From time to time, interviewers or listeners want a detailed overview of how I came to be where I am, including information about my childhood, how I got into singing, and so on. So the following is a leisurely overview. Prepare to use your scroll bar!

The Personal Side

What was it like growing up in Chicago?

I grew up on Chicago's South West Side in a tiny house across the street from Midway Airport. In was a two bedroom house with one bathroom and no shower, just a tub. Irish Catholic family of seven: Two younger brothers, two younger sisters and Mom and Dad. We were always striving for privacy, a little quiet time away from the chaos and a moment to go to the bathroom in peace without someone knocking on the door. Ha! Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. It built character and we all turned out just fine. We are an extremely close family because of it. Growing up in this scenario, I quickly learned that you had to be aware of others needs and that it was literally impossible to be selfish even when a small part of you wanted the whole bag of Doritoes all for yourself.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite toy was an empty refrigerator box. My brother, sister and I made a house out of the box and we added fabric curtains and cut windows that opened and closed. We used crayons and tempera paints to color the in and outside. Also, my Mom always had a box of costumes, wigs and hats for us which were basically hand- me-downs from aunts, uncles and friends. We would play house in the refrigerator box and put on shows, curtain, stage and all. Of course, I always had to be the singer in those shows. I used to sing into my Dad's microphone shaped soap-on- a-rope using his tennis racket as my guitar.

If you were my friend back then, you could not escape me and my tape recorder. I had to interview each of my friends individually and then close the segment singing a song or two together. I should of had my own radio show, Ha.

How old were you when the music bug first bit?

If you ask my Mom, she would say I was 2 yrs old because I would sing and dance near the radio whether it was on or off. I would say the bug bit when I was 7yrs old because that's when it was discovered I could play the piano by ear. I had no formal training at the time, but had the ability to hear a song on the radio, and then play the melody on piano with very few mistakes. Since it came naturally, and I wasn't taught how to do this, my grandmother called the ability "a gift from God". I remember her sitting me down and in a serious tone telling me how important it was that I explore this talent. She wasted no time in finding me a teacher, and so I began formal lessons. I remember hating the structured practices, but a little Catholic guilt always scared me enough to push harder. Grandma would remind me on my "off" days that, "God takes away talent that little girls don't use and appreciate". My reply, " Alright, alright I'll practice!"

What was your favorite childhood song?

"This Little Candle Light of Mine" (I'm Gonna Let it Shine). So profound, yet so simple. As an adult I will refer to the song when faced with lifes little challenges. It's a great pick me up and a fast source of strength.

What music are you listening to these days?

I am open to all I hear no matter what style of music it is. I don't judge music based on style; instead I simply try to understand where the artist is coming from, and hear the message. If I like the message, I keep listening. If I don't like the message or if it doesn't speak to "where I am" at the moment, I move on. Other times it doesn't have to require any thinking at all, I just like the groove.

Reading any books currently?

I don't have a chance to read much right now. I am always on the go, but I would like to share what I have read in the past that has either changed me, or made an impact in my life. Some of may favorites are:

"The Secret" - by Rhonda Byrne (Feb. 2007) just finished it. Love it!
"The Power Within You" and "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay,
"The Artists Way" by Julia Cameron,
"The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell,
"The Touching Spirit" by Elizabeth Stratto,
"Success Principals" by Jack Canfield
"Quantum Touch-The Power to Heal" by Richard Gordon"
"Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling" by Wayne Dyer (Just finished this Sept.25th, 06)

I would highly recommend all of these books. I go back and re-read them over and over.

Any favorite TV shows?

I don’t watch much TV, but my new favorite is "CANE" on CBS with Jimmy Smits . All I can say is ,how did Jimmy Smits get so hot?! Also, I like "Desperate Housewives". I like that the show celebrates the mature woman and sees the value, beauty, and sexiness of someone who has lived a bit of life. It is cool to see a glimpse of the media and society beginning to understand we are all getting better with age. As my Grandmother always said, "To change is to grow, to grow is to change much".

What do you drive?

A 2003 Hummer, baby, and not the H2! It's fully loaded with, of course, a state-of-the-art sound system ..............(In my DREAMS!). Really, I drive whatever gets me from point A to point B in one piece, preferably something with the frame still intact, and something clean that doesn't smell like an old sandwich.

The music business is, no doubt, one of the toughest businesses to be involved in. Do think you can survive the challenge?

