Meet Cheryl Key (MsSongbird)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Key (MsSongbird).

Cheryl, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am proud to say I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi! I have been singing since I was about 11 years old. I have been inspired by a lot of great singers like Brandy, Jill Scott, Aretha Franklin, Fantasia and my all time favorite singer, Whitney Houston! I remember my 1st performance like it was yesterday. It was for our Senior Class Day.

We dedicated a song to our parents, Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” This was the moment my parents really started to notice I could really sing! From that moment on, my life began to change! In 2006, I gave birth to my munchkin, my son Kai’zen. He is 12 years old. I began performing music and poetry around my hometown in 2007. Then, I started to audition for local and major singing competitions. In 2009, I was dubbed the name “Ms Songbird” by my friends and family.

From 2010-2014, I auditioned for a lot of local and major competitions. I was one of three finalists who won the local competition in Jackson that sent us to American Idol auditions in Houston, TX! I was one round away from getting a spot to audition on X-Factor. I also auditioned for The Voice in Atlanta, Ga, they gave me a flat “No!” I kept on singing and performing whenever and wherever I could! On Feb. 13, 2016, I was asked to be the opening act for Lyfe Jennings and Mystikal! It was an absolutely amazing experience! I could not believe it!

In November 2016, I moved to San Diego, and it was the most frightening and amazing decision of my life! LOL! Since moving to the West Coast, I have had some of the most amazing experiences, made some of the most beautiful connections! I have featured here in San Diego and in Phoenix! I have only scratched the surface! There is so much more to come! I feel it! I see it! Be on the lookout!

Peace, Love, and Light! ^_^

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, It has not!!! I almost gave up singing altogether. I thought I was not good enough to make it… Period!

I remember my son (he was eight years old at the time) told me after my last audition, “Mommy, I believe in you! I love to hear you sing! Don’t stop, please!” I knew I could not stop now! I knew I had someone who mattered more than all the “No’s” in the world. He was watching me!

We have to remember: even when we think no one is watching, there is ALWAYS someone who is watching and rooting for you! I knew I had so much more to do!

Please tell us more about your work.
I am in the works of starting my own company, selling merchandise, promos, etc. I am most proud of the fact I am actually starting the process! Knowing who I am and Who’s I am! Remembering I can do nothing without God! Not a single thing!

I just want to leave my mark on this earth as someone who persevered through it all! I didn’t stop no matter what happened, what was lost! I kept on going! I kept giving love! I kept giving it all I am, All I have!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My 1st performance! It was for our Senior Class Day. The tears and joy in my mother’s eyes. The pride and love from my father’s eyes! I will forever hold that near to my heart!

We dedicated a song to our parents, Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” The pride and love in my mother’s eyes. The tears that streamed from my father’s eyes! I will forever hold that near to my heart!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6192889985
• Email: cheryl.key82@gmail.com
• Instagram: cheryl_mssongbird
• Facebook: Cheryl MsSongbird Key

Image Credit:
3 Kings Hookah Lounge @optimicynic, Public Square Coffee House, Kira Buckley, Black Xpressions, Poetic SOUL event

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