My chance encounter with Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius I have been very fortunate to have traveled and met with and hung out with people from Janis Joplin to Hugh Hefner to Frank Valli.The list is long. One evening in 1975, I met Don after my gig at the Chicago Playboy Club. This tall man, with a big afro walked over to me. He was instantly recognizable and started a conversation. Not a typical pick up line… I’ve heard a few.... [Read more]
X-Factor Semi-Finals Contestant Melts Down – Unwatchable TV
X-Factor meltdown I tuned in for the X-Factor semi-finals. I wasn’t knocked out by the performances, but thought that 13-year-old Rachel Crow deserved to be in the finals. She was up against a young man, perhaps 18, Marcus Canty. His performance was weak and out of tune. When the judges gave their save votes, Simon and Paula choose Rachel to stay. Wow, nice surprise. However the other judges,... [Read more]
The Value of a Great Vocal Coach
When I was a child, I had already been singing since I could speak. My mother had been a professional singer and dad a drummer. They decided not to get me a coach, they didn’t feel I needed it. “Now, being a coach, I realize, I would have been a better singer than I am if I had a good coach.” ~ Jessica Marciel It is better to have no coach than a bad one. I have had many students... [Read more]
The ‘Reality’ of Reality Shows: An X-Factor Experience
Several of my students have auditioned for American Idol, The Voice and X-Factor. Most have gone on to the 2nd and 3rd round of producers, only to not make it to the little, or big screen in your home. The latest audition was a story I just had to share with you. Ken is a strong singer and presence, tall, dark, handsome, ex military, good contestant. I will admit, at first, I thought The X Factor would... [Read more]
How To Avoid Hitting The Wall, Before Your Career Takes Hold
This Business of “Show” is very difficult. I know, remember. I was dropped by a label at age 14. I didn’t give up. It was not the end of the world. I spent my entire life singing. You may not have bought my records, but I was out there, entertaining and dancing for all the people who were there to be entertained. A couple of years ago, I had some students who were right there at the... [Read more]
