I wanted to sing so badly because everyone in my family could sing, especially my father, Mannie Washington Sr. He was a famous gospel singer from Baton Rouge, LA. I remember hearing the stories of how he sang on the radio and traveled singing gospel. He was known as the “James Brown of Gospel.”
I just prayed harder and practiced more. Eventually, at age 7, I was blessed with the gift to sing. My singing career began in gospel music at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee. The rest is history. I am actually a trained classical vocalist — which started in my teen years and as an adult at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music. I am also qualified to sing in both French and German. I love all types of music, but mostly gospel and classical.
Discouragement is challenging to handle. I deal with it through prayer, talking to friends/family, and of course, listening to music. I have music for all of my moods. Sometimes it’s Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, or Donald Lawrence. If it’s about love and relationships, I call on Luther Vandross, Lalah Hathaway, or the like. I love to sing and believe that is what I was created to do. That doesn’t mean I am not successful or enjoy my other career working in broadcasting and non-profits.
Discouragement is challenging to handle. I deal with it through prayer, talking to friends/family, and of course, listening to music. I have music for all of my moods. Sometimes it’s Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, or Donald Lawrence. If it’s about love and relationships, I call on Luther Vandross, Lalah Hathaway, or the like. I love to sing and believe that is what I was created to do. That doesn’t mean I am not successful or enjoy my other career working in broadcasting and non-profits.
I am a Milwaukee Girl for Life. Milwaukee will always be my home, but I love Dallas. Dallas is like a LA or Vegas. There is always something to do here. Some of the most famous churches are here, like Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (Tony Evans), and of course, The Potter’s House - ( Bishop TD Jakes), where I have been attending. I will be entering the music scene this summer with my band.
My family has supported me from day one. Born the youngest of 7 and designated as “The One” in the family of many talents, my destiny was predetermined. My mother, Sylvia Washington, was my number one cheerleader and made me believe I could do anything in life. |
At the same time, she reminded me, there is always someone better than the best. I guess that was her unique way of keeping me humble. Unfortunately, I lost my dad at the age 7, but my family supported and groomed me for this business.
It is a family business passed down to my children, Dennis McMurray, Jr., and Destin McMurray. They are graduates of HBCUs, FAMU, Hampton University. I am a graduate of UW-Milwaukee with my BA in Mass Communications and Cardinal Stritch University with my MS in Business. Now we are a family business working on YouTube projects like “Home for the Holiday’s - Milwaukee,” “Our Very Own Excellence” (highlighting Black companies), and “Off The Shelf Book Club” podcasts. I am genuinely proud of how talented they are, plus I think they take too much joy in bossing me around.
It is a family business passed down to my children, Dennis McMurray, Jr., and Destin McMurray. They are graduates of HBCUs, FAMU, Hampton University. I am a graduate of UW-Milwaukee with my BA in Mass Communications and Cardinal Stritch University with my MS in Business. Now we are a family business working on YouTube projects like “Home for the Holiday’s - Milwaukee,” “Our Very Own Excellence” (highlighting Black companies), and “Off The Shelf Book Club” podcasts. I am genuinely proud of how talented they are, plus I think they take too much joy in bossing me around.