Off the Beaten Path: Women Who Reshaped American Music.

When we talk about the architecture of American music—specifically Soul, R&B, and Jazz—the same legendary blueprints are always rolled out. We talk about Aretha’s unmatched power, Ella’s impeccable swing, and Diana’s global glamour. These women are the monuments, and they absolutely deserve their status as icons.

But when I design my one-woman educational shows, or when I am in the studio vocal coaching, I often find myself pulled toward the unsung heroes. I am drawn to the architects who built the foundation but whose names aren't always carved in the marble of the mainstream history books.

Throughout my career, I have had the absolute privilege of standing center stage backing superstars like Gladys Knight and Teddy Pendergrass. I’ve heard what "icon status" sounds like up close. But I also know that American music was not shaped by a select few superstars alone. It was reshaped, line by line and rhythm by rhythm, by trailblazing women who took the risk of stepping "off the beaten path."

These are the women who innovated sounds, navigated industry barriers, and demanded respect when the doors were locked tight. To understand my sound—and the modern landscape of soulful music—we have to honor these foundational, yet overlooked, icons.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Original Rock & Roll Godmother

If you ask people who invented Rock & Roll, they will almost always answer: Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, or Little Richard. But those titans were all heavily, explicitly influenced by a powerhouse Black woman who pioneered the genre over a decade before it had a name.

Before I came into my five-octave vocal range, I was listening to the power and texture of raw expression. Sister Rosetta Tharpe didn’t just sing; she preached with an intensity that could shake the dust off a building, and then she would drop the microphone and tear into a sizzling electric guitar solo.

Tharpe was a gospel superstar, the first to blend spiritual lyrics with a hard, secular swing beat. She took the music of the church, plugged in her Gibson SG, and created a rhythmic, distorted sound that laid the exact groundwork for Rock & Roll. Everyone from Elvis to Keith Richards took notes.

She is "off the beaten path" because the industry of her time didn't know how to categorize her: Was she Gospel? R&B? Pop? By breaking the mold, she allowed future artists—including myself—the freedom to reject rigid genre definitions and blend faith with artistic grit.

Dinah Washington: The Genre-Busting "Queen"

I deeply respect vocalists who refuse to stay in one lane. It’s what I have strived for my entire career, bridging the gap from classic soul to the #1 spot on the smooth jazz charts.

The masterclass in crossover artistry was taught by Dinah Washington. The mainstream remembers her primarily as a legendary blues singer or for her lush standard, "What a Diff’rence a Day Makes." But that label entirely underestimates her reach. Dinah was known among musicians as the artist who could, and did, sing everything.

Gospel, blues, jazz, pop, country—she approached every genre with the same direct, piercing delivery and unparalleled phrasing. She demanded absolute respect from musicians and producers. Dinah was innovative not only in her sound but in her understanding that a singular, unique voice should be big enough to command any musical landscape.

She taught me that versatility is not a weakness; it is a sign of complete vocal and artistic control. By refusing to be siloed, she reshaped the definition of what a popular singer could be.

Angela Winbush: The Quiet Storm Architect and Producer

The journey from backing Gladys Knight to releasing my own album, Patrice’s Groove (which reached #1 on the smooth jazz charts in the UK and #11 in the US), would not have been possible without the barriers broken by Angela Winbush.

Her impact cannot be overstated, yet she rarely receives the spotlight of her peers. Angela Winbush was a soulful powerhouse vocalist, but her true revolution was behind the mixing board.

In the 1980s, the recording studio was almost exclusively a man’s world, especially for producers and engineers. Angela Winbush, as one half of René & Angela and later as a solo artist, insisted on writing, producing, and arranging her own music. She became one of the first Black women to secure full creative and financial control over her studio productions, leading to hits for Janet Jackson, The Isley Brothers, and Stephanie Mills.

She didn't just sing the "Quiet Storm" sound; she built it. She created those sophisticated, lush, jazz-influenced arrangements that paved the way for the smooth jazz charts we fight for today. Every time I take control of my own production decisions, I am walking the path she paved.

Why the "Off the Beaten Path" Matters

When I look at my own journey—from the Las Vegas Strip performance stages to partnering with UNLV for The Confident Performer Workshop—I realize that every artist’s path is unique. Mainstream success is only one metric.

The women mentioned here—Tharpe, Washington, Winbush—reshaped music by leaning into their uniqueness rather than fitting into a mold. They were innovators who priority artistry and control over safe, predictable careers.

