A Day With Jazzy Rita Shelby
Interview conducted on October 08, 2020
By Dan Locke
LaRita “Jazzy Rita” Shelby is an actress, entertainer, and media professional. She is a former contractor for the Department Of Defense where she hosted & produced The LaRita Shelby Show for Armed Forces Radio and TV Services from 1990-1997. Her spirited radio show was heard in 57 countries, and she was cited by CNN during Desert Storm.
What is your upbringing?
I am a city girl on the outside and a country girl at heart. I was born in Nashville, reared in Washington, D. C., groomed in Memphis, Tennessee, and cultivated in Los Angeles, the City of Angels. My family loved the church, promote education and community service.
How did you discover music?
I was born with it. My mother was a gospel musician. I remember sitting at her side on the piano bench. She taught me the letters on the keyboard and the scales. In Jr. High School at Rabaut (Ra-Bow) in D. C. is where I was introduced to jazz by the late Cornelia Brown. My love for jazz was further enhanced by my training in Memphis from the late Dr. Lulah Hedgeman at Overton High School.
How did you start to write music?
I love telling this story. The great David Porter of Memphis based Stax Records came to my home to hear me sing as a teen. I can’t say that my voice blew him away, but he encouraged me to keep singing and to start writing songs. I already wrote poetry, so I started playing around with melodies, and then the songs just came to me naturally. Sometimes I hear whole songs at once.
What was your first performance at like?
You’d have to classify that question because growing up, me and my cousins used to put on our mothers’ wigs and perform as Ike & Tina Turner, The Jackson 5, and other popular groups right there in the den, usually after a holiday meal. Then of course there were the stints in the children’s choir at church where I got an occasional solo. Mrs. Brown (referenced earlier) wanted me to be more of a classical singer, so there are a few occasions when I did that as a teen back in D. C. As I grew older, I often performed Natalie Cole and Donna Summer songs. Oh, and lest we forget the Broadway tunes that I performed at talent shows. While in Memphis I was mentored by the late great Ruby Wilson (Queen of Beale Street) and yes, as a teen I sang the blues. I admittedly hadn’t lived long or hard enough to sing it with any grit but I sang the blues nonetheless. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that I returned to jazz and discovered it to be my true love and the genre where I am at my best.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first one that comes to mind is “Since Your Love Touched Me.” Yes, we did record it. My precious Aunt Mary had the musicians over in our tiny living room in Memphis, and the speakers blew the power out during rehearsal. We later recorded it at Ardent Studios, where acts such as Isaac Hayes, The Staples Singers, Z.Z. Top & Booker T. & The M G’s have recorded. I recorded three songs that day with K. G. Maulden, Victor Smith, and Austin Bradley.
How did you start performing?
In my early high school years if I liked a song, my auntie would buy the sheet music to a song that I liked, then we’d hire someone to play it for me and I would sing at local talent shows and community programs. At Overton High in Memphis, I was in the performing arts program and musicians were bountiful. My two favorites were my best friend Elvin Brown and my first love Carlton Leake. Carlton only had to hear a song once and he could play it. At church if I wasn’t on the program, my Aunt Mary J. Haile would put me on the program. I used to hate it because I got stage fright but in time, I was grateful that she pushed me out there. It taught me to be ready at all times.
How did you come up with your name?
My birth name is LaRita Shelby. I have no middle name and as the story goes my eldest aunt Ritta P. Smith named me. She had three sons and said that if she were to have a girl then her name would have been LaRita. It was a combination of her 1st husband Lawrence and her name Ritta, except that my name would only have one “T” instead of two. I have extended family that calls me Rita and around 2006 I put a little zing in it and went by Jazzy Rita.
What was Mr. President’s Girl about?
