The Right Stuff for a C+C Music Factory Cover

L.A. Times contributor Chuck Philips is in the wrong disputing my right to appear on the cover of the C+C Music Factory album, just as Martha Wash is wrong to dismiss me as a “prop” who was hired merely to lip sync her lines in the group’s first video.

I have tremendous respect for Martha Wash and her history as a performer, and while I may not sing like Martha Wash, I certainly sing well enough to be the sole female vocalist on C+C’s current single, “Here We Go (Let’s Rock and Roll),” as well as entertain the audiences that come to see us live.

I am not a formally trained singer, but I have never pretended to be. The four years that I attended the High School of Music and Art in New York, I majored in dance. Therefore, what I bring to the C+C that is unique is a complete background in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance, that, yes, does enhance the visual presentation of our performances.

But my producers also discovered in me enough vocal ability to feature me along with other singers on the bulk of our album’s songs, and their obligation to developing my talent is a fair exchange for my commitment in signing to a production deal other artists did not sign.

Anyone who wants to judge whether my singing is worth developing is welcome to come to our shows and hear for themselves. Since I am the sole female vocalist on the current single and video, I fully expect to continue to improve as we tour, as have countless neophyte singers before me.

By dint of hard work and endless practice, an untrained singer named Madonna became a credible pop star. I don’t think I should strive for less, nor should Martha Wash begrudge me the opportunity.

What’s strange about the story in the L.A. Times is for Philips to tag me a model when I never modeled in my life! I suppose I should be flattered that he thinks I was hired only for my looks, but the truth is that when Jamale Graves, the group’s choreographer, heard me sing a gospel tune one day, he insisted on taping my voice and sending a tape to Robert Clivilles and David Cole because he knew they were looking for someone who could sing as well as dance to be in C+C Music Factory.

It was made clear to me from the very beginning that if I’d had no vocal ability at all, the producers would have kept searching until they found someone would did. I know I’m a less than perfect singer, but my producers are always able to get more from me than even I know I can do. I’ve learned how to breathe, which is very important since I have to dance and sing during our shows. And I expect my role within the group to continue to expand along with my abilities, even into the areas of writing and production.

Replacement members in groups are a fact of entertainment life; look how many singers went through the Supremes! I don’t think it reflects badly on any of the members of the C+C Music Factory that we insisted that “the show must go on.”