HEART AND SOUL MAGAZINE

LaTonya Blige Talks the Power of Sisterhood

by Quassan Castro on Monday, November 22, 2010

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At first glance and listen, you notice a striking resemblance between LaTonya Blige and her sister, music legend Mary J. Blige. On second glance, it is clear that LaTonya has a spirit and sound all her own. After co-managing her sister for more than a decade and writing hit songs for Mary, Faith Evans and more, LaTonya is now singing her own song.

Latonya Blige

When the blogosphere circulated stories of drama between LaTonya and Mary, the sisters struck back with the sweetest revenge – success – after collaborating on LaTonya’s first single. As the holidays approach when everyone spends with family, we caught up with LaTonya to talk about her new inspirational album “This is How I Feel,” and how family shaped her life and career.
HEART & SOUL: Congrats on your new release. Was a gospel album always your goal?
LATONYA BLIGE: The project started off as an album that was meant for different gospel artists. I was going to enlist other established gospel artists to sing the songs I wrote and produced. I had a song I wanted Mary to do with Yolanda Adams. But after Mary heard my songs, she asked me why I was not singing the songs for a solo album because the songs sounded so personal. I thought about my sister’s advice and decided to do an album for myself.
HEART & SOUL: It sounds like music is in your genes.
BLIGE: Yes. I come from a singing family. Mary and I sang background for my father, Thomas Blige. He was a musician and my mother sang as well. My father thought he and my mother would be like Rufus and Chaka. I enjoyed singing as a little girl because that’s what I knew.
HEART & SOUL: What messages do you seek to convey to your audience through gospel music?
BLIGE: I just want people to be who they are and not be ashamed of God. I want them to hear my message and not to be embarrassed to worship the Lord. Don’t be afraid to testify.
HEART & SOUL: How has fame impacted your relationship with Mary and any pressure to follow her footsteps with your music?
BLIGE: I’m not trying to live up to expectations that say I have to be as great as my sister. Mary J. Blige has been in the business for 20 years plus. I’m a new artist. Mary and I have always been close. I can never see myself mad at Mary for being who she’s become. I’m so proud of my sister for doing exceptionally well with her life. Mary opened up doors for our family. I’m proud to call her my sister.
http://www.heartandsoul.com/2010/11/latonya-blige-talks-the-power-of-sisterhood-and-spirituality/

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