BiographyBiography
Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 May 2010 11:13 Written by meandmine Wednesday, 13 May 2009 10:31
A LONG HARD YEAR FOR ME . YOU KNOW HOW YOU MAKE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS AND YOU JUST HAVE THAT FEELING EVERYTHING IS GOING TO WORK OUT FINE; YOU BELIEVE THIS BECAUSE ,YOU HAVE FAITH. THE FIRST MONTH WAS GREAT ...BUT HECTIC. I MOVED INTO A NEW APARTMENT JANUARY 2nd., . ...FEBRUARY THE 21RST. I WAS MOVING OUT. I'M NOT GOING TO BORE YOU WITH DETAILS BUT I MOVED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS. I MADE PLANS AND GOALS,I WANTED TO REACH BY THE END OF THE YEAR; AFTER GOING THROUGH SUCH A TURMOIL, IT ALL CAME TOGETHER....ONLY BY FAITH AND PRAYER. I MUST LET YOU KNOW ,I BELIEVE IN PRAYER! NO NEED OF GETTING UPSET ABOUT SITUATIONS... SO,I OVER LOOKED THE OBSTACLES THAT GOT IN MY WAY AND KEPT ON PUSHIN ,MOVING FORWARD TO MAKE THINGS BETTER ,IS WHAT I DID. I'M GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL,THAT GOD IS STILL IN THE BLESSING BUSINESS ,BECAUSE PRAYER, SURE DID CHANGE THINGS.
I FEEL ,I SHOULD SHARE SOME POINTS IN MY LIFE WITH MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY BECAUSE; YOU TOOK THE TIME, ONLINE AND E-MAILS, TO SAY HELLO , YOU SENT LOVE, YOU SENT PRAYERS,YOU SENT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT,YOU WERE THERE WHEN I NEEDED STRENGTH, YOU SENT CARDS, MOST OF ALL .....YOU LET ME KNOW I WASN'T ALONE ! SO, I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU, WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THE BEGINNING OF 2006, I WAS IN THE STUDIOS BUT THINGS DIDN'T TURN OUT AS I EXPECTED; NOW..... I KNOW WHY SO MANY ARTIST SPEND, TWO AND THREE YEARS IN THE STUDIO. WHAT YOU THINK YOU WANT FROM A SONG ,DOESN'T ALWAYS SOUND LIKE YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD, AFTER YOU COMPLETE IT; SO YOU EITHER TOTALLY REARRANGE IT OR YOU TAKE ON ANOTHER SONG. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE LIKE GOING INTO THE STUDIO WITH MR.BROWN IN THE PAST; NO WORRIES...., BUT WOW! THINGS HAVE CHANGED AND THE WAY MUSIC IS RECORDED NOW, IT'S TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IT WAS THEN. I WOULD RECORD MY VOICE AND ALL DECISIONS WERE MADE BY MR.BROWN ; THE MUSIC, SOUND ,TIMING, WHAT KEY AND WHAT YOU SANG. TODAY, I'M IN CHARGE NOW AND ALL DECISIONS OF WHAT I SING AND HOW MY MUSIC TURNS OUT; IT'S ON ME! I'M WRITNG MY SONGS AND IT'S VERY REWARDING WHEN YOU'RE ABLE TO HERE YOUR WORK COME TO LIFE, THAT'S A BLESSING WITHIN ITSELF!
2007, I WAS IN THE STUDIO ONCE AGAIN. THIS TIME , MY IDEAS WERE CLEAR OF WHAT I WANTED FROM MY MUSIC SO I CHOSE MY FAVORITE SONGS I HAD WRITTEN, FROM MANY AND RECORDED. I ALSO CHOSE A FEW SONGS FROM A DEAR FRIEND, TONY CERQUA AND LEAMON SCOTT. SONGS I FELT , WOULD FIT INTO MY PROJECT. I'VE STAYED IN PRAYER, HOPING MY AUDIENCE WILL ENJOY THE LOVE ,WE PUT INTO THIS WONDERFUL CD.
