Can you tell us about the origins of your musical journey? 

I started piano lessons at age 7 and started humming the songs. My piano teacher noticed I was humming and suggested that my mother place me in singing lessons. From that moment I started playing the piano and singing. 

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started? 

I’ve loved singing at an early age and knew in high school that I would be pursuing music. I auditioned for the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts at age 20 and away we went, then many years later off to Juilliard for further study. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound? I love Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson and Sammy Davis Jr. 

Can you share a specific instance where one of these influences had a significant impact on your music? 

Sammy Davis Jr. at Town Hall, listening to Too Close For Comfort sealed the deal for me 

Touring can be an incredible experience. Could you share a memorable tour anecdote that stands out to you, whether it was a challenging moment or an unforgettable performance? 

I performed in London, England and performing on the steps outside of Buckingham Palace was truly an unforgettable performance 

Many musicians have a pre-show ritual to get into the right mindset before hitting the stage. Do you have any special rituals or routines that you follow before a performance, and if so, what’s the story behind them? 

I like to be out front with my audience before a show. I hate waiting backstage. It calms me more to be with them. One time I was sitting at a table talking with some folks and then the lady said, I hear the singer is truly special, have you heard of her? I said actually I have, we go way back, since birth. Her husband spoke up and told her ‘dear, this is the singer.’ We all laughed.

Collaborations can be a powerful creative force. Could you tell us about a memorable collaboration you’ve had with another artist and how it influenced your music or expanded your artistic horizons? 

I love working with the Ranses Colon Trio which consists of Brad Keller, piano, Ranses Colon, bass and Adolfo Herrera, drums. Also with Carlos Pinera, my band manager, with the Diamond Jazz Orchestra, an 18-piece big band. How does it influence your creative process? When you work with the highest level of professional you have to have your A-game and be twice as good. The pressure is definitely on. WOW!! Exhilarating and Scary at the same time, YIKES! 

Over the course of your career, you’ve likely encountered various challenges. Can you share a particularly difficult moment you faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it? 

Memorizing music has always been a challenge of mine. Getting those words right and notes correct is a little tough for me, but once I get it, I got it! 

Your latest album has received critical acclaim. Could you take us through the creative process behind it, from conception to completion, and the overarching themes or messages you aimed to convey? 

My latest album is Beauty Along With A Bass. It is my pride and joy and my baby, I collaborated with my bassist Ranses Colon to combine my vocal style with his amazing virtuosity on the bass. We are joined by percussionist Ysauro Hernandez, saxophonist Gary Friedman, and guest vocalist Tony Carney. Beauty Along With A Bass covers a wide and heartfelt spectrum of emotions. The song Along With A Bass is a vocal duet with Tony Carney, penned by the award-winning writing duo, lyricist Mitchell Uscher and composer Roy Singer. This song was written for the album to showcase the simplicity of vocals with bass. One Voice (Uscher-Singer) is a moving tribute to following your dream, acknowledging the influence of those who came before us. This very special bass and vocal album that comes directly from their hearts. Ranses Colon is one of the most sought-after bassists in Miami and in South America, performing with Placido Domingo, Ricky Martin, Emilio Estefan, Juan Gabriel, Nestor Torres, Rey Barreto and Enrique Chia. He has been featured on multiple Grammy-winning albums, and was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his album “Tribute to Lecuona.” He currently is principal bassist for the Miami Chamber Orchestra and director of the Latin American Copacabana Show.

Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. How do you balance life on the road with your personal life and creative process? Any tips for aspiring musicians who are just starting their touring journey? 

This year 2023 has been an exciting ride! I headlined at the renowned Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Kansas with the Kansas All Star Big Band, and then traveled to London, performing in the Harmony Travel Tour. I finished my summer with three amazing performances in New York. Hang on! I returned to Florida for studio time to record a new album and singles with my primary backup group, The Ranses Colon Trio—featuring Ranses Colon on bass, Brad Keller on piano, and Adolfo Herrera on drums. In 2024, I’m planning performances in Rome, New York and Atlanta. 

Balancing touring and life and family is easy…God first, family next and then career. My son, Chris, has come with me many times. He was there with us in Paris. After the show Roy and I renewed our vows in the gardens of the Eiffel Tower. 

I keep my family close. No one stays home or behind. We enjoy it together. 

Every artist has goals and dreams for their musical career. What are some of your long-term goals or aspirations, both in terms of your artistry and your impact on the music industry? 

Over the years I have built, and I’m still building, a body of work. I plan to continue making albums that are fun with a little heft to them, that will be here long after I’m gone. 

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. How do you see the future of music evolving, and what role do you envision yourself playing in this ever-changing landscape? 

I knew we were in for some major changes when car manufacturers stopped putting cd players in the dash. Streaming and online are huge presences with artists making only fractions of pennies on each sale of a song. It’s very disheartening. I’ve joined the cause on Capital Hill and hopefully congress will help us get better financial allocation for musicians. Meanwhile I will continue to do what I do best performing and making music.