As a vocalist with a career built on versatility and high-end artistic integrity, I feel a profound responsibility to use my platform to amplify their work. American music is not just the songs on the top 40; it is the rich, complex, and sometimes messy tapestry woven by the women brave enough to forge a new trail.

In my performances and in my writing, I will always make space for the icons off the beaten path. Because without them, the "legends" we all celebrate might never have found their own way home.

22 September - Speak & Perform With Purpose: Confident Performer Workshop with Patrice Isley

22 September - Speak & Perform With Purpose: The Art and Business of Public Speaking

An Evening with Patrice Isley - Confident Performer Workshop

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 6:15 PM
Griffin Rehearsal Studio – Room C | Las Vegas

What does it take to command a room, connect with an audience and turn your words into action?

Join Patrice Isley for an intimate, interactive masterclass on the art and business of public speaking—where performance meets persuasion.

A soul vocalist, charted recording artist, formally trained speaker, and nationally top-selling AT&T Account Executive, Patrice brings a rare perspective shaped by both the stage and the corporate world. Her approach combines professional speech training with real-world experience communicating under pressure and before thousands on stage.

What You’ll Learn in This Session

Pro Lessons learned from her work with A-List Artists such as Dexter Wansel & Death Row Records.

Command the room through presence, posture, pacing, and tone.

Deliver a clear message that people remember.

Read the room and adjust your delivery in real time.

Use your voice to create emphasis, connection, and impact.

Build confidence under pressure, whether presenting, selling, or performing.

Turn expertise into connection so your audience doesn’t just hear you—they feel you.

Set inside the creative atmosphere of Griffin Rehearsal Studio, this is more than a seminar. It’s a working session designed to help you discover your authentic voice and put practical communication skills to work immediately.

Whether you're a sales professional, performer, creative, entrepreneur, business owner, or simply someone who wants to communicate with greater confidence, you'll leave with practical tools you can use with clients, colleagues, audiences, and on camera.

Evening Schedule

6:15 PM — Arrival & Check-In
6:30–7:30 PM — Interactive Masterclass
7:30–8:00 PM — Networking & Q&A

Instructor: Patrice Isley
Venue: Griffin Rehearsal Studio, Room C
Address: 5087 Arville St., Unit B, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Near The Orleans Hotel & Casino
Venue Phone: (702) 325-9137

Seating is limited. To register go to “Events” page www.PatriceIsley.com Arrive early to secure your preferred seat.

Find your voice. Own the room. Speak with purpose.

More information:

There are voices that move an audience, and there are voices that move a room full of decision-makers. Patrice Isley has spent a career mastering both. On the evening of 22 September, she brings that dual expertise to Griffin Recording Studio in Las Vegas for an intimate, insight-driven evening on the fundamentals of public speaking, drawn not from a textbook, but from a life spent on stages, in boardrooms and behind microphones.

Long before she became a celebrated soul vocalist and recording artist, Patrice built the foundation of her communication craft in Marquette University's College of Speech, where she trained formally in the discipline of vocal delivery, audience connection and the architecture of a persuasive message. That academic grounding did not stay in the classroom.

It became the throughline of a career that took her from the concert stage to the sales floor, where she went on to become a nationally top-selling Account Executive at AT&T, one of the most competitive and communication-driven environments in corporate America. It is this rare combination, classically trained speech technique paired with real-world, high-stakes sales performance, that makes Patrice's approach to public speaking distinct. She does not simply teach theory. She teaches what has actually worked, under pressure, in front of real audiences, real clients and real stakes.

What to Expect

This is not a conventional seminar. Set inside the creative, acoustically rich environment of Griffin Recording Studio, the evening blends the polish of a performance with the practicality of a masterclass. Guests can expect an engaging, conversational session that draws a direct line between the tenets of classical speech training and the tenets of commercial persuasion, showing how the same principles that hold an audience's attention on a concert stage are the ones that close a deal in a boardroom.

Patrice will walk attendees through the core pillars that have defined her own communication style across two very different careers: Entertainment & Business Communication.

Why Griffin Rehearsal Studio

The choice of venue is deliberate. Griffin Rehearsal Studio provides an atmosphere that is creative rather than corporate, intimate rather than cavernous, echoing the same environment in which Patrice herself has refined her craft as a vocalist. It offers attendees a setting that feels less like a lecture hall and more like a working studio session, appropriate for an evening about finding and using your authentic voice.

