God gives us many blessings, but, dare I say none greater than purpose. As I say this, the phrase “everything happens for a reason” comes to mind. I’m reminded that while not all purposes will be good, each will play a specific role in this existence we call life, and ultimately push forward the growth of mankind. Today’s feature artist, Morgan Mallory, strives to fulfill the purpose she’s been blessed with. What’s Your Strive urges YOU to find your purpose, embrace it, and join us as we witness Morgan’s testimony.

Morgan Mallory

BIO: Morgan Mallory (born March 17, 1988) known as Morgan is an R&B singer songwriter and recording artist.  In 2006, at the age of seventeen, Morgan was one of eight vocalist selected nationwide, to participate in the Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble.  This very prestigious group performed with renowned artists Kirk and Keven Whalum, Irma Thomas, and Coolio.  Another high point during that time was when she had opportunity to meet music geniuses such as Oscar Peterson, Nancy Wilson, Hank Jones, Barry Harris, Quincy Jones and Barry Gordy.  She also was blessed to perform at both pre and post parties of the forty-eighth Annual Grammy Awards.

Her most recent accomplishments includes; participating in the “Making His Band” P. Diddy series to be aired September 2009, multiple public appearances and interviews on major radio stations across the nation and autograph signings.

Morgan released her first Solo E.P., which includes her hopeful hit single “Echoes in my head” in March 2009.  This song is receiving radio “spins” across the nation.  The success of her E.P is establishing Morgan as one of the most recent marketable artist in the music industry from the Chicago-land area.

Pauly: Morgan, tell me: What’s Your Strive(s)?

Morgan: As an artist, my strive is to build and progress my brand so much to where my music will attract youth and young adults globally.  As a person, my strive is to share with the world the many gifts God has given me for use to His glory.  My life is a constant strive.  I strive for knowledge.  Every experience in my life is a learning experience that only prepares me for the next level both musically and intellectually.  I learn from my experiences and write about them in my music so my songs are reflective of actual accounts of my life.  My strive is to be the best person I can be.  My strive is to do the Lord’s will.  My strive is to send a message to those watching, following, idolizing and say to them that I don’t view myself at a superstar, they can do this too.  I was once you.  I was, and still am, a dreamer too.  I don’t view myself as a superstar or as anyone who’s hot and new, I view myself as just a messenger, I’m living my purpose-I am you.

Pauly: Where are you from?

Morgan: I’m from Country Club Hills, IL. (A south suburban town of Chicago, IL.)

Pauly: How did you get started?

Morgan: I grew up singing in school and at my church.  I remember being three years old and singing.  I would break my mother’s fireplace equipment using the poker as a microphone.  At age 11, I started playing piano, clarinet and singing opera.  I’ve pretty much been rolling ever since.

Pauly: What steps are you taking to achieve your goals?

Morgan: I set short-term goals for long-term possibilities.  In other words, I don’t know what’s down the road for me nor do I plan for it.  I work as hard as I can today- singing, recording, entering myself into contests, networking on and offline- that it ends up opening doors of opportunity for me tomorrow.  Then, before I knew my resume had grown so extensive, I didn’t even notice.  Things just began to happen but I never plan for those things to happen.  They just do!  I guess it’s just the life that chose me!

Pauly: With everybody trying to make it into the entertainment business, what do you do to separate yourself from the crowd?

Morgan: My faith and commitment to my artistry separates me from foolish things.  I don’t drink or smoke; not only because it protects my voice but also because I believe my body is a temple and I like to stay in my right mind.  I don’t like to feel out of control of a situation.  I don’t really club unless I have to perform or network in one because I like to just chill with friends at home.   It’s not my personality to club.  Plus, not going to the club keeps folk out of trouble and drama free, which is great for my artistry.  Even though it may sound boring, I place this responsibility on myself because I have an obligation to the commitment I’ve made in being an artist.  That means maintaining a good image even if I have to alter my lifestyle for that commitment.

Pauly: What are you currently working on?

Morgan: I am currently working on my album entitled, Stepping Stones for 2010 and I am working on a secret campaign nationally that cannot be disclosed at this time for contract purposes.  Just know, you will see me regularly on television next year.

Pauly: Do you feel that your art form is a way to express yourself, or a way of life?

Morgan: My art form is my life with a saxophone.  It is my way of expressing my beliefs and myself.  It is my release.  It is my connection to the world.  It is a statement for my life.

Pauly: What’s your resume?

Morgan: In 2006, at the age of seventeen, I was one of eight vocalist selected nationwide, to participate in the Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble.  This very prestigious group performed with renowned artists Kirk and Kevin Whalum, Irma Thomas, and Coolio.  Another high point during that time was when I had opportunity to meet music geniuses such as Oscar Peterson, Nancy Wilson, Hank Jones, Barry Harris, Quincy Jones and Barry Gordy.  I also was blessed to perform at both pre and post parties of the forty eighth Annual Grammy Awards.  This achievement won me a scholarship to the world-renowned Berklee College of Music.

My most recent accomplishments includes; participating in the “Making His Band” P. Diddy series aired September 2009, multiple public appearances and interviews on major radio stations across the nation and autograph signings.

I released my first Solo E.P., which includes her hit single “Echoes (in my head)” in March 2009.  This song is receiving radio “spins” across the nation.  She also put out a Music Video for Echoes on Youtube and was a featured artist on the Cornerstone Mixtape. The success of her E.P is establishing Morgan as one of the most recent marketable artist in the music industry from the Chicago-land area.

Pauly: What’s your opinion of the current entertainment scene?

Morgan: As far as the R&B/Hip Hop industry is concerned, the music has been so much of the same stuff lately. I think the industry is itching for someone new, fresh, and interesting. I think the newest freshest sound to the industry has been Lady Gaga. She is turning the industry upside down right now! In a good way that is! I think another new face would be great. The industry can use a new sound lyrically as well. I find a lot of people like the beat of songs but are blown away at the lyrics because they are so vulgar. I think our generation is maturing a little bit in terms of what they want to hear.

Pauly: What suggestions do you have for other aspiring strivers?

Morgan: Strive to be the best that you can be.  Find your own voice and run away with it!  Embrace everyone’s gifts, learn from key individuals, and apply it to your strive.  Never be afraid of your voice and never ever think you are too small for anything. You are only as small as you make yourself!

Pauly: Any other upcoming projects you’d like to mention?

Morgan: Be on the lookout for Morgan Mallory on the radio, television, and magazines in 2010.  For more information, blogs, music, pictures and videos visit:

www.myspace.com/morganmallorymusic

www.youtube.com/lillady580

www.twitter.com/morganmallory

http://www.cornerstonepromotion.com/mixtape/119/

You can also find me on facebook.com!

Listen to some of Morgan’s music below:

• J-MO of HoodHustlersEnt.
• TOO SHORT
• Interview With Director/Producer: Tyrone D. Dixon
• Interview with Photographer: Allen B. Thompson
• Highly Textured Presents: The Natural Hair Forum