Lesson learned: To be fearless, have faith and always believe in yourself. Be yourself – no matter who doubts you, doesn’t agree, doesn’t understand, wants to discourage you or your l choices. I didn’t quit Shalamar to go solo – I quit to be happy. The sudden passing of my father forever changed my view on living life. It’s best to the life you choose towards love, peace, respect with joy – inspiring others to do the same in the process, God blessed me for my choice and continues to in so many ways.
An ongoing career is not a curse to those who have implied “Best New Artist” is curses because a few in the category have faltered. I’ve always found that narrative insulting not to mention ridiculous. It’s a blessing.
The same is never said of recipients of Album, Song or Record of the Year, some never reach those pinnacles again but continue to work and be creative without the fanfare or accolades.
What I know is to date I have great success with an ongoing discography full of hit singles in various genres over many albums, have watched things I’ve done or worn become trends and open the door bridging music and style open for a new generation of female artists regardless of the lack of acknowledgement. “Friends” ft. Eric B and Rakim, as an example, and a hit from my second album is the first collaboration like that to become a Top 10 Crossover Hit Hot 100, R&B/Hip Hop and Dance – a formula that eventually had to be recognized with its own category and continues to dominate. “Friends” was not nominated however it’s significance in music and pop culture influence is indelible. In 2018 Billboard Magazine ranked me in the Greatest Dance Artists of All Time and in the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time for further clarity.
In my ongoing catalog songs that aren’t hits all represent an artist, songwriter, producer who happens to be a woman and black (the first to be marginalized generally) continues to write, record and release quality music on my own terms outside of the “machine” or conventional methods nor the assist of big time producers or executives using their clout to keep me afloat. Survived though a certain executive for a time was trying to have me ‘blackballed’ at black radio – my debut happened anyway despite his attempts because a higher power is always on my side, rather than a publicist on year round retainer to keep my name in the news, as some do. Thriving despite obstacles, traveling the world and better than ever with time is what’s real. It is frustrating at times to still not get the respect, however going to why I do what I do and always counting my blessings not woes or detractors. There are those who are still angered at my win for various reasons.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the meaning of success isn’t often what others see or view…status and big money, headlines, quantity of awards and so on are not it and aren’t what has driven or inspired me. Never thirsted for those things though of course though mad at any of those things, never about ‘playing the game’ to achieve any of it. Some of my music heroes and heroines never received a Grammy including Diana Ross with the exception of an honorary one. Ask Little Richard as well – the architect of Rock n Roll.
True success is maintaining your own self worth on your personal life journey which is unique to all of us – authenticity and living a life that brings you joy and joy to those you love is the greatest award and reward ..and to hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Presenting to MJ the night I won Best New Artist – surreal because I was such a fan and used to write him fan mail when he was in The Jackson 5.
2019 – Continuing to shine. Wattage!
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”