Biography
When I think about my love for learning, teaching, and the mentors who’ve shaped me across time, I feel truly blessed. My foundation is rooted in faith — in the eternal life and power of Jesus the Christ and His transformative effect on my life.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, on June 11, 1954, I have long called New York City home. My mother, Cynthia R. F. Jones, migrated from Mobile in the late 1950s, and I am forever grateful to be her daughter — and the stepdaughter of Daniel H. Jones. I am also the granddaughter of James and Delilah W. Beverly, and I strive each day to be a good family member, friend, and neighbor.
One of the most formative times of my life was attending The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art in Manhattan. There, surrounded by brilliant, creative, and supportive students, I found not only my voice but also my artistic purpose. Under the guidance of my beloved teacher and mentor, Ms. Neoline Canton, I learned vocal technique, breathing, phrasing, and the courage to stretch my range — both musically and personally. Ms. Canton’s teaching deepened my understanding of music theory, performance, and self-expression.
Music & Art was a world of its own — every instrument under the sun was taught and played, alongside painting, sculpture, music composition, art history, and all academic subjects. I remember my classmates, some of whom, like Nat Adderley Jr. and Noel Pointer, came from families of professional musicians. I also recall with affection our spirited principal, Ms. Sybil Mandel, who inspired us to believe in ourselves and in one another — a mindset I still cherish today.
My grandfather, James Beverly, whom I lovingly called “Daddy,” was a self-taught pianist and blues singer who became the lead vocalist for a local Mobile gospel quartet, The Jewel Jubilees. They were well-known throughout the region, traveling from church to church to share their ministry in song during the 1950s and 1960s. Daddy’s unwavering love and pride in me — his gentle understanding, his smile, his walk, and his quiet strength — shaped much of who I am. He would drive me to Sunday school, church, and family visits, and was always there for my airport hellos and goodbyes.
Daddy’s faith and service as a deacon at Bethel A.M.E. Church, along with his World War II military service, became vital parts of our family’s legacy. I often accompanied him and The Jewel Jubilees to church programs, where I was occasionally asked to sing “The Lord’s Prayer.” Those early experiences rooted my love for music deeply in both faith and family.
Later at Queens College (CUNY), I attended on a Bachelor of Music Vocal Scholarship. While I eventually changed my major to Elementary Education, my time there strengthened my musical understanding and expanded my creative world. It was during this period that I met Richard Holley, a gifted composer and teacher who became one of my most enduring friends and mentors. My first studio recording was one of his songs. It was called “Leave the World a Little Better Than You Found It.” And being able to sing this song at a college scholarship benefit concert, “The Dreams Fulfilled Concert” at Carnegie Hall in New York City, helped to build my character and to feed my spirit.
Time and circumstance have offered me many opportunities to enjoy and translate life’s beauty into song. Working with good teams of musicians is one of my greatest joys — a dance of learning, teaching, giving, and receiving creative energy. My time in the studio feels timeless, alive with imagination and possibility.
I draw inspiration from many art forms — poetry, romance novels, biographies, film, drawing, painting, gardening, theatre, dance, and time spent with children, family, and friends. Travel, too, expands my soul. Meeting new people, hearing their stories — all of it feeds my creativity.
My voice is the only instrument I know how to play well, and I am deeply grateful for that gift. Creating vocal music, lyrics, and melodies for other instruments is an expression of every experience I’ve lived — and all those still to come. If I can sing or hum a melody, I know it can live through any instrument.
After retiring from teaching, and as my sons became men, I was blessed with the freedom to devote myself to composing and singing wholeheartedly. I also continue to study the business of music — building my career as a brand and artist. Among my cherished friends, teachers, and mentors are Richard Holley, RasJude Asa, Marlo Morgan, Reshaun Finkley, John Campos, and Ron Thompson, whose talents and wisdom continue to shape my journey.
My creative and spiritual inspirations span generations: Maya Angelou, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, his wife Rev. Karen Bernard, their son Rev Jamal Bernard, the Christian Cultural Center family in Brooklyn, Apostle Lonnie Stocks and his wife Fletta Stocks from the Jesus Saves Ministry, Rev. Dr. R.E Migette, Sr., and First Lady Ava Migett from the West Street Christian Church, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Henry Nouwen’s writings, Caring Hospice Services of NYC, and The Jeff’s Second Family Pen Pal Ministry through Food for Children. Each has enriched my growth as both artist and human being.
Musically, my heart beats in rhythm with the voices of Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Della Reese, Paul Robeson, Marion Anderson, Johnny Mathis, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and countless others who have left indelible marks on my spirit.
I aspire for my music to be heard and felt across every corner of the world — on radio and television, in films, commercials, plays, and dance theatre; in places of worship, nightclubs, on cruise ships, in shopping centers, and at sports and charity events. I hope that other singers will also find inspiration in my songs and bring them to life in their own unique voices. My dream is for many of my works to become beloved favorites — songs that live in the hearts and minds of people everywhere, enduring as timeless classics that withstand the test of time.
Because I believe I am called to make a meaningful difference in this world — through song, spirit, and service — I move forward with purpose, faith, and gratitude. I trust that I will gain the help and partnerships I need to build my brand, expand my reach, and nurture a consistent, growing demand for my music and creative offerings.