Gloria Ry’ann is the voice that has, for the past three years, supported the well-known stage voices of everyone from Ashford and Simpson to pop princess Rihanna. Touring as a background vocalist for years with some of the industry’s finest has only honed the craft of this Chicago-native who has a delicately sensual soprano octave that has attracted fans from across the world. Preparing for the release of an upcoming EP and full-length CD this year, Gloria Ry’ann talked with SoulTrain.com about what she learned from touring with soul singer Leela James, why she is happy to be called an R&B singer and what she hopes to be doing ten years from now.
SoulTrain.com: How do you respond to the comparisons to the legendary Minnie Ripperton?
Gloria Ry’ann: Such an honor to be compared to one of the greatest singers ever. I still can’t believe that I can be compared to possibly the 8th wonder of the world. She is now and will always be a musical icon that I aspire to. I am forever humble and grateful.
SoulTrain.com: What do you call your genre of music?
Gloria Ry’ann: Honestly, I would say R&B, soul music. My history of music–what I’ve been taught, it comes from that down-home soul. Ella, blues. My genre of music is R&B. It’s time to get back to that genre. I think that we’re searching for these different titles. I think we are in the age where we need something pure and simple. I don’t mind if people make some babies with my music (laughs).
SoulTrain.com: Your recent single release, “OMG” is one of the best jams I’ve heard in 2010. Will that be on your upcoming album? And if so, when is this album scheduled to drop?
Gloria Ry’ann: “OMG” was just released digital and I know it was featured on blogs and you can hear it a lot of places, not sure if it would be included on my new music. We are constantly adding to the music on that project. I don’t even know yet. The album– we are shooting to have it ready for definitely this year. I would hope by this year you’ll get to hear it…it has a ton of new vibes records, courtesy of my producer Herb Middleton.
SoulTrain.com: What will the CD be called?
Gloria Ry’ann: I can tell you the title of my EP that will be released prior to the CD drop. The EP is Just Glow that will be distributed for promotional usage. It will have about six or seven songs.
SoulTrain.com: Will hear any special guest s on your upcoming CD?
Gloria Ry’ann: Yes, I’m working with a gentleman Tommy Gunns and we will be doing a duet together.
SoulTrain.com: You’ve been singing with Leela James this past year as background support, what has it been like working with Leela and other well-known artists these past years, what have you learned from them?
Gloria Ry’ann: I’ve seen a lot. I really appreciate my background. I’ve learned about professionalism—building relationships affects you in the long run. I learned a lot about the business side of the industry and I’ve been able to travel the world, been able to see so much. I’ve seen that there are a million ways to do one thing. My first gig was with Ashford and Simpson. Of course, then, I was the young buck on the tour. But, they are now like family to me. I’ve worked with Freddie Jackson, Jenifer Hudson, Carl Thomas… The list is like wow (laughs). I’ve worked with Peabo Bryson… with Rihanna I was able to do the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. With Leela, we went to Japan. All of them have been great experiences.
SoulTrain.com: Name three artists you would love to work with and tell us why.
Gloria Ry’ann: Maxwell—[he has] dynamic energy, a phenomenal entertainer, fantastic smile. He lives his music! Quincy Jones–a living legend. He has worked with the greats from Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, Jay-Z, Ella Fitzgerald– just to name a few. The musical genius that he is and the wisdom he possesses, it would be pinnacle of my life. Prince–he could help to bring out the colors of my voice. I believe he understands my artistry and the lessons of music he could impart. I would be eager to be his student. It would be an honor.
SoulTrain.com: Are you currently signed and, if not, is that something you are aspiring to become?
Gloria Ry’ann: I’ve actually released music before overseas and been approached before, and any label who respects my music’s honesty will appreciate that. I’m actually considering some offers now.
SoulTrain.com: What is something in this world that you value more than music?
Gloria Ry’ann: I would say (a) God and (b) my family. Nothing is like the support of my family. I don’t dispute the fact that I’ve gotten this far through God. My family—it’s not easy to leave your family and I’ve been away from them and they’ve allowed me to travel. I think this speaks volumes to their character.
SoulTrain.com: Where would you like to see yourself musically ten years from now?
Gloria Ry’ann: I will be touring. Constantly. There’s nothing like being on the road. I also want to be in a position to give back. Supporting kids who have dreams. Definitely more albums, television work.
SoulTrain.com: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to be where you are professionally as a music artist?
Gloria Ry’ann: Build a team. That’s a lesson that I’m learning now. Keep going. Don’t let anyone say that you can’t do anything. I remember people saying to me, “Oh you’ll be back”. This one woman, I will never forget her words, when she told me “Don’t do it, you’ll be back.” I can’t believe that someone would come out of their face and say that. I don’t want anyone to ever feel like that.
SoulTrain.com: Is there anything you want your fans to know?
Gloria Ry’ann: I just want to say thank you. This music is for you. For us. When you see my final project, my album, you’ll see it’s from my heart.
Be sure to follow Gloria on Twitter at @GloriaRyann for updates on her new music.
Check out Gloria’s single “What About Me?”
– Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
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Khadijah is a writer based in the Washington D.C. metro area. Visit her at KhadijahOnline.com.
