MSDTV was on the scene last night at The Singers Lounge Showcase Monday Summer Series presented by SAVVY/The Samsung Experience. Hosted by American Idol’s Anwar Robinson, special guests, R&B/Soul Diva, Meli’sa Morgan and Grammy-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Gordon Chambers were the true thrill of the evening.
Having penned tracks for more than 75 eminent recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Beyoncé Knowles and Trey Songz (the list goes on), Chambers credits his family, stating, “I am so grateful for my parents and the childhood they gave me.” Growing up, Chambers’ father, an avid cricket player, held an extensive R&B/Soul and Jazz record collection, from the great Isaac Hayes to the iconic, Miles Davis. However, it wasn’t until Chambers was interning at Essence Magazine, a monthly piece for African-American women, that he got his first big break in the business – while interviewing Queen Latifah, she accredited his line of questioning and the two hit it off from there. Chambers said, “I was just being myself and she [Queen Latifah] tapped into my essence as an artist.” As told by the “Renaissance Man” himself, it wasn’t until the greatest singer of the 20th Century, Whitney Houston suggested, “I think you ought to do what I do baby,” for that light bulb to switch on. Chambers third studio album, “Sincere,” is slated for release next month.
As for the beauteous and remarkable, Meli’sa Morgan, she stated it all started for her while, “singing in the living room.” Yet, it wasn’t until the ripe age of 16 that Morgan recognized she was on her way to fame, as she toured for a year around Canada and did a demo shoot for the Actress/Dancer, Debbie Allen. But, before Morgan climbed the charts as a solo artist with her first hit, a rendition of Prince’s, “Do Me Baby,” she was a background singer. “Well, I did sing for Chaka and then she said, ‘Don’t do that no more,’” Morgan said giggling of her strong(er) vocals. Morgan’s live performance of, “Fool’s Paradise,” and “Do Me Baby,” had the whole venue jiving. Morgan and Chambers even sang a spontaneous, unrehearsed duet together, “Love Changes.”
Look for more pictures after the break:
