“I just want to sing.”
That heartfelt declaration pinpoints the core essence of LaKisha Jones. Best known to millions of TV viewers as a top four finalist during the 2007 season of “American Idol,” the singer is ready to reclaim center stage—this time with her first solo album. “So Glad I’m Me” on Elite Music, LLC debuts May 19.
“Singing makes me feel good,” says the Flint, Michigan native. “It’s the food for my soul and gets me through each day and night. If I touch just one person who can relate to what I’m singing, then I’ve done my job. Music is my ministry.”
“So Glad I’m Me” resonates from start to finish, propelled by Jones’ expressive, full-bodied vocals. It’s the same arresting voice that electrified “American Idol” viewers with the “Dreamgirls” showstopper “And I Am Telling You” and later commanded the Broadway stage in Oprah Winfrey’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Color Purple.” Whether Jones is delivering a gut-tugging ballad, a beat-infused party jam or a spiritual uplift, her voice never loses its soul-stirring fervor.
“My style is very soulful,” notes Jones. “I’m not one for doing big run-ups, riffs or frills. I’m just a straightforward singer without all the extras, giving out what was given to me.”
Leading the charge on the album’s spirited mix of R&B and soul is first single “Let’s Go Celebrate.” The song percolates with an understated, hand-clapping groove that’s part ladies night jam and part spiritual release. “My life has been a blessing/No need for me to be stressing/My attitude is changing/I’ll never be the same again … Because tonight is the night and let’s go celebrate.”
Helping Jones craft her musical message were hit-making songwriter/producers Tony Nicholas (Patti LaBelle, Gerald Levert, Luther Vandross), Ro & Sauce (Brandy, Ne-Yo), Greg Curtis (Keyshia Cole, Yolanda Adams) and Chris Black (Yolanda Evans). Another album standout is “Beautiful Girl,” a soaring ballad that extols Jones’ loving commitment to her six-year-old daughter.
“My daughter is very special to me,” says Jones. “A lot of times on this journey I was told no … That I couldn’t make it; that I couldn’t do anything with a child in my life now. But I wasn’t going to stop. Everything I do is for her.”
Among other noteworthy songs on the 14-track album is the Diane Warren-penned “Same Song,” a sparkling ode to reconnecting the dots on a failed relationship. Not afraid to make a classic song her own, Jones puts her stamp on the Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love.” Then she gives a shout-out to her gospel roots on the inspirational “Just As I Am.”
“This album is basically a story book of my life,” says Jones. “I sat down with the writers and producers, telling them about different things happening in my life during the last two years.”
Jones’ motivation and mesmerizing style date back to her childhood in Flint. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she was exposed to such legendary singers as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. But it was Jones’ 92-year-old grandmother who left the most lasting impression on the fledgling singer. It was at her urging (“let your voice shine”) that a five-year-old Jones began singing in church choirs and music programs.
“The more I did it, the more I loved it,” recalls Jones of her early “I want to sing” moments.
Soon after, she was doing the pushing herself. Singing in chorale groups and a cappella choruses through high school, she entered and won the top prize at Flint’s local talent contest, “The Super Show,” in 1997. A two-year stint studying vocal performance at the University of Michigan left the high school graduate wanting to sing more than hit the books. Relocating to various cities (Dallas, Houston and Virginia Beach) the singer continued to pursue her dream—despite not being accepted by “American Idol” during a 2003 audition.
But an eventual move to Baltimore proved a second time can be the charm. Having heard her sing on the job and at local events, Jones’ fellow Provident Bank staffers encouraged her to drive to New York to audition for the 2007 season of “American Idol.”
It was while performing on the “American Idol” tour that Jones received a call to audition for “The Color Purple.” During her three-month run, she played two roles: that of a “church lady” and one of the pivotal main characters, “Sophia,” The latter role she alternated with R&B icon Chaka Khan.
Having accomplished several major goals in two short years, Jones is only getting started. She anticipates more acting and singing roles on Broadway, TV and films, recording a gospel album and establishing a foundation to provide resources and support for single moms. But first up is winning more fans with “So Glad I’m Me.”
“One lesson I learned from Chaka Khan is don’t ever be scared to use what God has given you; don’t hold back,” says Jones. “God has gifted me and has more in store for me. This journey has just begun.”
Online Now!
