Memphis Maestro and Southern Royalty, Power Vocalist Toni Green Delivers Southern Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Classic Soulful and Heartfelt R&B Music with Class to Music Enthusiast Internationally! 

Toni Green, the Memphis Maestro and Southern Royalty, captivates audiences worldwide with her powerful vocals and soulful renditions of Southern Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Classic R&B music. Her heartfelt and soul-stirring performances make her a true enthusiast of the genre. 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

Toni Green, a relentless force from the heart of Memphis, brings a wealth of experiences to the world of backup vocals, spanning decades of memorable moments. Her journey sparked in the vibrant seventies, sharing stages with icons like Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram, laying the foundation for a monumental musical odyssey. 

From soulful serenades with Millie Jackson to harmonizing with The Doobie Brothers, Toni's voice has left an indelible mark on every collaboration she's graced, resonating with a power and beauty that is truly unforgettable. 

In 1998, Toni took center stage with her debut solo album, "Mixed Emotions," a soul-stirring masterpiece produced by the illustrious Quinton Claunch. Tracks like "You've Got The Papers (I've Got The Man)" hinted at her promising solo career, marking only the tip of her musical iceberg. 

Venturing forward with Good Time Records, Toni unleashed her sophomore album, "Strong Enough," in 2002, crafted under the expert guidance of producer Victor Allen. However, her 2003 release, "Southern Soul Music," truly struck a chord with listeners. The title track, alongside powerful collaborations like "I Want It" featuring Floyd Taylor, captured the essence of "southern soul," earning Toni widespread acclaim, particularly in the vibrant music scene of the Southern United States. 

Yet, Toni's impact transcends music; her heart beats for philanthropy. Recognized for her unwavering dedication, she's been honored with accolades such as the "Outstanding Entertainer and Outstanding Citizen Award" from her beloved hometown of Memphis. I was blessed to have a rewarding conversation with this southern gem about her life in music; here is what she shared.    

Ms. Green, it is an absolute honor and privilege for me to interview someone as talented as you. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Also, I would like to mention that you look stunning. Thank you for this opportunity. Well, I'm grateful, and you're beautiful. I did some research and found out that you and your husband are amazing people who care about us entertainers, book writers, actors, and actresses. We wouldn't have the opportunities that we have without people like you. I believe that God has his hands on both of you, and I truly appreciate everything you've done for me. This opportunity means the world to me, and I can't express my gratitude enough. Thank you for making this possible. 

Wow, I am incredibly grateful for your kind words. Individuals like you who take the time to express gratitude truly inspire my husband and me to keep advocating for independent creativity to be recognized and appreciated. Your appreciation means the world to us. You are truly remarkable and absolutely adorable.  

Now, let's dive right into it. I'm curious: where do you hail from, and where are you currently situated? I am from Memphis, TN, and I was born and raised here. I grew up surrounded by many great entertainers in the world. My home was saturated with their presence, and it was truly amazing. Some of these artists are still here, while some have moved on. Nevertheless, this is how I grew up, right here in Memphis, TN. 

Wow, you look absolutely stunning! Your beauty is truly captivating. I'm dying to know what your beauty secrets are. Your skin is flawless and radiant. Before diving into anything else, I must indulge in girl talk. So, spill the beans: what's your beauty regimen? You know, often people stop asking me questions because of my age. Especially women in Italy who stare at me, wondering what happened and how I managed to look this way. And I can only tell them it's because of my love for the Lord. He has kept me grounded, which is why I look and feel good.  

I don't care how much water or cream you use. You need to have inner beauty before it shows on the outside. 

I think that's mostly what my daily routine will consist of, which is early morning prayers. Throughout the day, whether it's in the evening, mid-day, or even on the show, I talk about God. I have no shame in it. Even on my bad days, I still pray and call out his name. That's really my daily routine. Honestly, I'm telling you, that's the greatest. And by the way, you are gorgeous. So, I don't know why you would need anything; you don't need anything at all, honey. 

Oh, you're too kind. Thank you very much. I recently celebrated my 51st birthday, so I'm doing my best to keep this old engine running. (Laughs) Well, I'm actually 22 years your senior. 

Well, I wouldn't know that. I'm actually 72, and my birthday is on September 3rd, which happens to fall on Labor Day. It's a special feeling because nobody went to work on the day I was born. Sometimes, I feel like I got trapped because I'm the only one with this unique birthday. However, I didn't receive any of the other benefits that came with it. 

How cool is that! You and my little twin sister have the same birthday, September 3rd! We're crazy people, honey. (Laughs) 

It's undeniable that there is some truth to that statement, considering she has experienced the thrill of skydiving before, which is something I personally would never dare to do. (Laughs) Nevertheless, it's truly amazing! I'm really curious to learn more about your background and your earliest recollection of realizing the incredible power and beauty of your voice. My early background involved my father, a talented jazz singer and musician. His voice was smooth and reminiscent of Nat King Cole's. The first song I ever learned was "Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup," which was recorded by Nat King Cole. I would try to emulate my dad since he owned a pool shop, and I would sing that song all the time. 

As I was growing up, around six or seven years old, I was blessed to experience and be surrounded by family members who were involved in singing. My cousins were R&B singers, while my cousins across the street were gospel singers. Not only that, I also had a chance to listen to my dad singing jazz. It was amazing to hear the different genres of music sung so beautifully by my family members. 

I used to go back and forth between the singers in my family to hear their harmonies and see how they were performing. I wanted to emulate what I saw, especially from the male singers in my family. 

I remember when my aunt sang for the first time. Her beautiful first soprano amazed me, and I was completely taken aback by all of the great sounds that I heard. I was fascinated and decided to give it a try myself. I must admit, I was a bit pushy because I wanted to be like the ultimate stars, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. These are the people that my dad talked about daily, especially when I could hear them. 

So, I began my musical journey by participating in talent shows and forming girl groups. However, the most significant skill I acquired was the ability to sing acapella without any music. This happened before I learned to sing with instruments. 

Indeed, the best way to showcase true singing talent is through acapella performances. Those who possess the ability to sing acapella are undoubtedly genuine singers. Unlike others who rely on pre-recorded tracks during live events, you, as a real singer, don't need such crutches. You have the power to captivate the audience with your natural voice at any given moment. Even if there are technical malfunctions or equipment failures, your exceptional singing abilities will not be affected. Your voice will remain unaffected, as it is truly remarkable! Ohh, you're sweet and kind. Thank you. 

Absolutely! I must acknowledge the credit where it's due. It's fascinating to learn that you eventually collaborated with Willie Mitchell, the influential figure behind the soul music scene in 1970s Memphis. As a producer, arranger, and co-writer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of renowned singers such as Otis Clay and Al Green. I'm genuinely intrigued to hear more about your firsthand experience working with him. Ah, those were the days! I was just a little obnoxious kid, running around in the studio, making long-distance calls, having a blast, and driving everyone crazy. 

Willie Mitchell produced my first-ever song, titled "Boy, What Have You Done To My World." The song was written by Carl Smith and Marshall Jones. I was in the recording studio with legendary musicians such as Al Green, Otis Clay, the "Hi Rhythm Section," Teenie Hodges, Howard Grimes, and other amazing people. They were like my big brothers and treated me with great kindness and respect. 

They kind of protected me. So, it was an amazing journey to witness and hear all the greats who would visit the studio, like Buddy Guy. Everyone gathered around when Buddy came, but I wasn't amazed or intimidated because I was comfortable around them.  

It was the ease with which we could relate to each other that made it comfortable for us to work together. Willie Mitchell played a significant role in helping me refine my musical style, particularly my tone. He often praised my pure tones, describing them as round notes. Although I did not fully understand it at the time, looking back, I realize that it was a memorable and valuable experience for me. 

That must have been an amazing experience for you, indeed. Being able to sit here and reminisce about a history that many will never have the chance to experience is priceless. You started your singing career as a backing vocalist, and you did so well that you landed supporting vocalist gigs singing for Isaac Hayes, Luther Ingram, Millie Jackson, the Doobies, Dennis Edwards, and numerous other artists. Can you share a little bit about your experience in that season? I joined Issac Hayes' entourage when he had his iconic bald head and a big chain. This happened while I was with my own band, called 'Imported Moods,' and we were recording with Willie Mitchell at the time. I was very young then, and one of the songs we recorded with the group was 'What Have You Done With My Heart.' 

And at that moment, my voice sounded like a little wind-up toy. I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness, I sound so cute!" I even said to myself, "I would buy her anything she wants," after hearing my high-pitched, squeaky voice. 

We had a group, and one day, Isaac Hayes came to our club and heard us sing. He wanted all of us to join him, but my cousins were much older and had families, while I didn't have a family at the time. So, I was encouraged to go on, hit the road, and ended up singing back vocals for Luther Ingram. Later, when one of the girls was absent due to sickness or other reasons, I filled in for her in Isaac Hayes' group. 

It was a significant experience for me because my mother trusted the musicians around me. I was performing with talented musicians like Charles "Skip" Pitts, who famously made the wah-wah sound famous in "Shaft," song.  

Well, my mother commissioned Al Jackson, the drummer, to take care of me and look out for my well-being, or else she would pounce upon them and do some terrible things to them. So, they became my bodyguards. (Laughs) 

I was hanging out with these guys and listening to some amazing music. Isaac Hayes and others were there, too. Then, it was our turn to perform on stage with Luther Ingram, who had one of the most phenomenal voices ever. His voice was so smooth and beautiful. 

And remember, I was still young and didn't really know what was going on in the world. But I was stubborn. My mindset was focused solely on music, and I wasn't interested in drugs or being with different guys. I just didn't care about any of that other stuff. I think that's what has kept me going all these years because I'm still stubborn and adamant about being true to myself. 

I think that if I had gone astray, I wouldn't be in this business anymore. However, I had this one thing that I wanted to pursue, and I didn't care about any other things. They weren't important to me. 

That's awesome to hear. I talk to a lot of young artists, and I always tell them to focus on their voices and set boundaries in their lives. I always say, 'Without boundaries, there are no limits'. You have to set boundaries to keep from being pulled into a negative lifestyle. I wish these young people would listen to me, but they're often too starry-eyed to hear. At least, I hope that I can encourage them to set boundaries. It's as if you feel the need to caution them, your heart aching for their well-being. However, despite the pain you feel for them, it ultimately comes down to the individual's inner strength and resilience. Back in my day, everyone was so driven to succeed. They were eager to try new things, especially experimenting with drugs. But me? I couldn't care less. I was more like, "Just give me a shopping spree or something!"  

If you were to label me as something, I'd probably have that issue. But I was always focused on one thing: practice, practice, practice. 

And as for me, I simply didn't want to engage in promiscuous behavior with the guys. Some of the men who are still around say, "I should have been your man back then." But I tell them, "If I didn't want to be with you then, what makes you think you'll have a chance now?" (Laughs) 

Wow, that's incredible! I absolutely love it! So, do you have any entertaining stories from your time as a backing singer on the road that you'd be willing to share? Something that really made you laugh or a memorable experience you had? Well, there's one. There was a memorable incident during our time in New Orleans at the Hippodrome. We were scheduled to perform before Isaac Hayes, and I was part of the Luther Ingram show. As we took the stage, a group of enthusiastic men rushed up to us. It seemed like they had this overwhelming desire to hug and kiss us, perhaps because of their youthful exuberance. When they reached me, I playfully raised my hand as if I were Diana Ross and exclaimed into the microphone, "Stop in the name of love!" The audience burst into laughter and couldn't help but crack up at the hilarious moment. (Laughs) At that very moment, I uttered those words, directed towards a specific individual who attempted to kiss me, "I am not acquainted with you," projected through the microphone for all to hear. Moreover, there were two or three other gentlemen who hastily ascended the stage.    

Thats hilarious!  Yes, but after the show, that same gentleman I had halted earlier returned, clutching a rose in his hand. He approached me and inquired, "Will this gesture earn me a kiss? My friends managed to receive one, yet I was neglected." Moved by his sincerity, I hugged him and gave him a chaste and honorable peck on the cheek. This occurrence truly struck me as something extraordinary. 

Thank you for sharing such an incredible story with me. It's truly inspiring to hear about a woman in the industry who not only values herself but also dedicates her time to guiding and educating young men on the proper way to respect women. Kudos to you! Now, when reflecting on your journey in music, would you say it has been predominantly enjoyable or has it been more challenging and demanding? How would you describe your overall experience so far? Honestly, it has been quite a journey and hasn't always been filled with joy. Being a woman, and even more so, a black woman, comes with its own set of challenges; as they say, "It's a man's world out there." Unfortunately, even today, particularly in The Dirty South, most of us women don't receive the recognition we deserve. It's disheartening to see that R&B and pop artists from other genres earn significantly more than us. So, it has been a journey.  

Many of us Blues and Southern Soul artists go through so much. Then, being a mother and trying to survive without compromising my integrity to get a gig, being left out or blackballed because you wouldn't, has been an arduous journey.   

I'm just telling you the truth. Maybe some of the other artists won't tell you this, but there isn't anything to lose, and I'm too old to care, so I'm going to tell you straight up. The bottom line is it's just been an uphill battle.   

Despite the challenges, I'm grateful to God that I'm still working and able to perform gigs all around Europe with my own band. It wasn't an easy journey, especially in the beginning. However, I hope my story can inspire other women to never compromise themselves and to stay true to who they are. Even when facing challenges like not having enough food to eat, it's important to keep fighting and pushing through. 

There were moments in my life when I found myself penniless on the road. There were instances when I struggled to pay my electricity bill back home. There were occasions when my car ran out of gas. Once, I even boarded a plane with only $2.00 or maybe even no money at all. I've had experiences where I performed at shows only to be told afterward that the promoter either left without paying me or didn't have the full amount they had promised. Despite all these challenges, I've persevered and made it through. And here I am, still standing. 

I write my own material, and I'm still relevant. It's important for people to understand that getting older doesn't mean you're finished. We should value our elders because they have so much to offer - stories to share, recipes to teach, and guidance to offer. 

I was having a conversation with my husband recently, and we were discussing our childhood memories. I remember we had these small transistor radios with double cassette players, and we felt like we were doing something really cool back then. 

In the past, when you heard a song you liked, you would fall in love with the voice and the message and then buy it. However, nowadays, it seems like the focus is less on the content and talent and more on the appearance and controversy of the artist. This trend is concerning, especially because I strongly believe that women should be able to showcase their talents without being overly sexualized. 

It's disheartening that the industry places more importance on appearance than vocal talent. To me, it's all about the voice and talent. In the past, we didn't judge a song by the artist's appearance; we simply bought the record based on the sound we heard on the radio.  

In today's world, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of pressure, particularly on women, to fit into a specific mold and follow a predetermined path. However, it's crucial to remember that we possess the ability to reject these expectations and make decisions that align with our own values. It is my sincere wish that more women will find the courage to rise up and boldly declare, "No, we refuse to conform to those standards. It can be challenging to imagine being in that position, as everyone, from athletes to musicians, dreams of fame and acceptance. Some are willing to sell their souls, sacrificing everything - even their family members- to achieve their goals. 

Occasionally, you will encounter someone truly genuine, an artist who maintains their integrity. Without that inherent quality, you may find yourself making compromises. I declined numerous advances from men who desired to be intimate with me. Due to my refusal to engage in unethical practices, I lost some significant contracts. To make matters worse, I had the responsibility of providing for not only myself but also a dependent, my baby. 

A painful experience occurred not too long ago that set me back several years. Even today, I miss out on many opportunities due to the same reason. Recently, a close relative revealed to me that a promoter refused to book me for a show because I did not agree to their inappropriate advances. Unfortunately, such situations continue to occur, regardless of my age. 

Wow! Thats horrible! It is and it made me feel some kind of way, but I laughed and smiled. I've never been on that show, but it's alright.  