This answer is close to my heart but bittersweet. During the Obama years, there was so much joy and pride amongst African Americans. Not only did we witness President Obama’s regal ascension to the highest office in the land, we also grew to love his beautiful, classy, and brilliant wife Michelle Obama. Well true story, on many occasions I was told that I resembled Mrs. Obama. So, never in a million years did I ever think that I could say: “Mr. President’s got a girl who looks like me!” I was encouraged to write a song about it, so I did. I wanted to honor Mrs. Obama and also honor every woman who could see themselves in her and what she represents. I hoped that little girls and women everywhere would hear this song, embrace it and cherish it as an anthem to beautiful girls of all varieties. I also believe that it is the first and possibly only song in tribute to our first African American First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS). I felt that with everything else, she deserved a song also. My heart desired for many more women to hear that song.
If you could write a song about President Trump what would be the title?
Now why you gonna ask me this? (LOL) Actually Mr. Trump has not stimulated that part of me that incites a full song, but I did reference this past year under his regime in a new song that I wrote about the year 2020. Hopefully we’ll get it out in time to bid 2020 adieu and welcome what comes next.
Tell me about Kings of the Evening?
First of all, I am honored that you even know about this movie. It also deserves to be seen by many more people. Plain and simple, my play brother Reginald T. Dorsey brought me on the project that he was producing with the late writer Robert P. Jones and director Andrew P. Jones. I turned down the option to even audition for a larger role because it would have taken me away from my son for too long. It filmed in Austin, Texas and we live in Studio City, CA. I was happy to play the nurse in the film that starred Tyson Beckford, Glynn Turman, Reginald T. Dorsey, Lynn Whitfield and introducing Linara Washington. As soon as I got the role, I started writing a song for the movie. Fortunately, when they couldn’t afford a popular Louis Armstrong song, we got the call that our song “The Best of Me” was in the movie. We just released it as a single and video in 2020.
How did you start to work with Willie Daniels?
My Willie! I love my Willie Daniels, he’s my musical husband. We were actually in my high school swing choir together then Willie left and went to another school. We weren’t that close in high school but we were friends. Like I said, errbody could sing or play. Years later I was at a C.C. Winans concert. One of high school friends (Cerise Johns) was directing the show. Willie was there also. He had been doing gospel exclusively. I had just realized my newfound recommitment to jazz. We decided to work together and have been since then. That was I think it was 2002. I hear full songs in my head but don’t play very well, although I have studied music, including music theory. Willie plays like he’s the cat sitting at the gig in my head. And you can quote me on that!
Why did you decide to do the song DAD Speak?
I think you mean the song “Are You Gonna Be There?” I wrote it years ago and decided to record it in 2019 to appear in the docu-short that I wrote, produced and directed called “DAD Speak.” It was fitting because it’s a song that asks the question of separated parents. After all is said and done, are you gonna be there for your children? We plan to release it as a single at some point.
What was a Date with a Song?
A Date With a Song was released in 2008. It’s my official first jazz album. It’s named a date with a song to exemplify my relationship with and love affair with music. Interesting facts are that I was inspired to do an album like this by Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable album. I ended up with the same producer on three songs, Andre Fisher (an original member of Rufus) and he brought on Bobby Watson (another Rufus original) to play bass. Also, on keys on 3 songs is the late Mike Melvoin. Mike played with the legends and he’s also Wendy Melvoin’s dad. Wendy played with Prince & The Revolution. Other producers are Willie Daniels and my favorites Michael Wells & Stafford Floyd.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Hey, that’s an easy one, it’s 2020, ain’t nobody touring. I’m touring from my computer to the refrigerator, then to the living room, and then to the bed. Ha! I hope that when the world is normal again, you’ll ask me that question and I’ll tell you that I hit the hotel gym every day I’m on the road.
What are you are feeling about streaming music?
Well it’s here to say. I finally gave in and I play more music now from my desktop computer. However, I do not listen to music on my phone unless it’s a video on YouTube. I am still old school in some ways when it comes to music.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I predicted 5 years ago that vinyl would make a return. Maybe not with the same sales traction but whether it’s digital as a CD or vinyl as a record, there is a special element when music is more than just a file but an experience. By this, I mean that it adds to the appeal of music when it’s a product with a cover, a story, liner notes, credits and it’s an item that goes on a special player that sets the mood that says,” yes I am ready for music.”
