Cheryl Barnes

My latest album Listen to This was released just over a year ago and has soared to new heights. Although I stayed away from making records for almost a decade, I came back strong with my fourth, and I feel it’s my best record yet. My newest single Come in From the Cold debuted at #43 on the on the Mediabase Smooth A/C chart which was two places ahead of Sam Smith the day after the Grammys. Since February it has moved to #5 on the Mediabase Smooth A/C chart and #6 on The Wave in Cleveland.

During a recent interview, I was asked to explain my quote, “I sing because I must. I am compelled from within, the force sometimes ebbing, often flowing, the rhythm of it all out of my hands. I follow where it leads; it is an essential part of my being.” To put it in simple terms, I follow my heart and my heart is in music.

I’ve worked with world-renown producer Rahn Coleman who has produced legends like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Barry White, Ray Charles and Tom Jones. Listen to This took over 5 years to complete. It was recorded with tender loving care utilizing Los Angeles’ finest, including soloists saxophonists Rickey Woodard and Pete Christlieb, pianists John Hammond and Joel Scott, and trumpeter Nolan Shaheed. One of the many things that I am excited about is that my husband Phil Cabasso played piano on the record.

I was born and raised in Cleveland, but I now reside in California. I have always been drawn to music, and I think music is part of my DNA. I was surrounded by music from the moment I was brought home from the hospital. My parents loved all styles and genres of music, from classical to Polka to Jazz to Pop to Easy Listening. My parents were constantly listening to the radio and various albums, which introduced me to a wide variety of music, especially Jazz. My grandparents even owned a Jazz club in Cleveland, so I was pretty much set. Some would definitely say music chose me, and I have even said that becoming a musician was an unconscious choice. From early on, I could be observed singing, humming or crooning over some songs from the radio or record player or TV. I never considered anything else.

My Advice to other aspiring artists: Always love what you do, but make sure you realize that knowledge of the business aspects of the music is essential.

Cheryl Barnes
CherylDBarnes.com
@Jazzycheryl
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