Sheryl Aronson is a name known to many for her multifaceted career as a psychotherapist, journalist, and photographer. Yet, in 2023, Aronson added another dimension to her creative repertoire: songwriter. Her debut single, “On the Road to Your Heart“, premiered at her 70th birthday celebration, an occasion that not only marked a milestone in her life but also showcased a deep convergence of her work in therapy and her passion for the arts.
This song, now streaming on iHeartRadio, brings together Aronson’s understanding of relationships with her love for music. The title, “On the Road to Your Heart,” reflects her insights gained through decades as a relationship therapist. “We are all walking down the road to each other’s heart when we are in a relationship and sometimes feel lost and detoured on that journey,” Aronson says. This idea became the foundation for both the lyrics and the message of her song.
The roots of “On the Road to Your Heart“ trace back to 2001 when Aronson was developing her musical at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. As a playwriting student, she wrote the song to be the showstopper of the musical, which shares the same name. At the time, she was taking piano lessons and songwriting classes, ultimately recording the first version of the song in a studio. Aronson herself played piano, while her piano teacher’s wife lent her vocals to the track.
But the version heard today came to life through a group effort, featuring a powerhouse of collaborators. When planning her 70th birthday celebration, Aronson knew she wanted to breathe new life into the song. She enlisted the help of Dr. Gail Jhonson, a highly accomplished keyboardist and producer. Together, they modernized the sound while keeping its emotional core intact. Vocalist Britt Prentice took on the lead, and the team grew with the involvement of musicians Terry Wollman on guitar, Jerome Randall on bass, and Bryan Thompson on saxophone. Castella, another gifted vocalist, joined Prentice to perform the stunning duet that brought Aronson’s vision to life.
For Aronson, the collaboration was deeply personal. She explains, “Gail is one of my best friends, and I completely trusted her with this project. Her style blends smooth jazz, funk, and R&B in such a sophisticated way. I knew she’d bring something special to the song.” Indeed, Jhonson’s expertise, honed through years of working with artists like Norman Brown and Brenda Russell, gave “On the Road to Your Heart“ a polished, contemporary edge.
Aronson’s journey to songwriting reflects her diverse career path. Starting in Boston, she first dipped her toes into music journalism at just 24 years old, when she wrote about then-13-year-old jazz prodigy Terri Lyne Carrington. After years away from writing, she returned to music journalism in 2014, reconnecting with Carrington, who had since become a Grammy-winning artist. Aronson’s subsequent interviews with artists like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Melissa Manchester reignited her love for storytelling through music.
“I’ve been fortunate to interview so many incredible artists,” Aronson notes. “But beyond that, I’ve found a way to merge my love for music and writing with my career as a psychotherapist.” Her expertise in therapy has undoubtedly shaped her approach to creativity. As a therapist, Aronson has long been intrigued by the journey of self-discovery and relationships. This, in turn, informs her songwriting. “Being a psychotherapist is creative for me. I explore the human condition through my work, and that curiosity extends to my writing and music.”
Music has also been a healing tool for Aronson, especially as she navigated personal challenges, including her battle with breast cancer and depression. Overcoming these obstacles led to a renewed sense of purpose, something she now channels into her creative projects. “When I turned 70, I felt it was time to celebrate everything I’ve gone through,” she says. That celebration culminated in the release of “On the Road to Your Heart,” a song that Aronson says embodies her personal and professional journey.
Looking ahead, Aronson is working on expanding the song into a full theatrical musical, incorporating both her experience in music and her insights from years of therapy. “My goal is to collaborate with artists from the musical theatre world that I’ve connected with throughout my career. The musical will not only tell a story but also offer an experiential interaction for the audience.”
As her creative endeavors continue to evolve, Sheryl Aronson remains a shining example of how passion, resilience, and creativity can intersect. Whether through her psychotherapy practice, her journalistic work, or her burgeoning career as a songwriter, Aronson is constantly exploring new ways to tell stories and connect with others. Her debut song is just the beginning of yet another exciting chapter in her already dynamic career.