Meli'sa Morgan, the Iconic R&B Star of the 1980s, Has Made an Unforgettable Impact on the Music Scene With Her Classic Songs. Her Dazzling Talent Still Captivates Fans Around the World! 

Meli'sa Morgan, the iconic 80's R&B sensation, has made an unforgettable impact on the music scene with her classic songs like "Fools Paradise," "Do You Still Love Me," "Do Me Baby," "Love Changes," and "Footprints Of An Angel." Her extraordinary talent remains a source of inspiration for fans all around the globe! 

 Interview by: Gina Sedman 

Her professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She has had the privilege of working as a backup singer for renowned artists such as Chaka Khan, Melba Moore, and the legendary Whitney Houston. It was during the mid-1980s and 1990s that Meli'sa Morgan truly made a name for herself as a soul and R&B diva. 

However, she didn't stop there. Meli'sa Morgan ventured into the world of solo music and achieved tremendous success. Her hit singles, including "Do Me, Baby," "Do You Still Love Me," "Love Changes," and "Still in Love with You," catapulted her to even greater heights. 

More recently, she made her breakthrough in the highly acclaimed independent film, "Footprints of An Angel," where she portrayed the character of Nana. Not only did she showcase her acting skills, but she also lent her mesmerizing voice to the film's theme song, "Footprints Of An Angel." 

Meli'sa Morgan is not only a talented artist but also a highly respected individual with a heart of gold. In our interview, I had the opportunity to delve into her musical journey and discuss her upcoming European and UK tour. Her passion for music and dedication to her craft were evident as she shared her excitement for the tour.  

Hello, Ms. Meli'sa Morgan. How are you today? It's an honor to have this conversation with you. Your voice is stunning, and you are one of my incredible superwoman sister-girl heroes. Your talent is mind-blowing! I'm doing great. Thank you so much. How are you doing today?  

I'm great, thank you. Who's that? This is "Midnight," and I have another cat named "Spirit." "He doesn't want to be left out. (Laughs) 

The sight of your black cat brings back memories of a feline my mother once cared for during my childhood. His name was Domingo, and he left quite an impression on me. Unfortunately, my experiences with cats haven't been the most pleasant. When I was young, my mom would bring home stray cats, and they seemed to have a knack for terrorizing me. It felt like I was their primary target, as they would pounce on me, scratching and biting with their sharp claws.  

Domingo, in particular, was relentless in his pursuit of me. To find some respite from the constant fear, I would lock him in the bathroom when my mom went to work. Despite my pleas, she never fully understood the extent of my terror. The scratches on my legs from Domingo serve as a constant reminder of my fear of cats, even to this day. I’m afraid of cats.  I’m sorry. Listen, I follow you guys on social media, and I want to say, congratulations on getting married and moving to the UK! 

Wow, thank you so much! It's really you to say that. By the way, I've noticed you're also accomplishing some amazing things. Congratulations! I can't wait to catch your upcoming show in the UK alongside Glenn Jones and S.O.S Band.  

Before we discuss your tour, Meli'sa, where you currently located at the moment? I'm currently in South Carolina, as my grandmother passed down the family house to me, which I have lovingly renovated. It's been restored for 15 years, and I consider it a cherished possession to uphold our family legacy. We enjoy doing these projects here at the house in South Carolina and in our New York Condo. 

I've had people tell me that since I'm from New York City, I won't like the slower pace of life in South Carolina. But I love it here. This beautiful piece of land by the lake is where I'm building my dream home, and for me, it's wonderful. I love New York City, but nothing beats the peace and serenity that South Carolina offers. 

Absolutely. Are you planning to do any painting or flooring work? We have recently renovated our bathroom. My fiancé installed a new counter, vanity, toilet, and plumbing. We are also planning to replace our old, broken washer and dryer, which are 20 years old. We enjoy doing these projects ourselves, especially in our New York condo. 

Wow, that sounds like a blast! When my husband and I moved here, we tackled our renovations right away. I had to add my feminine touch to it. I'm all about that Palm Springs vibe, especially the mid-century modern style.  

I enjoy discovering unique items like that. I searched online to find some retro 1960s furniture pieces. It was a delightful adventure. My husband crafted the furniture while I designed the decor. Just enjoy the process, Meli'sa, have fun with it! Yes. The screened-in porch is the next thing we are working on. Every year, new lawn furniture comes out, and I want to get these new chairs or this new this or that.    

I enjoy planting flowers; it's one of my favorite things to do. We have a beautiful rose bush that grows tall and produces stunning red and orange flowers, and we also have hydrangeas. I love getting my hands dirty while planting. 

Meli'sa, Life is incredibly valuable, and it is essential to cherish every moment. Therefore, if gardening brings you joy, I encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly! Now, shifting gears to a more glamorous topic, let's focus on you. I'm curious to know how you keep your skin looking radiant and flawless. Your beauty is truly captivating, and I'd love to learn your secrets. Share them with me, please! Well, let me tell you, I am not one to engage in any strenuous work. So, my advice to all you lovely ladies out there is this: find yourself a man! Get yourself a husband or a fiancé who can handle all the heavy lifting.  

I don't bother with any hard labor. The only thing you should be picking up is your pocketbook. I refuse to lift a finger! I don't want to bother opening doors when I step out of my car. Let him do it so you can feel like a true lady and relax. And another thing, ladies, make sure you get plenty of rest. It's essential!  

In today's world, it seems like everybody is running, running, running. It's not enough to punch the nine-to-five; no, they have to do overtime, even on the weekends.  

But I have to get my rest, girl. I do my shows, and then, if I'm not doing something, I am in bed chilling out. You know what I'm saying?   

Yes, I do.  Make sure to take some time to relax and recharge your batteries. I believe that getting enough rest is important for your eyes and skin. It helps me rejuvenate, too. As for the skincare products I use, you may find it surprising that I prefer products from the UK and Europe. During my last visit to Dubai, I used products from Boots Pharmacy.  

"Yes, I love their products, especially their mascara." Oh, Europe is my shopping paradise! Whenever I visit, I can't resist splurging! One of my absolute must-haves is the foam facial wash from No.7. Especially the cucumber and rose facial wash from the Boot’s Skincare line! Their products are amazing, and I can't get enough of them!  

I find that the cost of skincare products is cheaper in Europe. So, I usually leave some space in my suitcase and bring back around ten facial washes, especially the cucumber and rose wash. I love these products! I also purchased their "bubble bath," which is just amazing. I love to take baths. 

It's important to be cautious about what you eat. Although I have a sweet tooth, I believe that what you consume is a reflection of your overall health. It's essential to consume iron, protein, and black seed oil, which is known to have many health benefits. Additionally, taking vitamins C and D is necessary. Try to get some sun and go for a walk. That's what I do.   

I'm getting back into exercising consistently. It's crucial to keep your body moving and blood circulating. 

Your advice is truly exceptional. It is something we should all strive to follow to preserve our beauty and energy, much like yourself. I appreciate your guidance. You have the required qualities to maintain your external beauty. Moving forward, I am interested in learning about Meli'sa Morgan's personality beyond the public eye. Who is the person behind that stunning face, and what shapes your character? My fiancé thinks I always want everything my way, but I'm afraid I have to disagree. (Laughs)    

That's hilarious! I'm in denial of his assessment of me. But yeah, I do like things a certain way. Plus, I'm a hoarder. I keep everything - papers, paper bags, and baggies - and my fiancée asks me why I don't just throw it away. (Laughs)  

I feel that certain things may be needed in the future, so I keep them just in case. Additionally, I am an animal lover and especially adore my cats. While my fiancé wants a dog, I will always cherish my feline friends. Moreover, I pride myself on being a loyal and dependable friend who is always available to help when needed. However, I also value my personal space and enjoy spending time alone.  

In terms of my music career, I'm quite meticulous about how things unfold. That's why I run my own management company and make sure I'm fully in control of everything, as I've witnessed many individuals suffer from not staying on top of their game. I also take pleasure in cooking, but I steer clear of meat, including chicken. However, I enjoy preparing salmon, shrimp dishes, wraps, and Greek cuisine. Essentially, that's me behind the scenes in my day-to-day life. So, that's me. Bossy, do a little cooking and mind my own business, Meli'sa. (Laughs) 

Thank you for sharing but allow me to provide a slightly different summary of how I perceive the information you shared about yourself. I can't entirely agree with the idea that certain personalities or character traits are superior to others. Here's why I say that: I believe everyone has unique gifts and talents that are necessary in their own way. Instead of labeling someone as bossy or overly assertive, I choose to see them as a natural leader with qualities that are beneficial to others. It's important to recognize that some people are visionaries who create and innovate, while others excel at supporting and working collaboratively. Everyone has a role to play and should be valued for their contribution. Yeah. 

You exude a certain quality that motivates those around you to take initiative and progress. That's a God-given gift. You refuse to stand idly by while others are treated unjustly. You advocate for your own rights and the rights of others. I am convinced that you have been blessed with the gift of strong leadership. I don't view you as bossy but rather as an exceptional leader. Your knack for recognizing the value in things is a wonderful trait in a friend. I wanted to offer you an alternative viewpoint to ponder. My fiancé often mentions that there are tasks he prefers not to handle, such as managing the finances. He doesn't want to be responsible for setting up the financial structure of our home and ensuring all bills are paid promptly, so he leaves that to me because I excel at it. On the other hand, there are certain things I would rather not do, like physical labor or running errands. I jokingly remind him to occasionally cook me breakfast as well. It's all about finding a balance.  

In the music industry, being assertive often leads to being labeled as bossy. Despite the criticism, I remain steadfast in my assertiveness because it was ingrained in me by my parents, and I believe it serves a valuable purpose.  

When it comes to my career, there aren't many things that I can't handle by myself. Instead of immediately seeking assistance, I prefer to take a moment, sit down, and strategize on how to tackle the task at hand. I consider this ability a gift, as many individuals tend to rely on others to get things done. However, I firmly believe in my own capabilities and prefer to take the initiative. If necessary, I can always seek additional support later on. This approach helps me maintain control over my finances and protect the integrity of my empire, ensuring that only a select few have access and minimizing the risk of infiltration and collapse. 

Absolutely. My business model is, "Without boundaries, there are no limits." Meli'sa, I believe that it is essential to establish and uphold certain standards in your life, period. Should someone disregard those standards and values, I am more than willing to walk away. There is nothing wrong with that. In this industry, women are often unfairly criticized or branded as "divas," "difficult," or other derogatory terms.   

However, I have a different perspective. I question whether they are truly divas or if they simply have high standards. Perhaps they don't want people showing up intoxicated to their performances or arriving late. So, if they assert themselves and demand professionalism, punctuality, and excellence, I fully support that. It is important to set expectations and hold people accountable. If they become upset, so be it. I will not hesitate to express my dissatisfaction. I'm good friends with James Brown's daughter. She lives right up the street from me and is also a Southern girl. Her father used to run his empire with strict rules - if you were late, you would get fined, and if you didn't do your job, you would get fired.   

And this is the way we accomplish our goals. We strive to excel and make a statement. If you're not fulfilling your responsibilities because I allow you to be careless, it reflects poorly on my team. Therefore, it is crucial to uphold high standards. Punctuality is key. Also, attending rehearsals is extremely important to me. It is imperative that they prioritize attendance and make every effort to be present for every rehearsal. If they're not, I won't hesitate to find a replacement. Remember, your commitment and responsibility are what keep our team strong. I want to work with a team of individuals who desire success as much as I do and trust me, I want that more than anything. 

Allow me to share a revelation with you. Your exquisite vocal abilities and the immense dedication you have poured into this field have undeniably created a profound impact. You possess an unwavering determination to protect and preserve your accomplishments, and I wholeheartedly support you in that endeavor. My admiration for you has only grown stronger. I hold great respect for individuals who uphold high standards, as I share the same sentiment. Some may label me as strict, but if you can't keep up, then step aside. I refuse to allow anyone to jeopardize my progress, not even for a single moment. Yes! That’s right! 

Let's shift our focus for a moment and discuss Meli'sa Morgan's distinctive style. My beautiful friend, I am curious to know where you stumbled upon those captivating and lively wigs. They have undeniably become synonymous with your unique persona. Back in the day, when I first came out, I sang backup for Chaka Khan. This was a significant milestone in my career as it marked my first notable professional gig. Before that, I used to sing in clubs.  

Chaka Khan was searching for a new singer and visited the club where I was performing. I spotted her, but she left soon after. At the time, the late Vesta Williams was singing backup for Chaka but was leaving to join The Commodores. Chaka needed a replacement, and Vesta suggested that she consider me, the girl she had seen at the club. They contacted me, and, to cut a long story short, I was ultimately hired for the job.   

I come from the era of big hair and fabulous styles. I am a big fan of Chaka Khan, and I've always admired her unique fashion sense. In a way, she inspired me to adopt her style. I started out  sporting big hair, just like Chaka's, because I loved it so much. I fondly remember attending the Grammys with Freddie Jackson, and I had the biggest hair ever at the event! (Laughs)   

Sabastian, being younger than me, often points out colors he likes when we're out together. I'll usually respond with, "I could never wear that color," but he always insists, "Yes, you can pull it off!" (Laughs)    

So, once I began trying out various colors, I discovered that I could actually pull off more than just blondes and black. If I'm rocking a red ensemble, I'll go all out with red hair to complement it. Other times, I might opt for pink, green, or blue. And that's how it all began, thanks to Sabastian. Life doesn't have to be boring, have fun! 

That's right! Enjoy your life! Certainly! Life is a wonderful adventure! Speaking of life being an adventure, you have been involved in the music industry for years. Could you share your story of how you got started in music and how you were discovered? My Mother initially discovered me. I don't know about your family, but my family had what they called "house parties." 

Yeah, we had those too. (Laughs) My mother discovered me, and I grew up in Queens, NY, in a middle-class family. I had one brother and one sister, and we had different fathers. Our parents emphasized the importance of attending the church across the street from our home, ensuring we went regularly. Singing and dancing were a big part of my happy childhood, often taking place right in our own home. We would even have these amazing "house parties" where my sister and I would dress up and entertain my mother's friends. Our favorite songs to perform were from iconic artists like "The Supremes" and Aretha Franklin. I remember one particular moment when my mother promised to take us to audition for the Apollo Amateur night if we delivered outstanding performances. We worked hard and fulfilled our promise, but unfortunately, she never took us to “audition.” However, fate had something else in store for me. Later in my professional singing career, I was given the incredible opportunity to perform multiple times on the renowned TV show "The Showtime at The Apollo." 

These are the experiences that ignited my passion for the music industry. Whenever there was a chance for me to showcase my singing talent, I eagerly embraced those opportunities. During my time in school, I enthusiastically participated in talent shows and joined various musical groups. Eventually, I had the privilege of joining the esteemed Gospel Choir, "The Starlets of Corona." Singing alongside this choir allowed my vocal abilities to flourish and grow tremendously. There is truly no better vocal education than being a part of a gospel choir! It is where you learn to blend your voice with others, harmonize, refine your tone, and stay in tune. As a result of all these experiences, I became increasingly motivated to pursue a career as a recording artist and become a star in the R&B industry. 

Can you tell me how you got signed to a major label. What did that journey look like for you? Being chosen as one of Chaka Khan's background singers and touring with her for an entire year on the "Ain't Nobody" Tour was the first big thing that happened to me. During that time, I gained a wealth of knowledge and learned a lot just by watching her in action. Singing backgrounds for Chaka helped me grow as a vocalist and prepared me to pursue my solo career. After the tour ended, I decided not to continue pursuing a career as a background vocalist.  

I had already sung in Talent shows and participated in Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen Pageant. I never stopped singing and eventually started performing in clubs with artists like Johnny Kemp and his band. I would perform three sets a night! From there, I was invited to do session work in the studios around NYC! I worked on various sessions, including working with Jocelyn Brown. These opportunities came because people would see me singing around town.   

I was singing with everyone. Debbie Allen had invited me to sing for her and her husband as they planned to start a label. I sang in various places, including Canada, where I performed with a group. Chaka Khan heard about me through word of mouth and hired me as one of her backup singers. After that I met Kashif and became his go to singer to sing background vocals on most of his recording sessions! 

This is how I ended up singing on Whitney Houston's first album, and all of Kashif's albums. While singing with Kashif, we performed on Broadway, opening for Gladys Knight and the Pips, and it was an unforgettable experience.  

So, we did a whole tour opening for Gladys Knight and Pips. Kashif had that gig opening for her and I remember one time, Gladys had gotten sick so we couldn't do Broadway and then she got better, and then they rescheduled the Broadway dates. So, we did Broadway, and it was absolutely beautiful! We had such a great time! But I was his featured singer.  

So, “HUSH Productions,” Melba Moore’s then husband, they had their production deal with Capitol Records, and they were managing Kashif, but they hadn't seen me really until I came to Broadway. 

So, they saw me when I was on Broadway singing with him. And when I was going to the dressing room, her Melba Moore's then husband asked me to come in the room. I was like, “No, that's not going to be my story. I'm not telling this story years later now.” (Laughs) 

Thats hilarious! Good for you! Yes. Then they told me, 'Girl, come into the room,' so I went in. He said, 'OK, now listen, girl. You've sung behind everybody, but you don't need to be behind anybody else. Aren't you ready to do your own thing?' And I said, 'Yeah, I sure am.' Then they said, 'Come into the office tomorrow on West 58th St. and be there at 10:00 AM! So, I was in the office the next morning, and they signed me on the spot to Capitol Records. 

Wow! What a story, Meli'sa! Thank you for sharing your journey with me. Right then and there! Then, they asked about my desires and plans for my album. Before I knew it, I was in the recording studio recording Fool's Paradise, Do Me Baby, and Do You Still Love Me. They offered me a contract, and within just three months, my album was released. It was a whirlwind experience, and that's how everything unfolded for me. 

In 1986, there were concerns regarding one of the songs you performed, specifically "Do Me, Baby." Can you elaborate on these reservations? In 1986, a woman singing "Do Me Baby", that was considered risky.   

When I signed my first solo recording deal with Capitol Records, they asked me to record a song written by Prince called "Do Me Baby" as my first single. The Capitol Records AR representative insisted that I record the song as it had been on hold for three years, and Prince was about to take it off hold with them. 

Since I was the next female artist they signed, they made it clear that I had to sing that particular song. However, since I was only 19 at the time, I felt quite uncomfortable with singing such a mature and seductive song. I also struggled with how to make the audience believe that I was sincere in my performance.  

To overcome the challenge of delivering a song convincingly and powerfully, I came up with a method. I closed my eyes and imagined myself as someone else who was sexier than I was but had my voice. This allowed me to perform the song with confidence and passion. As a result, "Do Me Baby" became a massive hit and stayed at the top of the Billboard charts for four weeks.  

This is a funny story, but it's true! Whitney and I both had number-one hits on the charts. I was in New Orleans, walking down Bourbon Street, when I heard Whitney Houston's song "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" playing. Everyone was dancing along. Then, out of nowhere, I heard my song "Do Me Baby" playing - but it was at a brothel! They were all dressed up, and I couldn't believe it! (Laughs)  

That's wild! A brothel? I know you were like, "Give me back my song! That's not what it's supposed to be used for!” (Laughs) I was done! (Laughs) 

Absolutely! Let's talk about your song "Do You Still Love Me." This song carries a similar message to Jill Scott's "I'm Lonely Whenever You're Around." It's a powerful message because true love never falters. When a woman questions the love of the man she adores, it makes me wonder if he ever truly loved her from the beginning. Let's delve deeper into this captivating song. 

It was such a great thing working with Lesette Wilson. She has produced music for many artists, including Chaka Khan, Loose Ends, Angie Stone, Najee, Tom Browne, Tito Nieves, Jay Z, Phil Collins, Phillip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire), Diddy, Roy Ayers, Amel Larrieux (Groove Theory), Al B Sure, Stanley Turrentine, and myself. So, I was grateful to have had the chance to work with her too.  

She would create this music during the day, and in the evening, I would visit her and be astonished by what she had made. She encouraged me to follow my own creative path. We even had our own little studio. I will never forget when we took the song to the A&R person, and he said that it was a question that everyone in America has asked at one point or another. He believed that it would be a hit song, and he was right! It climbed to #5 on the Billboard charts, and we were thrilled! Whenever I perform that song now, I tell my audience that even my cat asks the same question: "Do You Still Love Me?" and the crowd goes wild! (Laughs) 

It's all about the way you express it. Singing is not just about reciting the lyrics; it's about conveying the emotions and dynamics of the song. Singing is similar to acting in many ways. A skilled singer understands this and has the ability to make you feel the emotions behind the words. The harmonies in the background and the emphasis on certain parts can truly elevate a performance. Meli'sa, you exemplify this perfectly when showcasing your exceptional talent. Many people ask me about my inspiration for singing my songs, and I tell them that my inspiration comes from the experiences that I've been through. If I've never gone through it myself, I cannot sing it the way it needs to be sung. So, "Do You Still Love Me" came from my experience of being in a broken relationship. I had to remember what I felt at that time and put myself back into that headspace in order to sing the song with so much feeling.  

Similarly, "Do Me Baby" came from me liking a guy, so that's the emotional place where I sang it. Then, when I hit that high note, everyone went crazy in the studio! "Fool's Paradise" came from my love for Chaka Khan. Because Chaka Khan did the song “Fool’s Paradise,” I did not want to do her version, but I loved that song title! 

It's challenging to deliver an emotionally charged performance on record. Some singers may claim to pour their heart into the song, but their performance may not reflect the depth of emotion required to create a truly authentic experience. However, some artists have the ability to make you believe in the emotions they express through their songs. That's why singers like Aretha Franklin are so beloved. 

Yes, absolutely. That's why we love Gladys Knight: We believe in what she sings about. When Aretha Franklin sang 'Ain't No Way,' we could feel her pain. Someone had hurt her, and it came out in her voice, which was a God-given gift. If she hadn't gone through that experience, we wouldn't have believed her when she sang those heart-wrenching songs. 

OK, let's talk about some of your recent adventures. I heard that you had a role in an independent film called "Footprints of an Angel." How did you get this opportunity? Well, they initially contacted me to play the character of "Nana." The first thing I wanted to clarify was how old "Nana" was because I didn't want to be depicted in a rocking chair. (Laughs)  

That's hilarious, Meli'sa! I know, but they said she was a young "Nana." She had a daughter who faced challenges in life and unfortunately passed away. I found the role intriguing and decided to take it on. My scenes involved interacting with the family and providing words of wisdom. The filming took place in New York, marking my first experience in the film industry. I even had the opportunity to sing "Amazing Grace" at my character's daughter's funeral. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am pleased with the outcome. The movie is an independent production and can be viewed exclusively on Vimeo. Despite having a minor role, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the film. 

Regarding the theme song of the movie "Footprints of an Angel," after I finished my part, I wondered about the theme song. The producers informed me that there was no existing theme song for the movie and were open to suggestions. They said they would use it if I came up with something. At that moment, I thought of David Ruffin and how he sang in a way that made you believe every word. 

I was inspired to create a song with David Ruffin’s vocal-influenced vibe and that classic Motown sound. While contemplating this idea, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" started playing, and I was excited! 

I knew that if I could secure that song, which would be perfect for this movie, it would result in the sound I was aiming for, similar to the sound of David Ruffin. My fiancé suggested that we sample the music, so we did. After coming up with a new melody and lyrics, we headed to the studio. 

Before releasing it, I reached out to my friend Dedra Tate, who has connections in the industry, to ask for advice on getting clearance for the sample. 

Dedra helped me when some artists were sampling and covering my songs. She showed me what to do in that situation. It's important to note that when you perform a song you didn't write, you still get royalties from the record company because they own the performance. However, if you are the writer and publisher of the song, you get an additional portion of the royalties because you own the song. 

As a songwriter, I receive song royalties when artists sample my work. However, when the same artist used my vocals, I faced the challenge of obtaining compensation for it. Surprisingly, it took ten years to finally receive those royalties, mainly due to the record company's ownership of my voice. 

Wow. So, the label got the residuals instead. Right, they receive the money first and then give it to me. But because I wrote the song, I was told I'd get the publishing, but the artist who used my vocals got the right to use them in their song from Capitol Records. So, Capitol Records had to pay me for that.  

Many fail to realize the value of sampling other artists' songs. However, the moment arrives when it's time to compensate the original artist, such as Meli'sa Morgan, for their contribution. This is when substantial checks, like those $100,000 ones, start rolling in. Just the other day, I checked my bank account and was pleasantly surprised by a significant sum from Capitol Records. It's moments like these that make it all worth it! So, I was like, "Oh, thank you!" (Laughs)  

So, that covers that. But if you don't know the difference between artists' royalties and songwriting royalties, you might miss out on getting paid for your hard work. Remember, they are two separate things. Even if someone uses your voice or sample, it may take years for you to receive your money.  

