Meli’sa Morgan- Has share the the stage with the Queen of Soul
Interview conducted on September 27, 2020
By Dan Locke
Joyce Melissa “Meli’sa” Morgan (born December 6, 1964) is an American R&B/Soul singer–songwriter. Morgan had a string of urban contemporary hits starting the mid–1980s through the mid–1990s. Morgan most notable songs includes her cover version of Prince’s “Do Me, Baby” (1985), “Do You Still Love Me” (1986) and “Still in Love With You” (1992). Born in Queens, New York, Morgan got her start in the music industry while singing with a church gospel choir called the Starlets of Corona. Morgan cites Chaka Khana…
What is your upbringing?
I was raised in Corona Queens, NY. I Always had a good home life with my Mother Margie Morgan and my Father John P. Morgan being prominent figures in my life. Even when they were not together anymore. They both were in my life and always close to me. I lived Most of my early Childhood life with my Mom and then moved and lived with my Dad and stepmother Rosa Morgan When I was around 11 or 12. My stepmom treated me like I was her daughter. No complaints about how I was raised and the morals and values that I grew up on and was taught to me.
My father was very smart… he was a chemist! Always taught me to have common sense and be fair. My Mother and Father loved Music and like listening to great singers like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, James Brown and more. Music was always played in our house, especially on the weekends. I heard Music in our homes ALL the time!
How did you discover music?
As I said, my family played music in our house all the time. The Temptations, Spinners, Four Tops, and more. Music was always talked about when I went to school, too, Diana Ross and what she wore on TV, Stevie Wonder, and his songs. We talked about it at school and after school.
My Mother would challenge me and my sister to Sing the Songs of Aretha Franklin and the other musical acts and put on shows for her and her friends. It was so much fun. Dressing up in our Mother’s clothes and dancing and singing to the recordings of groups like The Supremes’ “Stop In The Name Of Love” or other groups. I always like singing The Aretha Franklin songs!
I like it so much, my Mother had me join a Gospel Choir so I could go and rehearse and sing with them on the weekend. It was the beginning of my love for singing.
How did you start to write music?
I have always written things down. I like writing from a little girl. I would write my thoughts and keep a Journal. I started writing songs I would say about when I was 16 years old.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My father brought me a guitar for Christmas when I was around 10 years old. I practiced with it. My uncle played the guitar and I would go to his house and he gave me a few lessons. I learned how to play a few songs. It was fun for me for a while but then I got disinterested. I really loved singing more than playing the guitar. No, I don’t still have the guitar. It got broken I believe when I moved. I keep it for a long time though.
What was your first performance at like?
I believe my First real Performance was singing in the Gospel choir called The Starlets Of Corona. I was very nervous…. I know I was scared and when I actually started to sing my song “I MUST TELL JESUS” I started crying. Well. That turned out to be a great thing for me… I could sing through my crying and the audience Loved it!!!! A little girl singing Gospel songs and Crying was a highlight.
They saved me to perform from that point on til the end of the show as The show stopper!!! A great learning experience in my youth. I learned How to captivate an audience with my singing and emotions.
What makes a good songwriter?
Making the words and music believable. When you write about what you have experienced it becomes more real. I cannot sing or write about things I do not know about. Words and actions and experiences stay with us through our lives. Writing about things you have gone through is much better to write about and feel in the song to me. Most of the time is more relatable to other people as well.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I was a co-writer on a song called “Prime Of Love”, it was with the band called “BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE”. We did record it. I only wrote a small part, but it was a band effort and everyone received credit. I really think my true writing ability came out when I recorded my first Solo Album “DO ME BABY”. Before then, I was in bands and it was a collaboration effort.
How was the Grammys this year? Are you a member?
