“A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be.”
Born in Chicago, Illinois, the Windy City, a place where the infamous “Hawk” resides. I’m a second generation fine arts enthusiast…following in my mother’s footsteps. I’m an actress,,playwright, poet, singer, songwriter and author of several copy written works.
Singing has been my second language. If I’m not speaking with or to someone, I can be found singing. At this time on my life’s journey, my objective is to entertain and inspire others through word and song.
I’ve been a vocalist since high school. Aside from my earliest influences from my mother and brother, my high school choir director Mr. Bero, saw potential in me that I had not fully recognized. He encouraged and inspired me to perform solo for the spring and Christmas concerts. That year I received the award for the most outstanding female solo performer. To this day, I am grateful to Mr. Bero for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.
In college I was the Chairperson for the Magambo, (a unique insight into black culture). Poetry, art, dance and musical selections were performed. Being able to chair and perform in the Magambo was definitely a catalyst for me. The production received high acclaim from the University as well as the Director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center.
After college my love and passion for the arts continued. I sang in local bands in Chicago, participated in caberet-ish productions, auditioned for “Dream Girls” and held some Night Club performances.
When I moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, I was introduced to Southern Gospel music… and I loved it! I developed an inner heightened awareness of how deep I could go within my depth of my soul. I’ve sung in choirs and served as lead minister of music for more than 30 years. I also performed in Lafayette on local television for the United Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy Telethons.
During the course of my triumphs, there have been trials. My relationship with God, and my appreciation of the music and the message resonated with me and carried me through.
My motto is, I live moment to moment, day by day… and it’s a total faith walk all the way.
I’ve been influenced by many female vocalists. Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn. I’ve also been influenced by Barbra Streisand and Nancy Wilson, to name a few.
My debut as a Lafayette actress began in 1995 under the direction of the late Dr. Alex Marshall and Omni Artiste’. The play was entitled, “For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” I was the color brown. Ironically during a summer college break in Chicago, my college roommate and I saw the play and met the writer of the play Ntozake Shange. I continued to take on roles in many of Dr. Marshalls productions. The late Dr. Alex Marshall would say “be the character”, “tell the story.
My love of the arts inspired me to write the play, “Love Defined.” Love Defined debuted in Lafayette, Louisiana August 2025 and was also presented in New Iberia, Louisiana in February of 2026. It was written as a One Woman show. Performiing as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn was a dream come true. I knew I had to tell their stories!
I strongly believe that sincerity, endurance, and a “never give up” perspective are key, if one is to have success in life! I’m grateful to God for keeping a watchful eye upon me as my life’s journey progresses.