America's Got Talent Singer, "Ronee Martin'' Believes That, "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number!

Interview By: Gina Sedman

Who is Ronee Martin and where does she come from?  My name is Ronee Martin and I currently reside in Los Angeles, California. I was born Veronica Martin, without a middle name, but I rarely use my full name. I grew up in Columbia, Virginia, a small town that is still on the map. I have four siblings: Gail, Mike, Jackie (who has passed away), and Ricky. I attended Second Union Elementary School for grades 1 through 6, then moved to Central Elementary School for my seventh year. For the first two years of high school, I attended Central High School, but with integration in 1969, I went to Goochland High School for my sophomore, junior, and senior years. After graduating from high school, I moved straight to Washington D.C. to live with my mom and stepfather. Since I used to visit every summer and major holidays, it was an easy transition. I always found the city fascinating, especially when crossing the 14th Street Bridge, where all the city lights magically appeared. It was a moment of sheer excitement for me, and I can still relive that same feeling by just closing my eyes and envisioning that moment.

"I got my first job at Peco in D.C. when I thought I was pretty grown after finishing high school. However, I realized that I still had some growing up to do to become a truly independent adult. My stepfather suggested that I attend Howard University, but I decided against it because I wanted to be an entertainer and travel the world. Looking back, I regret not taking his advice. However, I believe that it's never too late to pursue your goals, even if it may be more challenging."

What was the most memorable moment of your career? There were many memorable moments in my career. I came from the countryside, so everything was a big deal to me. I can't remember them all at once, but some of the highlights include working with the late great Van McCoy, who produced the group "Destiny" that I was a part of. We were the opening act for two more late greats, Aretha Franklin and Eddie Kendricks. I also toured with Special Delivery, which was another great moment for me. Then I moved to California to record demos for big names like Burt Bacharach, Carol Bayer Sager, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Alan Rich, Jud Friedman, and Gerry Stober.

One of my good friends, Howie Rice, called me in to write on a song being pitched to Gladys Knight. I was thrilled to jump at the chance and wrote the lyrics to "This Is Love", which was recorded by Ms. Gladys on her "Good Woman" CD. Other writers included Ramsey Embick and BZO Cavaness. That may have been the ultimate moment for me! I even recorded an album with MoJazz under Motown, which unfortunately never got released, but it was still a great moment for me.

I am grateful to have worked with an amazing team, including Michael Williams, Bruce Walker, Kenneth Crouch, Keith Crouch, Derrick Edmondson, and many others. Another great moment was recording with Tom Scott on "New Orleans Knows", and I also recorded an album under the late Patrick Williams, an amazing composer, musician, and artist.

I would like to invite you to check out an amazing project that I worked on earlier this year, called "Virtuoso Meets Soul" by Ronee Martin & Van-Anh Nguyen. I am extremely proud to have worked on this project. And now, I am a voting member of the Recording Academy, which is another exciting accomplishment for me!

Who would you say were your musical influences?  My musical influences were Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and Miss Patti LaBelle. Years ago, I did a demo for Alan Rich that he submitted to Patti LaBelle.  She loved Alan's song and I believe she recorded it as well, but she sent me a handwritten note thanking me for doing a great job.  I was so touched. How many shades of "tickled pink" there are? I was so touched.  I still have that handwritten note. It will be framed soon.  

Who would you like to perform with on stage?  Oh gosh, another loaded question. I would love the opportunity to perform with Jose James. I have seen him in concert twice. I think he is phenomenal! I would love to do a duet with him! Also, would love to work with Rihanna, Adele, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Kahn. The list is long. I'll stop for now but so many more.  I would say Beyonce, but I may not be able to keep up with her on stage, she’s phenomenal!

What are the things that you found most challenging in your career thus far?  Looking back, I don't know if there were challenges as much as they were growing pains so to speak, at least in the beginning years.  However, on this side of the years, this is when the challenges kick in. In 2016, I was on "America’s Got Talent" and that had some real challenges. Trying to juggle my 9 to 5, getting up extremely early to be camera-ready, and not knowing what the day was going to bring, being stopped by Simon Cowell on my first performance. The challenge of remaining calm but those growing pains kicked in and kept me in check or so I thought until I saw the show and then it appeared to be a “bit of a deer in headlights” moment.  But I pulled through.  Being on AGT was a very new, very demanding but rewarding experience.  Again, 20/20 hindsight, I could do it with my eyes closed now, and well maybe minus the old 9 to 5!

What was your most embarrassing moment while performing live?  Singing live and forgetting lyrics.  And now it can happen at any time. Then you must resort to making up or replacing words. While I’m singing, in my mind I’m thinking, "Oh dear, what is the next word/line"?  And I have no clue what is going to come out of your mouth. I think that is the most embarrassing thing that I've experienced performing live.  One time I think I may have made up an entirely new verse! It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself.    

How has COVID-19 affected your musical career?  It has slowed everything down quite a bit.  Gigs canceled and of course, now there’s the challenge of needing to learn the latest in technology to create online shows, zoom meetings, sessions/recordings, you name it and I’m not so techie. It is my hope, however, that post-covid, music will come back stronger than ever! Music is a testament to life! One that is universal! 

What was your career before you became a singer?  I was a delinquent accounting clerk, and a secretary and I floated around quite a bit thinking I could balance out the time for both work and music.  However, I am currently working as a corporate legal assistant at an entertainment law firm for film and TV.  

What opportunities would you say being on America's Got Talent afforded you?  Exposure!  There was so much exposure! It afforded me fans from all over the world without even leaving Los Angeles.  I didn't realize how big that show was and so now I realize what an enormous impact it can have on your career.  You just have to be ready! Have your product ready, hone your skills, know what you want to do, and get ready to take on the world and the growing pains.  AGT can open major doors for you, but you must be ready.  I can’t say it enough.  It was such a wonderful experience!  And I love that I stayed friends with many of the contestants.   

 Were you offered a record deal?  Unfortunately or maybe, fortunately, No.  The experience itself was just as big for me.  I’m concentrating on figuring out ways now of being creative and doing more things on my own.  And on that note, I currently have a single out called "Strangers" written by my good friend Adam Gonzalez and his writing partner, Vinny Rivera that I'm self-promoting on many of the digital platforms.  At the time that I was on the show I was 62 and I remember "Neo" saying, age ain't nothing but a number...so again, I believe it's never too late. I'll just keep moving along and who knows?   Additionally, I’m working with Terry Steele, writer of “Here and Now” for Luther Vandross.  We are developing a show to pay tribute to Luther and Gladys in the same show.  

What advice would you give to an up-and-coming artist?  Be firm in your direction and know what you want so that you can "glow" in the passion of your joy!  Be prepared and be ready for the highs and the lows that "will" contribute to your successes or failures as we may see them but remember too that even failures can be turned into greatness.  Again, love it so much that you "glow" in the passion of your joy and the process!  And believe in yourself which will make you true to yourself.

To reach Ronee Martin, visit her Facebook Artist page https://www.facebook.com/RoneeMartin.Artist/

END OF INTERVIEW