Kathy Songbird[/caption]Carol Forsloff-----In a world of competition for who’s the best, there are those yet undiscovered major talents that provoke many of us to say to ourselves, “That person is so talented she should be on a national stage.” This is often said about Kathy Songbird, a vocalist whose singing soars above almost anyone and who surely should be among those who have attained great fame.
Kathy Songbird is the stage name for Jan Jackson who combines physical attractiveness with a voice that stuns her listeners. She is one of the outstanding performers on a site called Fandalism, where she has numerous fans. Along with musical talent, Kathy is also known for her kindness and sensitivity for the welfare of others that she often expresses in friendly mail and chats with friends.
An interview with this could-be, should-be Broadway talent brought additional insight into the musical background, interests and musical attitudes that go with being the kind of woman anyone would want as a friend and the kind of musical skill that any producer would embrace.
1. When did you begin to perform music? At what age did you start singing or playing an instrument?
I started singing in church at age 7. I have been singing since I was 4 according to my Mom
2. Did you learn music by having lessons or did you learn on your own?
I took piano lessons from my grandmother and took voice lessons at the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City for a time.
3. Who encouraged you the most in learning and performing music?
My grandmother loved to hear me sing and she would play piano while I did. She felt I had a gift and I am thankful to her for her support as well as my family.
4. Have you been primarily a soloist or member of a band?
I sang with the Rocky Rockwell Band as lead singer and also with the Bill Woody Combo band as lead singer. I also did many gigs by myself playing keyboard and singing.
5. Are you a fan of some of the television programs like “The Voice” or “America's (or your country) Got Talent”or American Idol or any of the other programs that present contests?
I do enjoy watching the Voice and American Idol...love to see the talent that is out there.
6. What motivated you initially to be involved in music?
I have loved music from as long as I can remember. Singing along with music on the radio from a very early age. Music is my love.
7. What are your personal favorite music genres? Who are some of your favorite performers?
I love blues, ballads, Broadway, the classics from days gone by...even country Barbra Streisand is my all-time favorite vocalist.
8. Do you compose music?
I have tried writing some songs...I hear the melody in my head but have never done it seriously.
9. Do you have other family members who play music?
My father played piano by ear, my grandmother on the piano, and my brother plays guitar.
10. Are you active in a music group of any kind?
I presently am with KC Cabaret...a great group of talented singers.
11. How often do you play music, including for your own recreation?
I am always singing, even if I don't post a song publicly. I play my keyboard often also.
12. What barriers have you found in the music business? What do you think might improve the music business?
It is very hard to find places to perform and so many places only want certain styles of music and people of a certain age. It would be wonderful if there were ways to find out what is available in the city you live in.
13. Are you active in any music organizations such as ASCAP or BMI?
I am not active in any music organization at the present time.
14. Would you encourage a young person starting out to seek music as a career?
I would strongly recommend any young person who has an ambition to put their music out in the world to find out where and how they can go about that. I hear young singers/musicians and I pray that someone will discover them.
15. Where do you see the future of music?
Music will be around forever....it is the one thing that can touch even the hardest heart. It makes us cry, laugh, feel emotions that we may have been hiding. Without music the world would be a very sad place
16. What are your personal music goals?
I do wish I could get with someone and we could perform music for people, be it a band or maybe someone to just play piano for me. Love seeing the smiles on people's faces when I sing for them...money isn't important, it is just the love of music I have in my heart and I love spreading that joy around. God gave me a gift and I thank Him each day for it.
And as Kathy thanks God for the gift of her voice there are many people who thank Him and Kathy as well for the voice of an angel many people love, that you will too, once you have a listen at the following sites:
http://www.youtube.com/user/songbird18MO?feature=watch
https://soundcloud.com/kathy-songbird
http://fandalism.com/kathysongbird
