T’Spoon. The group performed locally while opening for major artists such as the GAP Band, SOS, and others. T’Spoon created an album during their four years together that produced a hit single titled “Sweetness” that made it to the charts.

Doc relocated to San Francisco where he created his first solo CD. He worked with members of Carlos Santana’s band, Felton Pilate of ConFunkShun, as well as with Ray Miles, the songwriter for The Whispers.

Having a great desire to continue working in music, Doc moved to New York City to pursue a record deal. He was a singer-for-hire as well as a musician-for-hire and worked in the studio in the evenings with various artists. During the day, he taught at McDonough Street Head Start in Brooklyn, New York.

Leaving New York, Doc then settled in Atlanta, Georgia to continue working in the music business. He served as lead singer for another band. He did studio work for other artists and performed commercial jingles.

Because his heart was in his hometown, Doc returned to Tulsa where he formed the band “Legend.” During this time, Doc was working on continuing his education and later received his Master’s Degree in Human Relations from Oklahoma University. It was while pursuing his Master’s that Doc founded his non-profit organization, A Pocket Full Of Hope®, where he works with youth ages 7 – 19 through music, theatre, dance, video and photography. Having developed a love for learning, Doc went even further to receive his Doctorate of Occupational Adult Education from Oklahoma State University in 2004. His love of music and love of learning has allowed the participants in his organization to thrive and grow as performers as well as excel educationally. The organization has a 100% high school graduation rate!

Doc Shaw continues to work diligently in his community, and serves as a well-respected role model in the non-profit sector as well as in the music business. He has won many awards for his contributions to the city in which he lives. His works have spanned decades and his music has touched the lives of generations. His latest compilation, “My Life”, is a collector’s edition comprised of songs that will stand the test of time as he shares his love of music through his amazing voice.