Well, Yes, I am a member of The Recording Academy. I have been a member for a while. I pride myself with that. I became a member around my “DO ME BABY” success. I did not renew for a few years but then I decided to Renew my membership and have been a Loyal Member ever since. I make it a point to try to Attend the Grammy Awards Every Year. I attended the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles On January 26, 2020. Preparing for the Grammy’s is the Best Part to me. Deciding What to Wear, My Hairstyle, etc. That is the fun part. My songs from my last CD “LOVE DEMANDS” was up for Consideration for a Possible Nomination and even though they did not get enough votes to get nominated. I felt honored to have gotten that far.
The Grammy’s kinda had a little cloud over them this year because KOBE BRYANT died in a plane crash on that same days like two hours before the Grammy Awards Ceremony. So, all of Los Angeles and the world were in total disbelief about just what happened to him and the other passengers including his daughter that was killed in the Plane Crash. We all were in shock.
It was kinda hard to enjoy the Grammy’s with something this unfortunate happening on the same day!
How did you get the nickname Snowflake?
I don’t know? I don’t even remember who gave me that name. I am not called that anymore.
Tell me about your recent release “I’ll Love No More with You”?
It is a song from my Second Album “GOOD LOVE”. It has been recently Re-released from being on a HUSH Productions Compilation CD! I was very surprised that it was re-released and picked up by radio after all these years. It was one of WHITNEY HOUSTON’S favorite songs by me. I saw her backstage at one of her when she was alive and she said to me “Girl… I Love that song “ I’LL LOVE NOMORE WITH YOU”!!!
What was you thinking when you wrote that song?
It touched my heart to know I had written a song that WHITNEY HOUSTON loved! Wow! A nice moment and memory for me! R.I.P. a Friend 🙏🏽❤️
I co-wrote that song with the talented songwriter and producer
LESETTE WILSON! We wrote May great songs together including Fool’s Paradise during that time.
This song has such depth about being in a relationship that is about to end but the Love is still there. I absolutely Love this song and I am glad it has finally gotten the recognition it deserves.
What is your favorite track on the album?
As for the Hush Compilation CD? It is a nice collection of good songs from different artist’s that have worked or been signed to Hush Productions. They helped all of us achieve Success during the time we were signed with them. Something I know I am Thankful for.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Well…. I first try to stay healthy mentally by not having too much stress in my life. I don’t eat any meat. I cut that out many years ago. Just vegetables, Pasta, and fish sometimes. I do exercise… mostly walking a lot now. I want to get back in the gym…. the pandemic has halted going to the gym.
I still do vocal exercises to keep my voice warmed up. I will sometimes take a day and not talk too much to rest my vocal cords. I also drink a honey and lemon elixir that I have made for years. It helps to smooth my throat. I really think though staying relaxed and stress-free is the best healthy Vocal remedy though.
How was your concert on Sept. 11, 2020 at the Sugar Hill Outdoor Cafe?
It was Wonderful! It was also for such a Good cause!!!
As you know since the Covid-19 Lockdown and Pandemic. All Theaters, Concert Halls, Clubs, etc. are Closed! They have not yet opened up and it has been so hard for All Artists and musicians who perform live and go on tour or do shows. That is our livelihood!!! We depend on live performances and singing live as part of our income. It has now been totally taken away from us and we do not know when things will get better.
Sugar Hill Outdoor Cafe in Brooklyn. NY was able to comply with the safety guidelines and do a Concert Series with The I Love My Artist Foundation that is helping musicians and artists at this difficult time During this Pandemic. They help to pay their rent, bills, and help to keep them from Suffering from not having work. I performed with Awesome musicians. I could feel the Love, energy, and appreciation from the audience who wanted to not only see me perform but who missed coming out and having a good time since this Pandemic! It was fun, and the audience sang all my songs with me and got up and danced and just truly enjoyed themselves at the Show! I Love Performing Live and it made me happy to be on stage in front of a live audience again!
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
It is the new Normal And we have to conform to it. We can’t fight it. There are no more record stores. This is the way your new music and some of your old music gets heard. I know I am constantly building up my audience and followers on all My social media platforms!