I have a quick story to share with you. I attended a show and found myself sitting in the front row, looking cute and adorable. On the stage, there were several individuals, some of whom had released records. However, to my dismay, none of them recognized me or uttered my name, leaving me feeling utterly crushed.   

So, I went and poured my heart out to my friend. I wept because I was deeply wounded and shattered. Now, that incident occurred on a Sunday morning. Then, on Monday, the Lord spoke to me, just like we are conversing, and He asked me, "Do you desire what I have planned for you, or do you desire what others possess?" Let me share my response with you because you yearn to belong and be included and don't want to feel left out. However, the Lord instructed me, "Return." So, I complied and went back for the second time.   

They continued to ignore me. The first time, I wore platinum; the second time, I wore a combination of red and other fashionable items, and I looked adorable that day, too! The next time, I felt a bit upset, but He spoke to me again and asked, "Do you desire what I have planned for you, or do you desire what they have?" I replied to the Lord, "I want what you have for me." That's when I made a firm decision and declared that I no longer cared about their opinions of me. So, I attended for the third time, and it was a grand event. The difference this time was that I didn't care if they called my name or not, and even to this day, I remain unconcerned if they never acknowledged me because I had to discover my true self from within.   

And Gina, once you know who you are on the inside, nothing can take it from you because you are grounded, sealed, and where you need to be. I had to achieve that realization, so I'm not concerned about those kinds of things anymore. As a result, I don't get all uptight if I go somewhere and I'm not called to the stage. I don't want to go anywhere because I might not get paid when I sing. (Laughs)  

That's right. (Laughs) I'm just saying, but I'm not hung up on those things anymore. Once you truly know who you are, you won't be concerned with what your neighbors or anyone else thinks of you as long as you're grounded and doing what the Lord has ordered you to do. 

That truly resonates with me. I appreciate your words deeply, as they have truly touched my heart and provided me with the encouragement I needed today. Thank you for sharing that with me. It's crucial to remember our identity and value as defined by God, regardless of what others may say. You're welcome, honey.  

Knowing Christ is truly all that matters. I had a heartfelt moment with my husband this morning, feeling emotional after delving into the word of God and reflecting on His unconditional love for us. Having the Lord in my life is the most precious gift, surpassing all worldly possessions.  

Witnessing the pain and suffering in the world, whether through news or celebrity scandals, my heart aches for those who do not know Him. I am grateful for God's presence in my life and for opening my eyes to His love and grace. I feel truly blessed and humbled by His presence, especially in a society that often overlooks the importance of faith. 

Society often pushes individuals to strive for the top of the world, investing in advertisements to manipulate desires and leading many to chase after this elusive goal for a lifetime. However, true success lies in finding Christ as your Savior. This is the ultimate achievement. Satan tricks people into believing that success is defined by material possessions and fame, but once you reach the peak, you realize there is nothing there. Then, after that, you'll be left with nothing but your bare skin, and then you'll be brought down to earth and forced to step off your high pedestal. 

As mentioned earlier, there were instances when I found myself without any food and unable to afford anything. Even today, I still face challenges from time to time. However, during those difficult moments, I have always witnessed the presence of God. It is important to understand that when your journey becomes tougher, it is because the devil wants to derail you from the path, as he knows that God has something extraordinary planned for you. Keep in mind that the devil's ultimate goal is to divert you from your purpose so he can claim the rest of you. 

But let me assure you, the music industry has been quite a challenge for me. I got my little behind whooped! I have faced numerous setbacks and obstacles, but miraculously, I have managed to come out unscathed. I am confident in this because I have experienced firsthand the trials and tribulations that I have had to endure. Despite others believing they had defeated me or denied me entry, I firmly believe that the Lord had a different path in store for me. I had to prepare myself for this journey, no matter how arduous it may have been. The difficulties I faced were all part of His plan to shape and mold me for what lay ahead. 

I have to remain determined and focused, knowing that the Lord lives within me. Even if there is nothing else, I trust that He will take care of me. I will never forget when the mailman arrived at my door during a time of financial struggle and delivered checks totaling $10,000, $30,000, and $40,000. I am certain that it was the Lord who provided that money so that I could pay my bills. 

