Carly Black

Someone once told me......."You have the voice of an angel that has smoked a few cigarettes!!!" These cigarettes (more than a few), unfortunately, keep me now from singing songs by Adele...whom I love, love, love:( However, the smokes have definitely contributed and helped to define my present vocal quality. One of my best friends says I am a mix of Janis and Amy Grant! I think she may b talking more about my life than my music!!! LOL Seriously though, Stevie Nicks is my hero and others have ...

Someone once told me......."You have the voice of an angel that has smoked a few cigarettes!!!" These cigarettes (more than a few), unfortunately, keep me now from singing songs by Adele...whom I love, love, love:( However, the smokes have definitely contributed and helped to define my present vocal quality. One of my best friends says I am a mix of Janis and Amy Grant! I think she may b talking more about my life than my music!!! LOL Seriously though, Stevie Nicks is my hero and others have said I really sound like her (Yyyaaayyyy :).....if there was one person in the world I could meet.....it would be Stevie!!! (I would hope Lindsay would stop in also!!!) Absolutely no offense to Amy or Janis! I have jokingly been called "Amy" and "Pearl" at different times in my life!!! I am honored to have ever even been compared to either one of these legends :) I have been singing since a very early age. I wrote my first song on the piano at about age of 14 or 15. It was a Christian song entitled, "God Will Never Fail". I grew up in Pell City, AL where I began dance and performance at the age of three. This is where I feel I developed my rhythm and performance abilities, in addition learning the obvious. (Dancing and singing). I remained a student, and eventually instructor, of the arts until I graduated high school in 1989....15 years. I then went on to the University of Alabama for a book education. I began as a voice and theatre double major. So many times I have regretted not continuing on this track; but, when my patients used to thank me for helping them, I knew I had made the right decision to study medicine! Anyhow, this is where the "rock star bug" bit me really hard. One of my dates got me up on stage at a frat party with none other than Russ Rosser.....musical genius!!! After that night, he began inviting me to sing with him at venues such as Gallettes and The Booth...I did :) After college, with so much musical experience under my belt......yeah right (LOL)......decided to move to Atlanta (don't ask me why not Nashville!!!) to become an artist. I didn't even know how to play one note on guitar then!!! LOL.....Needless to say, I went on auditions, worked a few hours a week in a music studio, and that is about all that came of that little expedition. I, then, decided I better use my head a little and get a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. I ended up in Mobile, AL at the U of M G.S.P.T. It was while in school I picked up the guitar. When not studying, I would be learning to play and sing all my fav songs....mostly Jewel...another influence of mine. I was already writing songs at this time...you know...melodies in my head. Now, finally, I could put them to music. I was so very thankful. It is frustrating to have a cool song in your head with NO music to back it up!!! Since 1998, when I graduated, I have mostly focused on work as a Physical Therapist. I actuallly owned my own home health Physical Therapy contract company for about 4 years!!! About 5 or so years ago I met Kendra Sutton, Mollie Garrigan, and other local musicians here in Birmingham, AL who inspired me to get back into music and become serious about it! Thanks from the bottom of my heart to you all. I began doing open mics around town and finally, it paid off. The infamous "Marty" was the first to book me here in this city. Marty, I owe so much to you...u da best ;) My first band, Carly Black and the Shadows, was together a little over a year. Just when we were tight and getting bookings, my drummer received a better financial offer. He is now playing with Todd Simpson and the Mojo Child!!! Come on, can u blame him?!? I was just getting started! To make a long story short, though, that was the end of The Shadows!!!!! I took a few months away from the music scene then developed severe laryngitis that lasted for over three months!!! UGH......the most depressing thing in the world for an artist ... However, Carly Black is back!!!!! My past has not killed me (miracle!!!).....I believe it has actually made me stronger ;) I now am working on solo projects as well as developing my band ... ATouch of Black! At present, it consists of myself and a phenomenal lead guitarist and dobro player, Bobby Abernathy. My first single, "Life Is Good" (pop/country) was released within the last year, as well as, my Christmas song, "Our Christmas"! These can be found on iTunes, CDBaby, etc...The thing I am most excited about right now is recording my self-titled album with Ben Trexel producing. It should be released in early 2013!!! I look so forward to the future and sharing my music with you all. God Bless You....Thanks for reading and your support....Peace, love and l8tr....Carly Black :))))))))