For the past decade, Sheryl Aronson has been a trusted voice at Agenda Magazine, known for her insightful interviews and her popular column, Arting Around, which delves into the lives of artists from all creative spheres. But now, Sheryl is stepping into a new chapter of her career as she transitions from documenting the arts to becoming a part of the entertainment world herself—this time as a songwriter. Her debut single, “On the Road to Your Heart”, made its premiere at her 70th birthday celebration, marking her official move from behind the scenes to center stage.
In this exclusive interview with Agenda Magazine, Sheryl shares the inspiration behind her song, the collaborative process with top musicians, and how her background as a psychotherapist has influenced her songwriting.
AGENDA: You’ve been a journalist for Agenda Magazine for 10 years, and your column Arting Around is popular among readers. Now, you’re stepping into the realm of entertainment as a songwriter. What inspired you to compose “On the Road to Your Heart”?
Sheryl Aronson: Writing Arting Around has allowed me to connect with so many talented and inspiring artists, and it definitely opened my eyes to the possibility of expressing my own creative voice. “On the Road to Your Heart” was actually inspired by my work as a relationship therapist. In my practice, I’ve seen how love and relationships can be both incredibly rewarding and deeply challenging. I wrote the song to reflect that emotional journey we all take—how sometimes we feel lost on the road to another’s heart, and how, along the way, we discover ourselves. I first composed the song in 2001 as part of a musical I was developing, and now, years later, I decided it was time to bring it back with a fresh take.
AGENDA: Tell us about the people involved in making the song and how their contributions shaped the final version.
Sheryl Aronson: This project was such a collaborative effort, and I’m so grateful to everyone who contributed. Dr. Gail Jhonson, an extraordinary producer and a close friend of mine, worked with me to give the song a modern update. She brought in Britt Prentice, an incredibly talented vocalist, and we were also joined by Terry Wollman on guitar, Jerome Randall on bass, and Bryan Thompson on saxophone. Castella added beautiful vocals in a duet with Britt. Gail’s musical expertise really brought the song to life with a more contemporary sound that stayed true to the heart of the piece.
AGENDA: You’ve known Gail Jhonson for a while. Can you tell us more about your collaboration with her?
Sheryl Aronson: Gail and I have been friends for about 10 years, and we’ve worked together on various projects. I trust her completely—she’s an incredible artist. She’s worked with legends like Norman Brown and Brenda Russell and is the leader of Jazz in Pink. Her touch on this song made all the difference. Gail has this amazing blend of smooth jazz, funk, and R&B in her music, which she brought to “On the Road to Your Heart.” I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to bring my vision to life.
AGENDA: As someone who has spent years writing about artists, how does it feel to now be stepping into the role of a songwriter yourself?
Sheryl Aronson: It feels like a natural progression but also a bit of a shift! I’ve spent years documenting the creative processes of others, and it’s exciting to now be on the other side, creating something of my own. Writing songs, especially this one, is very personal. The journey of bringing “On the Road to Your Heart” to life feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned as a psychotherapist, a journalist, and now, a songwriter.
AGENDA: How does your experience as a psychotherapist influence your songwriting?
Sheryl Aronson: My work as a therapist is all about understanding human emotions, relationships, and personal journeys. Songwriting taps into those same themes. In therapy, I’m constantly exploring the depths of people’s emotions, helping them navigate challenges and uncover truths about themselves. That’s what “On the Road to Your Heart” is about—discovering love, both in others and in ourselves. Writing this song allowed me to channel that understanding of human connection into something creative and universal.
AGENDA: “On the Road to Your Heart” is now streaming on iHeartRadio. How does it feel to see your song gaining success?
Sheryl Aronson: It’s a fantastic feeling, but I share that success with all the incredible people who worked on the song with me. This project was truly a group effort, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The success belongs to all of us, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented artists.
AGENDA: What’s next for you musically?
Sheryl Aronson: I’m working on turning “On the Road to Your Heart” into a full theatrical musical. The goal is to create something immersive and interactive for the audience. I’ve met some amazing theater professionals throughout my journalism career, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them to bring this story to the stage. This is only the beginning of my journey as a songwriter, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