The Takeaway

Guests will leave with a practical, adaptable framework for public speaking, one built not on abstract theory but on principles tested across two demanding, high-visibility careers. More than a set of tips, attendees will come away understanding how classical speech training and real-world commercial experience reinforce one another, and how those same tenets can be applied immediately, whether the next audience is a client, a colleague, a crowd or a camera.

Register Today! Space is limited!

To register go to “Events” page www.PatriceIsley.com

Where My Voice Comes From: Gospel Roots to Smooth Jazz

When people ask me where my voice comes from, I always go back to the living room of my childhood home in Houston, Texas.

Long before I ever stood under the hot lights of The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, or Soul Train backing legends like Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and Gladys Knight, I was a little girl listening to the magic spilling out of my parents' record player. My mother flooded our home with an eclectic spectrum of sound, Barry White, LTD, Jeffrey Osborne, and Minnie Riperton. Meanwhile, my father filled the room with his own incredible vocal range, effortlessly floating from the smooth, velvet notes of Sam Cooke to the high, soaring falsetto of Eddie Kendricks and the deep baritone harmonies of gospel quartets.

Though I didn't grow up singing in a traditional church choir like many soul vocalists, gospel was the air we breathed. My grandmother loved Mahalia Jackson, and Mahalia's earth-shaking, spirit-filled delivery left an indelible mark on my heart. That raw passion showed me that music isn't just notes on a page, it is a sacred vessel for the human spirit.

Understanding where soul music came from, and how it eventually paved the way for the smooth jazz tracks that top today's international charts, requires tracing a sacred line. It is a journey from the sanctuary to the studio, from Sunday morning worship to late-night quiet storm radio.

The Sanctuary: Where Soul Took Its First Breath

Soul music did not emerge in a vacuum; it was born directly out of the Black church. In the early to mid-20th century, gospel music was the heartbeat of African American life. It was a space where pain, hope, resilience, and divine joy collided in open harmony. Artists like Mahalia Jackson, Thomas A. Dorsey, and The Soul Stirrers were not just singing songs; they were channeling an emotional truth that moved mountains.

When pioneers like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin brought those gospel vocal techniques into secular music during the 1950s and 60s, they birthed Soul. They took the call-and-response structures, the passionate melismas, the soaring vocal runs, and the deep emotional conviction of church music and applied them to stories of love, heartbreak, and everyday life.

That sacred roots sound carries a specific weight. It is what gives a voice its texture, its grit, and its power to move a crowd to tears. You can hear it in every phrase of Patti LaBelle and Angela Winbush, two powerhouses whose masterclasses in vocal delivery inspired me as a young singer competing in college showcase stages.

The Evolution: Crossover, Funk, and Sophisti-Soul

As the 1970s and 80s arrived, soul began to transform. The raw, acoustic gospel-soul of the 1960s evolved into lush, orchestrated arrangements.

This was the era of Philly Soul and Symphonic R&B, pioneered by visionaries like Barry White, Gamble and Huff, and The Isley Brothers. Music became sophisticated. Producers introduced sweeping string sections, intricate horn arrangements, and jazz-influenced chord progressions, all while keeping that deep, rhythmic groove at the center.

When I moved to Los Angeles in the 1990s under the endorsement of my vocal mentor, David Lee Brewer, I was immediately thrust into this world as a first-call session vocalist. Standing in the studio behind Barry White, tracking background vocals for hits like "Practice What You Preach," was a profound masterclass. Barry understood how to blend the sacred emotional resonance of soul with the sophisticated, champagne elegance of orchestral arrangement.

During this era, vocalists were also pushing the boundaries of what the human instrument could achieve. Singers like Deniece Williams, Minnie Riperton, and Melba Moore introduced the whistle register and complex, multi-octave agility to mainstream R&B. Training my own voice into a five-octave instrument allowed me to bridge those worlds, combining the heavy emotional resonance of classic soul with the effortless, soaring dynamics required for modern jazz.

Gospel Roots (Mahalia Jackson) → Classic Soul & Motown (Sam Cooke, Aretha) → Jazz-Fusion & Quiet Storm (Deniece Williams, George Duke) → Modern Smooth Jazz (Patrice Isley, Tom Schuman)

The Intersection: Smooth Jazz Meets Late-Night Soul

By the late 1980s and 90s, R&B, soul, and contemporary jazz had fully intertwined to create what we now recognize as Smooth Jazz and Quiet Storm.

Instrumentalists and vocalists began engaging in a rich, collaborative dialogue. Jazz musicians like George Duke, Grover Washington Jr., and Spyro Gyra were no longer playing strict bebop; they were weaving soulful R&B melodies over hypnotic, infectious grooves. Concurrently, vocalists began approaching their voices like lead instruments, scatting, improvising, and gliding across complex chord changes with the precision of a saxophone or a grand piano.

This brings us to the music I craft today.

When I recorded my cover of Deniece Williams' classic "Free," or George Duke's "I Want You For Myself," I wasn't just paying homage to the past; I was continuing a tradition. When I collaborated with master keyboardist Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra on my single "Patrice's Groove," that dynamic was fully alive in the studio. Tom's fluid, masterful piano licks mesh with my vocal lines not as simple background and lead, but as two jazz instruments in a continuous, soulful conversation.

Why the Spirit of Soul Still Matters Today

Today, when you turn on smooth jazz stations or look at international charts, whether here in the States or across the UK, you are listening to the direct descendant of those early gospel quartets and soul pioneers.

The instruments may be sleeker, the production crisper, and the arrangements tailored for global streaming, but the core engine remains unchanged. Smooth Jazz works because it retains the heart of Soul. Without that authentic emotional core, the passion birthed in the sanctuary and refined through decades of classic R&B, the music would just be background noise.

Through my music releases, my live performances, and my educational programs like The Confident Performer Workshop and The History of Black Women in Music, my mission remains simple: to honor the legacy of the women and men who built this art form, while pushing its boundaries into the future.

Soul music isn't just a genre on a chart. It is a living, breathing history, and every time we step up to the microphone, we keep that flame burning bright.

Patrice Isley Announces New Single "Take Me In Your Arms"

Patrice Isley promotional photo for the single 'Take Me In Your Arms'

The five-octave soul powerhouse delivers a slow-burning, string-kissed love song built for late-night listening

LONDON, UK, 25th September, 2026 — Expansion Records, the UK's number one independent soul label, is proud to announce the forthcoming release of "Take Me In Your Arms," the new single from acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Patrice Isley. The track arrives via Expansion on X date, 2026, marking the latest chapter in a label legacy that, since 1986, has provided the level of quality soul largely abandoned by the US majors, and the newest addition to a catalogue that has carried the voices of Angie Stone, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Stephanie Mills, Leon Ware and Howard Hewett.

A Slow-Burn Soul Statement

"Take Me In Your Arms" is a mid-tempo groove built for the hours after midnight, unfolding over a warm, unhurried pulse in the key of C sharp major across three minutes and forty-six seconds. Rather than chase a chorus, the production settles into a groove and lets it breathe, favouring rounded low end and softly rolled-off top over anything harsh or brittle, the kind of intentionally warm, radio-ready mix that rewards a good pair of headphones or a quiet room. It is a record about wanting to be held, and it sounds like it: patient, close-mic'd, unmistakably grown-and-sexy in the classic Expansion tradition.

Lyrically, the song is a plea stripped of pretence, direct in its longing and unashamed in its vulnerability. Isley's instrument, a mesmerising five-octave range she has spent a career refining, moves between a smoky lower register and soaring, held-back power notes, never over-sung, always in service of the ache at the song's centre.

The song is written by David Kent, no stranger to the Expansion family: his credits include the stage musicals Soul Sisters The Musical, directed by Angie Le Mar, and Soul Mates The Musical, whose lead single from the original soundtrack, "Break The Rules," was itself released on Expansion’s imprint - Expansion Select. "Take Me In Your Arms" marks his first collaboration with Patrice Isley, adding her voice to a growing list of artists he has written for.

About Patrice Isley

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Patrice Isley began her musical education at the age of four, shaped by her father's love of Sam Cooke and gospel quartets and her mother's eclectic taste, which ranged from Barry White to Barbra Streisand. A graduate of Marquette University, she studied vocal performance under David Lee Brewer, developing the smooth yet powerful five-octave instrument that has since been described as "the voice of an angel."

After relocating to Los Angeles, Isley quickly found work providing background vocals for Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White, going on to collaborate with more than thirty A-list artists including Gladys Knight, Philip Bailey, El DeBarge, Jermaine Dupri and Coolio. She launched her solo career in 2016 with the album Believe in Love, and has since notched a string of chart successes: "Harvest for the World" reached number two on the UK charts, "Free" spent two weeks at number one on a UK regional chart in early 2024, and "Patrice's Groove," featuring Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman, climbed to number eleven on the Smooth Jazz charts.

