Because I have a few TV and film credits, at times I have been treated like a 'star.'
Because I was a teen beauty queen, was frequently in the newspaper and was often at high brow events, I was regarded as a 'star.'  Because I've been on the radio and was once on the air worldwide, I've been considered to be a 'star.'

Well my friends, in the real world those are all moments to be proud of.  It is a blessing to have accomplishments and to have those who sincerely celebrate your successes.

Now that I'm older and have endured just as many losses as wins, my whole reference point for stars is quite different.  A few years ago as I spent time in the emergency room in three different hospitals, I saw the real stars, the new stars in my life.  It is those who do what they do to serve others without fanfare that are the real stars.        I saw doctors, nurses and orderlies respond with readiness to attend to each and every patient with the same regard.  Because I was blessed to see community service in my family, it is incumbent upon me to continue the tradition of giving back in any way that I can.  Boy oh boy, when I was young I never pondered the fact that the ones giving time and money were making sacrafices perhaps despite the fact that they had problems of their own.

Today, I know many who are re-defining new chapters in their lives.  They are rebounding from--- in a word, LIFE!  Although in California we are known for our glitz and glamor, there is nothing pretty about struggling while giving it your very best effort.  In the past weeks, I have been reminded by those that love me that I am a 'star.'  Yeah right?  What is that?  I haven't felt 'star' like.  In fact celebrity is a by product of popularity and if that popularity comes as a result of displaying exceptional gifts and disciplines, then I humbly wear the title. 

Yesterday while pulling out of my driveway, knowing the depths of what I really felt, The Spirit gave me a new meaning of a 'star.' 

Something or someone that shines no matter how dark the night.  Bingo!  THAT'S THE KIND OF STAR THAT I'LL STRIVE TO BE!             A star that shines, though the light may be dim, it still keeps it's glow, giving light and hope to those who can still---
look upward.

Jazzy love,
Miss Rita Shelby

PS: If you are able to download one of my songs or tell a new friend about my music, please do.  Your support is appreciated.        

Here's to life, love and music!

Most of us have either been through something traumatic or been there for someone who has. Perhaps we've stood by and watched a national tragedy or come to the shocking realization that someone we know or love has lost their lives or livelihood.

Today, remember to remember all that you've been through, no matter how dark or how deep; tomorrow was indeed another day.  Without forgetting the pain of the loss, the great love for those who are no longer here or the agony of what you went through-- remember that you made it through.  For some, you may still be dealing with the residue but just cherish the moment.  Life is lived by the breaths that we take, once the breathing stops so do the problems, worries, fears, regrets and all that we think are keeping us from our happiness.  Remember also that when the breathing stops so does the opportunity to embrace each new moment with hope and joy.

Call someone, text or email someone today and tell them that you love them and appreciate them.  I don't mean passing on a chain email but write or speak from your heart and mind.  It doesn't have to be long or fancy, only honest.
Remember to keep a prayer in your heart for all of your shortcomings, and pray for those whose shortcomings may have caused you grief.

Spread the love.  And to all of my musical friends & family- let the music play on!!

Love and blessings,

Jazzy Rita
LaRita Shelby
               

It could be a smile from a child, a call from a friend, some unexpected cash or the memory of some event.  Those are the things that keep us going. For us artists who are seeking to succeed against the odds, it could be a comment from a fellow musician, a purchase from an enthusiastic fan or someone (anyone) who promises to do something and they fulfill that promise.  My blog today is a tribute to my new friend Anelle host of Sister Space Radio on KPFT radio in Houston (www.myspace.com/sisterspaceradio). I met her a few months back on the Tom Joyner cruise-- the last day actually.  I gave her my CD and my personal copy of Brian O'Neal's CD.  She said she had heard about my performance but had missed my shows on the ship. She also said that she had a radio show and would be in touch.  Well today I was Anelle's featured guest in honor of Jazz Month in Houston!  Yeah! For us independent artists--- everything matters because the full brunt of our success is on our shoulders.  Every knock is a boost as my late Aunt Mary used to say.

