Of all of the female vocalists to perform in the Black Country Music Showcase, one stood out in my mind. Anyone can sing a country song, but the very first time I heard Valierie Ellis Hawkins, I knew that she was what I was taking a stand for in the country music scene.
A walking pure country arsenal as lethal as any female I had ever heard, Valierie proved to me that she wasn’t merely singing a country song.
She was country personified! Her love for the traditionalists was so pronounced that I thought that keeping Valierie undiscovered would be a disservice to the world. Kudos to her latest effort “Colorblind.”
A precious diamond in the rough. - Frankie Staton
Music by Valierie Ellis Hawkins, "I Forgot What Love Was Like" written by songwriters Kenya Walker and Frankie Staton that will touch your soul.
I forgot what it was like
To be pleasantly surprised
Thank you for the roses
They almost made me cry
I forgot what it was like
To talk away the night
Thank you for the closeness
I forgot what love was like
I am a daughter of the South, born and bred to stand up straight and proud. "Under the Southern Sun" is perfect for relaxing in a porch swing with a glass of sweet tea! By Valierie Ellis Hawkins and written by Kenya Walker & Nick Pellegrino. This song is special.
I am a daughter of the South
Born and bred to stand up straight and proud
And my roots run deep beneath the Dixie dirt
Where all my people reside and work
And I was raised right to have respect
For the blessing's I've been given
And I am bound forever in their debt
And thankful to be living
COUNTRY MUSIC - It’s a very troubling thought to me that in this day and time, I no longer see that genre as either! No tradition, no treble, no twang, no twin fiddles, no 10-string, crying steel guitar, and barely any singers that are truly unique stylists. Seemingly gone are those who understand the power of real Country and Bluegrass music. This applied especially to the younger audiences of listeners and buyers of music. Although few and far between in Nashville, there are some entertainers who honor the music from the golden age of pure Country. They “get” the realism of the songs that continue to keep the heritage alive.
Valierie Ellis Hawkins is one such singer who is Country Music and herself for a living. She doesn’t go for the slamming drum loops, snap tracks, clap tracks, endless loops, and gimmick-filled fakery just to sell a song. Her angelic voice, brilliant smile, a witty grand personality, with class and grace are small parts of the magic recipe that draws you to her music.
I am proud to be part of the Black Country Music Association (BCMA), a Nashville-based nonprofit established to educate the public about the role of country music in African American life. A group committed to opening the doors of the country music industry to more black artists, the BCMA marked its one-year anniversary this month.
The event was held at the Bluebird Cafe, featuring 18 African American country artists from all over the United States and it was an honor to be one of the country artists performing.
I want to especially thank the Nashville Scene for their article "A Good Year" African-Americans written by Bill Friskics-Warren and Ron Wynn especially and invite you to read more of their great features about country music!
- Valierie Ellis Hawkins, Country Singer & Songwriter
LINK HERE: https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts-culture/article/13002072/a-good-year