Digital vs. vinyl?
I will Always Love Vinyl! It is nice to see it making a resurgence. I just said the other day…. I want to buy a new record player to play the nice Vinyl Record packages they are now releasing. Digital is not going anywhere and will always be a cleaner sound but Vinyl is Nostalgic.
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
I think the way things were going and have been going through many years… it was bound to happen!
You cannot keep doing things wrong and think you will have the right outcome. Equality and fair justice should apply to All Human brings!!!
Black lives Matter, as do all lives matter! If within The Black and African American race It clearly shows that more injustice is done to us and nothing is being done to correct this, then we must as a race stand up for our lives and prevent this type of injustice to continue!!!!!! There has to be a change for the better!!
What is the mental health situation of the United State? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
I think with this COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Lockdown we have experienced over these past 6 months…. we all have gone through some sort of mental health experience in one way or another. This COVID-19 is something we as a world has NEVER experienced before… new uncharted territory in heath, our lives, and mentally. We have to deal with it step by step and try to figure out the best thing to do for Everyone!
I think we can help the Doctors and nurses by doing our part and following the guidelines! Staying in as much as we can to not spread COVID-19. Wearing our mask and gloves. Taking our Vitamins, eating healthy and if you get sick, follow the guidelines and get tested and quarantine.
These are very trying times for the world not only The United States and we need to do our part by being the best people we can be right now to get through this and prevail. I believe we will get a vaccine and things will get better.
Do you think kids should go back to school?
I am sorry but I don’t think so. I think it is too soon. It is proving true, too. Schools here are already reporting some of the kids are testing positive for COVID-19 and they are having to shut down a few schools. I know they want the school schedule to get back to normal to avoid time loss with schooling the kids, but it is too soon.
In Canada, they just released a new Covid-19 vaccine school child which get rid of the invasive nasal swab and instead ask kids to gargle and spit. Now this is for children only. Should, this also be given to adults?
Of course, it should be given to Adults, too. We don’t like the discomfort of the testing now no more than kids do!
Studies are showing that because of COVID-19 many students who were ready for college have decide to hold off because many schools are doing virtual school and changing the same amount for school as they would for on campus classes. Do you think the colleges should give some type of discount to these students?
The economy is so bad after Covid-19, that not only should the students be given a discount Many areas of our living and survival should be discounted! Food, Bills, Rent, Taxes, etc. 40 MILLION people are Out Of Work!!! If They don’t do something to ease the monetary costs of living for hard-working people, it is just not going to be good. Something has to give. We all need a break and discounts on tuition and other life necessities. It could and would help a lot of people!!!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. That song so describes the state of the world today. Marvin Gaye’s music has always meant a lot to me in understand the real state of mind people are in. It is so surreal that a song like that song recorded over 40 years ago can still have such a true relevance to what is going on Right Now in 2020!
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Well, I don’t know about the future but has had a horrible effect on the Live Concert area of the music business right Now! As I stated before…. No theaters, clubs or concert halls are opening and we don’t know when they will reopen again. As for the actual music… it might be a good thing because songwriters and musicians and artists have had time to shut it down and think! We might get some great music coming out after this Lockdown.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
At first, I was just in disbelief that I could not travel, go out or do shows, etc. Then I started regrouping and thinking about what I could do during my downtime. I completed my Lifestyle With Meli’sa Morgan Blog website that is up and running now. I did Several Zoom interviews to let people and my fans and friends see me during the quarantine. Instead of talking about just my music, I let people see a different side of me. I cooked and shared recipes during my interviews. It was fun. I had time to think about things in my life that needed to be changed and I wanted to change. Not only physical but spiritual. Being a better person and it was also a great thing to have some downtime and enjoy being with my fiancé.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies? Was Crochet something you pick up during the lockdown?
