Fan Mail
“When fans write to me, it means so very much that I decided I would start a Fan Mail page to share some of the incredible words that have come to me over the years. These people have taken the time to thank me, but their words are gifts to me as well. The person’s first name and/or state are all that appears to preserve privacy in a world that grows more volatile every day. If after reading this, you are inspired to write something, please know that I will periodically review and up-date this page to include the wonderful comments and stories that continue to arrive.”

Dearest Ann,
I hope this e-mail finds you and, finds you well. I would like to ask a favor of you and, that favor is, to take just a few moments of your time to read this. Ann, I would like to start by saying; I have never known peace in music the way I have found peace in yours. With regrets for sounding like a “groupie” here, I have every cd of yours and I must say, every song gets better and better with every listen. On to my story. My beautiful wife and I live on Lake Sinclair in Georgia. I happened to be listening one Sunday morning to a satellite television music station called, Moodscapes. It was then that I heard your music for the first time. Sitting there thinking of my wife, looking out of the sliding glass doors at the millions of diamonds dancing on the water from the mornings sunlight. They were playing your “Twilight” I was absolutely amazed. After the song was over, I sat for a little while longer, finished my coffee and, headed over to the computer to research you. Until my dying day it will be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve always wondered, if I could see or, describe my wife’s beauty in music, what would that description be and, the answer is very simply,,, your music and, specifically, the song “Twilight”. I truly wish I had the time to explain her whole life to you, throughout the length of that song. It would amaze you. Well, Your music has filled our tiny little lake house nonstop ever since.
There is another song that now means the world to both of us and, that song is “Ashes”. Recently; we were blessed with a beautiful little boy, Vincent Jr. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take him longer than 16-1/2 weeks. You see, Vincent Jr was an, ectopic pregnancy and, where he was located within, left us with a less than 10% chance for birth so, we had to make the decision to send little Vincent on up ahead to heaven to wait for us. Before we did that, we sat him down, placed my headphones on my wife’s tummy and let him hear the most beautiful thing we could choose. Your song, “Ashes” (I’m at work typing this and I can’t stop crying) I guess what I’m trying to do here Ann is both tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve given to us musically and, thank you for making the only two things in this world that will ever mean ANYTHING AT ALL to me even more special. I hope you can open the picture. It is one of Vincent Jr’s 4-d sonogram pictures. Well Ann Sweeten, I hope I didn’t bore you. I thank you for taking the time to read this. I thank you for filling our home with the most beautiful music we have ever heard. I thank you for your talents and, for being the kind of person you are.
Sincerely,
Vincent
Thank you for all the wonderful music you have produced. I’ve been a fan of yours ever since I first heard Sapphire Days and have always picked up your albums the day I see that a new one is in stores.
Your music has been many things to me over the years: relaxing, meditative, helping me with creative endeavors, and most recently, inspirational. I was listening to your music last year and had a thought from out of the blue that I could learn myself to play such a beautiful instrument as the one I was hearing.
I have been taking piano lessons for a year now. And, while I have a long way to go, I have you and your wonderful music to thank for inspiring me to set out upon this path.
Just wanted to send you an email to tell you that your music has both gotten me through some hard times, as well as inspired me to better myself. From the bottom of my heart, thank you ever so much.
Gratefully and respectfully,
Adam
My father has suffered with a very bad case of shingles in his eye for 8 months. The doctors found shingles inside his eyeball, on the lens of the eye and on the skin surrounding his eye. It is one of the worst cases doctors have seen. It continues to be a huge trial for him as he endures great nerve pain on his face and inside his head. To say that he has had many sleepless nights is an understatement. During the first few months when it was particularly bad, he would listen to a satellite television station which played “new age” music. He learned that if he lay very still in a meditative state without moving that he could somewhat quiet the nerves. As he listened in many dark nights to the music he began to recognize a favorite song that would play. It was “Adrift”. He began to anticipate it playing because it gave him great peace as he endured and found peace with God during this difficult period. In that song my Dad felt God’s compassion for him and felt a new strength of love and the ability to forge ahead.
I have attached a letter which my Dad wrote to each of his 6 children. With this letter he included your CD “Grey Sky and Bittersweet” so that his children could listen to your music and hear your interpretation of the difficulties and joys of life. May God continue to bless you as you share your incredible talent with many like my Dad.
Sincerely,
Heidi
Everett
I wanted to let you know how much my guest and I enjoyed your artistry at the Fairfield Community Arts Center last evening. As I was listening, I often caught myself with eyes closed while taking in the brushstrokes from your keyboard. It brought to mind a long forgotten word–timbre. You are, indeed, a consummate pianist and composer, and you are a lovely lady with a warm, personable presence. Thank you, again, for a wonderful evening!
