Today we’d like to introduce you to Keeshea Pratt.
Hi Keeshea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As most artists, I got started in the church. Those years growing up in church and in a musical family sealed the deal for my career. I participated in talent shows, pageants, school choirs, show choirs, etc. I do believe these early years prepared me for entertainment. I enrolled in college in the early 90s with a mind focused on majoring in psychology but received a scholarship in Music. Throughout my time there I traveled with the renowned Tougaloo College Concert Choir. I was afforded many great opportunities that gave me the reassurance that I was born for the stage. My first experience of being a “Professional Singer” was my freshman year. I was asked to join the Grace Bumbry Emsemble, which toured the U.S. and Europe. While touring in Europe, I got a taste of what entertainment really was. After college. life began to happen…….marriage, children, 8-5….. But then one day I was asked by a relative to provide entertainment at a work function as a favor to him. That one event lead to me becoming one of Jackson, Mississippi’s booming artists singing blues, old school soul and R&B, winning the 2012 Jackson Music Awards Female Artist of The Year. I continued to keep my day job and sing at night and on weekends. I just so happened to get a phone call from Eddie Cotton, International Blues Recording Artist, He wanted me to accompany him at a festival paying Tribute to KoKo Taylor. It was with Eddie Cotton that I realized that the Blues was calling me. A few years later I relocated to Houston, TX.
Upon moving there, I quickly became friends with some of the artists that worked the Houston scene. One day I got a call from one of them about doing some blues. At the time I had not sung in about six years, so I was very skeptical. She went on and on, basically saying she believed in me and that she felt I should see what it was about. So from that conversation, I was introduced to Shawn Allen, one of the world’s most prolific writers and producers. He spoke with me about doing this blues competition. At first, I was reluctant. But after taking a trip to Memphis witnessing the International Blues Challenge, I agreed!!!! It was at that moment Mr. Allen built what some may say a machine that we now call The Keeshea Pratt Band. In January of 2018, after winning the regional Blues Challenge, we drove to Memphis and competed four rigorous, freezing, icky nights. There were over 200 bands worldwide that competed. On that last night, The Keeshea Pratt Band was declared the 2018 IBC Winner. We also won the Living Blues 2018 New Recordings/Best Debut Album. Since, winning, we have traveled all over the country and Canada performing at some of the biggest festivals and major Blues venues around. After residing in Houston for some years, It became evident that Austin is the music capital of Texas. I decided, after seeking wise counsel, that if wanted to take my career to the next level, then Austin would be the place to do that. Since moving, I’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with Mr. Austin himself, Soul Man Sam and have played the famous Skylark and Sagebrush.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road to greatness and your destiny is never easy. Yes, it has been rough. From learning how to balance motherhood and career (still learning) to band woes, to being an entrepreneur/self-employed, and much much more. It’s never easy. I’ve always heard that anything worth having, you will have to work hard for. Many people looking from the outside in feel we as artists have it easy. But we don’t. Every day is a work day. We never get a day off. Every day you must push to make sure you can take care of your family, that you are building a great brand, that you’re not falling off with your vocals/musicianship, that you are keeping your health together. They’re also the mental and emotional stress of what we do. The struggle is real but all worth it!!!!!!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Blues Artist by brand, but my musical influences are many. From Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, to Tina Turner, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Leontyne Price, Big Mamma Thornton, KoKo Taylor, to Al Green, to Ray Charles, just to name a few.
I specialize in providing the ultimate experience in live entertainment. I am best known for the energy I bring to a stage, a room, or what I put in the atmosphere. I’ve been called many times a “Soul Snactcher” because it’s said I give a “soul stirring” experience.
I’m most proud of myself for not quitting and staying the course, no matter what the naysayers say, what the critics say, or what the circumstances may look like.
I honestly believe that my ability to be transparent in my delivery of my music and meet people where they are set me apart. The ability to touch the souls of people and give them hope!!!!!!! It is my heart’s desire to help people see life in a better way no matter what is going on!!!! And what better way to do it but through music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What’s next?
Presently, I am concentrating on recording a new project. It’s been a few years since we released “Believe” and I know the people are waiting. The pandemic truly took me for a ride with depression and I am just now getting my mojo back up and running, as it did most of us. But I am grateful for the passion to still be here. In the next couple of years, we look to release more projects and I would like to get back into some acting. But touring will not stop!!!!! We plan to be more busier than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keesheapratt.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekeesheaprattband?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keesheapratt/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCRojwKpR0aPAqMdGN1VvIFw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-984873267?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Ron Fontenot Photography Ronfontenotphotography.com Missy MFPhotographyKC@gmail.com
