Big Up – Jamecia Bennett pays tribute to inspirational singer (and mum) Ann Nesby
Jamecia Bennet gives a massive Big Up to gospel, soul and house legend Ann Nesby – who just happens to be her mother too!
Photo: Nagashia Jackson
Jamecia Bennett (pictured) has scooped multiple awards, including two Grammys, for her work with long lasting soul and gospel collective Sounds of Blackness . But she’s no stranger to belting out an impressive vocal on a house anthem either, as well as finding time for extensive political activism in the Black Lives Matter movement. As our International Women’s Day celebrations continue to spill over into the week, we hear Jamecia give a very special Big Up to an inspiration both musical and emotional, her mother Ann Nesby
“Waking up to a voice as beautiful everyday was the luxury I had as a child. There is no voice like my mom’s – the queen of inspiration, Ann Nesby.
“My mom is the daughter of my amazing grandparents minister/singers themselves… she grew up being sought after by churches everywhere from what I remember. She performed with famous gospel icons in my years as a child like James Cleveland, Richard Clean, Shirley Caesar , The Clark Sisters, Bobby Jones and so many others. only to take the reigns and be quoted as The Voice by super producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, producers of The Grammy Award Winning Sounds of Blackness.
My mother took me by the hand and brought me along with her on the amazing journey. I was only 15 years old, but she made sure that if I was considering being a singer then not only would this be a great ticket for me, as well as being able to join this amazing group along with her, she would still be able to raise and guide me, right by her side.
Over the years I’ve been blessed to see my mom Ann Nesby write music for artist as well, which pushed me to begin writing. She’s written songs for Gladys Knight, Sounds of Blackness and countless others. Mom stepped out on her own when she got signed with Jimmy jam and Terry Lewis and did her first self-titled album, and the rest is history! She has travelled all over the world, raising the roofs off buildings with her voice singing house music and all the other genres she’s mastered.
I’m so blessed to be able to call this phenomenal woman, the incomparable Ann Nesby, my mom. So what a blessing it is to give her a Big Up! I love you mommy! You made me who I am and I will continue to make you proud!”
Dickey Doo & Jamecia Bennett’s current single ‘Do What You Want’ is out now on Berlin’s Hypernatural Recordings.