For example, a rapper is currently using my voice, and I have to go through the same process to get paid. So, even when I wanted to use the sample from the song, 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing' in my song 'Footprints Of An Angel,' Dedra helped me get in touch with Sony. They initially asked for $15,000 to use it up front, but I did not want to pay that. So, I asked them if there were other options available.  

Then I realized that I knew Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. So, I called Valerie and explained that I had the song, which was part of the movie. Without hesitation, she told me she would call Sony and ask them to leave me alone. She assured me she would ensure that I could use the song without any problem, and she did. She knew she would still receive her payment. Sony initially wanted $15,000 upfront to allow me to use the sample, but Valerie’s intervention prevented them from blocking me from using it. I am so grateful to her for doing that. What a true friend! 

This is how we managed to release "Footprints of an Angel," which quickly rose to #1 on the UK and the R&B Soul categories 

on the independent charts simultaneously the same week. 

Everyone loved the song, and I'm excited to perform it when I visit the UK. 

What is the message of the song? The song beautifully captures the emotions of losing a loved one and how they become our guiding angels. Seeing the excitement in their eyes when I perform this song in the UK fills me with immense joy. I am genuinely grateful to Valerie for making this possible. Building solid relationships and fearlessly befriending people within and outside the industry is invaluable. Let's continue to foster friendships and connections. 

I agree. Meli'sa, I'm thrilled for you as you have a tour coming up. Let's discuss your upcoming tour to the UK, where the talented Glenn Jones and S.O.S. Band are also performing. It seems like an incredible show to anticipate. How did you meet Glenn and the S.O.S. Band initially? My upcoming Tour and show dates will kick off in Europe and the U.K. And conclude in the United States with shows planned across Europe, such as Lyon, France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and various cities in the UK like Peterborough, London, and Manchester. 

For one of the shows in Lyon, France I will be joining Alyson Williams and Clifford Dawson to recreate the group "High Fashion," of which I was an original member. I'm excited about this! 

Wow! Can you tell me how the tour came together? How did you guys meet and decide to go on tour, and what can we expect from the show? I have known Glenn Jones since he released his first recording. His wife, Genobia, and I have been close friends from the beginning. We were in the studio when he recorded "I've Been Searching," and we witnessed his creative process. After recording his vocals, he would invite us to his house to listen to his work. By then, "Do Me Baby" had already been released, so we would also have shared our music with him. Our friendship has endured throughout the years, and I fondly refer to him as my musical brother. 

I always say yes whenever someone asks me if I want to do a show with Glenn Jones. And if they ask Glenn Jones if he wants to do a show with me, he also says yes without hesitation. However, Michael Fountaine is responsible for bringing us all together on these upcoming concert dates. 

I have had the opportunity to open for Melba Moore, Shirley Jones, Glenn Jones, Najee, and Will Downing in Europe, and we have used the same promoter every time. Unfortunately, during my last trip, I was supposed to perform with Christopher Williams, but he couldn't make it to the show due to unforeseen circumstances. 

They were able to get a young local girl who was amazing and a local fan favorite. We did the show for two nights at the Jazz Cafe, and it turned out to be an amazing show and a huge success! 

When he asked me who I wanted on this ticket with me, I immediately suggested getting Glenn Jones. The S.O.S. Band is huge in the UK, and I had the pleasure of working with them a few years ago when I did the tour with Patti LaBelle, The Whispers, and the S.O.S. Band. Another promoter booked that show, and we played at “Wembley Arena,” in England. 

So, that's how this upcoming show came about. We all know each other, and we're all very excited. We're happy that we can still have that kind of pull overseas, and people want to see us. They know that we still have plenty to offer. 

I really admire the UK's dedication to supporting American music. Their energy is amazing! They eagerly ask for autographs and express their admiration for our music. They even have albums out there.  

While I no doubt love my fans in the United States, the level of devotion to American music in Europe and the U.K. is truly incredible! 

You're performing in France too! How exciting! I am thrilled to perform in France and Amsterdam for the first time. These are places I have previously visited but have not yet performed there, until now. Japan is another country I love to visit - the people there treat you with so much love and respect. They often have photos of you and request your autograph. I always wonder where they find these albums, but then it hits me that they download them online. I find it absolutely amazing! 

