When I first met this incredible woman, I have to say, that I was very intimidated by her glowing presence, and extreme professionalism. I doubted myself and said, 'how am i' going to making this woman shine in my world???!!! She's such a powerful voice!!! How AM I to match, work, invent, write for such a DIVA, Miss Blakely???!!!! But you know what? You became my friend, and gave me the chance...The chance for BOTH OF US to leave something sooo powerful behind. MUSIC AND THE GIFT OF SONG..... A song that will become timeless...A voice that will forever stay in our hearts, our minds.. And most of all....Our Souls....You stirred something inside me Donna....That has stayed with me to this day. You made me believe that it CAN happen... It CAN be done.... WE COULD DO THIS!!! And not to become afraid, intimidated, or set aside by anyone.
My songstress friend Donna Blakely
passed away yesterday
(June 9, 2007)
I will forever miss her. The endless recording sessions that landed up with sooo much laughter; The long talks about our personal lives as we were bouncing off of ideas; The long drives she took from her home in Indiana, for us to come together and make it happen. I'll miss you Miss Blakely.. Instead of taking a piece of my heart when you left us, you left me the greatest gifts I will NEVER FORGET..... The most beautiful true memories....OF YOU....
May God Bless you Donna, and may you rest in peace. You'll always have that wonderful space in my heart....
You Truly did 'TAKE ME UP'....
-Ralphi