Birthdate - March 3, 1963
Birthplace - Newport, Arkansas
Curent Residence - Jonesboro, Arkansas
I began singing in public at the age of 15 in my hometown of Newport,
Arkansas. I always sang, my Dad said I started singing when I was two.
Dad listened to the Supremes, Jackie Wilson, and Aretha Franklin so
these were some of my earliest influences.
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My Mom listened to Loretta Lynn, Lynne Anderson, and Donna Fargo. Later
my influences were Barbara Streisand, Donna Summer, and Linda Ronstadt.
I sang a lot during high school, in the choir, and in community events.
When I was sixteen I was a contestant in The Miss Jackson County Pagent
in Newport. This was probably my first big public solo. I got a
standing ovation and it felt wonderful. I knew that this was something
I wanted to do.
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After high school I went on to Arkansas State University where I earned
a Bachelor's degree in Radio/TV. I was Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
for the Student Union Board. The most fun I had was putting on the big
extravaganza events. I did a Gospel Extravaganza, which brought in
several regional choirs to perform. I also worked the concerts at the
old field house at ASU. I got to work with The Barkays, The Pointer
Sisters, and TG Shepherd.
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My voice is a husky alto and I enjoy singing those Jazzy Blues and
old school Rhythm and Blues songs. Lately I have been doing The Thrill
is Gone which is tradtitionally a male number but I found it works for
me and is particularly effective when I work it as a duet with Aaron
Love who is my singing partner in the TV Band. We were doing the song
before BB recorded it with Tracy Chapman.
I continuously develop repertoire. I like to include rhythm and blues in
my performances when I can. I also like to give a new twist to old
standards.
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