Falling In Love With Heather Headley
By Keith Boykin, in music
Wednesday, February 1 2006, 4:35PM
I first discovered Heather Headley four years ago with the release of her debut album, "This Is Who I Am." That CD featured some of my favorite songs of all time, including "I Wish I Wasn't" and "Four Words From A Heartbreak." It also included my favorite Heather Headley song of all, "If It Wasn't For Your Love," written by my friend Gordon Chambers. That song is a beautiful love ballad that I vowed would be played at my wedding one day.
I lost my Heather Headley CD on a train from Paris to Amsterdam in the summer of 2003, and over time I almost forgot how much I loved her voice until I got a new copy of that CD just last month. Then on Monday, I received a copy of Heather Headley's newest CD, "In My Mind," and last night I went to see her at her official album release party at HIRO in the Maritime Hotel in Manhattan. Suddenly I remembered why I love this woman so much.
After being introduced by Clive Davis, who described Headley as "an extraordinary talent that ranks with the best," Heather Headley took to the stage with an energetic, soulful concert performance that weaved in music from her first CD, her new CD and some familiar old school tunes. What makes her an exciting performer is that you never get tired of her. She knows just how much familiar music to blend in with her new music, and it allows the audience to sing along at times and be a part of something new at other times.
Last night, Headley performed old hits from her first CD, including "He Is" and "I Wish I Wasn't" and sang songs from her new CD, including "Am I Worth It," "Wait A Minute" and "I Didn't Mean To." In the middle of her performance, she threw in some old favorites like Babyface's "Whip Appeal." And she finished the show with an inspiring performance of her new hit, "In My Mind."
The new Heather Headley CD, In My Mind, was released on Tuesday. You can purchase the CD online and you can hear it this Thursday at a special listening party at the Sprung party at Luke & Leroy, 21 7th Avenue South, New York.
Comments conceal
James
February 1 2006, 5:02PM
Keith,
I am so jealous! The album listening party and all. Heather is one of my favorite vocalists. Her last album is still in my CD player.
kevin c
February 1 2006, 5:24PM
I received Heather's latest CD and it is so beautiful.
I hate I missed her listening party in ATL.
And Mr. Gordon Chambers can write ballads like no other.
Kudos to both of these talented souls.
Kevin C
ATL
Mitch Jones
February 1 2006, 7:04PM
That's one sharp singing girl. Her Lorrell in Dreamgirls was horribly sung. I can't take her voice above its middle register...except on the Aida CD, where her singing is much more controlled.
jazzi
February 1 2006, 8:14PM
My girl Heather is one of those artist who can actually sing, a very rare find among todays new artists. No gimmicks, tricks, or pr stunts. Just pure talent & just enough sexuality without being trashy. I HATE that missed her in Aida. Nothing against Toni Braxton but I hear Heather brought it. Didn't she win some award for that play? If not, she should have.
Jeff Hobbs
February 1 2006, 11:32PM
"I Wish I Wasn't" is the song the helped me burn out the pain from my last relationship. I can't even listen to the song now but i love her as well!
phd2b11
February 2 2006, 12:31AM
What a true and awesome talent! I have been highly impressed since I heard her on the big white way. I have to see her again...soon!
Carla
February 2 2006, 1:05AM
OH! I soooo envy you for having seen her last night. She is a voice that soooo many are "sleeping" on.
Itayi
February 2 2006, 1:44AM
I first experienced Heather's soul in her song 'HE IS'! Never looked back ever since!
nahtanS
February 2 2006, 6:33AM
I wish I wasn't...came out just as I was having relationship trouble with a man I loved deeply. I remeber him saying to me "Are you think the words to that new Heather headley song?" I was, I was truly feeling that way and I broke up with him because clearly he knew that he was no good. LOL. Heather headley is wonderful and she hails from Trinidada in the Caribbean ( another reason to love her)! Thanks keith for higlighting her on your blog!
Patrik-Ian Polk
February 2 2006, 9:59AM
I just downloaded this album on iTunes the other day and it is really nice. In fact, one of my cast members was over yesterday and I played it for him and we marvelled at how her album is filled with "real songs" and how you don't hear real songs anymore. R&B music is very hip-hop-ized, it's all fancy beats masquerading as songs. But Heather's album is lovely. I highly recommend it- she sounds great, and it's a great collection of nicely produced tunes. I give it four stars!
Thanks, Keith!
jaye
February 2 2006, 10:07AM
she's a great performer but she should stick to Broadway
alicia
February 2 2006, 1:31PM
i love her too keith...
so few real singers of real music like her are in the "music" mix these days
peace
ab
blacklatina
February 2 2006, 3:46PM
I love her new look....absolutely beautiful!
Headley Fan
February 2 2006, 5:08PM
She's married to a cool White Guy that she met while she was at NorthWestern University in Illinois. They're a great interracial couple.
Erica
February 2 2006, 10:54PM
I am not feeling girlfriend's new single or album. I love her, but don't like this new stuff. How many sad songs can you sing on an album?? She's not a pop star either. Her voice can get a little nerve wracking sometimes too.
liquid fonts
February 4 2006, 9:10AM
Im really NOT feeling Heather Headley's froggy Afro-Lean vocals. If I want to hear a black female singer who sounds "white" my pick would be RES.