Retired from live performances to songwriting.
Painted a music store, earning first guitar. Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Chuck Berry, George Benson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Santana, Richie Havens, British Invasion, Motown, Stax and EWF influences.
Collaborate in studio with singer songwriters who want customized repertoire, new stylings and control over lyrics/melody. My pre-recorded are a session-starter, like hamburger helper, good tempos and keys for dancing.
End plagiarism and payola. Of course, I can't see enforcement defeating international hackers.
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer earning $13,000,000 in royalties by the time I was 50 years old. Bravo, songwriter!
Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Bix Biederbeck, Benny Goodman, Tiajuana Brass, The Funk Brothers, Muscle Schoals Rhythym Section, Kool and the Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Solange, Beyonce OTR2, Normani, Ciara.
Grandpa was church organist, Grandma taught choir. My father was jazz pianist and composer with Buck Hill. Played double bass in Elementary School orchestra. Since 15 years old, new songs pop into my head. Sight read tenor for church choir. Founded Coffee House-style group: "Gypsy Cab", NYC. Videographer for Chicago's "Jazzy Ladies". Blogger for Facebook Beyhive and Solange Fan and Stan Clubs.
My 3 God Daughters were orphaned by crack O.D. My church friends adopted them away from bullying. Public School bullied, harrassed and taunted them. They joined choir and Girl Scouts. They formed a Destiny's Child Showcase act that gave them self-esteem, female affirmations and audience greatly appreciating their talent. Music is a blessing and responsibilty. Classy grace.
Decades ago, I fixated on serious listeners to evaluate repertoire. I have zero stage fright, dance around, sing harmonies and do call-and-answer routines with audience. Fun!
My friends who graduated from Juilliard last decade were buying licenses to play on subway platforms. Others offered live trios in their living rooms to supplement rent. Several Jazz clubs closed in Chicago in last twenty years. Gig economy stuck on low-wage bars and lounges.
The perfect answer!
Dozens of genres and miniscule value-adds. Everything is "NEW", but, too familiar!
Documented several local bands on videotape. Uploaded band videos to Facebook pages I created for them. Fun occassions!
Web saavy. Social Media strategy. Online charisma. Networks of influencers.
Barabara Burton was original drummer for The Wiz, first tour and Broadway premiere. She performed as Local 802, AFM NYC, musician with Marvin Gaye (Radio City Music Hall), Temptations (Uris Theater), Stephanie Mills (Grande Finale), and Todd Rungren.