“We lived with my paternal grandparents growing up. Granny Barbara sang a lot to me when I was little, and I sang with her as far back as I can remember. She came from an a cappella church tradition and had a natural, high soprano voice. At Christmastime when our family gathered, I’d stand beside her and we’d sing songs like ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ and ‘Amazing Grace.’ That was really special to me. Those early experiences had a lot to do with my loving music and led to my career as a classical singer and voice teacher. I’m working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree now at the University of Memphis.”