ANGEL SESSIONS

HOLLYWOOD STARS

International singer, songwriter, Actress, R&B and gospel singer; Angel Sessions talks to BronzePage.

She has been nominated over 35 times and has won over 16 awards. Angel is a Grammy voting member, and also a member of the NAACP. She has had single releases that hit the music charts and peaked at #1 and also singles that have over a million streams on SoundCloud and Spotify. Her 2022 R&B song entitled, "Wait For Me" peaked at #1 on Amazon's Soul Top 100 Chart. Currently, it has over 2 million streams on Soundcloud.

Her latest single released on January 10th, 2025, (the song "Why Don't You Wait") went to number one on Amazon Music Chats. She is a very creative song writer who writes all her songs.

Angel has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From James Brown, Lenny Williams, Freda Payne, The Dells, The Dramatics, The Delfonics, Ali Woodson, legendary actor Fred Williamson, Gary Bussey, Bubba Smith, David Carradine,

Supermodel Beverly Johnson, Brenda Holloway, Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire, Preston Glass, Mary Wilson (The original Supreme)...Angel toured with Mary Wilson as a member of the Supreme. The Stylistic, LJ Reynolds, Teena Marie, Howard Hewett former lead singer of Shalamar, Andre Cymone, H Town, Lauren Holly, Greg Kinnear, Joan Cusack, Phil Jones (Former CEO of Motown Records) who was vice president of Fantasy Inc (and reactivated Stax/Volt Records now own by Universal Music Group).

Sessions has been featured in two movies, 'Down N Dirty' and 'A Smile Like Yours'-Paramount Picture. She worked on the Down N Dirty soundtrack as well. Tri-Star Picture invited Angel Sessions to their world premiere movie, Held up starring Jamie Foxx where Angel met Jamie and the cast. She has been on the music scene for over 20 years From her days of performing at pre-Grammy party or performing at the same venue with acts such as The Whispers, H-Town, Teena Marie, James Brown, Eric Benet and many more. and opening for Fred Hammond, then singing the National Anthem at the (NBA) Warriors Game, to having a song that charted at number 1 for 11 weeks on the National US Charts....its been a long road for that young girl who started out singing in church in Kentucky to topping the chats in Hollywood with over 25 albums and over 5,550 live shows. Who is this lady who has worked with some of Hollywood's' biggest names?

Starting tomorrow we chat with Angel Sessions. You do not want to miss a thing.

ANGEL SESSIONS IS VERY CANDID

BronzePage: Angel! What a lovely name, how fitting. We finally get to do this. You are a marvel.! What a leap from R&B to gospel music. How did you make the lane change in a city that is not so welcoming to gospel music?

Angel: That's a great question. Lol. I've been singing gospel music all my life every since I was a little girl, I remember I would write and run to share it with my mom.my mom. I always wanted to get into the music industry someday and thought that time had come at the age of 13 when I was asked to travel with a choir, but my mom said I was too young at that time. As I got older, I started to write love songs and songs that had substance. I remember asking my mom if it was ok to do so, and she said, 'Yes, God is Love and there's nothing wrong with writing songs of love'. After my first two albums (R&B that was released from Ichiban Records and Stax/Volt Records) I wanted to go back to where my heart was lead... to record gospel music. But I call it urban gospel because it has a hint of R&B sound to it- but the message is of Christ.

BronzePage: You started singing in church, at what point in your life did you realize, 'I can do this'. Was there a point in your life, when that happened? Please take us through how it all unfolded.

Angel: I started singing in church at the age of 12. I started singing in the soprano section when the choir director heard my voice and said, 'wow, I want you to sing lead to this song'. When I heard that, I was super elated. From that day on, I became the lead singer of that choir. I started singing and traveling with my church at the age of 12 whenever we were called upon. My mom knew I had a gift because the whole church would be in tears when I finished. I believe God had given me something special-this amazing talent to sing. My song writing skill came right around the same time. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue as a career when I got older.

BronzePage: You have worked with some very big names in the music industry; James Brown, Mary Wilson...how did a gospel music singer become so appealing in Hollywood? What is the magical thing about you that sets you apart from other Christian music singers?

