I am from a musical family. My mother was a singer in gospel groups in college, a piano teacher, and an accompanist for church all the years I grew up. My first recollection of singing for a performance was singing a hymn in 3 part harmony with my two younger sisters. This was before age 11. My sisters all teach piano, guitar, and other instruments, and group singing. All my formative years happened when I was living in Jamaica. There, I attained a deep appreciation for African-influenced music in church and popular music. I was exposed to classical music and other “white” music in my home through my mother primarily. When I moved to the USA, I sang in several Contemporary Christian music groups but longed for the more African-influenced music I was accustomed to. After a year of singing with a Christian music group as my full-time job for a year, I settled in Syracuse. Through the years here, I have played guitar as the main accompanist for church services. I am a member of 2 gospel groups in Syracuse. The first I have been a member of for 20 years now. The second is Five to Life. With this group, I have explored my love of close harmonies and produced music in the style of the traditional gospel churches.