I'm currently single. My husband passed away in 2022 after being married for over 20 years. However, I believe that God still has plans for me. I'm still alive and willing to just be that flower.  

They say a lily blooms out of the mud, so even though I may have gone through tough times, there's still a beautiful flower and a precious gem inside of me.  

That's beautiful! I just absolutely adore you! Your wisdom knows no bounds. Thank you for that. Let's discuss some other opportunities that God has opened up for you.  

You've managed to build an incredibly successful career in your home state and internationally. How did you achieve such remarkable success? And I'm intrigued to know how your interaction with audiences here differs from those abroad. Going abroad has been a blessing for me. It amazes me to see that whenever I perform overseas, the audience knows everything about me. They know about my family, from my mother to my great-grandmother. They truly acknowledge my talent and the hard work I have put into my craft, and they appreciate my music a bit more than Americans. 

Performing abroad has truly been an incredible experience for me, and I wouldn't change it for anything. The joy I feel when I'm on stage is indescribable. I've witnessed elderly women shedding tears of joy while I sing, offering me handkerchiefs and fans to cool myself. It's heartwarming to see strangers who may not even speak my language show their love and appreciation for my music. These moments fill me with gratitude and make me realize how blessed I am. 

But now I must admit here in the States, they're starting to peek at me, but I tell them, "Y'all wait until I become 100 years old, and then you want to peek at me! How are you gonna peek at me when I'm 100 years old?" (Laughs)  

Right! (Laughs) I am truly thankful for the opportunities I've had. The level of appreciation, the music, and the support from audiences and promoters abroad far surpass what you typically find in America. It has truly been an amazing experience. 

I often hear that same statement about the love and support of music overseas. Have you ever performed in Japan?   No, I haven't been there recently, but earlier this year, my CD was released in Japan. So, we're excited about that. 

Before discussing your exceptional new CD, may I ask how you first got the opportunity to travel overseas? An Italian gentleman had heard about me performing with different artists, and he invited me to participate in "The Narni Black Festival" in Italy. He convinced me to come, and I did. After performing there, I also went to the "Porretta Soul Festival," where I am recognized as "The Porretta Queen of the Blues." 

I have an ice cream named after me and some other things. However, there was a big hush about it initially because nobody would provide my information to these people. One of the guys who came from Switzerland and had a magazine wanted to feature me in it, but he couldn't get in touch with me. Eventually, someone gave him my contact information. 

 He featured me in around six pages of this magazine, and I was thrilled. He mentioned that everyone was discussing me and my identity in relation to the great sounds of artists like Otis Redding. My voice has a harder tone compared to most female vocalists, and it's not as cute or demure. 

So, because of that, they wanted some of that soul that I had. So that's how I got over to Switzerland, Italy, Germany, England, Europe, and everywhere. 

Malted Milk, a group from France, is another group I've worked with. 

That's beautiful! So, I wanted to ask you whether you have accomplished everything you wanted in terms of your dreams and ambitions. Do you have things you've been putting off on your bucket list? I always tell people they should do those things sooner rather than later because every day you're living on your bucket list, so if it's anything you want to do in the future, do it now. Time waits for no man.  Oh, I couldn't agree more! Living your bucket list is an absolute must! You've perfectly captured my thoughts. Each day should be treated as an opportunity to tick off those dream experiences. Don't hold back; go out there and make every moment count! 

Indeed, I am currently engrossed in writing plays and have plans to create more in the near future. Additionally, I am thrilled to share that I am involved in a film project and preparing for another one. The film I participated in last year was titled "Jacir" and featured the talented actress Lorraine Bracco, known for her remarkable performances in "Goodfellas," "Medicine Man," and "The Sopranos." In this film, I portrayed the character of Darcy. However, when it comes to what lies ahead, I am uncertain about the path God has in store for me. Therefore, I embrace each day as it comes, eagerly anticipating the future. 

