24th November, 2024
18th June, 2022Loretta Holloway has added several new titles to her resume since our last feature. She is a published author having written her book ‘Inside Loretta’, a 64 page book of poems, short stories of her life, songs, priceless memories of her parents and one line revelations she refers to as " Loretta-isms." The book is a spell binding account of her life as only Loretta Holloway would like to tell it. After all its her life and she is the best storyteller.
On the music front, her most recent single and music video is That Lady, once again a reflection of her life. The beautiful ballad was released earlier this month precisely on 4th June, 2022. It was co-written by Loretta Holloway, Joseph JoJo Williams Jr and Sydeajah of Jusjorecords.com. The song is available on all streaming platforms worldwide, labeled as Jazz and World Jazz.
Holloway premiered the single That Lady in a special release Party in her hometown of Belton, South Carolina. The music video shot very simply is a reflection on how Holloway’s success has grown over the years. The music video begins with Holloway all set to head off in a luxury car, when one of her fans comes to her car door seeking an autograph. The ride and to reach her destination, is interspersed with a garden setting with Holloway belting out her song. The lyrics are touching and leave an emotional feeling after you hear the song. Holloway’s powerful voice towers like always and its a pleasure to watch the singer in a different setting.
Holloway was proclaimed by the South Carolina Senate as South Carolina's Official First Lady Of Song in 2011. She will debut her brand new single That Lady on 8th and 9th July in the Southern Broadway production of ‘Mr. Mouse and The Rat Pack’ in Asheville NC at the Diana Wortham Theatre of the Arts. Holloway donates partial proceeds to NAMI Mental Health Organization.
Holloway is often confused with disco artiste the late Loleatta Holloway; Loretta Holloway is from South Carolina (US), which boasts being the home state of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. The singer’s biggest influences have been Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin among others.
Holloway is no stranger to the theatrical stage and adds a special theatrical element to her live performances, having starred in the New York off-Broadway production of "Mama I Want to Sing II." Loretta's movie credits include, ‘Pure Country’ with George Strait’ and ‘Elvis and Me’. She also sang the soundtrack for the United Artist movie ‘Black Jack’ and made a cameo appearance in the feature film ‘Clipped Wing's, They Do Fly’.
Holloway was voted "Jazz Artist of the Year" by the South Carolina Music Awards. Other honors include Holloway as "One of "25 Notable African Americans from South Carolina" and the Anderson County Council proclaimed Holloway as “An Anderson County Treasure." She was honored as one of "South Carolina's Women of Substance” while Mayor Sharpe James presented her with the Keys to the City and proclaimed "Loretta Holloway Day in the city of Newark, New Jersey.
Holloway's recordings include her debut CD, "Loretta Holloway...Quietly", "Ordinary People", "Kisses in the Dark" and her DVD ‘An Evening with Loretta Holloway’.
Mumbai has had the rare opportunity to host during pre Covid day’s the American jazz singer when she performed at the historic Royal Opera House in August 2018. Critics from around the world have dubbed her the singing actress with a captivating and mesmerizing presence.
You can watch her amazing music video That Lady by clicking on the YouTube link below:
Written By Verus Ferreira
