Detra Carter
How did you get involved in music? What was your inspiration?
Music has always played an important role in my life. I started singing solos at church and in the community as a child and by the time I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to be a singer.
Who has been an African American musical influence in your life?
The person who has been the largest musical influence on me is my mother. She was a singer who performed with The Sounds of Music, in the 1970’s and 80’s and also performed for Starlight Musical productions when I was a child. Other prominent local musical influences include, Rosemarie Gore Bigbee, along with the late, Anderson T. Daley and Bernice Fraction. My favorite African American classical singer is Kathleen Battle. I just love that light Lyric voice.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians and singers of color?
Do your work. Figure out why you want to become a professional singer. There are thousands of very talented people in the world, but only a few make a living from singing. Your why must be strong enough for you to endure the process of training, auditioning and booking jobs.
How did you get involved in music? What was your inspiration?
Music has always played an important role in my life. I started singing solos at church and in the community as a child and by the time I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to be a singer.
Who has been an African American musical influence in your life?
The person who has been the largest musical influence on me is my mother. She was a singer who performed with The Sounds of Music, in the 1970’s and 80’s and also performed for Starlight Musical productions when I was a child. Other prominent local musical influences include, Rosemarie Gore Bigbee, along with the late, Anderson T. Daley and Bernice Fraction. My favorite African American classical singer is Kathleen Battle. I just love that light Lyric voice.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians and singers of color?
Do your work. Figure out why you want to become a professional singer. There are thousands of very talented people in the world, but only a few make a living from singing. Your why must be strong enough for you to endure the process of training, auditioning and booking jobs.