In 2000, I was involved in two separate car accidents which totaled two brand new vehicles. I walked away with a bruised ego and high insurance.... yeah, I think I'm a survivor, music or otherwise. Seriously, I have managed to stay in "the game" enjoying a good living as a singer. I haven't slowed down yet, and I am committed to continually improve. There is always something new to learn about the craft. I Iove music too much to ever give it up. Music is much more than just business to me. As a dear friend of mine said, "Music is the language of my soul". My thoughts exactly!

How did you choose singing as your profession?

The way I see it, singing chose me. I just had to learn WHY I was given the ability. It took a little time, but through life experiences, I have discovered I am simply an open channel through which a song passes. Thankfully, people relate to WHAT I am singing, and HOW I sing it. Maybe it is the songs I choose. I look for songs that reveal my subtext or what I believe in. I am attracted to songs that are honest to me or serve a greater purpose. A powerful song can serve as the ultimate connection between strangers, helping us to recognize we are all the same, united in some way. A little slice of honesty.....if only for a moment.

Is music your full-time profession?

Yes, I have been a full time singer/musician/performer for 15 years, since 1992. By day, I am a studio session singer, recording anything from commercials to album projects of all kinds and styles. By night, I perform live an average of 5 nights a week singing my own material (rock/pop), doing orchestra dates, working with a rock band, and a jazz trio and anything interesting that comes my way.

What is the key to being a full-time singer/musician?

Chicago is a great town for music, and there is a lot of work to be had, so that helps. I think the reason I work so much is that I am versatile. I have experience with many styles of music and can jump into any musical situation and be comfortable. I have a lot of stage and studio experience so I am at ease in both settings.

Are you a freelance singer?

I do have people and partners I perform with on a regular basis. We have a good thing and it works! If you are asking if I am open to working the new people, I am always open to that, because I learn something new every time I do. I enjoy new challenges, it makes me a better singer.

Do you consider yourself an artist?

I think we are all artists. We are all creative beings in one way or another, but if we are using the term "artist" in the world of music, the business, and all its glory, I most definitely think of myself as an artist. My definition of a (musical) artist is someone with a clear vision and specific path with a great need to express that passion and vision. My canvas is a song. My paintbrush is my voice.

So what is your musical vision or mission statement?

My mission statement is to put something positive back into the world everyday, helping those around me to become or remain inspired and empowered. My underlying musical vision is the same. My song choices reflect that vision. I am by no means a "Mary Poppins" type, unrealistically seeing the world as a "spoon full of sugar". I simply choose to FOCUS on the good things and strive to make the world a better place one conversation at a time, one song at a time.

If you weren't a singer and so focused on music, what career path might you have taken?

I would be involved in spiritual psychology, an author of books with a mind-body-spirit theme, a motivational speaker, or metaphysical lecturer. The music I gravitate to, and the way I live my life parallel all these career possibilities. It would not be too far off base to say I can see myself branching out into any of these arenas. I like the idea of combining my music with one of these areas. I can see "combining" being very fulfilling and something I could be passionate about!

I imagine your interest and hobbies are similar?

Other than music, if the subject matter covers, higher awareness, spirituality, intuition, human energy, auras, chakras, feng shui (ancient art of placement), magnetic or aroma therapy, nutrition, empowerment, life purpose, or meditation, count me interested!

What do you consider your greatest talent?

My ability to love combined with higher awareness.

Do you have a favorite song lyric or poem?

I am a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn. She has always been the epitome of beauty to me. Her class, grace and kindness always shined through making her outer beauty only secondary. I think she got it right,work on the inside, the other stuff is gravy. Here is something she wrote:

-For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

-For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

-For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

-For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

-For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

-People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anybody.

-Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

-As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

-The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

-The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.

-And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!

You mention your "subtext", any words you live by?

Feel the fear and do it anyway! Some choose to see this as a bit reckless. I see it as an opportunity for growth, a path to finding the authentic self and letting go of the ego (false self). I'd rather ride life's roller coaster - ups and downs, than to feel nothing at all. To be numb day after day means being dead. Life is simply too short and precious to let moments go by unnoticed.

I also live with the knowledge that we are getting better with age. I am convinced we are all improving with time, like fine wine. Yes, we will all get wrinkles and may not be able to move the same way we did in our twenties, but how important is that in the big picture? As we grow and mature, the important part of who we are surfaces because we begin to look inward. The light that lives inside of each and every one of us becomes brighter.

The Show Biz Stuff

Recent Awards for Music
1. ACADEMY AWARD for Distinguished Achievements for the motion picture "The Rugrats in Paris: The Movie" (Cast).