About Me
Cherrye Yvonne Bess- Branch was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. She attened Florida A&M University High School where she was active as Vice-Captain of the Band, Lead Vocalist in the chorus, member of the yearbook staff, Parliamentrairan for the Students Government Association and Treasurer for her class. Well known as a singer/musician, Cherrye was also athletic, playing on the volleyball team, track team and varsity cheerleader.Cherrye earned a four-year scholarship to attend Bethune-Cookman College and became the lead singer in the world renounded Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale. With Dr. Rebecca Steele as Director and Derrick James as Asst. Director, Cherrye lead this concert choir into their second album recording entitled, "From Back To Gospel". Cherrye's powerful, moving, and inspirational voice is featured on selections "Oh I Want To See Him" and "Jesus Is Love". She also performed with the Marching Wildcat Band as Featured Singer during Halftime performances and started a new trend at the Florida Classic against rival FAMU in 1982. She recieved, as usual, a standing ovation of about 51,000 fans for her rending of Jennifur Holiday's, "And I'm Telling You" for the Broadway play "DreamGirls". Later, Cherrye would star in the Florida A&M University production of "DreamGirls" directed by Dr. Ron Davis.Cherrye returned to her hometown to care for her very ill parents after college. She became employed at Florida A&M University, where she also began studying for her Masters of Music Education. She was appointed directress at her home church, Fountain Chapel A.M.E Church, and later became the Minister of Music at St. John A.M.E Church as well as various other churches during her 28 years of music, all starting at the age of 12 as the Sunday School Musician at "The Fountain".Cherrye, one of the original members of the Work For Higher Band, featured on Betty Wright's "4 U 2 Enjoy" album, became the lead singer in this most popular 10 piece band for 8 years. She retired from the band when her became mother, wife and a business owner.Cherrye has recorded with The Baldwin Baptist Church Convention in Jacksonville, Florida 1980, the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, 1982, Word For Hire Band, 1990, The Fellowship and Praise Gospel Choir 1996, her own demo album in 1997 and with countless friends and groups on their projects. Cherrye appeared on the Gordon Elliott Talk Show in 1995 and raised rating for this show so high, this program was replayed in it's entirity 3 times that year and talked about on ther shows.After the death of her mother in 1997 and her father in 2000, Cherrye began to move out of her own singing and performing any and everywhere she could. Always professional and Always the most enjoyed and favored among audiences of all demographics. She became the featured guest recording artist, directress, commentator, or comedian for programs all over the state of Florida. Her reputation for putting on an excellent show proceeds her everywhere she goes. Full of laughs and bright miles, Cherrye Bess is the best no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT. No lights, no stage, inside, outside, rain or shine.....BESS IS SUCCESS!!!Known for her spontaneous ability to write and sing words to songs to fit any occassion on the spot, she sings her way into your heart, mind and soul. Easy to work with and a shear delight to know. Her favorite songs are "You Are My Hero' which she recorded as a fathers day present for her dad in 1999. Local radio stations play it in regular everyday rotation for 2 years straight. Please go to www.talentmatch.com/cherryebess to here this selection or go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/cherrye to listen or buy it. Cherrye is a Sales Representative for the Christian Television Radio Station in Tallahassee Florida 850-402-1116. Tod Cole Station Manager. Cherrye is auditioning for Tyler Perry Studios in May 2007. Pray she makes it. She is just what he needs.
