Can you take us back to the beginning? What are your earliest memories, and how do you think they’ve shaped who you are today?
I was born in Rhode Island and lived on a 40 acre farm. We were surrounded by animals, wonderful woods to explore; idyllic, really. The landscape was a perfect setting for creativity and using your imagination. I would often take walks in the woods, find a perfect tree to climb, and settle on a large bow to read a good book. Or I would take my horse and ride bareback, feeling the wind in my face as I rode and feeling a sense of freedom.
Because of these early beginnings, I find I am more grounded and can harken back to a time where I was surrounded by nature when things get too chaotic or stressed. I go back to my breathing, and come back to a sense of calm. I am filled with gratitude.
This balance also helps me to live in a world of so much activity in my business to a quiet, rejuvenation period. I know the two coexist.
As you reflect on your life, are there any key moments or turning points that stand out to you? What made them significant?
After my first husband and I split, I had to figure out what I was going to do to take care of myself. We had been a performing duo for 11 years and had always worked together. To break out on my own was frightening at the time. All I knew was music…and playing in clubs, recording. And trying to do this on my own was daunting. I remember sitting down and looking at all the things I was good at that might help me in finding out my next steps. I had a 9 year old daughter to support so I had to get serious.
I thought – I am a performer (good with people), I am a singer. I wanted out of the club scene for awhile (I could sing jingles!) I use my speaking voice (I can narrate and do voice-overs!) and I am telegenic – (I can do on-camera work!)
I got started with singing jingles in San Francisco, then I made a demo of voice-over/narration, got headshots taken, and got an agent.
It was rocky at first, but after one year of eking a living, and my determination to succeed, my new career started tracking!
I began making a very good living while still using my voice – and still being in a studio instead of what I felt was the grind of club performing and late nights.
After feeling much more confident in my ability to make it on my own, music started whispering in my ear again. I missed singing so much. Could I do this on my own? On my terms? The insecurities crept in. And so did the stronger voice that said to go for it. I haven’t looked back since. Everything I had done along the way to build my sense of security, and self-reliance had shown me that I was ready to do what I loved. To sing. To perform again and record again. With my own voice. It was so empowering and the first time I stepped back into the studio to record I thought my heart would burst I was so happy. I was home.
Who were the most influential people in your life, and how have they impacted your journey and development?
I have been very fortunate in my life to work with amazing people who have impacted my life. I have to say, one person in particular came into my life like an angel on this earth. His name is Donny Marrow(Disk Eyes Productions). I was in my first band with Donny in high school. After years of not seeing him, as we all went our separate ways in life, the beauty of Facebook and reconnecting with friends offered a way to get back in touch. I had been thinking I wanted to start performing again in Los Angeles, but didn’t have any recent recordings to show to anyone hiring. When Donny and I reconnected I realized he had been producing music for years and was planning a trip to Nashville to do a series of recordings in a few weeks’ time. I called him and asked if he could help me put a couple of songs down for me sometime and he said, ”I don’t care if you sing the phonebook – come on down, let’s record a record!” My immediate voice in my head was to respond, ”Oh thank you, maybe next time you go we could…” but instead I found myself saying out loud: YES!”
I hung up the phone and started freaking out, I had three weeks to get ready. I hadn’t been in the studio for years to sing. What was I thinking?!
We have been recording together ever since. We do a record each year. It was an incredible reconnection and the Universe putting us all together when the time was right, and all the aspects for success were aligned. I am so incredibly grateful to him.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges are part of life. They are simply (or not so simply) opportunities to refine your purpose. We learn the most when we face challenges, so I have learned when roadblocks come into play, to be mindful. If I keep getting “nos” when submitting music I know I am getting closer to a “yes” and to keep going. OR If the “nos” persist I may reevaluate and pivot. They are like notes on the piano. All different notes, not one better than another. And cannot be judged. They simply are part of the whole of being alive.
If you were to pick a theme or a lesson that runs through your life story, what would it be?
A theme that runs through me and all my work is the importance of reconnecting to who you are. Beyond ego. A true, authentic self. Remember who you really know you are. And in so doing, you become part of the vast universal energy of life. We are all powerful beings and each of us has a story to tell that is importantly interwoven in the tapestry of humanity. Make no mistake – we all have something incredible to contribute. And we need your voice.
Are there specific accomplishments or milestones that you’re particularly proud of, and why do they hold such significance for you?
Before Siri, I was the most heard voice in voice mail systems. I was called “the Voicemail Queen” by the media. Even in that digitized world of voice mail I was conscious of reaching the listener with whatever “human” quality I could bring to the table. Thousands of prompts! I was listened to by millions of people and the one “human” sounding phrase that so many people remember is “Are you still there?” I, in a weird way, am very proud of that project. I also won Best Vocalist in an International songwriters contest – The American Songwriters Association. Through that, I was able to meet and record with two amazing hit writers at Motown; Kenny Hirsch and Ron Miller. They both provided me with such great experiences – and I still work with Kenny today. I recorded a Christmas song Kenny wrote a few years ago called “Almost Christmas Eve”. It is an absolutely beautiful song and one day, who knows, it could become a Christmas classic.
On a personal level, my grandest achievement was giving birth to my beautiful, talented, and wise daughter, Rachael. I sang 5 nights a week until two weeks before her birth – she has music in her DNA!
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the next chapter of your life story? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
My next chapter is unfolding with a beautiful path ahead. More gratitude, more art, more music, more adventure, and more love. I hope Rachael and I will do some recording together. I will continue to record and perform, and bring my show to Italy, England. There is so much to continue to create.
My legacy?
I hope I will leave a mark of someone who loved life and honored every step of this sometimes bittersweet and always glorious ride.