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Cj was born in Newark, New Jersey and, at the age of eight, moved to the
island of Martha's Vineyard.
His first introduction to the Arts was acting in a small family theater
in New York. He also enjoyed dancing and worked his way on to a Carly Simon
music video as a background dancer.
However, his first love has always been music. His first endeavor, in the world of music, came when someone had heard him sing and suggested he send a demo tape to a music producer in California. Shortly, thereafter, he received an airplane ticket to L.A. and his musical career began.
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| His credits include: |
one of the writer's and collaborator's on the R.& B. hit by Chuckii Booker, titled "Games" which went to #1 on Billboard.
He was a background singer on Vanessa Williams "Right Stuff"
album, which earned him a gold record.
He also recorded his own album for K.M.A.records titled "Luv's Invitation", which included the Billboard hit single "You are my starship".
He was one of the singers and toured with the Tony Rich Project. He also
sang backup and toured with Mariah Carey and other various artists. |
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| His T.V. credits include: |
| Jay Leno, David Letterman and the Arsenio Hall shows. He's performed on M.T.V., B.E.T. as well as VH1. After a short sabbatical, he's back in a big way! |
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As fate would have it, while singing in a local club, he was introduced to John Jannis, owner of Grape Escape Music, a local recording studio on the island. Once he shared some of his newest music tracks developed by his long time friend and music collaborator, Darron Williams, John became eager to start working with him and the rest is history...
His newest release titled "I Let Heaven Go" expresses his passion for something we all strive for-LOVE.
Though his music is original, fresh and new, it stimulates the senses by
bringing the listener back to a time when music touched your Heart and Soul. |
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| Interview with CJ Anthony |
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- Could you briefly tell us about your background? Like, when were you born?
Well i was born in Newark New Jersey and moved to Martha's Vineyard(island in
Massachusetts) when i was about seven years old and started singing when i was
twelve years old around the house and family and its been history ever
since.
- Who did you grow up listening to?
My first experience with hearing and seeing a professional singer was when
lionel richie and the commadores used to play on the back of a flat back trailer
truck at the local baseball park, at that time lionel richie played the
saxaphone and wasnt even singing. They lived down the street from me so hearing
them practice was a regular occurance so that really sparked my interest in
music and singing. But my biggest influence was michael jackson and the jackson
5 as soon as they came out i was hooked on music.
- What is your musical background like? And, have you always wanted to be a singer?
I didn't always want to be a singer but i always had the ability to sing.
I actually wanted to be a chef or an artist. I never had any formal
musical training but I was more so self taught.
- Who gave you the inspiration - a singer that you know, emulate or really
look up to?
Like i said before i found myself emulating singers like Michael Jackson, Pebo
Bryson, Donnie Hathaway, and Marvin Gaye.
-When did you start as a professional?
I started as a professional in the early eighties doing promotional work for a
small record label called KMA in California out of Los Angeles. A friend of
mine Ronnie Vann worked with the company and one day he told me that KMA was
trying to put a singing group of all guys together and asked me if i would be
interested in joining the group. I didnt have any demo tapes to send so i went
in the bathroom and sang acapella on a tape recorder and the following week I
got a ticket out to L.A and started in the group. My first job in L.A was on
the Vanessa Williams album "The Right Stuff" doing backup vocals.
- Let's talk about your debut album "Luv's Invitation". You were signed by KAM records. What was the road like to get there? And please tell us your impressions about it.
It was a hard road because i had never been in a professional studio before and
i went out with expectations that everyone out there would be a better vocalist
than me, so that added a lot of pressure on me. But as i soon found out i was
able to hold my own. It was a fun album to make because i was able to work with
so many different producers with so many different styles and it was a great
learning ground for a new artist. At that time i wasn't writing songs yet so i
didn't put a lot of my own flavor on the album but shortly after it came out i
got more into the writing and production end of everything.
- Could you tell us a little bit about your latest album "I Let Heaven Go", the concept behind the idea and your impressions? And what do you consider the differences between this album and your previous one?
This latest album is a lot more personal to me because i had something to do
with every song that was written, lyrically and production wise. It was more
stories about where my life is right now within each track. Luv's Invitation
had more songs that were written just for me and handed to me and i didn't have
much input production and writing wise.
- You recorded your next CD with Chuckii Booker on last August? What was it like working with him? And when will it be released?
It was great getting back with an old friend. It was almost like we never
skipped a beat when we were working together. I can see the growth not only in
our lives but in our work. Chuckii is one of the greatest talents i have ever
had the pleasure of working with. This next project should be released sometime
in the summer of 2008.
- What the most exciting thig about being a singer?
The appreciation that you get from your fans when they love your work. There is
nothing like sharing your passion with others.
- Have you ever had a memory in your career that you can't forget?
Going on stage for the first time with Tevin Cambell at the Madison Square
Garden in New York City. Hearing the cheers from the crowd is something i can't
describe.
- What really drives you or motivates you to continue to play music?
My love of the art and music really is what drives me to continue with my
career.
- What is music for you?
Music is my way of expression. And hopefully through that other people will feel
what i am .
- Would you like to say something to your fans?
I would like to say when i came out you really supported me in my very first
project and i really appreciate it and i know i was away from the music business
for quite a long time and i would like to thank you for your support in my
comeback. And look out for my new project in 2008.
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| Discography - albums |
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| Luv's Invitation - CJ Anthony (US-LP, KMA , 1988) |
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| Producer : Chuckii Booker, David Stewart, Ced Malone, Ronnie Vann, Phil
Orara, Herb Thompson, Rob Thompson, Reggie Stewart |
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| Side A |
| 1. |
Luv's Invitation |
| 2. |
You Are My Starship |
| 3. |
Stay Away From Me |
| 4. |
I Believe In You |
| 5. |
Just One More Night |
| Side B |
| 1. |
The Roches |
| 2. |
She's Mine |
| 3. |
Lucky Love |
| 4. |
Temporary Lover |
| 5. |
R.U.N. 2 Me |
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| I Let Heaven Go - CJ Anthony (US-CD, CrDaJo, 2005) |
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| Producer : Darron Williams, CJ Anthony, Chuckii Booker, Rex Salas, Keith
Holland, Mark Lowmax |
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| 1. |
I Let Heaven Go |
| 2. |
I Want To Be |
| 3. |
Somebody Out There |
| 4. |
You Taught Me To Fly |
| 5. |
Bre Bre's Song |
| 6. |
All I Know |
| 7. |
It's You |
| 8. |
Runnin' Back To You |
| 9. |
What Will It Take |
| 10. |
let Me Show You |
| 11. |
Pack Your Bags |
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| Contact to: |
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Grape Escape Music
P.O.Box 1361
Vineyard Haven Ma. |
Web site |
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January 1, 2008 |
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