MY VERY FIRST CHOICE OF RECORDING ANYTHING WAS A TRIBUTE TO MY MENTOR,FATHER FIGURE,FRIEND,AND BOSS, FOR MANY YEARS....("MR. JAMES BROWN"). I'VE ALWAYS INCLUDED THIS SONG,"THE BIG PAYBACK", IN MY SHOWS. IN THE 80'S,WHEN FIRST RECORDED BY JAMES BROWN; MR. FRED WESELY CHOSE ME TO SING THE HIGH NOTE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SONG. IT'S BEEN SAMPLED MANY TIMES SINCE THEN AND WAS ONE OF THE SONG'S PLAYED IN MEL GIBSON'S MOVIE, "PAYBACK"; ALSO SAMPLED BY ,THE GROUP "ENVOGUE". I REMEMBER WHEN WE FIRST STARTED TO DO THE SONG IN CONCERT ...MR. BROWN, HAD ME STANDING ON A PEDESTAL, HIGH ABOVE ANYTHING ON STAGE AT THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN! AN EXCITING TIME FOR ME, SO I WANTED TO DO THIS FOR THE LOVE I HAVE FOR MR.BROWN FOR SHARING HIS SPOTLIGHT, HIS STYLE, HIS MUSIC AND HIS POWERFUL MESSAGES, IN HIS MUSIC TO THE WORLD! MY VERSION OF,"THE BIG PAYBACK"! WAS RELEASED AS A SINGLE. NOW HERE IS THE FULL CD TO FOLLOW, WITH MY VERY OWN ORIGINAL SONGS.
2008, A LONG ROAD TO GET TO THIS POINT. I AM PROUD TO SAY ,MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORTED ME, SPIRITUALLY AND FINANCIALLY. MY MOTHER,MARY HARVIN , BROTHERS ALLEN & FREDDIE HARVIN, MY DAUGHTER,SGT. STAR STEWART. MY BEST FRIEND IN SPIRIT AND FROM THE HEART,ALWAYS AND FOREVER, RONNIE SCARBOROUGH; MY FRIENDS, TAREK MOUSSA, RON AND YVON ROLFERSON, HIENRICH BUTTLER, KENNY JOYCE, MR.GERARD VERCHE AND PHILLIPPE RYBICKI. KIRAN SHARMA, MY CLOSEST ASSISTANT & FRIEND MADE IT POSSIBLE TO RECORD,"THE BIG PAYBACK"AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE MAN....., THAT STEPPED IN AND SAID,"MISS HIGH ,WE'RE GOING TO FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED ....,( BAM !) THE CD WAS COMPLETED, THANKS TO MY PRODUCER ,"KEITH TYRONE JEFFERSON". THEY ALL CERTAINLY HAVE PLAYED A BIG ROLL IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN. I KNOW, I HAVE HAD GREAT SUPPORT FROM MY FAN CLUB IN ITALY (MARCO AND THE CREW) ,AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ,MANY THANKS. I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW ,"I HAVE MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOU PUTTING UP WITH ME. I COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR WITH OUT YOU.
A PERSON,I OWE THANKS TO , NO OTHER THAN, A TRUE FRIEND......"MR.MACEO PARKER"..... I KNOW FOR A FACT...IF HE HAD NOT GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH HIM AT THE TIME I DESPERATELY WANTED TO MAKE A GHANGE,....BELIEVE ME, NONE OF THIS WOULD HAD HAPPENED. THIS GENTLEMAN HAS THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR MANKIND. HE HAS SUPPORTED MANY OF US (FROM THE JAMES BROWN ORG.) HONESTLY AND I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH MY FRIENDSHIP WITH THIS HONORABLE KIND GENTLEMAN.
WHO PUT THIS ALL TOGETHER TO GET THE BALL ROLLING? MR. KEITH TYRONE JEFFERSON; 'GOD', KNOWS AND I DO TOO! WITH ALL THE OTHER FOLKS I'VE MENTIONED, MR.JEFFERSON,( I CALL HIM ,'TY' ) YOU'RE THE ONE ,THE ONE THAT BELIEVED IN ME. THE ONE THAT BENT OVER BACKWARDS BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO HELP ME....,THE ONE THAT LISTENED AND STEPPED IN ,WHEN OTHERS HAD TAKEN ADVANTAGE, HE WORKED WITH ME, SAYING , "MARTHA YOU HAVE A GREAT PROJECT AND WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS. IT MIGHT TAKE LONGER THAN YOU WANT IT TO BUT IT'S WORTH IT ,YOU HAVE A FINE PROJECT AND WE ARE GONNA TREAT IT THAT WAY". THANK YOU,THANK YOU, MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESSING YOU. YOUR HEART IS FILLED WITH THE JOY OF HELPING OTHERS. THANKS TY & TONI FOR LETTING ME CRASH AT YOUR HOME, WHILE IN AND OUT OF CHARLOTTE.