Angel: I believe there isn't anything different about me, other than the passion and love of Christ that people see in me. Even when I was singing my R&B music, I would not say nor do it just for me. I wanted to share my gift for the glory of Christ and whenever God provided an opportunity, I could share God's word with someone. When I was younger... in my early career, I was so excited to meet and perform with some of the most talented legends and mainstream artists in the music industry. A Christian can still have a place in Hollywood as long as they know their relationship is with Christ. God has them there for a reason and I believe I am here for His reason. I love people and I do not take what God has given me for granted, but I know that this is not for me, but for His purpose.

BronzePage: Of all the big names that you have worked with, which one really touched you in a special way?

Angel : Of all the recording major artists I've worked with, many of them played a special part in my life and touched my heart in many ways, but if I have to choose, I would say, William Hart Lead singer of the Delfontics. We became friends and he taught me a lot about the business such as like what to look out for and how to better understand the business aspect and not just being a singer. I learned so much from him and it stayed with me for years.... how to be a business woman for my career; how to make it work and not just sing and allow others to take over. There's so much in the industry to learn. My mind is like a sponge, I love to learn things to educate myself.

MY FAVORITE SONG

BronzePage: Your voice is so rich...it's obvious that you know your craft and put a lot into it. Your songs are organic like it was back in the days, when true vocal-raw talents were singing. You have been in this industry for close to three decades so I am sure you will understand this question. Why do you think many of today's contemporary artists have lost that thing that great singers like you have? It seems like anyone can sing and make it these days whereas in the days of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, you had to have true raw vocal talent to sing?

Angel: That's a great question. I think back in the old -school days, they did not have auto-tune or voice pitch -correction like they do today. So Producers or writers were really looking for great vocal singers who truly had the gift to not only sing, but sing with emotions and feelings so that people really could relate to that song and feel the artist. It was a craft many people wanted to achieve, and records, at that time sold by the millions. Whereas today, the industry has changed a lot and it's no more about talent but more about image and looks, or style. The studio now has many ways to make a person sound polished with voice correction or auto- tune. But when you are singing live, fans can tell the difference and who would want to disappoint their fans? I just want to keep it real and give my fans what they hear in my records. I sang in the studio and took voice training for over 10 years to train my voice with some of the best teachers in the music business such as Judy Davis who taught Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Junior, Envogue. I also studied under Jackie Harrison who taught so many great singers how to sing as well.

BronzePage: You are very private but here, we pry or at least try...(smile). So tell us about your children, your husband; how did you meet and what drew both of you together?

Angel: I have two Kids, both adults believe it or not, lol. Yes, I started young. I met my husband, Demetrius years later. We met at the gym. He approached me and said, 'it's nice to see young people working out' and smiled at me. We talked and I told him that I'm a singer and he told me that he builds websites! That was how we met.

BronzePage: Wow! Demetrius is a smooth guy. What a line...lol. Now about the woman behind the music. I tend to be able to read people quickly, so let me try...you have very sensitive eyes. Tell me I am wrong...are you very sensitive? What touches your heart and when you look around you, what kind of changes would you like to see in the world?

Angel: Lol. Yes, you read my eyes right. Very good! Yes, I can be sensitive. I'm sensitive because I am a people- person. I want to always make sure I do right by people, and when I don't get the same respect or treatment, or people use me or take my kindness for weakness, it upsets me-at times. I have to understand that we all have feet of clay, but it doesn't make it right when some people in the world just treat others so wrong and can't even see it! I want to make a difference not to follow after those trends and be the way I would want to be treated. That is what Christ teaches us in His word so that is what I want to do. Live through His word. I'm not going to say it's easy to do, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Without Him, I could be just like any body else and I don't think I would like myself if I let that happen.

BronzePage: I know this is not always easy for most artists but we have to ask; which is your favorite of all your songs?

Angel : Lol, yes, that is hard. I have so many. I would have to say, 'Don't Let Go'. I really love that song a lot. I was nominated 8 times for 8 different music awards for that song.

I LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FAKE

BronzePage: You sang background vocals for some famous names in the industry. Can you give us some names?

Angel: Yes, I sang background for The Dells, The Dramatics, The Delfonics, Brenda Holloway, Freda Payne, The Stylistics, Maurice White (lead singer of Earth Wind and Fire) Lenny Williams, Ali Woodson.....

BronzePage: You look so young. Are you a vegetarian? What special health regimen do you follow?