Let us, help us in every way we can.  Today for starters, if you're reading this and if you've promised to do something for someone do what you can to keep your word and make it happen.  The same energy will be returned to you-- it's just a law of the universe.

May your life this week be filled with love, music and miracles.
And if you can order a 99 cent download, please do it, it matters and it's
things like this that 'keep us going.'

Stay jazzy,

Rita





 

 

 

Hello my dear and jazzy friends and family,

Sometimes "it" happens.  Sometimes you get the call with the news that you have dreaded most, you read an email that you wish you hadn't, you learn that someone who you dearly love does not have the same regard for you, or sometimes you see the person who you knew to be the strongest tower now before you in a sea of tears. These are the moments when "it" happens. 

Then there are the times when your heart races like a child on Christmas morning, you stand before someone that you've long admired, you feel a tingle in your body that is complete and utter joy; you question if this is really real.  It is the 'IT' that manifests the belief that All Things Are Possible if you only believe! When this "IT" happens you smile from the inside out having touched upon earthly divinity.

I recently told someone new to my life that in order for me to breath life into the kind of music that I want to bring to the world then I must be a fully active participant in life.
So with that, when "it" happens, I encourage you to dare to believe, dare to go for 'it', dare to believe in 'it', dare to deal with 'it', dare to touch it, feel it, love it, release it, remember it, cherish it and ride it for all that it's worth.  

Song for the day: Cherish The Moment

Love and blessings,
Jazzy Rita
 

To my dear jazzy friends and family,

I've just returned from 7 days on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage!! It was my first voyage as a bonafide jazz & recording artist and I am beside myself with joy!!  I'd like to thank all of you who have been on this journey with me.  It was back in 2002 that I decided to answer the call to music-- finally and officially. Friday night after Friday night it was only the resonance of unwritten songs that kept me company after my little son was asleep.  The memory of my mother, the guidance of my Heavenly Father and the courage to stand up to my past successes and failures and proclaim that I am a jazz artist and I am ready to take my place in the world as such!

The miraculous manifestations have been many since that day.  I thank LA Times Jazz Critic Don Heckman for putting his predictions in the paper even back then.

From then up to to now; I and my songwriting partner & co-producer Willie Daniels,  have just left a voyage along side  performers Smokey Robinson, Michael McDonald, Babyface, After 7, Kem, Whodini, Salt N' Pepa, Chuck Brown, The Gap Band, Charlie Wilson, Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, Grand Master Flash and.... us--- Rita Shelby & Willie Daniels of The 2 Jazzy Crew.  We were personally introduced by Mr. Tom Joyner himself.  Also on board was the incomparable Mr. Brian O'Neal, I long for the whole world to know of his brilliance.

Added to the overwhelming glee of all that is mentioned above, there was a quiet, still and unorchestrated moment on the ship where I experienced pure joy.  It was not the eurphoria of a sexual climax, it was not a contrived moment with flowers and violins playing but it was a surge of joy that touched upon both the depths and heights of all that I am and all that I hope to be and all that I ever wanted and it was all captured in a moment that scared me to death!! It was more than my heart, mind and body could contemplate.

For those of you praying folks, stand with me and pray with me. Beyond my own career pursuits is a strong desire to inspire others to heal, to forgive, to love and to live life to the fullest!  The wealth that I desire is beyond a need to live lavishly but to help improve the quality of life for others.

For those of you yet to experience my music, here's an inviation to come into my jazzy world and stay a while.  I believe that I have found my true calling in life, my true love and my true destiny.  Jazz is certainly leading me to a new demension of life and love.
I love you Mr. Music-- take my hand and let us journey on.

A DATE WTIH A SONG IS AVAILABLE AT ITUNES, AMAZON AND RHAPSODY.COM

Peace, love and jazz,

Jazzy Rita     

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1odjm7q-nU