Tribute to Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston really touched my heart when she sang those million songs that she was born to sang. It is almost as if she was a family member because her music and life  was part of my household and filled my life ever since I was a kid and still has yet to part from my company.

The day she died was a day that I will never forget!  I felt as if music would never be the same. From collages to slideshows and singing her songs. I don't remember sleeping that night even for a wink. I guess you can call me a true fan of hers. She was definitely one of my favorites to listen and learn from.

What a better way to celebrate her life on the second anniversary of her death, then to participate in a tribute to Whitney Houston which also happened to be a singing competition.

I considered all her songs that I loved. I guess “Saving All MY Love” has always been a favorite of mine; but I always cover that song. I wanted to do something I do not usually do. And so, I went with “All At Once.”  

What a fantastic night of music tonight by Track 1 Entertainment and hosted by Radio Personality, Barry Mason as a tribute to Whitney Houston with a singing competition. It was really great to join in with other artists and sing all of our favorite Whitney songs. I was happy to be amongst wonderful talent and really happy to have been chosen as the winner of the competition. Wow!!!

 

Here is the video footage taken at Track 1 Entertainment’s event.

 

Thank you for all of your support. God is awesome!

Cover of Groove Theory's "Keep Trying"

My older sister was always an inspiration to me. 

As I was growing up, I always saw her moving about and being her; beautiful and strong.  Though we are different in so many ways, I always hoped in the back of mind to be as beautiful, strong and classy as her so that maybe my parents and the world would see good in me as they did in her.

Not only were her mannerisms influential, but so was her taste in music. She listened to such wonderful music. 

I was in High School when Groove Theory had that popular song “Tell Me” blasting all over the air waves. I always liked the song. 

A few years later, my sister introduced me to the music of Amel Larrieux and that is when I fell in love with her music.  She is such an awesome singer.  I have seen her about four times in concert and have since purchased all of her albums or singles that feature her on it. 

Oddly enough, I never realized that Larrieux was the lead singer of Groove Theory until then and that is when I began listening to Groove Theory even more.  Whether with the group or on her solo projects, I like the music that she breathes.  Pure fire!!!

Larrieux's voice is so serene.  I can listen to her music all day and never get tired.  There is one song in particular that I love.  “Keep Trying” was originally performed by Groove Theory back in the nineties.  The lyrics are positive and motivational.  I like how uplifting the message of the song is. But also, the groove is nice, the melody is cool and I like the way she sings it.  I am so happy my sister put me on to her.

This has been a remarkable year.  There have been both good and bad moments, but the important thing is that I survived it all and I am still here. Especially with school, singing, work and even love, I am learning to keep a more positive outlook on things,

A few days ago, I listened to this song for the first time in a long time and it made me realize that.  The hardest thing to do in life is to stay on course and not give up, even and especially when things do not go my way or someone lets me down. I know God still has the upper hand.

 

 This song says to keep trying. And since it has been on my mind, I felt like singing it.  Please check out my cover of “Keep Trying.”  Thank you for checking out my blog.

Cover of Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thang"

My first ever open mic experience was a really interesting one.

The event was held at a venue called 143 located Downtown Brooklyn on Flatbush, not too far from Juniors. 

I never heard of programs of that sort where musicians were playing music behind artists who come from everywhere with a desire to share their talent. But there it was and since I was there, I decided I wanted to sing the only song I thought I knew all the words to.

I’d always been a fan of Chaka Khan. A friend asked me if there was any artist that if around I would get star struck by and my response was Chaka. She is just phenomenal. I am still surprised to have found out that this diva is 60 years old. She looks really good for her age.  

I was blessed with the opportunity to see her live in concert once. I was one of the many New Yorkers who stood out in the rain on July 4th a couple of years back to see her perform live on Good Morning America at Bryant Park and it was amazing. Rain or not, I danced as if the sun had a spotlight right there on me.

One of her songs I always loved was “Sweet Thang.” And since I listened to the song so many times, I thought I knew it enough to sing it at an open mic and so, I tried to. But when I got past the second verse, I forgot the lyrics and was so embarrassed that I walked off the stage without completing the song while the band was still playing.

That was over a decade ago, but the memory of it still remains as if it were new and fresh. That’s when I decided to listen more and to also try to remember. I know the words now and lots more songs than I probably should, but that is what I like to do most; sing.

“Sweet Thang” has lyrics that are meaningful. Whether you have been in a relationship or have had a crush on someone, you might be able to relate. I appreciate the melody and the tempo is really great. It’s jazzy and funky and all of that; one of the reasons I have loved this song all these years. 

Though I may not be able to do Miss Chaka’s song justice, I only want to be able to try to sing a song of such grandeur as this one. And so, here is my cover rendition of “Sweet Thang” done as part of a rehearsal  with keyboardist Rodney Dixon, for an upcoming event that will be happening in Long Island, NY in about a week.

Cover of Mariah Carey's Hero

I was in the fifth grade when Mariah Carey came out and inspired the world.  One song in particular that has a lot of meaning to me is “Hero.”

The words are just beautiful. It reminds me of the modern day “Greatest Love Of All.” Not only is it one of my favorite songs but it is also one that speaks life.  

The message that it gives inspires minds to follow dreams and to believe in something. I have so many heroes in my life: my parents, my sisters, my teachers and professors, friends, history makers and more.  Because I like to sing so much, I think it is a appropriate to start this cover series with a song to dedicate to all the heroes in my life.  You inspired me to be more than just myself but a greater version of who I am and for that I am grateful.