Time Jumper & Legendary Vocalist Dawn Sears Dies at 53
Astounding and acclaimed country music vocalist Dawn Sears, known for being one of the members of the Western Swing outfit The Time Jumpers, a frequent collaborator and backup singer for fellow Time Jumper Vince Gill, and a noted solo artist releasing multiple albums on her own, died of lung Cancer on Thursday, December 11th. She was 53-years-old.
Sears was originally diagnosed with the disease in February of 2012, and in March of 2013, it was announced the lung Cancer had reached the 3B stage. Dawn fought the disease valiantly, while also participating in fundraising events to help find a cure for the disease. Just two weeks ago, Dawn Sears participated in a fundraiser held in her name in Gallatin, TN that raised over $100,000 for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The event was headlined by Reba McEntire.
Dawn Sears, originally from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, became as a major label artist for Warner Bros. in 1990 after spending her early years touring the West and Midwest as a young adult. Her debut album, 1991’s What A Woman Wants to Hear had some minor success, but Sears decided to leave the country scene afterwards. This was when Vince Gill called up the accomplished vocalist and asked her to become a backup singer for him. Sears collaborated with Gill on his 1993 album I Still Believe In You and other Vince Gill projects, and signed with Decca Records and released Nothin’ But Good in 1994. Sears remained a fixture in Vince Gill’s touring band over the years, and also worked with Tracy Byrd, Patty Loveless, and many others.
Sears was experiencing a resurgence in her career lately, playing shows with The Time Jumpers reunited with Vince Gill, and she received an Ameripolitan Award for Western Swing Female in February of 2014. Sears performed at Dale Watson’s event with her head free of hair from the chemotherapy. “This is my very first award. Thank you,” Sears said while becoming very emotional. Dawn had also recently released a Christmas album.
Dawn Sears is survived by her husband and fellow Time Jumper Kenny Sears and their daughter Tess. “It wasn’t music that brought me to Nashville [in 1987],” Dawn said, “It was Kenny Sears.”
Funeral arrangements for Dawn Sears are pending.
December 12, 2014 @ 12:50 pm
Damn, that’s sad news. She was a great singer. Last saw her this year with The Time Jumpers during the CMA festival. She sang a breathtaking version of “Night Life” – it was the musical highlight of the week.
What a voice!
December 12, 2014 @ 1:09 pm
RIP Dawn. 🙁
December 12, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
Her singing brought me a lot of joy. She will be missed.
December 12, 2014 @ 2:34 pm
RIP Dawn, your voice was a gift
December 12, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
beautiful tune,/singing,/ playing, wow.
December 12, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
Major loss for traditional country music today. RIP.
December 12, 2014 @ 8:19 pm
I was one of the lucky ones who got to hear her sing live when I saw her with The Time Jumpers just before her diagnosis. I was hoping she’d be able to beat it. Cancer sucks. 🙁
December 13, 2014 @ 12:57 am
Dawn Sears was the real deal . She had a voice that just made you feel good and ALWAYS served the song ….not herself . So young ….so sad .
December 13, 2014 @ 3:45 am
I had the pleasure of seeing dawn on their last show at station inn.. when I went back a couple of years later it was to sing with the Timejumpers, alas dawn was on tour with Vince.. A beautiful lady with a large heart and a talent that was god given. Kenny and Dawn were a dynamic couple , and it will be a sad time for Kenny, Tess, Band and friends. Tonight dawn watches over us , and sings with no pain.. RIP Dawn.. only for a little while
December 13, 2014 @ 7:08 am
Fuck cancer all the way to the 9th level of hell
December 13, 2014 @ 10:17 am
Joe Diffie mentioned Dawn Sears on the Grand Ole Opry last night and Eddie Stubbs also talked about her, played some of her music, and dedicated a gospel song to her on his radio show. One song Eddie played was a cover by the Time Jumpers of the Mickey Newbury song “Sweet Memories,” which was really beautiful. I believe someone requested it.
Unfortunately, I had never listened to much of Dawn Sears or the Time Jumpers’ music until now, but I have enjoyed hearing it. She really had a powerful and passionate voice.
It’s clear to me from the outpouring of grief over Mrs. Sears’ passing that she touched a lot of people’s lives.
December 14, 2014 @ 9:45 am
RIP Dawn… voice like an angel is now with the Angels.
December 14, 2014 @ 3:34 pm
Dawn Sears was incredible. In a just world, The Time Jumpers and Dawn would have been household names years ago. I was saddened by the news of her diagnosis and even more saddened when I read that she had lost her battle.