Filed under: Exclusives, Interviews, Music, Gospel
The Washington, DC native had recorded background vocals for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Jones, Raheem DeVaughn, Angie Stone and Chrisette Michele before auditioning for 'Sunday Best' and ultimately winning the show last year.
Crawley is now set to release her debut CD, 'The Promise,' on Aug. 22 via a venture between BET and Imago Dei Music Group.
The CD's title track is the project's first single and the album also features Crawley's remake of Anita Baker's 'Sweet Love,' as well as her powerful interpretation of Bill Wither's 'Grandma's Hands'
BV Buzz caught up with the singer and had her take our Buzz Blitz.
What's the greatest lesson you've learned since doing a reality telev
ision show? I've learned now that my life is under a microscope at all times. Honestly, I've learned that being on a televised competition really takes hard work, endurance and dedication to become what it is you set out to be!
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would you choose?
I would have to choose two people: Michael Jackson, may he rest in peace, and Beyonce. They are the greatest entertainers to me.
Anita Baker, Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige are performing concerts at the same time and you can only go to one. Which one would you chose and why?
Wow, this is hard because I love each of their voices and have learned different things from each of them. However, if I had to choose one I would choose Mary J. I respect her in a lot of ways! Her heart, passion and music - it's all there. She's going to make me cry, dance and feel good about being who I am as a woman n
ow as well as where I'm headed on my journey.What's one of your pet peeves?
Phony people! I figure if I keep it real with you, you should reciprocate the same.
If you weren't a singer, what would you do professionally?
I would be working as a make-up artist and a cosmetologist.
If there was a reality television show named after you what would it be called?
'Singing in the Background!' It's a concept that my manager John Hart presented to me. It would consist of artists who have been attempting to break into the industry by working their way through the ranks singing background for other artist. Knowing you're just as good or even better than the artist you work for, but committing to persevere through sleepless nights, learning new material in record time and long hours of rehearsal. Simply working hard in the background for someone else until your opportunity presents itself. This is how I got my start as well as my sister friend Kelly Price and "Uncle" Dave Hollister.
For more information on Y'Anna Crawley and 'The Promise', visit her online at www.YannaCrawley.net
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For related stories, read: 'Comic Rodney Perry Takes the Buzz Blitz'
& 'Anita Baker Dropping First CD in Five Years.'
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
Getty Images
3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
Evening Standard / Getty Images
3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.
Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images