If you knew me way back when- (I will Always Love You, We’ve Got Tonight)-
then you know I grew up singing. And writing. Singing in front of anyone who would listen, writing for the soul.
In 7th grade I sang a solo in front of the entire student body. Feelings by Morris Albert. Remember? Woo woo woa feelings…trying to forget my… (you know the song…)
So if someone didn’t know my name they knew me as the girl who sang that song.
I began voice lessons because I had a natural talent and it seemed the thing to do so I studied voice through high school and then went to Florida State University as a music major. The short version of THAT story is that I dropped out to join a rock band. Well, actually, I joined the Florida State Jazz Pop ensemble much to the shagrin of the voice department, but I did get to participate in a vocal Master class with Sarah Vaughan and the Jazz Pop ensemble sang back up for the finale of Barry Manilow’s One Voice tour at his Tallahassee performance. (Sarah & Barry circa 1981). THAT was awesome!
And then I took a wee break from college- had my tonsils out, struggled trying to find my way, and found myself bartending and singing in bands whenever I could. A 5 piece band, a trio, a duo, and of course. a band or two that never made it out of the garage…
And then life got real and I decided music wasn’t going to pay my bills and bartending was not really a career choice.
So I went back to school- next up was Georgia State University for undergrad and University of Georgia for grad school. I became a licensed counselor, worked for nearly 2 decades in the mental health field and recently, as evidenced by my website and blog, I have transitioned to wellness coach, aromatherapist and intuitive.
Obviously I am still writing. But singing? Not so much. Having compromised lungs leaves me with a voice at half mast so those that are within close range hear me singing in the shower or the car but that’s about it.
A recent visit to my parents uncovered a cassette tape circa 1982. I believe this is the only archive of my voice. I remember recording it during band practice at Jax Lounge in Tallahassee FL.
I thought I would share a couple of tracks cuz I am proud of all I have accomplished- including this recording in a dive bar in cracker country! Life is rich!
I Will Always Love You
.
We’ve Got Tonight
.
Candle in the Night
.
Johnny Gilliam is playing the guitar and singing with me and he wrote Candle in the Night. I haven’t seen him in 30 years. Maybe he will hear this and smile.