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
Ahh, another bittersweet answer cometh. I am deeply saddened that my son now faces the same social ills in America as the ones that I only heard about when I was a child in the 1960s. I am encouraged because the movement is vigorously supported by multi-ethnic, multi-racial people who are taking a stand all over the globe. This gives me hope.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? In addition, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Makes Me Wanna Hollar by Marvin Gaye. When I was young, I remember the lyric “trigger happy police” but I thought it was just a lyric. It had not been a reality for me or my family personally, although I’m sure that the adults knew what it meant. Now in 2020, I know what it means, and it clouds the positive image that I had of law enforcement. There were two very much-loved officers in my family who wore their badge with honor.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I hope that it will create a greater appetite and appreciation for live music when the world gets back to normal.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been making music and making plans to release songs in our catalog. I am also shopping 4 screenplays.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Yes, how did you know? As an independent contractor, my office has been at home for almost 15 years, so I already work on an average of ten to twelve hours a day. Since the COVID shut down, there are fewer places to go, which means that I’m in front of the computer even more. I took up crocheting again to keep myself busy. My first item was a pink cap, which I intend to wear to the polls when I vote.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
I hosted an 8-hour entertainment lounge for the virtual Black Business Expo in September 2020 and I’ve been invited to do it again for a shop Black event in November. As for the rest, I’m considering putting together some more shows via Zoom.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I’d say no as far as making a living but getting love offerings or tips is a nice show of appreciation.
Live Nation is starting to do the first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?
If the offer comes, I can’t image that I’d say no but show prep takes time whether live or virtual.
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
Artists do it for love, pros do it for love and money. A true artist wants to perform first and get paid second. Business is business, I have the highest regard for artists who put a non-negotiable value on their time and talent. However, venues have been closed for a while and they are hard-pressed as well. I’d say to each his own. Under normal circumstances, I have a saying that I published in my book The Brand Beside The Brand. The basic notion is to encourage talent bookers and venue owners to figure in the cost of entertainment in the same fashion as the other basic expenses, and not as an afterthought. But hey, this ain’t normal.
In addition, at the present time for a band to go on tour from one state to another they may need to self-quarantine for 14 days. How is that going to work?
Each band and band member will have to make that decision for themselves. It’s too many factors to craft one answer. It’s a combination of good common sense and a gamble.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of music fest for the next couple of years?
It’s safe to say that it’ll be the end of music festivals as we know them. However, we have already become very inventive in finding ways to merge new safety practices into old social habits. I foresee festivals with maximum attendance restrictions and special guidelines. The challenge is how do we legally mandate them? We are already dealing with those who see safety guidelines as an infraction on their rights versus necessary procedures that are designed to keep us safe and mitigate a global pandemic. Urgh! Sometimes we humans can be our own worst enemy.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Ahh, no. I love music but that’s too weird. I do not want to see Michael Jackson glowing in my living room.
What type of degree are you going for at Harvard?
Actually, I always wanted Harvard on my resume and in 2019 I applied for a playwrighting fellowship. I wrote a play about my days as a military broadcaster during Desert Storm. I just knew that I’d get it, but I didn’t. So, when COVID hit the U. S. I got an opportunity to take a course online called: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies. I earned a certificate and it proudly hangs on my wall. That’s it for now. Maybe I’ll consider a degree later.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself as a successful screenwriter/producer, actress, author & entertainer who is able to put out more content on a consistent basis and also perform more frequently.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I truly thank those who appreciate my music and continue to follow the many facets of my career. As for me and the 2 Jazzy Crew, we hope to end 2020 with a song that the world remembers. Hint, hint something’s coming. In the meantime please support Standing Strong, The Best Of Me, The Brand Beside The Brand and On My Father’s Side. Stay jazzy and hold fast to your faith and dreams.
