I was born in Columbus, Ohio; moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of 6, then to Seattle, Washington at the age of 12. My mother was blessed with the gifts to sing and play the keyboards. She could read music and "learn by ear". She definitely is the source I got my musical ability from. Sometimes, when I sing, I hear her. She would always gather my sisters and brothers around the piano at home and we would all sing Gospel songs. We loved it! When we moved to Seattle, my brothers and sister joined the young people's choir and there is where the early training began. I was selected to lead a lot of the songs-my passion for singing was evident, even though I never thought about a future in music. I remember listening to the radio every Sunday morning while getting ready for church, and hearing Walter Hawkins, Tramaine, Richard Smallwood singers, Edwin Hawkins and a lady named Beverly Glenn. What was really great about listening to these artists: their songs had SUBSTANCE! I wanted to sing with the same passion as Tramaine. Her voice, her passion was so apparent, so inspiring. Something that is absent about many songs we hear today. As a songwriter, I remember them and I try not to write "run of the mill" songs. I want there to be a clear message in that song. The "ah ha" moment came when I was about 30. A friend asked me to sing at her daughter's wedding. It was an awful season for me: I was going thru a divorce, my car was in the shop, I had a piece of junk rental that stalled twice on my way to the wedding; I had NO money, the weather was gray, and I felt so alone. When I finally got to the wedding site in downtown Seattle, I called to see when my car would be ready. I was told that they found another problem and it was going to cost me several hundred more. I felt like I was literally at a breaking point. However, I sang with all of my heart before about 150 people-I didn't know anyone there except the bride's family. After the ceremony and at the reception, people kept coming up to me, telling me how touched they were with my delivery of the songs. After several of these approaches, I started thinking-these people don't owe me this..what's going on? Well, on the way home, driving that raggedy rental car, it was as if a light appeared in the sky and I heard a voice say, "This is what you should be doing!" Immediately, I started pursing music. I joined a local R&B band, Readymade Family in Tacoma, WA. I was the first female to ever join the band. I learned my stage presence from them. It was an awesome experience. We traveled locally and to Canada. After a couple of years of RMF, I went on to record songs I had written and songs written with producer Kenny "LaMar" McGowan of Spanaway, WA. I had a lot of help from my voice coach and background singer, the very talented Valerie Taylor of Seattle, WA. The album was nominated for best album and song (You Can't Imagine) at the 1999 Northwest Music Awards. I have begun a Contemporary Christian project and I'd love to finish it. I've written more songs that need to be recorded. That will happen when I have a windfall! I am also a studio artist, and have done several gigs for other writers, including the talented Linda Donovan-Olson. I absolutely love creating and recording songs and jingles. (I did created a jingle for Ezell's Chicken-I'm also on their website!) God has blessed me and I am always flattered when my music is being played in homes, at funerals at other events, and in vehicles-I want my music to be a top model vehicle! My husband Regas, is an avid supporter of my music, as is my son Jason and I thank all of my friends and fans for their loving support and prayers, and especially those who inspired me in my earlier years and those who encourage me everyday.
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