While we are talking about other aspirations, you also are involved with charitable work. Can you tell me about that? My journey in charitable work began over two decades ago in Louisville, KY. I started by assisting homeless and abused women who were left without shelter. This led to the establishment of Harbor House, an organization dedicated to helping abused women find housing and employment. After my time as a counselor there, I moved on to Easter Seal, where I worked with physically disabled individuals and special needs children. This experience was truly rewarding. Now, my focus is on providing clothing, shelter, and protection to women seeking employment. I collaborate with the Police Department to ensure these women and their children are cared for during special occasions throughout the year. 

Wow, that is beautiful! You are outstanding! That's why you were honored with the Outstanding Entertainer and Outstanding Citizens Award in Memphis City. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement! Oh, thank you.  

Absolutely delighted! Ms. Tony, your extensive music catalog is incredibly remarkable. I'm eager to discuss it with you. Sure, let me start by saying that I'm actually a writer and producer. Now, when it comes to my music collection, I've got a solid 45 songs to my name, and the majority of them were written by me. But there is more to come.  

Awesome! Thats impressive! Now, regarding your CD “Memphis Made,” it's a great project. Can you tell me about that and who's on the project? Yes, my new project consists of some amazing musicians from France. They accompany me wherever I go. Thomas Planque is playing bass, Steve Potts and Paul Héroux are on drums and percussion, Hervé Samb plays guitar, Benoît Sourisse plays the organ and keyboards, Rick Steff on piano and Sébastian Danchin is the producer. I am on vocals. 

I've got all these outstanding musicians. What I loved about making this project the most was that everything was recorded live.   

That's absolutely fantastic! I'm certain that many individuals will be drawn to your incredible project and will offer their support, given your exceptional talent. It is without a doubt that your music will make a wonderful addition to their music collections, just as it will to mine. In closing, it would be truly valuable for you to share your wisdom with those who are just starting out. There are numerous artists who are navigating their way into the industry, and your stories are a true gift to this magazine. They serve as both advice and inspiration, allowing others to learn from your experiences and understand the reality of the journey. So, if you could offer some words of wisdom to aspiring artists, what message would you like to convey to them? It is crucial to place your trust in God, as He will always be by your side. However, it is important to have genuine faith rather than simply relying on Him to fulfill your materialistic desires. Remember, He will never abandon you; it is you who may choose to distance yourself from Him. There will be instances where you may not receive what you desire, but it is essential to discern what is truly beneficial for you. Take a moment to contemplate whether sacrificing your true self is worth the pursuit of temporary gains. 

You have to ask yourself, is it worth sacrificing your true self? Is it worth compromising your values? Is it worth bringing someone else down just to achieve a few fleeting victories? Remember, success today doesn't guarantee success tomorrow. Just like a ball thrown in the air, it will eventually come crashing down. Are you prepared for that moment? Will you be quick enough to catch it before it hits the ground? The choice is yours. But always remember to stay true to who you are. Educate yourself about the ins and outs of the music industry and the laws that govern it. It's a tough business, but by understanding the rules, you can shape your own path. If you go out there thinking you're the best without knowing the game, there will always be someone better. Don't let that discourage you. No one can surpass the authenticity of being yourself. That's my message to you. 

These are beautiful words of wisdom. I wholeheartedly thank you for sharing a part of your life with me. May God shower His blessings upon you and guide you in all your future endeavors, aligning them with His divine plan for your life. May the Lord watch over you and safeguard you during your journeys. May you always be surrounded by incredible individuals who genuinely care for your well-being, offering you constant encouragement and unwavering support. I take immense pride in every milestone and accomplishment you have achieved. Thank you for sharing your life and your extraordinary, vibrant musical journey with me and our readers. Thank you once again. 

I am truly thankful for all that you have done to pave the way for others. Your integrity, strength, and beauty shine through in everything you do. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all. I'm so grateful to you. You have bought the sunshine. Thank you, baby. God bless you.  

End Of Interview

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All Photos of Toni Green are courtesy of Toni Green 

All graphic arts within and on the cover of The Indie Post Magazine are by: Gina Sedman excluding the actual photos of the artist