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Take Five With Frances Nero

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Meet Frances Nero: African-American and Cherokee descent. Born—Asheville, NC. Attended Stephens-Lee High School. Other professions—Cosmetologist & Makeup Artist, Cosmetology Instructor, Linen Designer, Cosmetic Entrepreneur and former Motown recording artist with a jazz background.

Dinah Washington inspired me to become a singer with clear diction. Actress Doris Day was also an inspiration. I have written mini-plays and produced them in lounges. I have written and produced a movie, Reject Island and the accompanying soundtrack, Frances Nero sings Reject Island. I have scripted and produced my autobiography, Mountains, Motown & Motion Pictures. I wrote, produced and performed the Love Ride trio CD and am currently producing and recording Frances Nero salutes Dinah Washington. Production will begin on two scripts, The Majesty and Music—Dinah Washington and The Passing of Ezra Hazlette—a comedy.

Instrument(s): piano—play by ear can read some notes; learning the guitar.

Teachers and/or influences? Dinah Washington, Doris Day and Mrs. Reynolds, my high school music teacher.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I heard Fats Domino play the piano.

Your sound and approach to music: Jazz, pop R&B.

Your dream band: Earth, Wind & Fire.

Would like to work with Gladys Knight—my favorite female artist, and Barry White—my favorite male artist.

Favorite venue: A track tour of the UK in 1993.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why? Love Ride, because it is about my 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Listeners think it is about a human love affair. It is fantasy mixed in with my love for the car. It makes a nice love song. I also wrote and produced it. It's my baby, a Frances Nero creation!

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? To move the human soul and heart with the lyrical sounds of my voice. The expressions of one when listening to me sing.

Did you know... I love-e—e--e— peanuts and I think anything that they're in. Peanut butter! Oh my God! and Chocolate! Together they're unbeatable!

How do you use the internet to help your career? I have a website www.francesnero.com I have a www.myspace.com/francesnero website and I'm always entering information on both to promote my music. I also promote my music on www.cdbaby.com. I answer a lot of email from fans and I enjoy it so much! Email:[email protected]

CDs you are listening to now: Robin Thicke, Lost Without You; Barry White's classic albums; Lots and Lots of jazz.

Desert Island picks: I can\'t pick, I love instrumental jazz. I can relax my mind and create. I'm in a world of my own.

How would you describe the state of jazz today? Mind boggling. Creative. Inspiring.

What is in the near future? Funding for my scripts. Another CD. Engagements promoting the current CD TBA.

By Day: Taking care of my son.

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