Born and raised in Southern California, Vicki veered toward country music after being exposed to many other genres of music at an early age. Among her musical influences are Crystal Gayle, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, The Judds, Karen Carpenter, Linda Rondstadt, Marie Osmond, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. But perhaps her greatest musical influence of all was her very own dad who was a gospel singer in the Grammy Award winning gospel group, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy. Her first audience was in her father’s church he pastored, for he was a Baptist minister. There she learned how to fully use her vocal skills. It was a very forgiving group of folks because it consisted mostly of family and her dad’s many friends. It was a lesson far from singing in her room for hours and hours daily where her only audience was her dolls on the shelves. Vicki went on to sing throughout her school years along with working as a model.
Following graduation from high school and college Vicki decided to become a kindergarten teacher. “I love kids! They’re so honest and beautiful, and they were always willing to listen to me sing! I had a chance to help shape the future of these kids. I made a difference by being their first official teacher!”
While teaching school by day, Vicki was gigging with her band at night and on weekends all around Southern California at street fairs, festivals, and speedways. She performed in Nashville on her first trip to Tennessee and set up a booth at Fan Fair, currently The CMA Fest. She gathered up some players and traveled to Switzerland to play the 39 Days of Country Music Festival there alongside Pam Tillis and Neal McCoy. After such a hectic performing schedule for about four years, Vicki said ‘goodbye’ to her kindergarten students and decided to pursue her singing career full time. “I had exhausted all of my substitute teachers and after teaching school all day and gigging at night fueled by good, strong coffee, I needed to make a choice. It was tough to leave the kids at school because they felt safe for me, but I had enormous support from my closest friends and family. I had always taught the kids to follow their dreams and to dream big, and what better way to teach them than to lead by example. I gave my notice, packed up my classroom, prayed, and I never looked back.” Her most recent accomplishment, receiving 4 Grammy Award nominations for her current cd 'dream catcher'. It appears as though she is definitely destined for stardom because she is well on her way.
Dear Vicki, I sent you a comment again without realizing you commented back to me already. You must have been in my mind a lot recently. ;)
I respect your privacy and your busy schedule. Please accept my apologies if I seemed invasive. You are always welcome to stop by as many times as you wish. Keep in touch. ♥
May 2010 be a better year for all of us! The very best of Holidays to you and yours from Nashville! Jimmy Roberts - Songwriter / Pedal Steel Guitarist :)
Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most downloaded mixtapes in the world always officially hosted by a Major Artist. We bring you new and exclusive music from the biggest names in Urban music every week! Download all the mixtapes for free at www.coast2coastmixtapes.com
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HI , HOW ARE YOU , COOL TUNES ... WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A FUN AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON ..... JUST ADDED NEW HELMET PICS TO CHECK OUT ... COME BY ANYTIME AND LEAVE A COMMENT , APPRECIATE YOUR TIME , I CAN ALSO CUSTOM PAINT GUITARS .... THANKS ANDY
Thank You Vicki! May the blessings of God shower throughout your life and the lives of the ones you love. Wishing you the best that life can give. Let us pray much for one another.
Sincerely, Respectfully, Your Friend, Ronald Haynes
