It’s hard to put 30 years into this but I’ll hit the highlights for now……

 

I have had the privilege of being associated with Muscle Shoals Music since the late 70’s.  For those of you who may not know what that represents, go ahead and Google it and I think you’ll be surprised…and impressed.  It was a hot bed for hits and the Muscle Shoals Sound is still respected around the world.  I couldn’t believe that at just 17, I was getting to be a part of it.  

 

As a studio back up singer (we called ourselves The Shoals Sisters) I was thrilled to record with world renowned artists.  Word of mouth to Nashville producers soon gave me opportunities there as well.  Among many rewarding sessions, I sang on Amy Grant’s first record “Father’s Eyes” and co-wrote a song with her and Brown Bannister entitled “Never Give You Up. 

 

In the early 80’s, Ronnie Milsap invited Barbara Wyrick, Suzy Storm and me to tour with him.  That association lasted more than 7 years.  We shared stages with Kenny Rogers,  Reba McEntyre, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Alabama, Ricky Scaggs, Dwight Yoacum, The Judds, Oak Ridge Boys, and others.  In addition we were involved in television specials featuring Dukes of Hazzard, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Ray Charles, Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters and The Merv Griffin Show.  Milsap also included us in his music videos such as "Lost in the Fifties" as well as most of his records during our years with him.  Also for Milsap, I co-wrote “Carolina Dreams” with Dennis Morgan and Kye Fleming.  Despite the many times I wanted to quit, we remained with Milsap for 7 years, and for a girl from a little town in South Alabama, it was The Big Time and always something to write home about!

 

Throughout the years, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquets have been a treat for me to participate in as part of the stage band.  Every two years, many of the artists who have recorded here gather to induct some of the greatest.  Together with Ava Aldrige and Cindy Richardson Walker, we enjoyed adding to the sound, whether soulful or sweet, R&B or Country.  Memories of those exciting performances for me include singing with Gley Frey (Eagles), Lionel Richie, Tammy Wynette, The Commodores, Kris Kristofferson, Tommy Shaw (Styx), and so many others.  In time, I will share pictures in my Scrapbook pages.

 

Worship music had a huge affect on me when I was briefly a part of Beth Moore’s Living Proof events with Travis Cottrell and team.  Travis produced a worship project for Living Proof in which I sang the old hymn “Open My Eyes That I May See”.   I will try to get that uploaded among other things soon.

 

More recently (since 2002), I reconnected with long time friend Lenny Leblanc.  While very successful in the secular music industry early on in his career, it is through Worship music that Lenny has taken his awesome giftedness as a singer, songwriter, and musician to people around the world.  He serves as worship leader at a church in Florence AL, and for the past 6 years, I served with him there on the worship team and in his travel band.  This amazing experience proved to me that there is no higher high than to Worship and Serve our awesome God.  Traveling with Lenny and others across the US and literally to the other side of the earth and serving on the worship team provided some of the most gratifying times of my life.

 

Another reunion I was richly blessed to enjoy while serving along with Lenny was with my friend (and Shoals Sister) Cindy Richardson Walker. Cindy and I provided background vocals for Lenny. We met when we were both 17,  right out of high school, and new to the Muscle Shoals scene.  30 years of doing sessions and live performances here and there together for many artists has given us a solid archive of sounds that we all cut our teeth on: Rhythm and Blues, Country, Gospel, Folk, and Jazz.  Singing with Cindy is smooth and effortless…always a privilege  and a thrill.  I have stood in her shadow more often than not and much of my credibility as a background vocalist has come through my association with her.  What I mean is, she makes me sound good, ha.   More importantly, she has encouraged me spiritually and I am eternally! grateful to her for all the harmony she has brought to my life.

 

In 2008 we recorded a Country Worship DVD “live” at the Ryman for Time Life, featuring artists like Ricky Scaggs, Richie McDonald (Lone Star), Susan Ashton,  Linda Davis, Collin Ray,  Marty Raybon and many others.  I will try to post the release date.

 

Finally, the music of my heart and soul, what resonates with my life and all that means the most to me….I found it.  Thank you God for what only You could make possible….giving me the desires of my heart. 

 

NOTE:  I hope to have my first CD out in 2009.  Until there are enough songs and funds to release a project, I will at least upload some songs to this site that I hope you will enjoy.