Isley has performed for audiences at the Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, Soul Train and Arsenio Hall, and remains active as an educator, having led the Confident Performer Workshop at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and produced the acclaimed one-woman show A History of Black Women in Music.

About David Kent (Songwriter)

David Kent is a songwriter for stage and record whose credits include Soul Sisters The Musical, directed by Angie Le Mar, and Soul Mates The Musical, the original soundtrack of which produced Expansion Select's lead single "Break The Rules." He has written for numerous artists across the soul, cabaret and musical theatre worlds, a list that now includes Patrice Isley.

About Expansion Records

Founded in London in 1986 by Northern Soul DJ Richard Searling BEM and Soul Bowl owner John Anderson, and strengthened from 1989 by DJ, author and journalist Ralph Tee, Expansion Records has spent four decades building a reputation as the UK's number one independent soul label. The label has released music by Leon Ware, Stephanie Mills, Leroy Hutson, Angie Stone, Gwen McCrae, Howard Hewett, Keni Burke, Lenny Williams, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Maysa, Frank McComb and many more, curating what it calls the definitive soundtrack to the soul scene across vinyl singles, artist albums, digital releases and compilations. Expansion serves as the bridge between artist vision and true connoisseur, giving space to established legends and emerging talent alike.

Track Information

Artist: Patrice Isley Title: Take Me In Your Arms Label: Expansion Records Release date: 25th September, 2026 Format: DIGITAL / STREAMING Songwriter: David Kent Producer: Pete Ware.

Book Patrice Isley

15 September - Master the Stage: How the Confident Performer Workshop Unlocks Your Full Potential

Whether you are stepping up to a podium, stepping out under stage lights, or pitching a high-stakes idea to a room full of executives, the core challenge remains the same: how to deliver your message with clarity, power, and undeniable authority.

For many, public speaking or performing triggers immediate anxiety. But stage presence, vocal projection, and public speaking confidence are not innate talents reserved for a lucky few—they are learnable, repeatable skills that can be systematically mastered.

The Confident Performer Workshop—developed and led by international recording artist, speaker, and educator Patrice Isley—is engineered to bridge the gap between hesitation and stage mastery.

Here is what you need to know about this hands-on masterclass, the foundational skills covered, and how to reserve your spot for the upcoming session.

What Makes the Confident Performer Workshop Different?

Many public speaking courses offer high-level theory like "Maintain eye contact" or "Take a deep breath." While well-intentioned, abstract advice fails when you step into a real venue with live equipment, dynamic acoustics, and an audience hanging on your every word.

The Confident Performer Workshop takes a direct, hands-on approach. Patrice Isley draws from decades of high-level industry experience, combining her formal background in speech and vocal performance at Marquette University with an extensive career touring alongside more than 30 music legends—including Barry White, Gladys Knight, Philip Bailey, and El DeBarge.

By compressing years of professional studio and stage experience into an interactive environment, this masterclass cuts through theory to deliver actionable techniques you can use immediately.

"The exact same fundamental skills apply whether you are speaking one-on-one, addressing a small group in a boardroom, or performing in front of thousands in an arena. Once you master the mechanics of confidence, scale no longer intimidates you."

— Patrice Isley

Core Pillars of the Workshop

The session focuses on four critical elements that convert nervous energy into a commanding stage presence:

Hands-On Equipment & Gear Mastery: Learn proper microphone technique, proximity effect dynamics, and how to navigate stage acoustics so technical setup never throws off your performance.

Classical Vocal Technique & Projection: Master diaphragmatic breathing and projection methods taught by elite vocal coaches, allowing you to fill any room without strain or fatigue.
Public Speaking Mechanics & Rhetoric: Apply proven communication structures from Marquette University, including strategic pacing, open body language, and effective messaging.
Conquering Stage Fright: Reframe physiological anxiety into dynamic performance energy through real-time practice and supportive coaching.

Event Details, Location & Schedule

Space is intentionally limited to ensure every participant receives dedicated, hands-on time with studio equipment and personalized feedback.

Date: Tuesday, September 15th
Instructor: Patrice Isley
Evening Schedule
6:15 PM: Arrival & Check-In
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Interactive Masterclass & Equipment Practice
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Post-Class Networking & Q&A
Location & Venue Details
Venue: Griffin Rehearsal Studio (Room C)
Address: 5087 Arville St., Unit B, Las Vegas, NV 89118 (Located near The Orleans Hotel & Casino)
Contact Phone: (702) 325-9137
Video Guide: Watch the Directions & Parking Info Video prior to arrival for smooth navigation and parking directions.

