Every now and then, good things will come in small packages andsuperstars will come from Memphis.
Over the years the Bluff City has been home to music pioneerssuch as B.B. King and Elvis Presley, as well as contemporary hiphop artists Eightball and MJG, Three 6 Mafia and pop artist JustinTimberlake.
But just when it seemed Memphis' musical contributions had allbut crossed the river, songstress April Cole surfaced.
The 23-year-old Memphian, first began singing in church at theripe age of five in the Bibleway House of Prayer choir.
Her grandmother, Dorothy Cole, a member of the gospel group theShirley Singers, gave April the drive necessary to succeed.
She also gained inspiration from other sources.
"My dad started buying a few records and I would sing along withthem,"
she said.
Cole said legendary singer Marvin Gaye especially influencedher.
Eventually Cole followed the path of many young adults afterhigh school, college.
After a year of school and dwindling hopes of becoming anaccountant Cole set her textbooks aside in pursuit of her dream -music.
Shortly after, Cole's hard work and time dedicated to hersinging career materialized with the release of her debut album "IfI Could."
"A lot of people will really be able to relate to (the CD),"Cole said. "A lot of the songs are from personal experiences."
Cole along with producer Will Callicut of Ebony Records andEntertainment co-wrote the majority of the emotion filled tracks.Each song is enhanced by her soulful voice, which is similar toIndia.Arie, Norah Jones and Sade. A collective sound, which Coledescribes as smooth music with just the right amount of rhythm andblues, pop and jazz beats, is created.
"It's a dynamic CD," Cole said. "People really need to go getit."
Her first single "If I Could" can be heard on West Helena andBlytheville, Ark. radio stations 105.3 and 93.9.
Although this is a small step for the self-describeddown-to-earth diva, she doesn't take it lightly. Cole said sheknows that it marks the beginning of her bright future and one thatshe hopes will take her places she can hardly imagine.
"I want my career to take me as far as it can," Cole said. "Iwant to touch people with
my music. I want to reach their hearts."
Cole's CD is now available at Tower Records, Pop Tunes and Cat'sMusic.
Starting in October Cole will perform live at the Park Vistahotel Thursdays at 7 p.m.
