Trailblazers Archives
    Sheroes Archives
    Rocks Archives

NABFEME Artist Spotlight


Marcia Butler

 

Some say, “she is the best kept secret in the music business.” Other say, “her musical style is s-m-o-o-t-h as a quiet storm.” Marcia Butler says, “I just wants to provide my fans with the kind of music that stirs the soul like the music of Anita Baker, The Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder and others of that genre. When listening to the soulful grooves and romantic tunes on Marcia Butler’s latest release, “LOVE CHANGES” you will see that she has easily reached her goal.

 

The youngest of six children and a native of Detroit, Michigan, Marcia developed her love of music at an early age while singing in church, developing her skills in Cass Tech High School’s performing arts and music curriculum and listening to the rich Motown sounds that rang throughout the Motor City. She remembers her brothers saying they would put a radio in her crib so she would settle down and fall asleep. Marcia’s early musical influences includes of course, many of the Motown artists famous for that Motown sound such as Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Temptations as well as some all time favorites like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Minnie Ripperton. “Our house was always full with family and kids from the neighborhood. Some of these kids became well-known artists and media icons. I would sit outside the living room entrance and watch them sing and listen to records.” Watching them influenced Marcia to later perform with local groups and in city wide musical productions. “I figured is they could do, the it was just as possible for me to one day achieve.”

 

Marcia went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky. “While my parents encouraged me to attend college, my mom would not agree to a performing arts or music school, so I had to pull double duty by studying a technical subject as well pursue my passion.” She continued her musical ambitions while working with Jazz Saxophonist, George Howard. “George taught me a great deal about music. One thing he would always say is, “if you can sing it, you can play it” and that’s how I come up with many of my songs. I hum the melody first and let the chord progressions dictate the story I want to tell with the lyrics.”

 

Marcia has opened for headliners such as Rachelle Ferrell, Regina Bell, Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler, as well as written and produced songs for herself and various artists. “I have always enjoyed being creative and writing stories and poetry, so songwriting was a natural progression.” In her latest release, “Love Changes,” the first lady of YASNY Music Entertainment shares with you “Jones For You,” the melodious sound of “Never Got The Chance to Love,” a reminiscent dance tune entitled, “Play It Again,” a blast from the past with her silky smooth remake of “There’ll Never Be” and many more. Marcia Butler’s new release “Love Changes” will have many adult contemporary R&B music lovers buzzing. “Love Changes” is a project that any music lover will want to explore.




About Us | Features | Membership | Programs & Services | Events | Contact