MANY THANKS TO THE EXCELLENT STAFF AND ENGINEERS AT GAT3 STUDIO. TO MY GUEST ARTIST, THE ONE AND ONLY, FRED WESELY, TROMBONE......, RODNEY ( MR. SKEET ) CURTIS.... THE BADEST BASS PLAYER IN THE WORLD ....Y'ALL DON'T HEAR ME !!!!! MR. TYRONE JEFFERSON, TROMBONE, THE GENOUS ! WOW! I TOLD YOU ,I WAS BLESSED! AN EXPERIENCE THAT TURNED OUT SO SUCCESSFUL! THE FINE & EXCELLENT MUSICIANS, FROM (A.S.O.T.T.) IN CHARLOTTE,N.C.; YOU GUYS ARE "SOOO KOOL", THANK YOU FROM MY HEART. I WILL ALWAYS ASK FOR YOUR PRESENCE WHEN I RECORD AGAIN.
"PRESIDENT BARRACK OBAMA!" IT IS INDEED, AN HONOUR TO SAY, GOD BLESS YOU!
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW......., 2009...., "THERE IS A CHANGE!"..
MUCH LOVE & PEACE
ALWAYS, MARTHA HIGH
A LITTLE HISTORY OF MY SONGS “HE SAID SHE SAID"Most of the lyrics were written by my youngest son, Omar at the age of 18 yrs. old. He recorded it on a cassette tape recorder and gave me the tape. He wanted Fred Wesley and (the late) St.Clair Pinckney, to listen and tell him what they thought of his music. After I listened to the song; I told him, I really like what he put together and if we ever got the chance, we would record it together. We never got the chance to go into the studio together; he passed away; however I was able to keep my promise. I kept the cassette tape with me. After, I got the strength to listen to his voice again; I made sure my music, was close to what he had done. I asked my producer, was it possible to take this old cassette and combine his voice into the song I recorded; to my surprise....., they did it! I'm overwhelmed with joy of the outcome, I love it! I'm a proud, proud, mother to have my son on my CD with me. It's a true blessing! I know he's listening from the heavens above, smiling.
This CD is dedicated to my two beloved sons’, Rodney and Omar Harvin.
"WORLD COULD BE HEAVEN"I love this song, my friend and drummer wrote the lyrics and was present in an Italian movie. When I heard it, I cried because the words are so true. When you see children, in poverty, starving and hungry you just want to reach out and do all you can do , to stop the hurt in there eyes. What a wonderful world this could be, if love could get through. Help the children; love a child make a difference in there lives.
Thanks, Tony!
"YOU NEED A WOMAN LIKE ME"No bashing here, (smile)! I'm a woman of my word. I love being a strong Black woman, like the, "FIRST LADY, MRS. OBAMA" ! It's a great feeling to know who you are; I wrote a song about it.
Martha High was born in Victoria, Virginia but grew up in Washington DC. She would sing around the house all the time and obviously had a gift. At school, Martha auditioned for 'THE JEWELS' and wowed them with her blessed talent. Having recorded a national hit, The Jewels went on tour to elite nightclubs and theatres on the East Coast of America. It was here that Martha and The Jewels caught the eye and ear of JAMES BROWN. Soon they became his opening act and travelled extensively with his revue.
Their first album debut with James Brown was in 1967 -' The James Brown Show 'on the Smash label. Mr. Brown recorded and release several songs featuring The Jewels until the group disbanded.
After the break up, Martha stayed with James Brown and continued to work with him as his personal background vocalist for over 30 years!!! A length unchallenged by any other...
In her time with him she led newly formed groups that included, LYN COLLINS & The Soul Twins, backup vocalist for Vicki Anderson, Martha and the Honeybees, Martha and the Lazers and finally, The Bittersweets.
