Can you take us back to the beginning?
My mother says I sang before I spoke and the song was, “ What New Pussycat?” Sung by one of my mothers favorite singers, Tom Jones, whom she played all the time in our home.
What are your earliest memories, and how do you think they’ve shaped who you are today?
I always sang from the time I can remember, I was raised on a diet of The Great American in Songbook in the classic movies I watched with my grandmother, so before I sang The Great American Songbook I knew them, the great Calysonian, The Mighty Sparrow and Beethoven.
I am shaped by where I was born (Dominica) where I was raised (The Bronx) and where I started my operatic training (Rome, Italy) and a thirst and desire for knowledge. I always wanted to know the source, for instance, a friend introduced me to Linda Ronstadt singing Rancherous songs from Mexico but then I thought to myself that there must be other singers so I asked my Hispanic friends and they introduced me to Lola Beltran, Chevela Vargas and more.
As you reflect on your life, are there any key moments or turning points that stand out to you? What made them significant?
My Rubicon was when I sang on stage for the first time. It was a open mic and the moment I touched the mic, the moment I stood on the stage I knew this was what I was meant to do, sing and there was no turning back and I didn’t turn back from that moment.
Who were the most influential people in your life, and how have they impacted your journey and development?
Hearing Ella Fitzgerald sing at one of her last concerts at Carnegie Hall was highlight of my life. Even ill she exuded happiness, effervescence and light. So that no matter what I was going through I never let be evident in my singing.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Becoming an artist is not easy my road has been fraught with the difficulties of finances, tremendous doubt from others, but what prevailed was my faith in my artist vision and potential.
If you were to pick a theme or a lesson that runs through your life story, what would it be?
A line from the Aunty Mame, “ life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death, so live live live”.
Are there specific accomplishments or milestones that you’re particularly proud of, and why do they hold such significance for you?
After the Paris terror attack bombings I was asked to sing The National Anthem at The Barclays Center, Islanders hockey game, it was very emotional time. A French sang the French national anthem and I sang after. The stadium was sold out and the wave of love, pride, resilience and emotion from the people in the stands was something I will never forget. The hockey players started stamping their sticks against the ice before I finished and by the time I got to, ‘bombs bursting in air’, the whole stadium was on it’s feet cheering, applauding. I will never forget it.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the next chapter of your life story? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I dream always been to share my talent with the world, whether singing, acting, or writing, I am a creative force and I hope I will inspire others to live their dreams and never give up. EVER.