Sound of Blackness: Grammy-award winning Ann Nesby reflects on her life in music

Ann Nesby is a renowned multi-award winning R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter from the Midwest. She was a former lead vocalist for the singing group and theatre troupe Sounds of Blackness and has also starred in the feature film The Fighting Temptations. The former theatre major has also acted in many stage plays, including working on Broadway and in Tyler Perry’s first production entitled I Know I’ve Been Changed. Known for hits like “Put It on Paper" featuring Al Green [Put In On Paper album], “I Apologize” [This is Love album], and "I Found A Place" from her latest album The Lula Lee Project, this multi-talented performer has also written songs for Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle (www.annnesby.com).

It was more than an honor to interview the gracious Ann Nesby. It became less of an interview and more of just an intriguing conversation with a friend. She is very down to earth, and her words of wisdom were also very encouraging. Residing in Atlanta, she opened up about her journey in the music industry, new songs, and upcoming performances in theatre.

Chantal: How long have you been in Atlanta?

Ann Nesby: “I moved here from Minnesota after doing Sounds of Blackness.”
She relocated to Georgia in February of 1998 after spending time here in the winter with some friends. She was delighted with the warmer Atlanta climate after going through cold winters in Minnesota.

Chantal: Where do you get your love for singing and how did you develop your talent?

Ann Nesby: “My love for singing came from my family. Both of my grandmothers were singers, and both of my parents sang in quartet groups. I sang my first song in church as a duet with my father at the age of three, then in a chair at the age of four. We were in church all the time singing.  My first recording experience came with the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America and I sang with that workshop for many years.”

Mrs. Nesby met Donald Lawrence through the GMWA and starred in his production of Sing Hallelujah.

Chantal: You were in the group Sounds of Blackness for many years. How did that prepare you for your solo career?

Ann: Nesby: “I got to understand the music business.”

Soon after finishing her work with Sing Hallelujah her sister tricked her into auditioning for the upcoming Sounds of Blackness Christmas play. She joined the group and learned all of her parts for the play in just a few weeks.

Ann Nesby: “Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were friends with Sounds of Blackness and brought Janet Jackson in to watch us perform while taking a break from the studio.”

It was a young Janet Jackson who in fact nudged the super producers to go backstage and meet with the group, but Mrs. Nesby signed as a solo artist. She and the group went on to tour with Luther Vandross and Sinbad.

Chantal: What did you learn working on Broadway?

Ann Nesby: “It was very, very educational and allowed me to join the union. I learned wonderful values and a great work ethic.” She also learned how to take better care of herself because “having to do shows back to back was very grueling. It definitely taught me diligence and taught me to have longevity. It was a blessing.”

Chantal: You have a song on YouTube called “I Get an Answer”, is that going to be the next single from your upcoming album?

Ann Nesby: Yes, “I Get an Answer” is featured on a CD called "Gospel Any Way You Like It” which was licensed to and released by Ashro records.”

This song, along with another single called “Just For Me” will also be featured on her upcoming 25th anniversary project.

Chantal: What are your favorite spots to eat or hang out in Atlanta?

Ann Nesby: “I love Chinese food and seafood so I often frequent the buffet."

Chantal: May I suggest Pappadeaux?

Ann Nesby: My favorite place to go is Pappadeaux’s for Sunday brunch, especially when I’m in Texas or Chicago.”

Chantal: What other performances do you have coming up?

Ann Nesby: “I am about to tour with David Talbert in a play called What My Husband Doesn’t Know. It also stars Michelle Williams and Clifton Davis.”

The tour kicks off in February 2011. While there are no current Atlanta dates, the stage play will be headed to a city near you in Savannah, Georgia on March 10, 2011, and Columbus, Georgia on March 13, 2011. For more cities and ticket information about What My Husband Doesn’t Know visit www.davidetalbert.com.

Click here to purchase Ann Nesby's latest release,  The Lula Lee Project.
For booking contact: Timothy Lee, Manager- laborforcemgmt@aol.com
For more information on Ann Nesby visit:
www.annnesby.com
www.facebook.com/annnesby
www.myspace.com/annnesby