During her years with 'JB", she had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the greatest Afro-American artists such as LITTLE RICHARD, JERRY LEE LEWIS, THE TEMPTATIONS, RAY CHARLES , Original Soul Sister ARETHA FRANKLIN, GEORGE CLINTON, B.B. KING, MARY J BLIGE, STEVIE WONDER ,THE SUPREMES, THE TEMPTATIONS,…..., PATTI LA BELLE, GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS , LUTHER VANDROSS, BO DIDLEY, FATS DOMINO, THE COMMODORES , even the famous British combo,THE POLICE , ROD STEWART & SIMPLY RED and many,many more great artist!
Indeed, this Funky Diva appeared on many funky masterpieces such as PAYBACK, BODYHEAT, DOIN' IT TO DEATH , HELL, and on the unforgettable duet with James Brown himself, SUMMERTIME. She appears on many ,many musical DVD's & videos,with the " GODFATHER OF SOUL", JAMES BROWN. Has recorded a song together with James Brown, George Clinton & Bootsy Collins.
Martha went on to record some of her original tunes,' I'm Not Braggin' and 'It's Hustle Time along with a live album entitled 'Martha High live at Quai Du Blues'. "Hustle Time', is released on the live Cd , " Live at Quai Du Blues".
In 2000, Martha started her appearance with legendary,' MACEO PARKER' and his band as a featured vocalist. She's since continued to tour the world with 'The Teacher'.
She started her solo career, touring with several bands...., the 'TC GANG' from Rome, Italy, ' Shaolin Temple Defenders' (cf. the live album W.O.M.A.N) ; most recently the 'Internationals.' Rave reviews spread to fans in Europe, Japan and South America and Martha toured with sold out performances.
Martha met the French Band, " Shaolin Temple Defenders, at the beginning of 2007. They invited her to there show at a Paris venue and asked her if she would be interested in doing a tour with them. After watching the show, she told them, she would make a decision knowing of course the answer was ,yes. Seeing them in concert ,she knew they were serious about there music and knew what the funk was all about! A very soulful group of young men that's serious and knew where they wanted to be in this genre, Soul music.
As time past , in 2008, a live Cd was released, " Martha High with Shaolin Temple Defenders: W.O.M.A.N. ", songs performed from various concerts. Songs by, James Brown, Etta James , Betty Wright, Laura Lee, etc. most of Martha's favorite artist.
Martha & the Shaolin Temple Defender's, went on to perform many concerts together and to this day are featured together in France and other parts of Europe. Martha , recently recorded a single with the group, and it is featured on there solo Cd, " Shaolin Temple Defenders, Volume 2, titled , " Don't tell me that it's Over ".
2009, Martha continue touring with various artist, while working her own solo career. She's still featured with top artist musicians; PWee Ellis and Fred Wesely, Marva Whitney and Gwen McCrae, Roy Ayers, Boney Fields & the Bone Project & Omar, etc. She's been the opening act for " Legendary Sly & The Family Stones ", at the Famous Olympia Theatre in Paris; played on the main stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival; Recently performed at the The Lionel Hampton Club , at the Le Meridian Hotel, in Paris, also at the Mood's Night Club' at the Meridian Hotel, in Monte Carlo, Monaco; where she received standing ovations!
When off the road, you can find Martha, doing workshops & master classes, in and around Paris. She provides her expertise and has been commissioned to participation in the development of rising singers.
Martha is very proud to announce, in 2010, She will be accompanied by her very own group of talented , excellent, " Mighty Funky" musicians & singers ! Martha High, the lovely talented , given name as, one of the, "hardest working ladies in show business" is, like a breath of fresh air, with clarity and quality. Gifted with a sound spanning the musical spectrum from Soul, Rythm & Blues, Rock and Roll, & Gospel. Her soulful sound appeals to a wide audiences from the young to the ,still ' jammin ', seniors! Highly revered by a huge international audience. With her new released Cd, " It's High Time", now released in the U.S.A and soon in Europe.
Martha continues to serve up a mesmerizing genuine musical sound of soul which includes her own style of Rythm & Blues!
" IT'S HIGH TIME" FOR EVERYBODY !
OUR BEST REGARDS,
GET THE NEW SINGLE AT iTunes and CD BABY: http://cdbaby.com/cd/marthahigh
www.missmarthahigh.com
www.myspace.com/missmarthahigh