That's fantastic news, Meli'sa! I can't express how happy I am for all of you. By the way, Gina, I have a funny story to tell you. 

Sure, go ahead! I love hearing funny stories. The last time I performed at the O2 in London, rhinestone thigh-high boots were quite popular. Well, I had a pair of those boots, and when I came out, and the ladies saw them, I thought they were going to rip them off my feet! (Laughs) 

That's hilarious! I love it! Upon moving here, I observed that many women wear thick lace-up boots due to the cold weather and walking culture. I'm accustomed to wearing my stylish stilettos and cute clothes from California. However, the cold climate here doesn't allow me to wear my usual outfits. Initially, I intended to dress fashionably as we do in California, but I quickly understood the need to dress like everyone else to stay warm. Regarding the boots, did that incident occur after the show?  Yes, after the show when you do the meet greet and sign the CD’s. When I came out there, it was a long line wrapped around the corner! The ladies wanted to know where you got the boots from. They were like, I'm going to buy the CD but where did you get those boots? And I know they must be wondering what I'm going to wear this time, but I have something special, they’ll see. (Laughs)  

We are truly looking forward to all of you coming to the beautiful, Great Britain. Last question, Meli’sa, I would like to ask you to give some words of wisdom to those who are coming up in the industry. I would advise them to make sure that they love what they do. If you don't love what you do, then all the things that come behind it will eventually break you. This is not an easy business, despite what people may think. We make it seem easy, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You can't just wear the right outfit and expect to be discovered. You have to work hard to be discovered, and very few people get discovered that easily. Once you're in it, you must learn the basics to survive in this industry. So, keep learning and growing.  

In the music business, it is crucial to have basic skills such as counting and reading, and most importantly, to hire trustworthy people to protect yourself from any potential harm or exploitation. Many people in this industry have shared horror stories about how they had to learn tough lessons the hard way.  

Some aspiring artists sign contracts without reading them properly, looking only for fame. They may get a hit record, but the label ends up owning them, giving them only about $2000. This leaves them broke despite having a number-one record. Hence, it is essential to be cautious, take your time, and read the contract thoroughly. If you can't read, then bring someone you trust to read it for you, such as your mother, father, sister, or brother. Let these people help you to avoid any potential pitfalls.  

My father, an intelligent man, a chemist, who graduated at the top of his class in college, said, "As much as I can read it, and as much as I know, I don't know about this. Now, if you asked me what the chemical formula is for so and so, I can give it to you. But this, I can't.  

My father played a vital role in developing the formula to remove graffiti from subway stations. Although he did not know the music industry, he offered valuable advice when I expressed my interest in pursuing a music career. He suggested I seek a lawyer and become well-versed in the field by attending The Juilliard School, dance classes, seminars, and modeling school. He was willing to cover all the expenses and advised me to hire someone to help me with the things I didn't know.  

In this business, there are many things that one might not be aware of, such as publishing. When I started, I did not have my own management company or independent record label, so I was taken advantage of. However, I learned from my experiences, and now I have my own management company and record label.  

I advise anyone entering this industry to keep learning and seek help from experts where necessary. Although it's natural to make mistakes, it's essential to learn from them and not let them hold you back. That is the advice I would offer. 

Your advice is remarkable, coming from someone with inner and outer beauty. I concur entirely with your perspective. Not only are you gifted, but your personality is also exceptional. It is truly a privilege to know you.  

In closing, I pray that God blesses you and your endeavors in accordance with His will for your life. May the Lord bless you, keep you safe, and protect you on your travels. May the Lord surround you with wonderful people who will look out for your best interests and encourage and support you. I am proud of every achievement and milestone you have made. Thank you for sharing your musical journey with our readers. You are indeed a blessing, Meli'sa. Thank you again. Awe, thank you, and God bless you, Gina. 

The End of Interview 

Credits: All Photos of Meli’sa Morgan are the property. Additional photos of Meli’sa Morgan were taken by: Sabastin Commas for Asilem Production, Inc., hair styled by: Meli’sa Morgan, makeup by: Meli’sa Morgan, clothes by: Fashion Nova. 

Contact Meli'sa Morgan on Social Media @Meli'saMorgan