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Instrumentation
Olivia Francis: Vocals, Keyboard, percussion
Biography
If I had to describe my music I would have to say: Attitude, my way. I definitely have my own style. At one time I limited myself to Country music, but am now having fun experimenting with other genre, including Spirituals, Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Alternative...and sometimes just a hint of Disco and whatever else feels right at the time.
I started out singing rock until I was told more than a few times that I had a country voice. I guess that's what you get when you're born in Texas. I used to get so aggravated because I didn't like country music at all when I was in my 20's. (I was raised in Calif.) But, after a while, I broke down, started listening & loving it.
My musical adventures have included several bands, from California to Arizona and Texas. In Prescott, Az. I sang with the Leroy B. Band (Bluegrass, Country) and also sang and wrote with other various talented musicians in that area, working on copy and original music.
In Dallas, TX. I was a lead/backup vocalist for a band called "Flashback" in the 80's for four years. (We had a teenage Elvis impersonator by the name of Gary Ladell)
who was excellent! The band consisted of 7 members:
Ronnie Dee/ "Italian Stallion"/Drums, band leader.
Mr.Roy Rogers/"Huggy-Bear"/Lead Guitar, Vocals,
Mike Fugget/"Doctor Love"/Bass, vocals,
Ms. Gloria Mosley/"Lady Soul"/ Lead and Backup vocals
Doug Baskin/"The Professor"/Keys
Gary Ladell/"Elvis"/Vocals and last but not least, me/"Sparkles"/Lead and Backup vocals.
When I left the band and moved to Amarillo in 1989 I
joined the band "Kracker Jack" and was a member for six months before I got in my Lincoln and drove to Nashville to try my luck.
That's where I met Faron Young and was told I had some very good songs but was too old to make it in the industry (I was 37). After trying for a while I went back to Amarillo figuring perhaps he was right, but I'm not one to give up easily, so here I am today, still pluggin' along chasin' the dream! If I don't make a dent in Nashville or somewhere before I die I'm packing up all my songs and takin' them with me, Sha-na-na-na-nah, ha-ha!
Meanwhile, my Music and/or lyrics are available for use at the right price, but not w/o written permission from me.
But seriously, I believe the Business needs some up and coming older folks (who've paid their dues) on Major Labels. Perhaps it could be called:
"We're Still Kickin' Recordings". :} ;} :} ;]
Thank God I'm still here. One night in Amarillo, before I went to Nashville, I was on stage singing with Kracker Jack and had to leave the stage & club abruptly in fear for my life when a jealous girlfriend of another musician friend of mine came in toting a gun & threatening to shoot me ( I was totally innocent of her claims.) What a nightmare!
When I lived in the Ft. Worth area, I was a member of the FWSA, honing my songwriting skills and joining in as many open mic nights as I could.
And am currently a BMI affiliate.
While living in the Dallas area I performed at the
Wylie, Mesquite and Garland Oprys.
I entered a singing contest at the Wylie Opry in the 80's, where the winning prize was a 45 single on the Alexander Charter Record label, produced in a Nashville recording Studio. The way the contest was judged was by audience applause and unfortunately for me, I didn't have any of my friends or family there so I took second place. Boy, was I ever heartbroken. I wanted that prize so bad I could taste it! The girl who won Entertainer of the Year, Vicki Lynn, was a friend of mine ( with a beautiful voice). She decided to put a song I wrote that she loved called "Stranger" on side B. I was so excited to at least be involved and am still grateful to her for including me. I still have one of those 45's framed on side "B".
My influences range from Olivia Newton-John/ Joni Mitchell/ Heart/Rolling Stones/ Eagles/Beatles (too many to list) to Linda Ronstadt/Loretta Lynn/Dolly Parton/Patsy Cline/Sara Evans/Shania Twain/ Keith Urban/ and many more.
I am now living in Amarillo, Tex. continuing the musical adventure!
Singing & writing is in my blood so it looks like I'll be doing it as long as I am able.
Over the years I have won many singing competitions.
In July, 2005 my song "Half A Woman" placed among
the top five finalists (songwriter contest) in the Country category at: www.songoftheyear.com
"Walk in Faith" (2007) and "Mama Prayed" (2008) won the 'Suggested Artist Award' at Song of the Year.
UPDATE:
I am currently working on recording a CD and making
a video.
I want to thank God for the talent He has given me and all the extraordinary musicians I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and working with during my life.
It has been and still is a wonderful adventure!
Instrumentation
Olivia Francis: Vocals, Keyboard, percussion
Biography
If I had to describe my music I would have to say: Attitude, my way. I definitely have my own style. At one time I limited myself to Country music, but am now having fun experimenting with other genre, including Spirituals, Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Alternative...and sometimes just a hint of Disco and whatever else feels right at the time.
