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Last Updated: Sep 9th, 2010 - 8:51:14 |
Heather Headley
HEATHER HEADLEY seems like the girl with the Midas touch. For just when you think she's done it all at just 25, Heather has now been named one of the 57 most powerful Black women in the USA.
And that newly earned power has come with such admirable ease, you wonder where next this self-described Trinimerican is headed.
From the start, Heather has slipped to the top of anything she touches and creates a magic that so few like her has ever done before.
First, this former Barataria girl caught the attention of Hollywood when she was selected, over a slew of more notable and popular names in showbiz, for the enviable role of Aida in the Broadway play of the same name.
But, that was not enough.
She copped a Tony and Drama Desk and Drama League awards for her role in Aida, earning respect in a town that's as tough as nails to break through, especially for a small town girl minus the movie star looks. It was more than a golden opportunity for the pastor's daughter, since she had already been handpicked and recievd rave reviews for her role in the stage version of one of Broadway's most successful plays ever, The Lion King.
As Nala, the playful lioness who would win the heart of Simba, heir to the kingdom, she has worked with the likes of Elton John and some of the greatest names in international entertainment. Heather first starred in schoolplays and sang solo with her school choir in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from where it was on to Communications and Musical theatre studies at Northwestern University.
And there began her journey.
Says former professor Dominic Missimi: "Of all the people I've encountered in my career as a teacher... I would put her at the top of my list of people most likely to have a major, major career."
But Heather, who has always held her dream of stardom close to her chest, knew it was going to happen someday.
"It's funny how life works out," she says with a giggle.
"If you want something, you have to see it, work for it, ask God for it, and if it's yours, it will come to you."
And work for it she did.
Heather's road to success started while still in Trinidad, where she competed in performing arts. At the age of two, she sang and received second place at a children's talent show and, it seems, a star was born.
Her mother, Hannah, found that Heather had a love for music, and encouraged her daughter when she enrolled her to begin piano lessons.
She is also featured on Disney Records' original Broadway cast recording of The Lion King (1999 Grammy Award for "Best Show Album").
She can be heard singing "Shadowland" (music by Lebo M and Hans Zimmer/lyrics by Lebo M and Mark Mancina) and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (music by Elton John/lyrics by Tim Rice).
Heather recently dropped her debut album, This is Who I Am, with RCA Records, which many have described as a timeless span of pop, and R&B written by some of today's greatest writers.
Heather admits that before she was even aware that Broadway existed, she knew she wanted to be a recording artiste.
"This is a lifelong dream of mine. I've always wanted to do an album, so I'm very excited and anxious about this project."
Heather now proves herself a wondrously talented R&B solo artiste with her album. The multi-talented young woman has worked with a host of top producers on the album, including Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston), Dallas Austin (TLC, Toni Braxton), Shep Crawford (Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston, and Britain's D'Influence (Shola Ama, Mark Morrison).
Along the way, Heather turned these world-class music makers into true fans, with Dallas Austin saying: "Heather is an exceptional artiste with a beautiful voice... working with her was truly an enlightening experience," and Jam & Lewis dubbing her "an amazing voice and talent."
On the album, Heather transcended the usual parameters, singing with a degree of finesse and passion rarely encountered these days.
With her innate gift of song, Heather Headley is certain to captivate R&B for years to come. She co-wrote several songs on This Is Who I Am, including the upbeat "Fallin' For You," "Sunday," and the moving "Sista Girl."
Joining her on the album are such esteemed guest musicians as guitar great Keb Mo' and Jamaican dancehall master Chuckie Star (who takes a solo turn on the song "Fallin' For You").
On every track -- ballad and uptempo -- Heather used one criterion for selecting her songs. "My brain has to connect with my heart and my voice," she says. "It's a simple test. I know in 12 bars if I can sing the song or not."
Now, she " is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of her life.
"I can't wait to tour," says Heather. "I'll drive the bus myself!"
As for the new album, Heather has the highest of hopes and the worthiest of ambitions.
The times may be uncertain, but music has always had the power to heal and bring joy, especially in the hands of a brilliant singer like Heather Headley.
Barataria has certainly come to Hollywood.
And the Midas touch is a long way from ending. In fact, it seems, it has only just begun.
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