I have always Crocheted. I have been crocheting since I was about 8 years old. It has been a part of my hobbies since I was a little girl. I found myself completing some of my unfinished crocheting projects I had been working on. That was nice to accomplish. I still have about 4 blankets to finish but I am closer to the finish line than I was. It was good having a hobby like crocheting for me during the lockdown…. it gave me things to do with my time. Crocheting for me is so relaxing as well. I did not discover any new hobbies but I did do more self-beautification. I did my own nails, pampered myself with face mask, spa baths and Just took care of myself. I think that was important during that time to have self-time.
On your social media it seems like you cook a lot. What is your favorite thing to cook and how do you make it?
Yes, I have always like to cook and make desserts. I learned how to cook from watching the women in my family over the years. They all had special dishes they would cook and Share during the holidays. I would just watch them and learn what I could. I love looking through cookbooks and as I got older, I would try Diff recipes. I even like to recreate dishes that I have had or enjoyed in restaurants. One of my Favorite things to cook is my Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese! OMG…. I get so many great compliments on how good my Mac and Cheese is. I am going to share it on my Lifestyle Blog Website for Thanksgiving this year.
Why did you start your new business page on Facebook?
I am thinking about selling things on my new business page. I have over 500 pairs of shoes and I want to now sell some of them. I have my “Crocheted by Meli’sa“ Scarf’s and Blankets I want to sell. My Fiancé has limited Edition sneakers he wants to sell. So, this page will be more towards that than my career.
What is Asilem Productions?
It is my Company that handles All my music Career activities. I run it with my Fiancé Sabastin Commas. It is my Management Company that helps to manage and make decisions about my career. Instrumental with My recordings, my publishing and more! I decided to start my own company many years ago after I let go of a manager, I had that really was not doing anything but taking credit for all the work I was doing. I thought it made more sense for me to start my own company that could handle management and my career activities.
Tell me about your lifestyle with Meli’sa Morgan social media present?
I like to Decorate and talk about that on my Lifestyle page. I like to travel and I own a place in Aruba and I talk about that in my lifestyle pages. I like renovations and I renovated my family home That I inherited in South Carolina. I talk about that. We do Landscaping, planting flowers and I have a beautiful Flowerbed in front of my house. I get compliments from the neighbor about my flowers. I talk about that along with my Tablespaces and decorating my table and home during the holidays, I recently brought land in South Carolina to build my dream home. I will talk about that process with building a new home from the ground up. Vert exciting stuff. “Lifestyle With Meli’sa Morgan” is also my new Blog Website that talks about and covers these aspects of my life. This is a different area of my life besides my music and singing career,
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I have had smart TVs and smart devices for many years now. So, all my devices are connected to all my cable and streaming channels. I watch YouTube on my TV, iPad, and my iPhone. My cable is connected to all my devices along with Netflix’s and Prime Video and many more. We watch a lot of Netflix. It’s just the New Normal!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live-streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I decided when this lockdown happened that I would not do Live performances on my Facebook or Instagram pages from my home every week or whenever. I just did not like the idea of being seen performing in my bedroom or bathroom or living room. It did not appeal to me as a real concert or show. I did not mind doing interviews and cooking in my kitchen but I did not want to perform and depreciate my Value as a performer! Many people did it and I guess that was a way to keep in contact with their friends and fans.
I can’t really comment on this cause what works for one person or artist might not work for the other.
If you own your rights to your music and want to perform and share it on Facebook. you should be allowed to do that. Many people were trying to make TV shows on their Facebook pages and it became a little confusing for me. It’s tricky cause you cannot ask someone of my caliber to come and be interviewed by you on your page and you have two people engaging and following you when I have thousands of people engaging and following me on my page. There is no need for me to an interview with you. Then you are using my celebrity to create and make your audience bigger. That becomes a problem me. So, I chose to really be careful who I did interviews with. I looked for and agreed to do interviews on platforms and with people that were doing this with a good following and had been doing it before the Pandemic. Not with opportunity seekers!
