| Shemekia
Copeland - "Woman to Woman" |
Blues
Interviews
Real Blues - Real People
by "Miss Vickie"
special ops./STLBLUES.NET
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Miss Vickie@STLBlues.net ~
March
2007 is Women's History Month. I was very excited when my publisher,
Dave Beardsley, gave me the opportunity to speak with Shemekia Copeland
via telephone for this interview. Women's History Month became official
this year and my interview, "Woman to Woman" is perfect
timing. History records several pioneering women over the years. I
will record one woman who is making her own history as we speak! To
view for yourself the many accomplishments and awards earned by this
remarkable young woman, you need only to check out her web site at
www.Shemekiacopeland.com.
You will learn she was born in Harlem in 1979. She has 4 CD’s:
Turn up the Heat, Wicked, Talking to Strangers, and the latest hit
monster, The Soul Truth. Her first CD was at the age of 19 with Alligator
Records. She has had a couple of songs featured in movies and had
a part in the movie ‘Three To Tango’. "I have a new
appreciation for movie actors", says Shemekia. "They really
work and earn their money!"
You will also see that she
is coming to St. Louis, April 5, 2007 (win free tickets, a room and
dinner for 2) at the Harrah's Casino. I've seen this girl on stage
and she tears it up! She has a very powerful voice and loves to sing!
Let's get a sense of this young woman during Woman' History
Month:
Miss Vickie: Woman to Woman...have you had many obstacles
as a woman breaking into the music scene?
Shemekia: I cannot really say I've had obstacles. We all
have something to overcome, but I have to say I'm truly blessed not
to have too many things to overcome. I've gotten really close to Ruth
Brown and KoKo Taylor over the years. These women really look out
for me. I truly love them and I miss Ruth very much. Her passing has
really hurt me and I miss her. Ruth and KoKo paved the way for me.
They have struggled so I don't have to and for that I am very appreciative.
I love them both very much."
Miss Vickie: Tell me what it's like to be a successful
woman in your field?
Shemekia: I don't look at it that way. You really
have to earn your respect and take really take good care of yourself.
Awards are wonderful, especially for doing something you really love.
They are very appreciated. I have had many opportunities. I can remember
appearing on the radio program Mountain Stage and also on World Cafe
on NPR Radio. I loved both shows and would do it again! A fan started
up a blog on "My Space".com, so when you go to my web site,
information is updated on the "MySpace" account as well.
I love people and the fans that like to listen to my music. You can
hear me on Extreme Sirius Satellite Radio. I have a show on Saturdays
from noon to 6:00PM on Blues Channel 74. It was funny, because this
all started as a joke. One day we were all talking and I said, Hey,
you should give me my own show, and they did! (laughter) I get a lot
of great responses and I'm having fun!
Shemekia keeps a busy schedule, but still has time for this interview
while she washes her dishes. A real "down-home" girl! (laughter)
She also makes time for a special program called "Blues in the
Schools". This is a great program adopted in many cities to bring
blues music and instruments into the schools and into the lives of
the kids. Shemekia could write a book just about how she got started!
I for one am glad she did get started on her music career. Good Luck,
Shemekia on your tour and your projects, and be safe on the road,
Babe!
Mark your calendar for April 5, 2007 at Harrah's Casino for a blues
show you won't want to miss! And check out Shemekia's web site at
www.Shemekiacopeland.com.
Thanks again, Shemekia. You Rock!
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