Living Legend Award Winner, Stephanie Spruill ,1400 recordings & Several Grammys Still Going Strong!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

The fabulous Stephanie Spruill, was the songwriter of the theme song for the film 'The Velocity of Gary.' Throughout her career, she has significantly contributed to the music industry as a songwriter for renowned artists such as John Lucien, Najee, Vesta, and David T. Walker.

Additionally, she has showcased her versatile talents by either acting or singing in numerous movie soundtracks, including 'American Hot Wax,' 'Amistad,' 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Dances with Wolves,' 'Forrest Gump,' 'Mighty Joe Young,' 'The Kid,' 'Rosewood,' and 'The Tigger Movie.' Her captivating performances have also been featured on popular TV series like 'Beyond Belief,' 'Entertainment Tonight,' 'Married with Children,' and 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.' Moreover, she has starred in the stage musical 'Sang Sister Sang.'

Also, she has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Cannonball Adderley, David Axelrod, Laura Branigan, Eric Burden, Glen Campbell, Mariah Carey, Leonard Cohen, Placido Domingo, Harold Faltermeyer, Little Feat, Eddie Floyd, David Foster, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Gaynor, Whitney Houston, Janis Ian, Billy Idol, Enrique Iglesias, Olivia Newton-John, Brothers Johnson, Chaka Khan, Earl Klugh, Patti LaBelle, D.C. Larue, Les McCann, Giorgio Moroder, Aaron Neville, Dolly Parton, Minnie Riperton, Diana Ross, Demis Roussos, Rufus, Talking Heads, Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Gino Vanelli, Tom Scott, Wang Chung, The Weather Girls, and Maurice White. The list of artists she has collaborated with is quite extensive and varied. It includes legendary and iconic names from different genres of music, such as soul, rock, pop, and jazz.

Additionally, she has recorded and toured with: Julio Iglesias; Whitney Houston; Tom Petty; Mariah Carey; Tina Turner; Aretha Franklin; Barbra Streisand; Donna Summer; Diana Ross; Billy Idol; Simply Red; Luther Vandross; Talking Heads; Michael Jackson; Placido Domingo; Ricky Martin; Enrique Iglesias; Glen Campbell, Olivia Newton-John; Quincy Jones; and, so many more!

Please tell me a bit about yourself and your background. Who is Stephanie Spruill? I am a native of Los Angeles and the founder of Spruill House Music, Inc., School of Voice & Artists Development. I am a multi-talented artist, including a singer-songwriter, percussionist, producer, motivational speaker, international vocal and dialect coach, philanthropist, and author of the book "17 Points to Longevity in Show Business." I am also the proud recipient of the "Living Legend Award" from the City of Los Angeles.

I won The Global Peace Song Award for my original song "Shine." I was also a cast member of the NAACP Image Award-winning show "Welcome to Sweetie Pies" on Oprah Winfrey's Network. I have sold out concerts around the globe, with 1400 recordings and several Grammy Awards, Gold and Platinum albums to my credit. I have toured the world and recorded with many legendary musicians such as Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Glen Campbell, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Quincy Jones, and others. I have also performed at The White House for three different administrations and with Royalty worldwide. On a local level, I graced the stage of the 87th annual Academy Awards with John Legend and Common, singing the Oscar-winning song "Glory."

It is my life's mission to reach the world over and touch everyone with all the artistry in me. I believe that God and art are the links that bring us closer to our divine purpose.

What was your most memorable moment in your career?

Performing at the White House on 3 separate occasions

What was your most challenging moment?

On tour while being Married with a young child.

Who are your musical influences? My musical inspirations include Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, and Mavis Staples.

If you had the opportunity to collaborate with someone in the music industry, past or present, who would you choose? I've been fortunate enough to work with great musicians such as Julio Iglesias, Glenn Campbell, Elton John, Donald Byrd, and Cannonball Adderley. However, I would love to have the chance to sing with the Count Basie Orchestra.

What is the last song you listened to by another artist and who are your present favorites?

Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, "In a Sentimental Mood"

What was your most embarrassing moment while performing live or in an interview? During my performance at the White House, the floor was so slippery that I fell.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your career? COVID-19 has had a significant impact on my live performances. Due to the pandemic, I have been unable to perform and connect with my fans in person. It has been a challenging time for me, as I genuinely miss the energy and excitement of live concerts.

However, as an instructor, I have been blessed enough to leverage the internet. Despite the pandemic, I have continued delivering high-quality development classes to my students online without interruption.

Tell us about your current and future projects. I am preparing for my TED Talk, expanding my international brand, and currently in the recording studio.

When it comes to preparing yourself artistically, what are your habits or traditions? I always believe in practicing as much as possible, exercising regularly, and praying. For those who are seeking to establish a career in the entertainment industry, my advice would be to stay passionate, stay prepared, stay confident, stay focused, and never give up, give out, or give in.

I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today, Mrs. Stephanie Spruill. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to you, and you are one of the most influential and inspiring people I have ever met. Your bubbly personality is so infectious; I love it! I am excited to see what amazing things God has in store for you in the future. My prayer is that God will continue to bless and guide you in all that you do and keep you and your family safe during these challenging times. I am proud of your accomplishments and what God has done in your life. Once again, thank you for your time. Thank you.

End Of Interview

Website Stephanie Spruill https://www.stephaniespruill.net/

All photos of Stephaine Spruill are courtesy of Stephaine Spruill

To buy the softback magazine THE INDIE POST | STEPHANIE SPRUILL | NOVEMBER, 01, 2023 ISSUE VOL. 1 Paperback Click Here