Angel: Thank you so much for the compliment. I drink a lot of water. I sometimes eat chicken and fish and lots of vegetables. Spinach is one of my favorite vegetables ...also I use cream on my face and I use lotion on my body ... for the most part. I truly say, I praise God for helping me take care of my skin.

BronzePage: What is the one thing that upsets you? What are your pet peeves? You cannot always be so sweet, even an Angel gets tested ….right?

Angel: Lol. I do have some pet peeves. I like people who are not fake. Sometimes you can meet people who pretend to like you and be nice only to get something from you or use you because their heart isn't right. I sometimes can tell right away just by what they say or do, or just by watching their body language. If a person upsets me, they will know it because I don't hide it. I like to be real and will let a person know right away, If I don't like something, or something isn't right about them- I try to be respectful about it but I cannot be fake, I have to let them understand just because I may be nice or caring doesn't mean you can treat me any kind of way. We all are human and we all hurt. Some people show it, some people don't. But if you cover your feeling and pretend like it doesn't bother you, it will come across in some other form and it might not be right. As for me, it's best to communicate that to the person and not hold things inside.

BronzePage: Do yo think it is fair to say Christian music has more longevity? Most of the people you have worked with are no longer very visible on the music horizon but you are still standing strong...what are your thoughts on that?

Angel: Yes, I believe Christian music does have longevity. The message of Christ will always stand, no matter how wicked the world is. God's Kingdom will always stand and win. His word alone is the power of life... He is the word. Through the music I write, I use bible scriptures to make sure people are getting His word though my songs. I want to make sure it is faithful the word of God and who knows, maybe God may save this or that person though His word in my songs.

SHARDELLA

BronzePage: Your song 'You Can' was very well received. When it was released, it went went viral within an hour. What was it about that song?

Angel: The song 'You Can' had a message. People love a positive message. The world thirsts for it believe it or not. In 2013, it was the right time when I released that song and I'm so happy people took to it the way they did to make that video go viral. I aim to always write songs that touches the lives of many people, like a new version I called "I Know That You Can". It also has a lot of hits on YouTube.... over 12 thousand and it's just a audio.

BronzePage: Another one, 'Don't Let Go' became a crossover song. What made that song so appealing?

Angel: Lol, I'm glad you asked me that because "Don't Let Go" is one of my most favorite songs, as I already mentioned. I wrote it to inspire many of God's people to not let go of His love...meaning Christ. There are so many negative things happening around us, I wanted to write something about hope, to uplift someone's spirit who may be going though difficult times and to encourage that person to never let go.

BronzePage: What else takes up your time when you are not consumed by your music business? Any other project or business you want to plug?

Angel: Yes, My company, Atlas Elite Entertainment team, Rodney Crews and Demetrius Guidry are such a joy and blessing. I know they have my best interest at heart. There are a lot of things we are about to do for our company- with Magazine and Music. I just released my new single, He Said it (He Wrote It) and we have a new distribution deal with Awal/ Orchard/Sony Music. I'm excited about our artist, princess of #AEE Shardella Sessions and her two latest singles, 'I Like' written by Shardella herself and 'Let it Go' written by me. Both singles charted at #1 on the US National Chart, Amazon. Shardella is my daughter.

My team Rodney Crews, Demetrius Guidry and I are the founders of Atlas Elite Entertainment LLC. We launched our first annual music online awards in 2018 and did this for 5 years. We no longer do the online award show but we are currently working on our next (9th issue) magazine. We are so excited about our growth in Atlas Elite Entertainment LLC. website atlaseliteentertainment.com Click at the top to see our past magazines.

BronzePage: Before you go, can you share with us what your faith means to you? Talk to us about your faith.

Angel: My Faith is Christ. He is the rock of my salvation. His love is so amazing and wonderful. His word speaks to my heart. His word is truth, for He declares in His holy word, …'I Am the bread of life'. His word is the bread I eat daily- as I read it. I talk to God in prayer, He speaks to me though His word. I want to share with the world, the goodness of God's holy word, the bible. His judgments, everything He has written about in His word, whatever He has opened my eyes, and ears to spiritually understand, that is what I must share faithfully to those He puts on my heart. I do want to say that I am undeserving of His love and His salvation, but I give Him all the glory for saving me.

BronzePage: Thanks Angel...we hope to talk to Shardella someday soon!! What an awesome woman!