With very best regards,
Stephen
Bob
Attached please find a photo of my front porch where Ann Sweeten gives a concert almost daily. I will soon retire from The Nature Conservancy. I live on a small farm with a yellow Lab, Rat Terrier, two horses and lots of hummingbirds.
Just had to let you know how much we enjoy your great talent. I tell my friends that your music makes me want to hug a butterfly.
Sincerely,
Doug
While sitting at my desk this morning, working away while listening in the background to Sirius all I needed to hear were a few notes and I stopped what I was doing…closed my eyes and said to myself “this has to be Ann Sweeten”.. of course it was..Is it just me? or do all of your millions of fans recognize instantly the remarkable emotion you seem to be able to infuse into all of the pieces you play??? I guess we all do huh? How could one not?
And I thought I got all the syrupy yet ever sincere accolades and compliments email out of the way the very first (and only time ) I emailed you months ago. I just want to say, again, how much I appreciate your talent and to say thanks.. I am touched every single time I hear your work.
Best always,
Jeff
Barbara
I trust this letter finds you healthy and happy… and that it is a great encouragement to you.
I thank God for you… and for keeping you…
I have heard a couple of pieces of your music now on the Galaxy Spa Channel from your Grey Sky And Bittersweet album. Just hearing those melodies gives me great inspiration. They are very evocative. As I listen, I sense the ageless beauty of your spirit… Your music truly adds to the celebration of life. You are very gifted and I am blessed to hear such arrangements. Your music is the choir of many angels… nurturing to the soul and soothing to the spirit. You enrich my life in so many ways. It’s impossible to love your music too much.
Bill
Have been listening to Sirius radio for several years and have learned to recognize your music and wait for it to be played. No one has the touch on piano keys as you and your unique style is very easy for me to recognize. I find it to be the most relaxing and extraordinary style ever experienced. I want to thank you for giving me many hours of true pleasure in listening to you play.
I offer my compliments and respect to you for your talent and hope to be able to enjoy your music for the rest of my life. Your music has affected me in a manner I never imagined. I am listening to you as I write this tonight.
Thank you and I wish you many, many years of continued success so I may enjoy your talent for a very long time.
Very respectfully,
John from Alabama
Michael
I heard your piece “Ashes” on “Spa” today on my way home. I buried my old hunting dog “Hoss” recently and your beautiful song brought me to tears. He has a piece of my heart w/ him. For fools like me that allow an old setter dog to occupy a place where others think only another human should or could…that’s okay w/ me, and your sweet song and the knowledge that I too will be ashes like him inspire me to give of my heart no matter the cost in tears and loss. Thank you.
Andy
Your music is so touching and moving, and when I read the liner notes with the explanation of why you wrote certain songs, it brings tears to my eyes. Your music is definitely a cut above all the others, e.g., I sometimes put the TV in the living room on Soundscapes and walk out of the room, but when one of your songs come on, I recognize it as “your sound.” I can tell it’s one of yours even though I’m unable to see the artist’s name. When I walk back into the living room to check, I’m right 100% of the time! Your sound is so distinctive/special to me.
I am so happy you share this beautiful gift that God has given you with everyone! Please never stop recording new albums!
Take care and good luck with In the Wake.
Sincerely,
Roseanne
I had to write you.
I am a 66 year old male who has twice retired from the Law Enforcement field. This morning I had the very first pleasure of listening to any of your music and the piece “Grains Of Sand”. When I got back to the house, I looked your music up and read various articles while again listening to the same piece.
I then read the piece on the “Orange Band Sparrow”. I always considered myself a hardened person due to my previous employment and all that I had seen. I am and will always be touched by the first impression of your music this day and the article on the “Orange Band Sparrow”. I sit here writing this with beauty in my heart and tears falling with the impression of both. I will remember my first encounter with “Ann Sweeten” always.
Wishing you all the wellness in life and the happiness and joy in your heart. As I gaze from my deck each day and look to the beauty all around me, the beauty of “Grains Of Sand” will fill my mind and heart.
Frank from Arkansas
Okay I admit it. I have NEVER done this before (written to an artist/performer/musician).. but something has compelled me to do so- so here I am..
Your ability to impart the most miraculous human essence into the way you play is impossible for me to ignore. Sure, when I hear some instrumental piece I can often identify the artist.. but it’s because of the ability to recall work that they have done in the past that makes it similar or familiar or characteristic of their style or sound. It’s almost ‘clinical’ or quantitative.