I started out singing rock until I was told more than a few times that I had a country voice. I guess that's what you get when you're born in Texas. I used to get so aggravated because I didn't like country music at all when I was in my 20's. (I was raised in Calif.) But, after a while, I broke down, started listening & loving it.
My musical adventures have included several bands, from California to Arizona and Texas. In Prescott, Az. I sang with the Leroy B. Band (Bluegrass, Country) and also sang and wrote with other various talented musicians in that area, working on copy and original music.
In Dallas, TX. I was a lead/backup vocalist for a band called "Flashback" in the 80's for four years. (We had a teenage Elvis impersonator by the name of Gary Ladell)
who was excellent! The band consisted of 7 members:
Ronnie Dee/ "Italian Stallion"/Drums, band leader.
Mr.Roy Rogers/"Huggy-Bear"/Lead Guitar, Vocals,
Mike Fugget/"Doctor Love"/Bass, vocals,
Ms. Gloria Mosley/"Lady Soul"/ Lead and Backup vocals
Doug Baskin/"The Professor"/Keys
Gary Ladell/"Elvis"/Vocals and last but not least, me/"Sparkles"/Lead and Backup vocals.
When I left the band and moved to Amarillo in 1989 I
joined the band "Kracker Jack" and was a member for six months before I got in my Lincoln and drove to Nashville to try my luck.
That's where I met Faron Young and was told I had some very good songs but was too old to make it in the industry (I was 37). After trying for a while I went back to Amarillo figuring perhaps he was right, but I'm not one to give up easily, so here I am today, still pluggin' along chasin' the dream! If I don't make a dent in Nashville or somewhere before I die I'm packing up all my songs and takin' them with me, Sha-na-na-na-nah, ha-ha!
Meanwhile, my Music and/or lyrics are available for use at the right price, but not w/o written permission from me.
But seriously, I believe the Business needs some up and coming older folks (who've paid their dues) on Major Labels. Perhaps it could be called:
"We're Still Kickin' Recordings". :} ;} :} ;]
Thank God I'm still here. One night in Amarillo, before I went to Nashville, I was on stage singing with Kracker Jack and had to leave the stage & club abruptly in fear for my life when a jealous girlfriend of another musician friend of mine came in toting a gun & threatening to shoot me ( I was totally innocent of her claims.) What a nightmare!
When I lived in the Ft. Worth area, I was a member of the FWSA, honing my songwriting skills and joining in as many open mic nights as I could.
And am currently a BMI affiliate.
While living in the Dallas area I performed at the
Wylie, Mesquite and Garland Oprys.
I entered a singing contest at the Wylie Opry in the 80's, where the winning prize was a 45 single on the Alexander Charter Record label, produced in a Nashville recording Studio. The way the contest was judged was by audience applause and unfortunately for me, I didn't have any of my friends or family there so I took second place. Boy, was I ever heartbroken. I wanted that prize so bad I could taste it! The girl who won Entertainer of the Year, Vicki Lynn, was a friend of mine ( with a beautiful voice). She decided to put a song I wrote that she loved called "Stranger" on side B. I was so excited to at least be involved and am still grateful to her for including me. I still have one of those 45's framed on side "B".
My influences range from Olivia Newton-John/ Joni Mitchell/ Heart/Rolling Stones/ Eagles/Beatles (too many to list) to Linda Ronstadt/Loretta Lynn/Dolly Parton/Patsy Cline/Sara Evans/Shania Twain/ Keith Urban/ and many more.
I am now living in Amarillo, Tex. continuing the musical adventure!
Singing & writing is in my blood so it looks like I'll be doing it as long as I am able.
Over the years I have won many singing competitions.
In July, 2005 my song "Half A Woman" placed among
the top five finalists (songwriter contest) in the Country category at: www.songoftheyear.com
"Walk in Faith" (2007) and "Mama Prayed" (2008) won the 'Suggested Artist Award' at Song of the Year.
UPDATE:
I am currently working on recording a CD and making
a video.
I want to thank God for the talent He has given me and all the extraordinary musicians I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and working with during my life.
It has been and still is a wonderful adventure!
Blog 
| For What It's Worth | October 28, 2007 |
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Music
Collaborations
| Title | Genre | Released | Plays |
| What I Believe | Folk | Aug 12, 2008 | 88 |
| Turquoise House (duet) | Country | May 27, 2008 | 595 |
| Mystical-remix | Inspirational | Mar 16, 2008 | 127 |
| Nobody Knows Me (Like You Do) | Jazz | Mar 8, 2008 | 124 |
| The Very Thought of You - re-mixed | Jazz | Jan 26, 2008 | 215 |
| Shelter From The Storm | Country | Jan 13, 2008 | 283 |
