Bill Monahan
Jully Black, named by CBC as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’, will be gracing the stage at Meaford Hall on Thursday February 22.
This platinum selling artist, affectionately dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ has a multi-faceted career that includes Juno awards as a performer, writing songs for major artists, and a variety of television appearances that highlight her ebullient personality.
Born to Jamaican immigrants and raised in the Jane/Finch area, Jully Black discovered her talent at an early age and was particularly inspired by Whitney Houston. After winning a local talent show and singing at numerous events, she began travelling to New York on weekends to sing and record when she was just fourteen. The music industry was also quick to recognize her talent. She was signed to Warner/Chappell Publishing and wrote for or collaborated with other well-known artists such as Nas, Destiny’s Child, Sean Paul, Kardinal Official and many others. Her debut album was originally scheduled for release on MCA records in 2003 but the company folded before that could happen. Signed to Universal, she released an album called “This Is Me” in 2005, which spawned the hit singles “Sweat of Your Brow” and “5x Love”.
The success of the album led to a cross-Canada tour opening for the Black Eyed Peas, which in turn led to that band’s drummer, Keith Harris, producing her sophomore album. That album, “Revival”, won a Juno for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and scored a Top Ten hit with a cover of Etta James’ “Seven Day Fool”.
That same year she starred in the theatre production of “Da Kink in My Hair” at the Princess of Wales in Toronto. The show was a great success and led to a TV series for which she wrote the opening theme and appeared in a few episodes.
In the years since, she has become a familiar face on Canadian television, as a celebrity reporter for eTalk, a guest panellist on the Marilyn Denis show, and as a correspondent on Canadian Idol. Her live performances include the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics, a performance for the Queen of England and tours with artists like Kanye West, Celine Dion, Elton John and Etta James.
With all of her accomplishments, the central gift of Jully Black lies in her live performance. As she said to Jason Clevett of GayCalgary Magazine, “Expect to be entertained and have your emotions going. Be prepared to laugh and cry, and sing and dance. I just really encourage everyone to come with an open mind and have a good time.”
The show at Meaford Hall starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance, available at the Meaford Hall box office, and $50 at the door.
