When you're a background singer, you're there to support the artist. The transition is up to the person. You have to follow your heart. You make life decisions that will affect what you really want to do. You put that kind of energy out, and you put it out aggressively. And if you work hard, you'll pave the way.
I made a living being a background singer for years.
About 1998, my best friend, Katey Red, was the first transsexual male to come out with bounce music. And I background Katey for about two years. And then that's when the game totally switched when me and Katey jumped in it.
I wasn't a great background singer.
I started with Bobby Darin. He signed me to Capitol when I was 15. I was 14, getting ready to be 15. Then the next encounter I had was with I think Peggy Lee. I sang background with The Blossoms with Darlene Love.
I'm singing background on one of Blondie's songs on her new album.
Tank is my boy. I'm the first artist he's ever been on the road with. We go all the way back to 'Pony.' He was my background singer on my tour.
I started singing backgrounds for Mary Mary and Usher during 'Confessions.' Then I jumped to working with Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott; jumped again to Kanye West, The Killers. I kept saying, 'OK, this is the last time; then I get to do my music.'
I had a great time playing on '1984.' I felt like I was growing as a player and background singer.