But whenever I hear a piece of yours, something entirely different happens. I’d say magical but that’s too much of a cliche, too predictable, too pedestrian of a description. You have an ability to imbue your work, YOUR music with an essence, a feeling, a spirit that communicates light years beyond the notes, the composition. I am instantly sucked into the emotion of your work, your talent, your passion from the first note. There is never any doubt it’s you. Words do not convey the connection of your style, your touch and the composition takes on a story, an imagery, starts a conversation in my own mind that often takes me far from where I am. Even to places that I know I will never be.. Simply put, your creations, your playing..call it what you will, are distinctively intoxicating, ethereal, majestic, radiant.. all at the same time.. and not just singularly, but in all the music of yours I have had the pleasure of listening to ( I know dangling participle).
And guess what, what I have just written doesn’t really, can’t really describe how much I love your work.. but I’ve tried my best…
Looking forward to enjoying your music for the rest of my life.
Jeff
Cliff
Shawn
I have a friend, Margot Larson, who is writing a book tentatively titled Against The Odds, and she is looking for seven cancer survivors who have exceptional stories to share. I am going to recommend she contact you, in the event that you might be interested.
I also simply love your poem, Halfway Home, that is printed inside your Passage CD. With your permission, I’d like to include it in the services that I’m planning now for my eventual funeral (I’m in hospice, although I do plan on creating my own miracle and walking out of here in full health!)
Many thanks again. You are a true inspiration!
Liz from Connecticut
Robert
Thin Ice
Grains of Sand
The First Noel
Water Diamonds
Threshold
A Winter’s Reverie
Anyway, I’m curious to know if you have plans for a new album in the future? I look forward to it if so.”
Dan
Thank you for the beautiful music… ”
Jo Gayle from Texas
Your concern for our environment is one more reason for me to appreciate you. Your web site that shares the Orange Band Records is so sad and disheartening, especially since I enjoy all of wildlife. I too stand for the innocent and always will. God has given us such beauty in this earth He created and we must preserve as much as we can, while we can.
Thank you once again for your beautiful, caring heart and spirit….our world needs so many more people like you. I have never met you, but I send you love from my heart..”
Frances from Pennsylvania
Timeless
grasping my inner ear
calming my senses
bringing on breaths complete and deep
I surrender
the frantic beast lies still while near sleep approaches as if a soft sunset
and though the distance of creation and now are vast
I surrender
captivated by ivory notes that rise and fall and enter into me filling me like breath
healing me as if light from above
calming me as imaginary waterfall cascade over me
calling me back
calling me to let go
and surrender.
Timeless
What we create
what we share through our gifts
what we return to a universe so generous
I surrender returning one gift for another
One passion for another
and when the final note is reached
I wait patiently for the next musical passage
to lead me into surrendering
to lead me into the moment
11-15-08
Inspired by Ann Sweeten’s Reflections”
Richard from Hawaii
David
Yordan
Mark from New York
Linda from Texas
I just wanted to say thank you for both the glorious music and your webpage about your survival and your wonderful dogs. (I hugged my two a little closer after I read about yours.) I hope your life is as constantly blessed as you’ve blessed that of others.
Here’s something I wrote for some fellow music-lovers about your work:
As a lover of “New Age” piano music since the early days of that genre, I have recently discovered Ann Sweeten and found that there are indeed more great things in heaven and earth than I had dreamed of. While I was recently working 12 to 18 hours a day with last.fm in the background on another computer, I had to keep stopping to write down the track name so that I could buy it later. When I finally took a break, I realized every one of those tracks had been written and performed by Ann Sweeten.
To say her work is inspired and inspiring hardly begins to describe it, and the cliché diminishes the uniqueness of her genius. Her writing on her website indicates her inspiration from her love for life, and that comes through in the songs. And she inspires me to love my world, because, as I listen, I remember and I cherish all those I have loved and who have loved me.
Like great poetry, then, her music speaks on more than one level. You can listen and focus only on the music, and find yourself thinking, “I know where it’s going next,” and then be surprised when it doesn’t—it goes somewhere completely unexpected and wonderful. Or you can listen and hear your own life and loves in there. Whichever you do, I hope you’re like me and finally do believe there is a music of the spheres. She’s that good.”
Gail from Texas
Bill from Iowa
As I began researching your music, I was particularly moved by your notes about your “Place in the Sun” album. First of all, I hope your health is good. I could relate to many of your insights, particularly about time, and why does it have to go by so quickly. I am a proud father of two, my son is 18 and my daughter is 15, and I just feel like the last several years were a blur. All those vacations at the beach that I though would go on forever.. Childhood memories…. It seems you reach a point in life when you realize life is very short.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that your music, and it appears your outlook on things as well, have been tremendously inspiring to me. I am a musician myself, and I have never, ever taken the time to write a note like this. Please accept this note as a sincere “thank you” for sharing your gift.
I have just ordered ” A Place in the Sun” from your website, and will certainly be ordering much more of your work in the future.”
Allan from Quebec
John from Illinois
Rolf from New York
Marilyn
Jack from Florida
Betty from Michigan