Who Should Attend?

This versatile framework serves a broad range of experience levels, from rising students to seasoned professionals:

Vocalists & Live Performers: Musicians seeking stronger mic control, improved vocal stamina, and dynamic stage presence.
Public Speakers & Presenters: Keynote speakers and corporate leaders aiming to captivate audiences and pitch with conviction.
Educators & Workshop Leaders: Teachers and trainers looking to project naturally while preventing vocal strain.
Up-and-Coming Talent: Anyone wanting to eliminate public speaking anxiety and command attention in group settings.

Connect & Stay Updated

Stay informed on future masterclasses, performance dates, and exclusive releases:

Email List: Subscribe to the official mailing list for priority access to future events and tickets.
YouTube Channel: Subscribe to the Patrice Isley YouTube Channel for vocal exercises, tutorial clips, and official videos.
Social Media: Follow @PatriceIsley on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and announcements. Use #StayTuned to share your workshop highlights!

Register your interest

NB: Class Cost: No cost. Donation, any amount, appreciated if you're able. Thank you.

Back At It!

I am excited about this upcoming year! I have soooo many things to prep to release new music - "PATRICE'S GROOVE!" I am excited, though.... Did I mention that I am EXCITED? LOL! If you have not done so already, make sure you sign up for my email list. I have so many things coming up. I want to make sure that you are included and invited. Be sure to check out my "Shows" link, also, as I am still performing presently; virtually and in small, private - health screened groups. Okay! Be Blessed and Stay SAFE! xox

Thrilled about "BETTER"

2021 is going to be great! I have been so blessed to use the last few months of 2020 to work with multiple musicians to record an AMAZING album. I am not bragging. I say this because I was spent with all the suffering and loss in 2020.

I prayed and asked God to help me do SOMETHING to share hope and to revive beautiful music to share with the World.... and HE did!

The first single will debuted in the UK this month and I am thrilled! The song is called "BETTER" and tough critics have given it rave reviews. I want people to listen to it and to share it with as many people as they can... to uplift them and to infuse HOPE! Stay tuned to my site for links and info and for this and other songs SOON to be released. (Join my email list so you get updates and notices!) THANKS AND BE BLESSED!

Birthday

Another Birthday!! Someone on social media, grabbed a photo of mine and made this wonderful birthday themed magazine cover. I am definitely grateful. I am also thankful for things I am looking forward to. I have started working on my new album and I have quite the cadre of musicians and producers working with me on this. Stay tuned!! Sign up for email updates if you haven't already. Annnnd I still have my current cd available for sale on this site. Thanks for your support!

Working with Gladys Knight

Quiz Answer- GLADYS KNIGHT & BUBBA KNIGHT!

I was blessed to work with Mrs. Knight on a song she recorded for the Winter Olympics. They flew me in to Las Vegas to record, from Los Angeles, along with her long time background singer Vonciele Faggett.

The recording studio was in Mrs. Knight’s home! She was so Gracious!! I felt welcomed and honored to be in the presence of a music Legend!

She welcomed us, after the fleet of Escalades they had pick us up from the airport, by apologizing that she hadn’t “cooked for us personally!” She fed us well, however, & we went to work! Her brother Bubba was there and helped us through the session. He was so sweet/fun/kind. I’ll never forget that experience😊🎼

Dress Up Showtime!

Left: Me - As a little girl Right: Me - Backstage on my first professional tour in France with Barry White.

Click here to see GREAT performance where I got to sing with Barry White! (Also, SUBSCRIBE to channel - Thanks!)

When I see this photo, it touches my heart. I see a little girl who would play "dress up" and who would go "on stage" daily, at home, and put on SHOWS in front of my imaginary audience, parents, relatives, dolls and whomever would come into the room! I see a solid "hope" and understanding in my eyes that I am here to sing, write and perform. I see no doubt, nor foreshadowing for the things that would occur to become the woman on the right.

Looking at this photo encourages me to continue, in my journey, to sing, to present well visually, to bring quality music to the industry and to the public. It makes it worth it to press through, during this pandemic, to do what it takes to persevere. Catch my journey here and @PatriceIsley on Facebook (Follow), Instagram and YouTube (Subscribe). Thanks!

Patrice's Blog