With no real live music (mostly virtual shows) expect for things like Drive-In Theater shows with crowds for the past 6 months, what do you think will be the future of music?
We will have to see. I think the Drive-in concerts are a great Concept for future shows. Virtual Performances for me are getting better and I like them as well. Again, as long as they are attracting and getting a good audience that tunes in. I just did a virtual performance and over 30,000 people viewed it. That is a great thing! I don’t want to do a virtual performance and the organization doing the show only attracts 5 views! Do you get what I am saying? So, I am very selective what I choose to do. We have to see where the future will take us.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
You can still sell your merchandise on your business Pages!!!! You have to find more creative ways to sell your products. When you do get to do a live concert have your merchandise available for purchase. You can do payment apps and mail them your product. There are ways to do it legitimately and make a profit.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home. Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
Yes! If you ask an Artist to perform even virtually or live in person. You should pay them for their performance! This is an excellent way for artists to make money and continue to stay connected to their fans and keep them in front of an audience. It is an excellent idea from Live Nation to do this!!! I commend them for making a way.
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?
I think it will be a slow process. Smaller bands and local bands will have to play it by ear and do what is best for them. Each band and situation are going to be different. I would say continue to build up your following on your social media platforms! Then you can let your fan base know when and where you are performing. There will be opportunities for them soon to perform. Restaurants and clubs are starting to open up slowly.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
No… I think right now it is hard to have the Big Music Festivals. Some adjustments need to be made to follow the safety guidelines now but they will find a way to have them again. It could be drive in concerts that are really popular now. Or finding ways to Social Distance the audiences. Maybe not having 20,000 people but 10,000 people with more safety guidelines in place! I know It will happen again!
Are you going to vote by mail or in person? Did you know that Live Nation Activates Concert Venues as Polling Places and Promotes Voting Engagement among Fans and Employees?
I am trying to Vote in Person. I think having more Voting Polls in place for people to actually go in person and vote is a Great thing!
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I don’t know. I saw where they tried to do that with WHITNEY HOUSTON a few years ago and it did not go over well. Sometimes trying too many new and different things can be a bad thing! You need to give people a chance to digest just a few New things at a time and not overwhelm us with too much. Too much too soon!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself in A great place in my career and personal life.
I have a new movie coming out next year entitled “FOOTPRINTS OF AN ANGEL” where I play a mother. It is a great role and I get to sing in the Movie. I will also have the lead song for the movie with a new video!
I just brought a beautiful piece of Land/property in South Carolina and we are working on building our dream home!
I am engaged and God willing Me and Fiancé we will be married by then.
We are building our own home Recording studio… Where I can do recordings and I hope to have a few new CD’s out by then.
My catalog of music will continue to grow and build up my legacy. I see many great things in my future over the next five years. I am excited!!!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Living in this day and time now with everything that is going on.
I Reflect on how I was able to enjoy life the way it used to be. I was taught so much from my childhood to now. I have had a very happy, blessed and productive life and career. I have traveled the world and seen many beautiful things. I have been blessed to own homes in Aruba, New York and South Carolina. It allows me to see and enjoy different lifestyles.
My career has taken me to Many highs and lows in my life that I truly appreciate. It has helped me to become the person I am today. I Love my Family, my Friends and I Love my Fans! I am so thankful for them appreciating me and my talents. Friendship is so important to me. I am thankful I have been able to really perform live and do many live concerts, shows and more Without no safety guidelines before This Covid-19 Pandemic. I Feel I have been Lucky.
So, as we all go into this now New Normal….Even though we will have to adjust and things won’t be the same. We will get though and make it work and no matter what…. We will always have great memories and we will create New Ones!
I am excited about what is ahead of me and I will always cherish and appreciate What I have accomplished and where I came from. Thanks for the Love ❤️
You must be logged in to post a comment.