ICONIC Jun 2014 | Page 25

Multi-talented, vocalist, songwriter, producer, artist and motivator are all words that describe Laurie Walker. With a voice that is a gift from God, she sings with a message and hope that the world needs to hear. Much to the excitement of her fans, she is on the verge of enlarging her audience. Celebrating over 20 years of training, singing, writing and producing music she is now ready to share with the rest of the world her talents. It’s her time and season to move forward in the ministry God has called her to lead. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, the development of her unique style is the result of a lifetime of musical influence ranging from classical, R & B, Jazz, Alternative and Gospel music. Laurie’s love for music started at an early age. She first expressed a desire to sing at the age of eight. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of her older sister who had just joined the elementary school choir, Laurie also auditioned for the choir. Days later she would be disappointed to find out that she did not make the choir but that did not discourage her from wanting to pursue her love for music. More determined than ever Laurie took private piano lessons for two years. She decided to audition at Power APAC, an Academic and Performing Arts school in Jackson and was accepted into their music program. Two years later she was thrilled to be accepted into their voice program as well. She had found her passion! During her middle school years, Laurie and her best friend, Melody formed a omes dren, dren female group with a few other friends, and began writing Hip Hop and R & B songs. “We sang, rapped and danced. We seriously thought we were going to be the next TLC.” Confident in their ability to perform, they competed in many talent shows throughout Jackson and chose to compete in a city-wide talent competition. That competition gave them the opportunity to perform as amateur night contestants on the nationally televised show, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” Although the group separated shortly after their appearance on the show, that experience lit the fire in Laurie even more to sing professionally. The very next year, Laurie would be asked to lead a solo for the Mississippi Children’s Choir’s live recording for the album, When God’s Children Get Together. Though her passion at the time was R&B, God was giving her a glimpse of what was to come years later. In 1998, she was introduced to a team of producers who would expose her to studio recording. She was writing and singing hooks for local rappers and learned how to lay down lead and background vocals in a sound booth. Music industry p ɽ