Crawford Knows His Way With Ballads

Who says men have a problem expressing their emotions? Songwriter/producer Shep Crawford doesn't. As a result, Crawford's heartfelt ballads have made him one of the most sought-after writers in the industry today.

Crawford's first major success came as co-writer on Deborah Cox's record-breaking "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here."

"We always thought 'Nobody's Supposed To Be Here' was a great song, but we had no idea that it would do as well as it did," says Crawford, who co-wrote the song with Montell Jordan.

"For a long time we had a problem placing the song because a lot of people thought it was too gospel-influenced," Crawford says. "It wasn't until we took the song to [then Arista president] Clive Davis that it got placed. We never imagined that it would break the records it did, either. It was a true blessing what God did with that song."

The single went into the record books when it topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart for 14 weeks, becoming the longest-running No. 1 in R&B singles chart history. Crawford also scored another No. 1 with "We Can't Be Friends," which Cox recorded with R.L. of Next.

Anthony Schappell Crawford was born the seventh of eight children in South Central Los Angeles. His love of music began at Carver Missionary Baptist Church, where he and Jordan, then a childhood friend, began performing in the church together.

"We always said that whoever made it first would bring the other one in," says Crawford of Jordan.

Crawford was hesitant about doing R&B music. "I was only into gospel and the church," says Crawford. "So when Montell got his deal, he brought me on and I wrote 'Daddy's Home' for [Jordan's album] 'This Is How We Do It.' I never had any interest in performing. I prefer to be behind the scenes. I have been approached by people about a solo deal or joining certain groups, but I like to be the best at whatever I do. So I leave the singing up to the professionals."

Crawford credits the public's love of storytelling for his inspiration.

"America loves a good story," says Crawford, who is also inspired by relationships. "Whether its a story of heartbreak or a story of falling in love. We love a good story. That's how our parents used to put us to bed at night—by telling us stories."

That knack for storytelling has been particularly fruitful of late, as Crawford currently has four songs on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks: Whitney Houston and Cox's "Same Script, Different Cast," Sisqó's "Incomplete," Kelly Price's "As We Lay," and Lil' Mo's "Ta Da."

But Crawford isn't resting on his laurels. In addition to having penned tunes for upcoming albums by Boyz II Men, Tamia, and Tyrese, he is slated to work with Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige on upcoming projects. He hopes to one day work with Mariah Carey and R. Kelly, whom he considers his idol.

Crawford also wants to spread his creative wings, venturing into other musical genres as well as other areas of the music business.

"Somewhere down the line, I'd like to start a label, but that's not my focus right now," says Crawford, who is published by Rondor Music Publishing. "I have a few songs coming out soon. I would also like to get into more pop stuff. I would love to work with Christina Aguilera. I would also like to get into country, because there are a lot of great country artists and songwriters."